OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

72544 Larry Barrett <lhbii@a...> 1999‑12‑17 Introduction and Bio
My name is Larry Barrett and I would like to introduce myself to the
porch.
Actually, I think I have been under the porch for a long time,
and only recently rolled over and found the front step.
My oldest project (elapsed time from start to finish) is 40 years (this
might be a good thread for this group; I'm sure some of you can beat my
record.)
When I was 11, in one of my Dad's books (a collection of Popular
Mechanic's articles from the early 20's) I found a series of articles on
'How to Build Your Own Ship Model'.  My Dad brought home the 1/2"
poplar, we made the templates, glued up the hull, faired it to shape
with spokeshaves, rasps, etc.  At this point my Dad lost interest.  I
made the cradle, but didn't know how to proceed.
Instead of ending up in the fireplace, my Mother put it in a shoebox.
... Twenty years go by.  I am married and moving to Maryland.  The
shoebox and book move with me.
... Twenty more years go by.  For some reason, I decided to look at my
'To-Do' list from bottom up.  Ship model is easily oldest that still
needs doing, and shoe box and PM book still exist.  So now the 'Half
Moon' is done, and it was a lot of fun; aside from a few parts acquired
from Model Shipways, all built from scratch.

Another example: my wife and I spent a week with Alan Mackie in Prince
George, BC, several years ago learning how to build a log house.  When
we returned to MD we did build a scribe-fit log dog house; dog loved it.

More recently I have been interested in making chairs.  Made a sack back

and have a stack of 2" poplar air drying in the garage. Spent a week
with John Alexander and have made several slat backs, and lood forward
to making more.
I enjoy old tools of all kinds.  Some have come from my Dad (he received
a
Stanley 4-square work bench + tools when he was 12).  Others acquired
more or
less as needed (need being a relative term).

Looking forward to meeting others on the porch.  Thanks to Paddy and Ken
for getting me subscribed.

Regards, Larry



Recent Bios FAQ