Well, Let's see.
I've been lurking around the porch for about a year now.
(Learning from the porch would be more accurate.) And as
often stated on the porch I do have a tool problem. My
problem is that I can't seem to get enough of them. How many
do I need? Just one more...
On to the Bio. My name is Paul Kaczmarek. I live in Western
New York, have a pretty wife, 4 kids I wouldn't trade for
the world, and so far 3 grandsons (future galoots.) Ex USMC.
I work as an Electronics & Instrument Technician (an Engineer
that the union allows to use tools) and I like to take apart most
anything I am allowed to. I also do Vibration Analysis on all the
plant equipment (fans, motors, pumps, gearboxes, etc.) I
have been working at setting up a good shop and will hunt rust
whenever I can to do so. Basically I appreciate a good old
tool. It has an appeal that new tools don't. I have always
enjoyed (obsessed) about sharpening things so fixing up any
old tool that crossed my path was a natural result. I enjoy
finding an old tool that most people would pitch and
restoring it to serviceable use. I don't think any of my
tools came to me with flat backs, correct bevels, useable
finish (unless rust is a finish.) My goal is to complete
a hanging toolbox full of useable tools that I have restored
and take great pleasure in using, seeing or handling (some
would say fondling.) I know some things that life has
taught me but am always willing to learn how you do things so
I can compare which is better. I really like the Porch
because it teaches me new things. There is always some
subject that is being discussed that changes my understanding
when it is explained by those with experience and know how. I
know I can learn more by listening than by talking, (God
gave me two ears and one mouth so I can listen twice as much
as I talk.) I have so far some planes (mostly Stanley's) I
have so far some planes (mostly Stanley's) blocks, smoothers,
one jointer. Still need a good scrub and a shoulder plane.
Saws are plentiful and procreating continuously. Chisels are
sporadic. I like Buck bros. (still short a full set) But I
will adopt any old quality chisel or handle. I built my bench
before I knew about the porch and I still like it. I need
to mount the vise I picked up but can't commit to a location
due to shop layout. I thank you for the enjoyable posts and
information given on the porch and hope to enjoy it in the future.
Paul Kaczmarek in Snowy, cold WNY (not as snowy as Rochester)
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