GGs,

After lurking in the shadows of the porch for the last few months, I figure
it's time to give a brief bio so I can join in the fun.

I have a SWMBO/LOML (they can be both, right?) of almost 4 years, who is
recently starting to worry that I always seem to be spending my tool
allowance a month or two before I get it; and 2 GITs (2 years old son, 6
months old daughter); and I work at a small-ish solar energy startup company
in Lexington, MA. Perhaps working for a solar company, where we produce
electrons, is part of the reason I don't like to burn them as I mutilate my
wood...

I started woodworking with a cheap-o circular saw and cordless drill working
on Borg 2x4s to make a bookshelf. My slide down the slippery hand-tool slope
started with a couple mistakes, like the Groz #4 (smoother, Jeff) which
almost but not quite made me give up on planing (that particular plane has
been re-purposed as a makeshift scrub plane which works passably, until I
stumble across or can save up enough for a real one).

Fortunately I came across the Porch in my internet wanderings, which has
given me an endless source of information about old tools, how to use them,
and which ones I need (and an endless excuse to sit at the computer instead
of going down to the shop and working). About the same time, I first came
across Walt's offerings at Brass City Records, and more recently Josh
Clark's and the others who will happily send me nice old tools in return for
m hard-won allowance. My small tool hoard--accumulation--collection is
growing slowly but at least I can honestly say to my wife (so far at least)
that I actually use all the tools that I have.

It's been a pleasure to hear the conversation from underneath the Porch
these last few months, and no doubt at first I'll mainly ask questions and
listen from the corner, but glad to be out in the light of day...

Best Regards,
Steve Hudelson
Lexington, MA

Wondering where in Tool Heaven one has to look to actually find all the
gloatable tool deals...
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the porch. I was under the impression that your area of the 
north-east WAS old-tool heaven.
Maybe you've got one or two collector/hoarder types bogarting all the 
good stuff?
They're easy to find - just set the alarm clock for midnight, hit the 
flea by 2 am and hide out in the bushes with the binos and a good cup of 
coffee.
They can be working alone or in packs but either way you'll see them 
stumbling out, arms laden with old tools about four hours before any 
decent person would even be awake.
Then it's just a matter of following them at a discrete distance and 
picking up the droppings.

Joe M.

On 5/8/2011 7:43 PM, Steve Hudelson wrote:
>
> GGs,
>
> After lurking in the shadows of the porch for the last few months, I figure
> it's time to give a brief bio so I can join in the fun.
>
>
> Best Regards,
> Steve Hudelson
> Lexington, MA
>
> Wondering where in Tool Heaven one has to look to actually find all the
> gloatable tool deals...
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Welcome to the porch, Laddie! With regard to the gloatable tool finds,
they are getting more and more rare. As time goes by I am finding fewer
and fewer old tools at any price, let alone gloatable prices. But that
doesn't stop me from looking in every possible place. They can't all be
gone already. :>)

It is a lot like the Knight's search for the Holy Grail. I just
don't give up.

On May 8, 2011, at 7:43 PM, Steve Hudelson wrote:

> Wondering where in Tool Heaven one has to look to actually find all
> the gloatable tool deals...

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

Welcome. 

I'm sure we've all got our "mistakes" to share, plus extras of stuff you might 
need. My personal favorite is helping folks save and/or spend their moolah. Oh, 
and getting some woodworking done, too.

These guys are the best!

Archie, near NOLA--waiting on the cresting of the Mighty Mississippi

----- Original Message ----
From: Steve Hudelson 
To: oldtools@r...
Sent: Sun, May 8, 2011 9:43:26 PM
Subject: [OldTools] Bio: Steve Hudelson

GGs,

After lurking in the shadows of the porch for the last few months, I figure
it's time to give a brief bio so I can join in the fun.

I have a SWMBO/LOML (they can be both, right?) of almost 4 years, who is
recently starting to worry that I always seem to be spending my tool
allowance a month or two before I get it; and 2 GITs (2 years old son, 6
months old daughter); and I work at a small-ish solar energy startup company
in Lexington, MA. Perhaps working for a solar company, where we produce
electrons, is part of the reason I don't like to burn them as I mutilate my
wood...

I started woodworking with a cheap-o circular saw and cordless drill working
on Borg 2x4s to make a bookshelf. My slide down the slippery hand-tool slope
started with a couple mistakes, like the Groz #4 (smoother, Jeff) which
almost but not quite made me give up on planing (that particular plane has
been re-purposed as a makeshift scrub plane which works passably, until I
stumble across or can save up enough for a real one).

Fortunately I came across the Porch in my internet wanderings, which has
given me an endless source of information about old tools, how to use them,
and which ones I need (and an endless excuse to sit at the computer instead
of going down to the shop and working). About the same time, I first came
across Walt's offerings at Brass City Records, and more recently Josh
Clark's and the others who will happily send me nice old tools in return for
m hard-won allowance. My small tool hoard--accumulation--collection is
growing slowly but at least I can honestly say to my wife (so far at least)
that I actually use all the tools that I have.

It's been a pleasure to hear the conversation from underneath the Porch
these last few months, and no doubt at first I'll mainly ask questions and
listen from the corner, but glad to be out in the light of day...

Best Regards,
Steve Hudelson
Lexington, MA

Wondering where in Tool Heaven one has to look to actually find all the
gloatable tool deals...
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome aboard; glad to have you.  
 
