OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

154706 Dave Leader <daveldr@w...> 2006‑01‑04 Bio & De-lurk
Greetings Gentle Galoots,

After lurking here for a couple of years, and being tired of
the flames on rec.norm, I thought that it was probably time
to de-lurk, andso...
I am a 50-something RN with a diverse past.  My father was a
Ham when I was very young so I grew up soldering and
tinkering.  In previous lives I've been a mechanic, wire
puller, driver, and worked with computers (you knew that was
coming).

Having a background of working with tools, it seemed only
natural that when I became interested in working in wood, I
would be drawn to the quiet side.  For that I have Walt
Henderson and my BIL, Geoff to thank.
Walt does demonstrations at the Claude Moore Farm
(www.1771.org), as does Eric, where I am a behind-the-scenes
volunteer.  I try not to distress Walt with my use of metal
bodied planes, but I fear that it is no use.  Geoff is a
cabinetmaker, having apprenticed, many years ago in one of
those Viking countries.  He is more tolerant of my planes,
but he still makes his own with DT'd soles rather than buy
something inferior.
Amazing work.
OTOH, my younger brother is the State Archaeologist for SC,
so I suppose my interest in the Old Ways *might* be genetic.

I'm married, again, and live in northern Virginia with the
LOML, Susan (a DOD computer specialist) and a 18 y.o.
daughter, Dana. With luck, we intend to move to WA after #1
daughter leaves college.  Having noticed a dearth of Old
Tools in that area, I'm trying to acquire (not collect) the
tools that I'll need when we do move to the left coast.
At present that means a few dozen Disstons, about 100
Stanley, M-F and other planes (what slope?), half a dozen
drawknives, a dozen spokeshaves, or so, and a small
boat-load of asstd chisels.  Of course, I also have a
miniscule  group of ancillary tools as well, and the luck
to know a talented blacksmith, Eric Zeig, who is willing to
make up froes, marking knives and other oddities for me with
little prompting.

I hope that hasn't put too many of you to sleep.  And now,
back to my spot under the Porch.
Dave Leader
-- 
daveldr@a...
American Association of Woodturners
http://www.woodturner.org
Capital Area Woodturners
http://www.capwoodturners.org/
PATINA - Potomac Area Tools and Industries Assoc
http://www.patinatools.org
M-WTCA - Mid-West Tool Collectors Assoc
http://www.mwtca.org/
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Recent Bios FAQ