Hello!

I have been enjoying this discussion group for a few weeks and decided
to be bold and announce an accomplishment and ask a question.

Accomplishment: I cut my first mortise! And it actually looks pretty
good! Thanks to the guidance of one of Roy Underhill's books. I have a
scraped knuckle to show for my efforts (Don't ask me how that happened.)

Now the bio:
Name: Paul Johnson

Home: Logan, Utah (Been here for two years. Prior to that in Lincoln,
Nebraska, St. Paul, Minnesota, Omaha, Nebraska. Born and raised on a
farm near Waterloo, Iowa.)

Career: Assistant professor doing research and teaching in genetics and
ecology of grasses, specifically turfgrasses.

How long working with old tools: Not long at all. I have always enjoyed
working with wood, but never had the patience to really practice and
improve my skills. Just prior to my first son arriving, I began back
into woodworking. (I've been told its common for people to pick up new
hobbies when their wife is pregnant.) I also enjoy the quiet time and
have already started my son into it.

I am very lucky to have inherited some fine hand tools from my
father-in-law. Several planes, saws, and chisels.
I got interested in hand tools by watching Roy Underhill's program, and
because I'm sort of a Luddite. It also goes along with my interest in
human powered transportation (bicycling). I have raced in the past (road
bikes) and may again in the future.

Interesting tidbit: My son (3 years old) is an aspiring old tool fan. I
have a portable circular saw and power drill that I use for house
projects, but my son likes the hand powered tools better.

Now for my question:
How do you respond to a well-meaning neighbor when they see you
hand-sawing a board and offer to let you use their power saws? I'm sure
this is a common occurence for all of you and thought it would create
some great quotes.

PJ