Tools & Marriage
Robert L.
>I just had to share this with other woodworkers.
I am getting married in 5 hours to the most wonderful woman. She is so full of understanding of my addiction to tools and wood. In fact, she is so knowledgeable of my disease that she even understands what makes a good tool and what potentially contributes to a lesser quality tool. This knowledge unfortunately also extends to quality of joinery, finish, etc. - arghh. I just cannot slip something past her. You can relate, when you build something, you know every little thing that is not just perfect - well so does she. I figure she can share these things with the grandkids one day when the drool is dripping onto my shirt. She is great, I love her.
What I wanted to share is something I have learned about my life only a few years ago. Since I love my tools and wood so much, most things somehow evolve into something related to tools - what a coincidence. Birthdays and holidays go something like this, honey, anything you need/want in the shop to make it better, more efficient, or better suited to your ever evolving skills or lack there of. Or maybe a tool that will actually inspire you to get back in the shop to finish a project. Then the wedding comes and no talk of tools.
Well, wouldn't you know it. This woman is just pure gold. I am giving my groomsmen their gifts and out comes a box about the size of a 4 and 1/2. I am thinking at that very moment, I am marrying up. Upon opening the box, it is not just a 4 1/2 it is a Lie Nielsen 4 1/2. Now I am thinking, I am really marrying up.
I just added my new LN to my already excessive collection of planes, all others are vintage woodies and early iron. I never thought I would ever own one of these, not due to cost, just because a well tuned vintage plane has always made the hair on the back of neck stand up. Now I will get to see how the other side works.
6:00 tonight I will be looking for some whispy shavings!