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20421 Garrett Spitzer <garretts@e...> 1997‑06‑17 Bio - Garrett Spitzer
Having lurked and contributed for some time now, I thought I should file
my Bio. I am a 33 year old cabinetmaker/tool dealer who quit his job
as a furniture plant manager to start woodworking full time here in
Western New York. I had accumulated truckloads of tools and equipment
for many years AND an old egg farm in which to house them; however, I
never had any time to work on wood because my job kept me so busy. So I
bit the bullet and quit my job and seriously lowered my standard of
living.

WOODWORKING EXPERIENCE
I have been designing and building antique reproduction furniture since
I was a teenager. Among my repertoire are: a slant top desk, a
partner's desk, four Queen Anne lowboys, and a full reverse serpentine
bombe desk. I work mostly in mahogany and prefer classic Chippendale
styling.

OLD TOOLS
I have been acquiring old tools on and off for 15 years, concentrating
on user grade items that could be utilized for my furniture making. I
began collecting and reselling seriously only last year after realizing
that I was the owner of a 101 1/2. Although always on the lookout for
that #444, I accumulate a lot of user tools and gadgets for others - you
know those items they always mention in FWW, but you never find at you
local garage sale. It provides a much needed supplement to my small
woodworking income.

SHOP
My shop is a set of 1940's vintage three-story converted egg barns; one
25'x175' and the other 25'x75'. They have hot and cold running water, a
furnace, freight elevator, and an interior ramp so you can drive a truck
from the garage down into the basement. Most people thought I was nuts
for buying the place; it takes a Galoot to appreciate it!

BELT DRIVEN EQUIPMENT
In addition to the usual small shop electric powered machines, I have a
pile of turn of the century belt driven equipment that I bought as a lot
from a depresssion era furniture shop: 18" jointer, 24" thickness
planer, 14" table saw, 36" bandsaw. I am still keeping an eye out for
the 60' line shaft I need to get them hooked up to a power plant. If you
know of an old mill or factory that has one up for grabs please let me
know.



Recent Bios FAQ