OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

19429 Jacob, Joseph <JacobJ@a...> 1997‑05‑30 Bio - Joe Jacob
Having furtively (though delightedly) skulked under and around the Porch
for a month or so, I guess it's time for me to step out into the open.
I'm 48, married, and have two children, a seven-year-old daughter and a
five-year-old son.  Like many of you I write computer programs for a
living.

Whenever we've needed or wanted an item of furniture, I've usually
looked for an antique to use as is or modify, so I've long had a love
for hand-cut dovetails and chamfered drawer bottoms.  I've made a few
things of my own, too, my favorite being a cabinet for my stereo
equipment and records (yes, vinyl - I'm still an audio galoot).  I have
an old Craftsman t*bl* s*w, and a year or so ago bought a routah, which
I have yet to plug in (scares me).  My current project is the 6' high
ten-drawer chest from Thomas Moser's  book on Shaker furniture.  I
haven't built the drawers yet, but I think I turned the corner when I
passed on the dovetail jig and ordered an IT instead.

So now I find myself making do with my power tools until such time as I
can acquire hand tools - ironic, when you consider that fifty years ago
or so men were in the opposite situation.  I'm in the market for a good
set of chisels, though there seems to be volumes more of plane lore for
me to digest before I start with them.  The Porch is the best source
I've found.

     



Recent Bios FAQ