Who do you thank...

[kovalcik]

I was thinking about how much I have learned since joining the IAP, and then I took things a step further and thought about the whole path that lead to me being a penturner. Here is a brief synoposis of who I thank for putting me on this path:

My Dad and Grandpap. They brought me up in a real DIY environment. I was taught to use power tools early and learned that I could pretty much do anything if I put my mind to it.

My neighbors, Ralph and Don. They let me hang around and help them with projects. My first exposure to a table saw! Opened up a whole new world for me.

My wife, Anna, who during the first year of our marriage convinced me that at that time, a Shop Smith was a better investment than an IBM PC. How right she was.

Norm Abram, he brought the art of woodworking down from a pedestal where it was something that only THOSE guys could do to something I could do.

My friend Karl who would talk woodworking and share tips and work through problems with me.

Capn Eddie, basically his videos did for me and woodturning what The New Yankee Workshop did for woodworking. He got me going again with woodturning after I gave it up years before. He also turned pens which I thought was neat.

The IAP, especially Don Ward and Russ Fairfield. From all the articles and tips and answered questions I have refined my penmaking to the level I am now.

That is my journey in a nutshell. There are definitely people that I have missed. My goal is to someday be mentioned on someone elses list so I can say I gave back what these people have given to me.

Thank you!

What does your path look like?

 

[lyonsacc]

Started with my Dad - making pieces of furniture for the house as I grew up.

Had a neighbor that did woodworking in his garage (when I was a preteen) and would let me watch.

Watched and learned a lot from Norm (Yankee Workshop)

My wife has encouraged my and has stepped in from time to time on projects.

So many different folks here have helped with turning. Biggest helps have been books by Don Ward and Richard Klienhenz.

 

[Kenny Durrant]

I agree with you. I guess most of us started with a family member of friend to plant the seed of woodworking. There are always a few names that stand out of those that helped at one point or another. As far as the IAP goes for me there are a few that stand out over the other the others but everyone that has ever posted a thread that I've read has helped me in some shape or form. The people that passed along their knowlege, succcesses,failures, and jokes have helped me at some point. I appreciate everything. I was able to set new goals, try new things, save time not doing the same thing that failed, got a few laughs, and when things were going bad I felt I was in good company. So I to would like to say thanks to ALL who share on the IAP. Kenny

 

[Band Saw Box]

I mostly learned woodworking in high school shop. I did do a few small projects at home with my older brother. I really didn't start doing woodworking on my own until I retired and got my first table saw then a scroll saw and later a lathe all were low end tools and I really didn't do very much. I watch lots of woodworking programs like New Yankee and woodright shop and lots of reading. When Evelyn and I got married she got my first good table saw miter saw and drill press and all at once but over a year. It was then I really took on bigger projects such as the round end table and book cases. I used a lot of the things I learned in high school but many things I learned on my own. Evelyn also got me my first good scroll saw a 788 with this too I learned as I went and by reading. I turned and first pen at a woodworking show and really loved it but I was not able to get in to it on my own for a few years. Then I found I.A.P. and was invited to the Hampton Roads Pen T urners meeting and with the help of Fred and later Mike I was taught so much and I was hooked and ready to try new things. I passed on some of my woodworking skills to some of our grandchildren and I hope to pass on more to them. I also hope to pass on what I've been taught and learned on the lathe to others. It's been a really fun journey and I've made some really nice things and just as much firewood.

 

[LeeR]

My dad had a typical selection of hand tools, and bought a Craftsman 1/3" electric drill when I was about 10. I still have that drill. We did a fair number of simple projects using that drill and handsaws and other hand tools. What really got me hooked was the woodshop class in Junior High. We even had metal shop and drafting classes (remember drafting?!).

It is sad that most schools have eliminated wood shops and metal shops, and maybe put in computer labs in their place.

 

[Mike Powell]

Well for me it was my Pawpaw. As far back as I can remember I hung out with him in his wood shop. He was the jack of all trades. His shop was made out of plans for a 1300 sqft house. He would be building stuff, and I was his gopher. I would spin the bench top grinder and "sharpen" his nails, really all I was doing was knocking off the cut lines from where the point was pressed out. Till one day he told me to just turn it on and do it right. He stood over my sholder and corrected me, to make sure I was safe. We also built a 15x30 shed one weekend that was just torn down last year after he passed. I bet 90% of my memories, are in that workshop.

When I got home after he passed my wife, mom, and I were all visiting with Grandma, I was out cleaning the wood shop (my cousin leaves it a mess). When my wife came out looking for me, I was sitting in the back of the shop crying and remembering.

My Dad also had something to do with it, not as much. Since my parents divorced when I was young, I only got weekends and helped him as I could.

Everytime I touch my wood tools, I still remember being 9 or 10 years old and sharpening nails...