OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

207356 Thomas A Cofino <cofino@u...> 2010‑08‑16 Bio
I thought it was time to update my bio, so I went to look it up, and found 
it wasn't even there.

So instead of an update, this is a full bio. I don't post much, others 
know more than I do, but I follow the list as often as I can.

I've worked with tools as for as long as I can remember. It all started 
with the little toolbox I built when I was in grade school - it was cub 
scout project. All hand tools. After that, I was always drilling and 
hammering.

By high school, I was fixing things around the house, putting up shelves 
and trim, building the occasional bookcase, etc. Had a couple of planes, 
saws, a hammer, a Stanley ratcheting screwdriver my uncle gave me, and an 
eggbeater drill. I was also doing simple electrical work, like adding 
another box to a circuit for an air conditioner - something my uncle 
taught me how to do.

I got married in my early 20s, and after a couple of years, bought a 
fixer-uper. Redid the whole house, top to bottom. Did a lot of the 
carpentry, siding, roofing, so I could afford to hire out the things I 
couldn't do. That was a learning experience. Don't think I want to do that 
again. Hand tools and power tools - liked the hand tools a lot more. Found 
a big tool chest in that house, left behind by the former owner, full of 
wood planes, many that I still have.

On to my third house by now, and second marriage with a wonderful wife. 
Three great kids in all. 

Building Windsor chairs with traditional methods and tools, though not 
much of that now. Turning bowls and pens. A little flat woodworking here 
and there. And a few :-) tools that I don't use all the time, but couldn't 
pass up, that make some tough jobs a lot easier. I like wood planes more 
than metal ones, got a few nice ones from Steve Knight; really love 
Stanley braces rather than powered drills for remodeling work. Nowadays, 
my woodworking tends toward more artistic elements, although I wish I had 
more time to pursue it.

My day job is software research for a big company. My oldest son graduated 
with honors as a graphic artist last year, still can't find a job - I'm 
glad to have him around a little while longer - we'll miss him when he 
lands that job.

I guess that about does it.

I've been following the porch for what seems like 15 years or so, maybe a 
little more. This is the best group of folks I've ever found. Friendly, 
welcoming, and glad to share their knowledge. But you all know that 
already. :-)

Regards, Tom
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Recent Bios FAQ