On Wed, Apr 26, 2017 at 7:29 PM, Chuck Taylor via OldTools <
oldtools@s...> wrote:

> I have to admit to a tinge of jealousy when I read about the frequent
> in-person interactions between and among Galoots living in the SF Bay area
> (BAGs), the Middle Atlantic area (MAAGs), and the Toronto area (TAGs?).
> There aren't quite so many of us Galoots living in close proximity here in
> the Pacific Northwest.


Speaking of meeting up with Galoots, a couple of weeks ago, I had the
pleasure recently of meeting up with Chicago galoot Wes Groot of CityBoy
Forge fame.  We met Wes for lunch at his favorite breakfast place, and had
some great food.  He then guided us over to his shop, and gave us his
two-bit tour.

Wow, what a shop, what a tour.  He had photos on his wall of some of his
work, and gave us some background on them, and work in progress around the
shop.  The level of detail in his work is incredible.  He described his
process, going from customer supplied pictures to a sketch to final 3D
piece of metal, and the process of combining pieces into a finished piece
of art.  He gave us a quick demonstration of his induction heater, showed
us the various tools used in his blacksmithing (making more tools) and
other work.  Couple of really cool vintage tools hiding in his shop.

And we even got to see one of his Gerstners, and meet his sidekick Gracie
too.

And a pic, to prove it really happened (and yes, Wes is REALLY tall)

https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Misc-Images/i-RXcFkNQ

Thanks again for the hospitality Wes.


-- 
Kirk Eppler, back in Half Moon Bay, CA catching up from the time away.