OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

9365 "Eric E. Bickel" <wdwrkr@h...> 1996‑11‑10 Bio
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

--------------412225DA3E7C
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Attached should be my bio.  Have tried to get it to the oldtools list
several times, but I cannot figure out the code.  Hope that this makes
it.  
-- 
Eric E. Bickel
Opinions expressed are subject to change or ridicule as appropriate.

--------------412225DA3E7C
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; name="EEB_BIO.TXT"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Disposition: inline; filename="EEB_BIO.TXT"

After lurking about on the oldtools group for the last few months, my
guilt has finally caught up with me and I am submitting this overdue
bio.  Recently saw a bio from HG Dewey, currently of Japan, and must say
that it is comforting to have another health physicist/environmental
engineer on the list. 

For those of you that have not heard of a health physicist, that is
_not_ one who designs exercise equipment or medical instruments.  A
health physics is a title coined during the early days of nuclear
weapons that continues to confuse those outside of the radiation
protection field to this day.  A health physicist is responsible for
ensuring that ionizing (xray, gammma, beta, and neutron), and more
recently, nonionizing (microwave, laser, and radio frequency) radiation
dose to the occupational worker, the public, and the environment is in
keeping with the associated benefits.  Enough of work related stuff--

I am a 47 year old radiation protection manager, currently working in
South Carolina supporting US government projects.  I am married to the
most understanding wife in the world (she buys me tools) and have a
daughter that is 12 years old, looks 16, thinks that she is 20, and acts
8. Also, I am the sponser of two cats, one dog (usually covered with
sawdust), two fish, and one lovebird.  Formally I have worked for
commercial nuclear power and chemical production industries, always
within the radiation safety area.  My woodworking education is more
limited than my professional education but no less important.  I seem to
remember a one semester woodshop course in perhaps seventh grade, but do
not recall if I ever finished a project.  Some time in the middle 1970's
I got back to woodworking and now routinely turn out cabinets and misc.
custom stuff for those that would like something more than sawdust and
glue from Walmart.  Work almost exculsively in solid wood with cherry
and walnut being my favorite woods, although quartersawn white oak will
always get my attention.  

Quality tools have always been important to me.  Until perhaps the early
1980's however, they always seemed to have a cord attached to them and
made _alot_ of noise.  While visiting a flea market in Canton, TX I
found a 604C that truly felt wonderful in my hands.  It was obviously
unlike any of the modern planes that I had tried to use before.  The
rosewood knob and handle were beautiful.  The casting and finish were
wonderful.  It gave me visions of old world quality and of 18th century
cabinets and craftsmanship.  Had to use it!!  Tried to work with it. 
Tried to play with it.  Tried to do many things with it.  It would not
work!!  Finally figured out what the problem was-- tools do not come
sharp and they do not stay sharp forever.  After that, as the saying
goes, it was all down hill and my addiction took over.  Went back the
next year to Canton, TX and brought back a 604 1/2 C (there is a good
gloat in that story), a 605C, and some other stuff (that was of lesser
importance both then and now).  The addiction goes on.  Currently use a
large number of hand edge tools in my cabinet making--planes of all
shapes and sizes (how do you really use a #20 or a #11??), scrapers have
almost replaced sandpaper, chisels and gouges are taking over the back
of the bench, and the saws are starting to become all too common on the
back wall.  Truly do appreciate the look, feel, fit and finish of
quality tools such as those produced prior to WWII by Stanley and
others.  The Bridge City _rosewood_ tools, Lie-Nielsen's (the #62 is
better than the original Stanley), and the recently received IT saw (it
is wonderful!!) all continue the quality tool tradition.  

BTY, the oldtools addiction is spreading.  Have gotten both my brother
and my brother in law into appreciating quality tools.  Now instead of
exchanging shirts and such on Christmas and other holidays, we challenge
UPS and USMail weight limits with our gifts.  Beats another tie or
package of t-shirts anytime.  

Thanx for listening.    

-- 
Eric E. Bickel
Opinions expressed are subject to change or ridicule as appropriate.

--------------412225DA3E7C--



Recent Bios FAQ