Hey:

I can’t believe I "found" you guys! I’m relatatively new at this, but I’ve
been using the OT Archive for some time. (Thanks again, Chris.)

Quickie bio: Four years ago, my wife and I moved into a (mostly) restored
Craftsman bungalow. Discovered antique furnishings were miles beyond our
means. One day while researching furniture and stuff, I stumbled across
How To Build Mission Furniture (Popular Mechanics project reprints, ca.
1900). What’s this? What the heck, maybe I’LL build the stuff. SWMBO a bit
skeptical, but supportive. Bought a lousy saw, a WorkMate, a Record 04,
two Stanley chisels and went to work. Impressed SWMBO with picture frame.
Even moreso with Stickley hall tree (pretty AND useful). Blew her away
with the small kitchen bookcase. Made myself happy with hanging saw/chisel
cabinet (my first raised-panel door). Now I’m off to the races. Tools
include #9 1/2, #90, #66, #78, orphan woodie groove plane, more chisels,
mangled eggbeater, three lovely Japanese saws**, couple of files,
shop-made mallet, etc. I’ve still never owned an actual power tool. The
only plugger-inner I have is a neato old Sunbeam Electric Handsaw from (I
think) the ‘50s. It came from my great uncle. It’s a pretty cool-looking
chunk of aerodynamic chrome and steel, I must say, and it seems to work
fine, but I’m afraid to use it as it has only one blade left.

All work is done in a corner of the (very) small garage, atop the Mate.
Recent gallootery includes requisite bench design and an actual purchase
from Mr. Leach. (Alas, ‘twas a heathen #6, albeit a "barely used" Type
8-9!)

Greg Isola
Alameda, CA
**I live minutes from the Japan Woodworker. (Is there such thing as a
proximity gloat?)