Hi folks,

Like many who have done an introduction here, I've lurked for
several years and posted some Q's or A's but never a bio.

I'm Steve Bachanek (phonetic if you ignore the "c") and in the
mid 60's. My background is military and then civilian emergency
services. Now retired I seem to have less time than ever, but love
the relaxation and fun of woodworking and some metalworking.

SWMBO's interests are treadle looms and handspinning and many
fibre type crafts. But she has taken an interest in my woodworking
and can safely and competently handle all the tools when needed.
Thankfully she likes fiddly stuff like painting and finishing --  
letting me concentrate on my fun in making wood chips and curls.

I started woodworking with basic hand and tailed tools at 17, and
kinda got led astray for many years with electron burners until a
return to "The Right (Galoot) Way". I still need a t*bl*s*w to
start some projects, but mostly use handsaws after the big cuts
separating sheet goods. There is nothing sweeter to the ears than
the sound of a handsaw's raspy purr or a handplane's gentle swoosh.

Thunder Bay where I live has a population of about 110,000 and is
pretty isolated from cities that have the kind of woodworking tool
stores or sources that Galoots love. Mail order is a necessity.

I'm not a collector (yeah, sure) but nevertheless have picked up
mostly C types of the Stanleys from 3 through 8, with an early
(about WW1) #6C as my personal favourite user. A couple
of simple block planes are kept razor sharp and also get lots
of use. And just one amazingly friendly-to-the-hand transitional
Bailey No. 26. Whenever not being used, this darling resides
in a bedside nightstand along with woodworking books. Hmm,
that does sound a bit odd ..... but then I am a Galoot .....

You merry band of Galoots have been an invaluable source
of tips and ideas for woodworking and tool refurbishing and
all the really good stuff I love. The tales and stories from around
the world are fascinating reading.

Many thanks to you all.

Steve
in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

------------------------------------------------------------------------