OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

190206 "Jim Shaw" <jeshaw2@o...> 2009‑03‑29 My Bio
Galoots:

I've been learning a lot from the galoots on this 'porch', and I think it
time for me to introduce and share a bit myself.  This is a very impressive
mailing list.

I've given a lot of thinking to why I'm working wood, buying old tools &
fixing them up.  My conclusion is that I'm not a collector, but a user.
Having spent 40 years working in a 'right brain' job (computer software
development), I've discovered that I'm really 'left brained'
(http://tinyurl.com/2u6nqa).  

Thus, I'm using woodworking and the tools of this trade as a form of self
expression and an art form.  Until I'm gone, I'll keep my tools and, after
my departure from this universe, I'll not care what happens to them (so I am
told by pundits in the spiritual field). 

I admit to having some power tools because, like others learning from Norm,
I thought they were necessary. But I only have five: a table saw, band saw,
drill press, fret saw, and router.  None of these have cost me more than
$150.00.  I find that I don't like them very much.  They take me too far
away from the wood I'm working.  As I acquire and use hand tools more and
more, I'm moving away from power tools.

I seek beauty in the wood I'm working, beauty in the tools that I'm using,
and beauty in the skills I apply.  I also think that the inclusion of simple
metals (brass, bronze, etc.) to my art contributes beauty of its own.
Therefore, I'm also developing minor skills in home blacksmithing and
casting of non-ferrous metals.  I sense a tool-maker deep within myself
somewhere so I hope to give expression to that also.

I do not expect to earn money from my efforts, but I'll accept commissions
under the following terms:

1) You pay for high quality wood used in the project; I keep the shorts. (I
always order 10% overage to cover for 'unexpected deviations'.)

2) You pay for any specialty tools needed to produce the product; I get to
keep them when I'm done. After I'm gone, you can have the tools back if you
want them and still have what I made for you.  (I perceive the tools and
work product to be a matched set.)

3) I'll listen to your thoughts, but I have final say in the area of design
and structure.  (I'll work on your commission as long as I'm interested and
not tired of messing with it.)

4) I work to my own proprietary quality metrics not yours; be assured that
nobody makes anything better than I.  (Being retired, I'm done with working
to client quality specifications.)

5) You'll get it when I'm done and proud of my efforts.  If you need speedy
delivery or delivery by a certain date, find someone else to stress out.
That includes the SWMBO!  (I'll admit to some leniency here for my
granddaughters.)

6) If cost is a factor, you can't afford my work.  Go away.  (I'd rather be
considered 'expensive' than 'cheap'.)

7) All work is done only on a 'best efforts' basis and delivered in an 'as
is' condition.

8) I don't accept commissions in competition with tradesmen trying to earn a
living.  I don't make kitchen cabinets, fire place surrounds, furniture, sun
decks, etc., unless there is a high non-monetary value for me in doing so.
(Artistic component, learning and/or tooling opportunity).

Well, I'm driveling on here, so I'll end my pontifications here.  I think
y'all get my drift.

Cheers 

Jim Shaw 
(In my basement 'studio' on the shores of Lake Erie where I'm learning that
"Failure is the price of admission" to the woodworking arts).

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Recent Bios FAQ