Let us know what tools you're looking for.  I know I have a few extras here and 
there I would be fine parting with for a cheap price, (A) to clear out clutter a
nd make a little much-needed space in my shop and (II) to help a budding neo-Gal
oot get outfitted with some good, user-grade old tools.  

Off the top of my head, I know I've got a couple decent smoothers that just need
 a little cleaning up and fettling to be good users.

- Bill T.

May 9, 2011 09:28:03 AM, hudelson@g... wrote:

GGs,

After lurking in the shadows of the porch for the last few months, I figure
it's time to give a brief bio so I can join in the fun.

I have a SWMBO/LOML (they can be both, right?) of almost 4 years, who is
recently starting to worry that I always seem to be spending my tool
allowance a month or two before I get it; and 2 GITs (2 years old son, 6
months old daughter); and I work at a small-ish solar energy startup company
in Lexington, MA. Perhaps working for a solar company, where we produce
electrons, is part of the reason I don't like to burn them as I mutilate my
wood...

I started woodworking with a cheap-o circular saw and cordless drill working
on Borg 2x4s to make a bookshelf. My slide down the slippery hand-tool slope
started with a couple mistakes, like the Groz #4 (smoother, Jeff) which
almost but not quite made me give up on planing (that particular plane has
been re-purposed as a makeshift scrub plane which works passably, until I
stumble across or can save up enough for a real one).

Fortunately I came across the Porch in my internet wanderings, which has
given me an endless source of information about old tools, how to use them,
and which ones I need (and an endless excuse to sit at the computer instead
of going down to the shop and working). About the same time, I first came
across Walt's offerings at Brass City Records, and more recently Josh
Clark's and the others who will happily send me nice old tools in return for
m hard-won allowance. My small tool hoard--accumulation--collection is
growing slowly but at least I can honestly say to my wife (so far at least)
that I actually use all the tools that I have.

It's been a pleasure to hear the conversation from underneath the Porch
these last few months, and no doubt at first I'll mainly ask questions and
listen from the corner, but glad to be out in the light of day...

Best Regards,
Steve Hudelson
Lexington, MA

Wondering where in Tool Heaven one has to look to actually find all the
gloatable tool deals...
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome and don't be a stranger.  As Bill mentions, let us know what your
looking for.  There are many on the list that will help a brother in need
from time to time.  As for myself, I know I have a few hand saws that I may
never get around to sharpening that with just a little care would make great
users.  I know I have some WWII vintage Disstons and Atkins that could
really benefit from a new and loving home.  Also, my addiction for braces
and block planes could stand to be moderated a bit.  I would also mention
that many folks out here on the list are willing to trade items from time to
time.  And most important, the thing that I find to me incredibly fun is of
couse Galoot-A-Clause.  Be sure and start to get ready for that.

Doc

John Holladay
docholladay0820@g...
205-229-8484
On May 9, 2011 9:27 AM,  wrote:
> Welcome aboard; glad to have you.
>
> Let us know what tools you're looking for. I know I have a few extras here
and there I would be fine parting with for a cheap price, (A) to clear out
clutter and make a little much-needed space in my shop and (II) to help a
budding neo-Galoot get outfitted with some good, user-grade old tools.
>
> Off the top of my head, I know I've got a couple decent smoothers that
just need a little cleaning up and fettling to be good users.
>
> - Bill T.
>
>
> May 9, 2011 09:28:03 AM, hudelson@g... wrote:
>
> GGs,
>
> After lurking in the shadows of the porch for the last few months, I
figure
> it's time to give a brief bio so I can join in the fun.
>
> I have a SWMBO/LOML (they can be both, right?) of almost 4 years, who is
> recently starting to worry that I always seem to be spending my tool
> allowance a month or two before I get it; and 2 GITs (2 years old son, 6
> months old daughter); and I work at a small-ish solar energy startup
company
> in Lexington, MA. Perhaps working for a solar company, where we produce
> electrons, is part of the reason I don't like to burn them as I mutilate
my
> wood...
>
> I started woodworking with a cheap-o circular saw and cordless drill
working
> on Borg 2x4s to make a bookshelf. My slide down the slippery hand-tool
slope
> started with a couple mistakes, like the Groz #4 (smoother, Jeff) which
> almost but not quite made me give up on planing (that particular plane has
> been re-purposed as a makeshift scrub plane which works passably, until I
> stumble across or can save up enough for a real one).
>
> Fortunately I came across the Porch in my internet wanderings, which has
> given me an endless source of information about old tools, how to use
them,
> and which ones I need (and an endless excuse to sit at the computer
instead
> of going down to the shop and working). About the same time, I first came
> across Walt's offerings at Brass City Records, and more recently Josh
> Clark's and the others who will happily send me nice old tools in return
for
> m hard-won allowance. My small tool hoard--accumulation--collection is
> growing slowly but at least I can honestly say to my wife (so far at
least)
> that I actually use all the tools that I have.
>
> It's been a pleasure to hear the conversation from underneath the Porch
> these last few months, and no doubt at first I'll mainly ask questions and
> listen from the corner, but glad to be out in the light of day...
>
> Best Regards,
> Steve Hudelson
> Lexington, MA
>
> Wondering where in Tool Heaven one has to look to actually find all the
> gloatable tool deals...
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
> To read the FAQ:
> http://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html
>
> OldTools archive: http://swingleydev.com/archive/
>
> OldTools@r...
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
> To read the FAQ:
> http://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html
>
> OldTools archive: http://swingleydev.com/archive/
>
> OldTools@r...
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
------------------------------------------------------------------------