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18364 Erv Schaffer <elschaffer@j...> 1997‑05‑14 Bio: Erv Schaffer (ErvSaws)
I've been a "woodworking" tool collector since 1978.  Started in a fairly
common way.  I've always enjoyed woodworking (but very amateurishly). 
Guess it's inherited from a Grandad who was complete wood frame home
contractor in Milwaukee in the 1910-1937 era, and my Dad who assisted him
 from 1922-1940 period.  I enjoyed frolicking in the plane shavings in
their woodworking shop as a youngster and tried my unsteady hand on a
variety of tools.  Eventually became a Structural Engineer with emphasis
in wood and timber structure design and performance.  Spent some 40 years
in wood product research and wood testing labs or organizations.  Much of
that at U.S. Forest Products Lab in Madison WI.  Retired about 3 years
ago.
	I became a collector right after my Dad passed on in 1977.  I
inherited remnants of his and  Grandad's tool chest.  Saw there were a
bunch of molding planes, Stanley stuff, Stratton levels, etc. 
Hmmmmmm---I'd like to find more of these---!  That was it--off and
running since.  My special interest has been hand-saws since about 1981. 
Often saw them about and virtually were not paid much attention to UNLESS
 they were really different--e.g. the Disston #43 Combination Handsaw. 
Began buying some and  wanted to document what I was seeing.  Soon found
myself into researching handsaw makers for North America--names,
location,dates of operation, models made, characteristics, patents, etc. 
 Have been at it since.  Hope to get out a "book" in the year ahead! 
Yep, I've been a member of EAIA & M-WTCA since 1979, and more recently a
member of PAST.
	I'm married, have one son in Alabama (a "rocket scientist" as I
fondly call him), and live in Phoenix AZ area.  We have a local Tool
Collector Club meeting 2nd Thursday of Month in downtown Phoenix (Arizona
Antique Tool Collectors). About 50 members are enrolled, with about half
attending meetings regularly. Visitors always welcome.  (Ernie Fisch is a
most recent recruit from Gallootdom!).  
	I'm enjoying the OldToolDigest communiques immensely! Glad I'm
aboard!
Enough!  
--Erv Schaffer  (ErvSaws)



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