Ellis Walentine
No, not this past weekend, but sometime in the future. You're not alone, Dennis, in giving this topic some serious thought. After all, we're all mortals here, and one big question that has worried me for a long time concerns "retiring" from woodworking. LOML and I are into our 60s now, and the old knees and back and shoulders and various other assorted body parts aren't what they used to be. Nor can I schlep plywood around single-handed anymore, or move a tablesaw by myself. Its not going to be any easier in my 70s or 80s, should I be so fortunate as to live that long.

I guess the topic is really how to come up with an exit strategy that fits you and your lifestyle, and not least, your woodworking passion. Even if/when we downsize to a more manageable house somewhere, I can't imagine not having at least some complement of woodworking tools, machines, shop accessories, benches, etc. -- not to mention a lathe or two. -- to keep me occupied and give me an outlet for my creative instincts. Yet, I don't want to have so much stuff that my kids are going to have to auction it off at 10 cents on the dollar. So, I'm trying to put together an exit strategy to avoid those pitfalls. As the decades fly by, I'm also actually *more* fired up about making stuff, as I have enough wonderful wood and knowhow to do my best work ever, and a dwindling amount of time to do it in.

Your question was/is very provocative, Dennis. I'm sure you're not alone.

Cheers,
Ellis Walentine