I grew up building stuff. My favorite toys were Lincoln Logs followed soon by Erector Sets. My Dad was, and still is, my role model as a man who could do almost anything. I spent a lot of time with him on various job sites, machine shops, and working on the farm. I started building with scrap wood by first grade, one of my first projects was a recipe book holder for my Grandmother that she used for the rest of her life. By the time I was in 6th grade, I was brazing with oxy-acetylene and doing basic metal castings with copper and lead.
In high school, I discovered the (then) new world of computers. This coupled with my dislike of the shop class instructor kept me out of the shop for the next several years.
In my early 20s, I worked in construction and as an electrician for a year and a half. Since 1987, I’ve been in the IT field. After getting married in 2006, I developed an interest in woodworking and DIY projects. I turned my garage into a shop and added a good variety of tools for those and other interests. I enjoy building things, but it is strictly a hobby. I build things for myself, family, friends, and as donations for either my church or a local non-profit I volunteer with.
My Dad taught that if you take care of your tools, they will take care of you. While he didn’t care much for ‘junk’ tools, which back then was anything made in Japan, he did take good care of all his stuff. He generally bought quality stuff, a tradition I have tried to carry on. I tend to spend a lot of time researching prior to making a purchase. I participate in forums on garagejournal.com for general tool and project information, sawmillcreek.com for woodworking specific stuff, and weldingweb.com for welding specific topics. All of these are quality, well moderated forums.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me.
Regards,
Lee