OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

90199 Scott Murman <smurman@b... 2001‑02‑22 Introduction

Hello, I've been lurking for a couple of weeks, mostly trying to
absorb the fact that there are others who find rusty old tools both an
end and a means as I do, and also trying to figure out some of what
y'all are talking about.  I gather it's appropo to briefly introduce
myself and my mission, so to speak, which seems a good idea to me.

After years of rental units and debauchery, My Sweetest and I finally
entered the insanity that is the San Francisco Bay Area real estate
market, and bought our first house (located in the lower hills of
Redwood City in case any out there are neighbors).  This house comes
with a nice two-car garage, which is where I was already relegated
before we moved in.  One half is brewery, one half (with a nice,
large, south-facing window) is earmarked as workshop, and one half is
motorcycle garage.  This leaves fully one third to park My Sweetest's
little VW (my Truck naturally had already been relegated to fighting
the elements).

After years of rental units and debauchery however, my tool collection
is sorely lacking (My Sweetest tends to differ, but then I just taught
her the proper use of an allen key, so I feel my stance is justified).
I began searching the local and internet shops for quality tools.
Quality power tools can be found under every rock and church pew,
however quality hand tools seem to have disappeared from the landscape
except at prices that make the San Francisco real estate market seem
like a bargain.  I approached my dad about moving some of my
grandfathers tools across the continent so that they might enjoy their
golden years in sunny California.  He mentioned something about having
to pry them from his casket, and oddly the subject hasn't come up
again.

Since we are now 3 gazillion dollars in debt, we can't afford to
purchase the lovely artwork and antiques that we would like to adorn
our new home.  This has led us to estate sales.  Normally an activity
I would find any excuse to avoid at 8 AM on a Sat. morning, until I
realized that those 80-year-old widowers may have a few tools rusting
in the garage.  Indeed they do.  While my sweetest searches for
ceramics or whatever it is that womenfolk collect, I'm scouring
through newspaper-lined bins in the garage.  To-date, there haven't
been any major scores, but for about $0.50, I'm now a brace, several
bits, plumbing wrenches, and a cheap plane and chisel for
sharpening-practice, richer.  I've also secured new homes for a bench
and block plane from some of the members of this group.  I figure I'm
a decent chisel set and a couple of try-squares and other miscellany
from being able to start the workbench.

Since we are now 3 gazillion dollars in debt, we can't afford to
purchase the lovely furniture that we would like to adorn our new
home.  It's my desire to build as much of this as possible, starting
simple and then growing as my skills and knowledge increase (I know
that a workbench is difficult, but I have a plan.  Famous last
words.).  I'll also be doing some rough carpentry like installing
skylights and seismic retrofits.  In between completely stripping and
painting the place, re-wiring the electrical, landscaping the entire
yard, ...

Looking forward to enjoying this list for a long time.  If you're ever
in the neighborhood, stop by the brewery for a beer.

Scott Murman 



Recent Bios FAQ