GGs,

After lurking in the shadows of the porch for the last few months, I figure
it's time to give a brief bio so I can join in the fun.

I have a SWMBO/LOML (they can be both, right?) of almost 4 years, who is
recently starting to worry that I always seem to be spending my tool
allowance a month or two before I get it; and 2 GITs (2 years old son, 6
months old daughter); and I work at a small-ish solar energy startup company
in Lexington, MA. Perhaps working for a solar company, where we produce
electrons, is part of the reason I don't like to burn them as I mutilate my
wood...

I started woodworking with a cheap-o circular saw and cordless drill working
on Borg 2x4s to make a bookshelf. My slide down the slippery hand-tool slope
started with a couple mistakes, like the Groz #4 (smoother, Jeff) which
almost but not quite made me give up on planing (that particular plane has
been re-purposed as a makeshift scrub plane which works passably, until I
stumble across or can save up enough for a real one).

Fortunately I came across the Porch in my internet wanderings, which has
given me an endless source of information about old tools, how to use them,
and which ones I need (and an endless excuse to sit at the computer instead
of going down to the shop and working). About the same time, I first came
across Walt's offerings at Brass City Records, and more recently Josh
Clark's and the others who will happily send me nice old tools in return for
m hard-won allowance. My small tool hoard--accumulation--collection is
growing slowly but at least I can honestly say to my wife (so far at least)
that I actually use all the tools that I have.

It's been a pleasure to hear the conversation from underneath the Porch
these last few months, and no doubt at first I'll mainly ask questions and
listen from the corner, but glad to be out in the light of day...

Best Regards,
Steve Hudelson
Lexington, MA

Wondering where in Tool Heaven one has to look to actually find all the
gloatable tool deals...
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