Hi all, glad to have found your site. I am a retired nurse from a disabling back surgery. While recovering from the back surgery they discovered I had been suffering from MS for roughly 10-15 years.

I have purged my shop of all imported and newer machines. I now have all machines that are older than myself and built here in the states. The only remaining machine that is not on that list is my Dewalt lunch box screamer. I have a Delta 22-101 planer waiting a full restore before being put to use. I also have an Oliver 20B headstock and tailstock awaiting a wooden bed and drive system. I have 3.5"x11"x8.5' LVL's for the bed and a 3hp 3 phase motor for the power. Need to design the bed support and motor/drive system.

I also have a collection of about 50+ handsaws. I have a Disston from the 1850's and other 19th century saws from several makers. I hope to research and learn saw filing so I can restore the saws I will keep and those I plan to sell to fund new acquisitions. I have my grandfathers saw set and filing vise. It is rather hard to find quality US made saw files.

My shop was built in half of my pole barn garage. It has 24'x24' of open floor space with a 8'x10' office/clean room for my electronics and pen making items. I also have 2 deer on the wall I took on the farm we sold to move to town when I became sick. Both scored between 154 and 160 and are a 10 point and 11 point. I enjoy collecting butterflies as well. I have a nice collection in a case that my father built in the 7th grade(1930's). I have the shop so well insulated I heat it with 1 ceramic 110 volt heater. Even when temps fall to near zero the shop stays at 60 degrees until I turn the lights on and between the lights, machines, and body heat, the shop warms up to 70 degrees fairly quickly. I have a stereo that I stream music from the internet that feeds speakers in all 4 corners of the shop to keep me from talking to myself!

That's more than anyone wanted to read I am sure. Thanks for reading and take care.

 

Greg, We like pictures of "Old Machines" and "Old Hand Tools" here. Please post away! The tab next to LINK (above left) allows uploading photos directly from your PC. There are a few of us "Old Machinery" fans here. All of my Delta machines are as old, or older than I am. Even with music going I still talk to myself.

(Did I type that out loud?)

Larry

 

 

 

 

 

I could read more Greg!!!! What a wonderful setup you have! I admire your quest to turn your shop into Made in the USA, that is really cool. Nice saw collection too! Photos man, I wanna see photos!

 

 

Sounds like a tremendous shop! I envy all that room!!

Greg, welcome to the fold. We all love stories of our shops and how we adapt to our surroundings. Welcome again, friend.