OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

31809 Generations Furniture <genfurn@n...> 1997‑12‑06 Short Bio, ok, so it isn't so short

Greetings Galoots,

I've been lurking for some time now, and finally decided it was time to
subscribe.  Mail thread was too slow.

My name is Bruce Zenge (provounced like tangy with a Z), I'm 51 years
young, married to a lovely lady for 29 years now, and have 2 grown
children.  I grew up in the family woodworking and "blacksmith shop" and
eventually owned the place.  Fortunes changed, and I tried working for
others (let them have the headaches).  About a year ago, I undertook a
lifelong dream and opened a custom furniture business.  The first year has
been tough, but is beginning to improve.  Though the hours are long, the
joy of turning out beautiful furniture that will long outlast me is very
rewarding.  

I confess to being something between a Normie and a Neandarthal.  Don't
know that it's a bad place to be.  Actually, I get the best of both worlds,
even though economics usually dictate which method gets used.  The peculiar
part is that even though I grew up in woodworking, I rarely used hand
tools.  Never could get the blasted things to work right.  A few months
ago, I read an article on tuning a plane in one of my magazines.  Tried out
the method on an old Craftsman I had, and lo and behold, the thing
worked!!!  Well, I bought a couple more for users....I guess it got out of
hand.  Bought a few # 4's, #5's, a couple of #3, a couple of Millers Falls,
and a few spokeshaves,  but you get the idea.  I really don't have a
problem admitting to being a collector, although I really am more of an
accumulator.  Collectors, in my book, tend to purchase a narrow range of
items and usually only the best.  I do confess to being a "bottom feeder"
interested only in the useful, and usually the cheap.  Of course, I'm not
averse to the occassional bargain at auction, etc., either. Who would pass
up a $ 4 in teriffic shape for $5.  (Is that a gloat?)  

I suppose that is enough about me.  I've really enjoyed "lurking", and look
forward to being of use on some very limited topics.  I've already found
it's hard to get in the first lick on questions.  Somebody, Usually Tom H.,
gets the question answered before I can get the keyboard warmed up.  Guess
that's the price you pay for not knowing a whole lot.

BTW, one of the best user planes I have is a #5 size Craftsman with
corrugated sole.  I believe it was made by Millers Falls, definitely has a
MF blade, which would explain why it works so well.    

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the group.  I'll try to be worthy.

Bruce



Recent Bios FAQ