First, let me thank all the kind folks who replied to my "HELP" plea off
list.
Personal stuff: I'm a 54 year old career law enf. officer wrapping up a
32 year stint of being a civil servant. I've been married to the same
outstanding SWMBO for 32 years and I'm the proud pop of 3 grown
SWMBOettes.
As to WWing I'm a true neophyte.  About 15 years ago I got bit by the
bug and bought a 10" tailed saw which I enjoyed for a short time until I
became concerned that I was going to sacrifice a digit or more to the
devil.  I put it away for a few years and eventually gave it to a SIL.
What started me down this road was reading Plane Basics, which lead to
Watson's books on WWing and handtools, and I even got my hands on a
couple of Kingshot's videos.  After gaining access to the WWW I managed
to find the Elec. Neanderthal, which really pushed me over the edge.
I've been lurking on the porch since November last.  When I found the
porch I was TOTALLY amazed.  Until then when I would tell someone about
my interest in handtools and I would get this look like, "sorry but
don't you have anything better to do?".  As to tools I've been fortunate
to be in an area (NE/TN) where I can usually find suitable users without
much competition.  The only problem is I can't maintain a balance
between WWing projects and tool restoration.  Sorry about  droning on
for so long, but this is kinda like a junkie finding a bunch of users
who are willing to share their stuff (no slur intended).  I promise to
be a good wannebe, but mercy I'm dying to ask you folks some questions
that I can't get answered anywhere else! 

Regards,
Ned Evans