Popular Post Janello Posted January 11, 2014 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 I thought I'd share this with you guys because I thought some might find it interesting. My grandfather on my mothers side had passed away when I was around 15 years old (approx 30 years ago). His paid career was a tool and die maker and was retired for as far back as I remember. He had a ranch that he dedicated his whole basement to a wood "hobby" shop and used a lot of the tools he made. When I was a kid I would always ask to go down the basement to help him and he would put me to work sanding. When I was done sanding he would look at it and say good job. I'd ask what to do next and he would hand me the next finest grit and say sand some more! Although I wasn't allowed at that time to work any power tools, I have fond memories of working with him down there. I still have vivid images of his shop layout and a lot of the tools he had and where they were located. Among them he had a lathe that he made, a table saw driven by a washer machine motor and car fan belt and tons of planes, spokeshaves, rasps and the like. I remember my mom buying him his first router and it being like an alien in his shop. What is this crazy tool! All of his tools with the exception of a small ball pean hammer that he made and a pearl inlaid folding rule that I currently have are sadly long gone. Now that I've recently started enjoying the same hobby as my grandfather, I look back and think what a shame it is all of his tools are gone. But I do get satisfaction knowing he would be proud that I still enjoy sanding by hand more than using a machine! He was one hellava craftsman that took much joy and pride in his craft. There are still a few examples of his work at my mothers house. Next time I visit her I will take some pictures and share them with you. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 Nice story. Looking forward to seeing the pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Lunsford Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 Gotta love the old-school guys. It was a different world back then. I was lucky enough to know a lot of people from the Greatest Generation, and there was nothing those guys couldn't do. Farming, machining, construction, fighting, joking, loving, setting an example. It's cliche but they just don't make 'em like they used to. I'd give anything to have my grandfather back, and not a day goes by that I don't think about him, and hope that I can live up to his example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orbb Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 I inhereted a number of hand tools from my Dad, who got them from my Great Uncle Jack. At the time I got them (20 years ago), I was more interested in guitars and other musical gear, so I sold them at a yard sale. I remember selling a drawknife, an egg beater drill, some wooden planes, and a number of wooden clamps, and more things that my mind won't let me recall. I am still mad at myself, especially as I buy the very things I sold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 Awesome story! I'm sure there are a few here that share a similar history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mds2 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 Thanks for sharing this story. My grandfather is 91 and I get to occasionally work with him now, And I can completely understand. You get to learn to appreciate things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard in Toronto Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 Thank you Janello. That is a great story. And an even better memory of just being close and feeling loved by someone. A great way to just groove and hang together. Yes! Please! Pics when you get the chance! Howard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mn pete Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 Very nice story, and you don't need a shop-full of tools to enjoy those memories. It is nice to have a couple of things to lay your hands on though. He must have instilled a love of woodworking if you did so much sanding, and still like woodworking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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