Joe Palazzolo wrote:
".... Dave, meet Wes Groot and Russ Allen - just two of the many cool
Chicago-based Galoots that I've had the pleasure of meeting in my time
here on the
porch. Maybe we can all get together sometime at a central location
for a beer and some pool.
Like perhaps Charlotte, MI, or Fort Wayne, IN?
Dave, let's have that bio, eh?"
Wes, Russ, nice to meet ya. Sorry for the late reply with a bio. (as I
step up onto the porch).
Anyway, here's my story... I'm an E/E Engineer working on new truck
development at DaimlerChrysler. I previously worked in defense
electronics and also in industrial control electronics. I live in
Dearborn (MI), the area I grew up in. I believe my interest in tools
was developed at any early age (6?) when I used to watch and help my Dad
with his watch and clock repair business. As a youngster, I was the
local "expert" (free labor) on bike & small engine repair. I
repaired/rebuilt several cars as a teenager (I already had a complete
tool set). In college, I worked at a local mall as an
engraver/polisher/"go-for" and goldsmith's/jeweler's apprentise (...
more tools!). Needless to say, I have collected many, and a wide
variety of tools. Very few of my tools are kept as "eye candy" though.
Bascially, I like to think I can repair and make just about anything. I
have been "led astray" by other activites (SCUBA, skiing, biking,
backpacking, etc), all of which I enjoy. Yes, those nasty little
"Garage Sale - Tools" signs (large sucking sound) can also sidetrack me,
but at least I have a nice Atlas metal lath (w/all the fixins) to show
for it (the only tailed device I'll admit to having).
By now, you can understand that I have been the "hunter/gatherer" type
of tool person. I now hope to evolve into a more "agrarian" type of
tool user. This is where this group can help me (?). I have a descent
set of tools (#45, 113, 7, 5, old saws, chisels, scrapers, shaves, -
Stanley, Millers Falls, etc).
A few gloats of mine include: 1) an older C-S Co. folding rule, I found
as a kid while supporting the "curbside recycling" effort before it was
popular (minor aesthetic value only), 2) "One set 32 1/2 Quarters" of
of Irwin auger bits in original box (Patented Oct. 21, 1884 and ????????
April 19, '87) with an "Ames Swan Co" bit (who?) for $15, and more
recently, 3) a Millers Falls No. 200 Mitre Box (w/o saw) for $3. I
forgot all of the other gloats, but no one really wants to hear about
'em. (I'm talking too much, I need a sip of tea, thanks.)
Joe Palazzolo found a treasure of mine, unknown to me, when he visited
me for a M-WTCA meet here in Dearborn. He looked in my toolbox (I
thought I heard him mummble "dumbsh__"), then he said "Hey, you have a
Stanley No 1 ODD-JOBS, with original ruler, in there". I learned
quickly why he mummbled, and out of the toolbox it came. It was a
casual gift from my Grandfather, and all the more priceless.
Currently, I am trying to find some info about a few marking gauges. I
know I have not really completed a good thorough search. These gauges
are not labled, which is part of the problem. Uhm, yup, you'll probably
see an Email or two from me, about these in the future.
I am also in a self-imposed state of apprenticeship, to ensure I can
sharpen all of my tools in a quick and quality way. I always hated dull
tools. Therefore, I don't have a good knowledge of wood (...
suspicious, concerned look from others on the porch).
Needless to say, it is very humbling to know that a very
knowledgeable/experienced, and hilarious group of folks are willing to
dispense the same (knowledge/experience) and in a similar fashion. Thanks!
Dave Swanson
"woodnitbnice", GIT
Joe P., I do plan to make it to a Galootapalooza this year (2003). I'm
changing my ways, or should I say I can't help it (#&*%&^ slippery
slope).
|