OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

108436 Chris Berger <toolroom@I...> 2002‑08‑03 Chris Berger bio
Hello GG's 

I am an old/new member. I subscribed to OT some years ago ('90s), remained a
member, but went "inactive" for a long time. At the June MWTCA meet in
Decatur I got to talking with Ralph Bendler, Wes Groot and other Galoots,
and discovered the list had changed in many ways, and that old and inactive
guys like me had been "purged". (I did have a VERY strange feeling in my
tummy one night last winter...) So, I thought I would re-post a brief bio,
and join in on the fun on the porch from time to time.

I have been interested in using and collecting old tools for a long time,
actively doing so since the late 1970's. I think it all started long before
that out in my Grandfather's woodshop when I was 5 or 6. I can still hear
him talking to me, and still smell the shavings!

My woodworking interests I suppose are fairly typical of many on the list:
Some furniture-making; some furniture repair; wood turning (spindle and face
plate); currently working on kitchen cabinets. I do have a number of tailed
apprentices, but find I more and more prefer to do things by hand whenever
possible. (A few weeks ago I wondered how I would run a 12' oak 1"x12" over
the jointer by myself. I could see me struggling with it and having it loose
contact with the cutter head, etc. After a few minutes I realized it would
be much easier to clamp it in the vice on the bench and use my trusty old
607. About 15 minutes later she was straight and true, without any loud
noise or nasty dust in the air. And I had a smile on my face that I suspect
most of you are familiar with!)

I also collect tools. I have had my phases over time: Fancy stuff; Stanley;
NBE; Wood; Cast Iron. I do seem to keep coming back to Woodies (which I
enjoy using), Birmingham Iron and other patented planes, Rules, Plumb Bobs,
Smith made calipers and dividers among others. I also very much enjoy
finding (pretty much) intact chests of tools, and researching the historical
roots of the users as well as makers of American tools. (Last year I was
very lucky and found an Israel White three arm plow which I displayed at the
MWTCA meet in June. I think I had as much fun researching the owner,
"Bernard Z. Burch" as I did researching the plane itself.) I have also been
known to sell tools on a modest scale (an Antique mall, ebay, tool meets,
etc.) for the past 10 years or so.

Since I enjoy both collecting and using tools, I hope I will be able to add
to the efforts of others who would like to see stronger ties between user
and collector groups. For those interested in both worlds, I certainly hope
we can make MWTCA much friendly to people on the Porch who are not retired
and must work a regular schedule. Like others, I would be happy to carry
ideas and messages to MWTCA and hope to make positive changes for all.

In my "real" life, I am a Management Professor at Purdue University in West
Lafayette, IN. I feel very fortunate, because I enjoy this work almost as
much as tools and wood working.

Well, thanks for letting a recycled newbie on the Porch. I look forward to
renewing old acquaintances as well as making new friendships!

Regards to all,

Chris

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