OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

112372 Dave Swanson <daveswanson@t...> 2002‑12‑14 My Bio, kind of long
Joe Palazzolo wrote:
"....  Dave, meet Wes Groot and Russ Allen - just two of the many cool 
Chicago-based Galoots that I've had the pleasure of meeting in my time 
here on the
 porch.  Maybe we can all get together sometime at a central location 
for a beer and some pool.
Like perhaps Charlotte, MI, or Fort Wayne, IN?
Dave, let's have that bio, eh?"

Wes, Russ, nice to meet ya.  Sorry for the late reply with a bio. (as I 
step up onto the porch).

Anyway, here's my story...  I'm an E/E Engineer working on new truck 
development at DaimlerChrysler. I previously worked in defense 
electronics and also in industrial control electronics.  I live in 
Dearborn (MI), the area I grew up in.  I believe my interest in tools 
was developed at any early age (6?) when I used to watch and help my Dad 
with his watch and clock repair business. As a youngster, I was the 
local "expert" (free labor) on bike & small engine repair.  I 
repaired/rebuilt several cars as a teenager (I already had a complete 
tool set).  In college, I worked at a local mall as an 
engraver/polisher/"go-for" and goldsmith's/jeweler's apprentise (... 
more tools!).  Needless to say, I have collected many, and a wide 
variety of tools.  Very few of my tools are kept as "eye candy" though.  
Bascially, I like to think I can repair and make just about anything.  I 
have been "led astray" by other activites (SCUBA, skiing, biking, 
backpacking, etc), all of which I enjoy.  Yes, those nasty little 
"Garage Sale - Tools" signs (large sucking sound) can also sidetrack me, 
but at least I have a nice Atlas metal lath (w/all the fixins) to show 
for it (the only tailed device I'll admit to having).

By now, you can understand that I have been the "hunter/gatherer" type 
of tool person.  I now hope to evolve into a more "agrarian" type of 
tool user.  This is where this group can help me (?).  I have a descent 
set of tools (#45, 113, 7, 5, old saws, chisels, scrapers, shaves, - 
Stanley, Millers Falls, etc).
A few gloats of mine include:  1) an older C-S Co. folding rule, I found 
as a kid while supporting the "curbside recycling" effort before it was 
popular (minor aesthetic value only),  2) "One set 32 1/2 Quarters" of 
of Irwin auger bits in original box (Patented Oct. 21, 1884 and ???????? 
April 19, '87) with an "Ames Swan Co" bit (who?) for $15, and more 
recently,  3) a Millers Falls No. 200 Mitre Box (w/o saw) for $3.  I 
forgot all of the other gloats, but no one really wants to hear about 
'em.  (I'm talking too much, I need a sip of tea, thanks.)

Joe Palazzolo found a treasure of mine, unknown to me, when he visited 
me for a M-WTCA meet here in Dearborn.  He looked in my toolbox (I 
thought I heard him mummble "dumbsh__"), then he said "Hey, you have a 
Stanley No 1 ODD-JOBS, with original ruler, in there".  I learned 
quickly why he mummbled, and out of the toolbox it came.  It was a 
casual gift from my Grandfather, and all the more priceless.

Currently, I am trying to find some info about a few marking gauges.  I 
know I have not really completed a good thorough search.  These gauges 
are not labled, which is part of the problem.  Uhm, yup, you'll probably 
see an Email or two from me, about these in the future.
I am also in a self-imposed state of apprenticeship, to ensure I can 
sharpen all of my tools in a quick and quality way.  I always hated dull 
tools.  Therefore, I don't have a good knowledge of wood (... 
suspicious, concerned look from others on the porch).

Needless to say, it is very humbling to know that a very 
knowledgeable/experienced, and hilarious group of folks are willing to 
dispense the same (knowledge/experience) and in a similar fashion. Thanks!

Dave Swanson
"woodnitbnice", GIT

Joe P., I do plan to make it to a Galootapalooza this year (2003).  I'm 
changing my ways, or should I say I can't help it (#&*%&#&^ slippery 
slope).



Recent Bios FAQ