OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

-619 Roger Rosner <rock@p...> 1970‑01‑01 bio
Whew! What a mailing list! Here's my official delurking bio.

The basic stats: I'm 30, a software engineer, married to a wonderful
woman who is alarmingly supportive of this avocation  :-)  No kids,
one huge Victorian home restoration project, and vastly insufficient
income and time to do what I want.

About 2 years ago I decided to get into woodworking. The reasons are
foggy--we needed furniture, I needed a hobby, I enjoy the illusion of
self-sufficiency, I find most manufactured things I can afford to be
below my standards, I like being creative...

Anyway, I saw the handtool FAQ on rec.ww, thought about it, and
decided I just didn't have the space, cash, or temperament for a
collection of screaming electromechanical machines. So I went out and
bought  some brand spanking new Record planes,
Sorby chisels, etc.  As time went on, I read many
neandermessages on rec.norm and realized I'd done a silly thing. But
it got me going so I don't regret it...much...that I'll admit to
myself...

Like most beginners, I spent my first months learning basic sharpening
rather than woodworking proper. A frustrating time, but then something
great happened. At a local woodworkers gathering, I met one John
Alexander, who invited me to attend his class in 17th century joinery
in Baltimore. What an incredible experience! Under the tutelage of
John and Peter Follansbee (from Plymouth Plantation), we used hand
tools to turn a green oak log into 17th century-style stools in six
relaxing 14 hour days. I haven't been right since.

The class got my hyped up, gave me tons of basic technique info I
badly needed, got me interested in historical research, and was the
most fun I could imagine having while covered with wood shavings.

My current project is a pencil post bed of cherry. This project was
largely chosen to impress my wife. She has no idea that it's just
squaring up lumber, shaping tapered octagons, and chopping m&t joints.
And I have no idea that it's going to be harder than that, so please
don't burst my newbie bubble.

This mailing list is really really really great. My hearty thanks to
those who established it and all you impressive knuckle draggers.

Roger
Pittsburgh, PA
rock@p...
 





Recent Bios FAQ