Hi Folks,

Taught by my grandfather, then practiced for most of my 65 years, I am an insatiable 'tinkerer' being held back only by the fact that I haven't retired from my full-time position yet, and still play (bass, mostly) in two bands! Interests include music (obviously), photography, woodworking, electronics (my profession for about forty-five years, or so), making tuned wind chimes, stained glass, building unusual lamps, light fixtures, and clocks from blown speakers and musical cast-offs (cymbals, drums, etc.)....and whatever else happens to strike my fancy, particularly if it 'dovetails' into one of the aforementioned areas of interest! I don't plan on being either sedentary or bored when I retire (next year).

With regard to tools, I like stuff that will last, and that is very good quality...without being extravagant, or spending foolishly (..or just for the sake of "Look at what I've got!"). Like my grandfather (yes, he was/is my hero), I take very good care of what I have, and still have almost every tool that he or I ever purchased, or jigs we built. My oldest son and I also have a 'street stock' (Limited Sportsman, for those of you who know racing) race team and, while I am no master mechanic, I can still turn a wrench in the pits! To that end, the next thing I want to learn (to do correctly, since my son's life may someday rely on it!) is welding: Gas, MIG, TIG, stick...driven by application. I spent a few years teaching (electronics), which I thoroughly enjoyed, but the most important thing it taught me was how to be a good student...and I still try to learn at least one new 'thing' a day!!

Looking forward to meeting lots of you nice, smart folks!