Wise and Gracious Galoots- I've been lurking about ever since stumbling upon 
the bottom step of the porch two months ago. I check email (or visit the 
porch) at least once a day , and a bio is in order.  My name is Ilya 
Paolucci (yes, you read that right). I've loved old tools and hanging around 
old men using them for as long as I can remember-probably age three or four 
(I'm thirty-eight now, married, five children; four GITs and a swmbette). My 
old tool collection is sparse, but they're mine and I love them. Actually, 
after reading the thread that started with the brushhook and included the 
very moving and poetic piece about us being stewards of these old tools, I 
need to rethink and refeel that idea. That, after all, is what pushed me up 
the stairs and onto the porch in order to introduce myself.       This 
should start a new paragragh, but I dont know how. I do know that few things 
are more satisfying than using a plane I've sharpened and tuned myself. Not 
that my skill is a nything to brag about-yet. I am still pretty new  at all 
this. But I can tell you , I was wondering where to find kindred spirits, 
those who use the old tools they buy, fix them , sharpen them , build with 
them. Here you are ,on this porch, and I already fell welcome. Thanks to you 
all. S'pose I'm done waxing mushy now. 

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