Another newbie finally getting around to saying hello

[Shop72]

When I think back I have been making tools for quite a long time.
I spent most of my working life as a heavy duty mechanic. Part of that was working for a Caterpillar dealer.
We had an incentive program where if you came up with a good tool to do a job, save time etc. they would pay you for the idea.
I my case at lot of the time I did one better than that. Because I had my own workshop at home they would sometime provide me with the necessary material to go and make the tool I had come up with, then they would pay me again for making it.
I am now retired and have a better equipped shop with a half decent lathe and mill, a band saw and drill press and various other tools accumulated over a lifetime of work. As most of you here know when you get into a project quite often you end up making a tool or jig to enable you to complete the job. Then again by visiting sights like this and others you see something that looks useful and proceed to build one for your self. Looks like a lot of stuff here, so I am looking forward to checking it over when I get time.

[Jon]

Hi Shop72 - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Sounds like you have a lifetime of experience that will come in handy around here.

What's next up on your projects list? Do you see any builds here that catch your eye?

[Shop72]

Right now I am working on the parts for a William Harris Steam Donkey Engine.
I for got to mention above that along the way I built a 37' Steel Sailboat and ended up cruising her around the Pacific for about 5 years.
That took a bit more than just casual time.

[Jon]

The sailboat project is on my long-term build list! Post some pics if you have any.

The steam donkey build sounds very interesting

[kbalch]

Hi Shop72,

Welcome!

As a serial builder (an airplane (and part of another), a motorcycle restoration, and lately a race car), I'd love to see some photos of your sailboat build. What an adventure!

The steam donkey engine is a new one for me; let's hear more about it…

Ken