OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

70977 RIDE2TOOLS@a... 1999‑11‑13 BIO
I have lurked, watched, read and listened for over a year and find it is time
to be
involved rather than simply observe.
I am a retired physics teacher. During 37 years of teaching physics, I also
taught
mathematics and most of the technology trades. I also instructed at the
college level on a
part time basis for 8 of the 37 years. During the summers since age 12 I have
been a
residential home builder. This is how school teachers manage to pay their
bills. By the
way I have not had a customer to this date willing to pay me for a house
built completely
with hand tools. I agree that the many crafts and associated skills using
appropriate hand
tools must be maintained and passed on to future generations but when working
for
someone you are obligated to get the job done in the least possible amount of
time.
I collect tools of all kinds. I have only sold or traded a few tools in my
life. I buy very few
new tools and use all tools until they are worn out or seem to walk away.
Most of the
used tools I acquire are nearly worn out when I get them.
I especially like plumb bobs but also collect hammers, oil cans, mechanical
tools such as
wrenches and screw drivers, pad locks, clamps, folding rules, and unusual
gadgets in
general.
I am also an old cars enthusiast owning a 66 Dodge charger, 56 Chevrolet and
currently
building a 38 Plymouth street rod.
I have displayed my plumb bobs on several occasions at MWTCA meetings and a
local
children's museum for the purpose of educating people about this ancient
toolâs purpose
and the various ways they have been used. When I frame a house, I use a plumb
instead
of a spirit level and produce a product that sheet rock hangers love.
I have yet to find four people independently able to use a perfect sprit
level and erect one
post each and have the posts be parallel and plumb. For those that are really
good I ask
them to lay out a form for a concrete floor or footing using only a plumb bob.
One of my teaching methods was to insert a question within the text of an
assignment
just to see who is really reading the material I prepared. So, if you have
read this far, I
would be interested in you response to the floor problem above. I would also
be
interested in any knowledge you may have about unique uses and types of plumb
bobs.
Well, there is so much more to say but I think this enough to get me into
trouble. I hope I
donât get pushed over the edge and simultaneously snag a big splinter with my
rear for
using electrons in motion to make a buck.
Bernard Ridens
7117 S State Road 63
Terre Haute IN 47802
ride2tools@a...



Recent Bios FAQ