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-230 oldtools@l... 1970‑01‑01 FWD>Bio of Randy Forsch
Mail*Link(r) SMTP               FWD>Bio of Randy Forsch

Fellow Galoots,

The absence of my bio warrants a repeat with update.

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Date: 1/10/96 4:11 PM


I figured it was about time to de-lurk, thanks for the prompting, Paddy.

The old ways of woodworking have been a keen interest of mine for about 6
years, probably part of a search for my roots as my great-grandfather was a
millwright for a saw mill in Michigan and my mother's father built his own
home earlier this century.  A few compasses, a foot adze,  and a bevel is all
that's left of my great-grandfather's tool kit.  The hand saw, level, chisels,
and hammer for the house are being used by me frequently.

The other side of the family were butchers and that's how I ended up being a
family physician with the University of Michigan.:^)  I need my hands too much
to be around power tools; besides contemplation is much better with shavings
and chips than with buzz and dust.  I know that a sharp edge can do damage,
but I haven't seen a jack plane take off two fingers and have seen a power
jointer do it.  Wood is also a much more reliable material with which to work.

The old ways just feel right to me.  I still have much to learn about
traditional woodworking and look forward to interacting with all on this list.
 My interests are far ranging from timberframing a workshop out back (finally!
hopefully!?) to making my own tools, so I'm closely following the"group
project."

A few more details:  I'm married to a saint who understands/tolerates my
needs, have 3 small children being introduced to traditional woodworking (my
seven year old daughter got her first hammer for X-mas) and consider myself a
well-read beginner.  I look forward to this ongoing discussion.  

Thanks,
Randy Forsch
rforsch@u...

Update:  My children now have all their own hammers, the timberframed shop is
being planned for summer erection (I can say that on this list, can't I? 8^)),
and I've experimented with the bungie lathe (a failure on white oak at
Christmas that prompted froe/drawknife/spokeshave work to make two white oak
stools for family), I've acquired a farrier's combination forge and anvil for
steel work, and have met some upper Midwestern galoots.  All in all a good
year.

Randy


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