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89500 "John B.Chesnut" <jbc@f... 2001‑02‑07 Bio
Name:  John B. Chesnut

Age: 27 (at the turn of the century)

Location:  Tusclaoosa, Alabama (USA)



vocation/avocation:  From childhood I have held on to two things which fascinate
 me completely: chemistry (my day-job) and woodworking (the day job of my secret
 alter ego and super hero)



Currently I am working on my Ph.D. in Inorganic chemistry, it goes much like my 
woodworking so I could probably hurry up and finish but that doesn't interest me
, however it does interest SWMBO.



I suppose I am posting this bio because it was inevitable.  I have always been f
ascinated with creative acts with tangible products.  I feel in a slightly corny
 sentimental way that working with wood is something I "inherited" from my great
 grandfather - a cabinetmaker, who I never knew, but am named for.  



A couple years ago, after watching countless episodes of a certain high budget "
woodworking" show I decided that I needed a table saw - and bought one.  I was i
mmediately pleased with how easily I could rip  plywood into straight pieces - b
ut otherwise I either needed four years salary to buy all the other machines to 
do what I could not or some knowledge and skill. . .



Remembering a lesson I had accidentally learned from my father, (he had/has only
 a few quality hand tools, using them wisely he has turned out a number well con
structed if simple projects)  I set out on the internet and in the library to le
arn how to REALLY use tools.

Today I have about a dozen planes, a dozen handsaws, a whole tool box full of un
wise ebay purchases, an extensive stock of scrap lumber, and a fabulous supply o
f silicon carbide and aluminum oxide sandpaper.  I sold my table saw and found t
hat I could rip with a handsaw and trim with my trusty 9 1/2 AND that with a lit
tle patience and a few good sharp tools I could do all the other things I wanted
 to.  



After lurking for a while, thanks for all the advise I have received from galoot
s on the porch and elsewhere on the internet - much of what i have done at my be
nch would have been impossible otherwise.



John


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