OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

109910 "James Iwanicki" <jiwanicki@a...> 2002‑09‑19 My bio
A respectful hello to all the Galoots out there.   After 35 years in what
's called a high tech automobile radiator plant, (they allowed me to care
for a computerized tube forming, RF welding, cutoff, pile, and stacking
machine.)   I am returning to one of my favorite   pastimes, producing
wood shavings, created of course, with bladed hand tools.

Got hooked with Fine Wood Working magazine in 1975 then with  Roy from
WWS, found a few local galoots who recruited me to the WNYATC group. 
Unfortunately full time work with overtime, kids in school, caring for
elderly parents, new grand children, a new border collie, all living under
one roof, was too much.  10 years ago I gave up most of my scrounged, but
prized, collection of tools to make space to store "stuff" and "bodies"
from three families.  Now that retirement is here I am revisiting my old
ways at Estate, Garage, and Auction sales, to appease my need for useable
hand tools suitable for shaving creation.  Who knows I might even make
something useful.

This time around I should have a better idea of what tool is worth
rescuing and what should be left to rust in some basement or garage.  Also
have a better idea of what I need to make acceptable wood shavings. 
(Anybody thought of collecting shavings)?  I'm partial to spoke shaves and
draw knives but have a few planes, holding out for a Long Bedrock. Had one
10 years ago but it went with the tools I had to thin out.  Stanley 45's
are neat to look at but I had better luck with skewed rabbit, hollow and
rounds, and boxed beaders.   Rejoined WNYATCA, went to a meet and swapped
tool stories with lot of old acquaintances and had sticker shock at some
tool prices.  Stanley stuff seems to be real popular and there looks to be
less interest in wood planes.  Still, the feel of a nicely sharpened and
tuned hollow or complex molder slicing through some straight-grained wood
is a pleasure I personally enjoy.  Well that’s about it, this internet
stuff sure changed old tool appreciation into something that didn't exist
10-15 years ago.  Lots of great information and lots of tools for sale.  
Trying to convince SWMBO to accompany me to Winston-Salem.  Perhaps I will
meet some of you there. I'll be the guy with the big eyes and drool
dripping on your prized tools.



Recent Bios FAQ