It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside one's
tools.
One day, some time ago, a patient of mine saw something in my office which
led to a discussion about woodworking. I'm afraid (looking back with 20/20
hindsight) perhaps it was less discussion than discourse about my hobby.
A while later a board was left at the front desk, 4/4X3.5"x18". it was
rosewood, quarter sawn.
Several days ago, he was in again, and said he'd been the one that left it.
After thanking him he asked if I'd like some of his old tools, explaining he'd
been a string instrument maker and repairman.
I said I was always interested in tools, even just talking about them.
He said he'd given most of his tools to someone that "said he was a violin
repairman" but Mr. Kurt Glaesel had an expression on his etched face that
made me feel as though he didn't really think so.
He asked too if I would like some little pieces of ebony. only a fool would
have said no.
He handed me a box with a variety of many beautifully made tuning pegs for a
number of stringed instruments. Most were ebony, some have little ivory
beads imbedded in the ends and a few were a lighter (cherry?) wood.
There were a few small pieces of ebony, none square or true. Each had the
stirrings of some piece of a musical instrument within them, none would
yield much wood. yet all spoke of a Master Craftsman's touch. They were
parts in progress, you see.
He asked if I'd like some finger planes, and apologetically commented that
they had need of a little care, since they'd been stored for such a time. I
replied I probably would not make the same uses of them as he had done, but
"certainly I'd love to have them, thank you."
Today I was told (after he had gone) Mr. Glaesel had dropped by and had left
"some toys for you".
There were a number of tools that would probably fall into the "Can you
identify" threads, two smaller unusual micrometers that are cylindrically
shaped and finger planes of several sizes with one or two having a convex
sole.
Some were bronze, others cut from small blocks of ebony and one I think of
steel.
All the irons (a heavy name for such little blades) had a radius.
Along with the tools was a "repair manual" for stringed instruments, I don't
know if Mr. Glaesel wrote it, but at the bottom of the book it said in a
nice big font. "Glaesel" and below his name and Coat of Arms was "String
Instrument Division" The Selmer Company of Elkhart Indiana.
It turns out his family have a two hundred and fifty year tradition of
violin making. He studied, among other places in Mittenwald violin makers'
school.
I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
lunch.
I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
interesting indeed.
Tom
Doug Miller wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
> > It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside one's
> > tools.
> [snip]
> > I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
> > lunch.
> >
> > I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
> > interesting indeed.
>
> Thanks for posting. And please follow up, after you've had lunch with the
> guy.
and if you can spare the time, how about some pictures and stories of
the tools....
In article <[email protected]>, Thomas Bunetta
<[email protected]> wrote:
> I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
> lunch.
>
> I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
> interesting indeed.
I look forward to hearing about that lunch.
Wow. You are blessed.
--
~ Stay Calm... Be Brave... Wait for the Signs ~
------------------------------------------------------
One site: <http://www.balderstone.ca>
The other site, with ww links<http://www.woodenwabbits.com>
Another great story, told well. Thanks.
There are similar stories of an old watch maker,
boat builder, still life painter, the list of
skills (and gifts) goes on and on, but the
commonality is the same - special tools, special
hard earned techniques, the eye and hand of
a master - and, most important - the absolute
love of the doing - just so.
My oldest's step-grandfather was such a man.
With little formal education but with an endless
sense of curiosity and wonder, he became a
master at anything he set his mind to, be it
boat building, home building or anything with
moving parts. The last home he and his wife
built for themselves - from bare dirt up, was
a joy to see and explore. He even carved a
sea gull head on the ends of the ridge beam.
He died about four years back, but his step
grandson is building his mother's new home
with the old man's tools AND his values -
everything done just so. I stop by the site
every few days and we talk about the recent
work, the daily "challenges" to solve and
the next major phase of the construction.
The voice is Tyler's but the approach to
the work is The Old Man's. And I wonder
if, just before he falls asleep at night,
Tyler and Ed go over things that'll get
worked on the next day.
Alas, there are fewer and fewer life's work
that require both brains AND eye/hand/soul.
In The Information Age, one has to wonder
what's going to be passed down to future
generations - the HP Way or the MicroSoft
Way?
Again, thanks for another Keeper.
charlie b
BTW - instrument makers have some
slick tools that hollow vessel turners
could use. One measures thickness with
a magnet inside the instrument and a
special spring gauge on the outside.
charlie b wrote:
>
...
> Alas, there are fewer and fewer life's work
> that require both brains AND eye/hand/soul.
> In The Information Age, one has to wonder
> what's going to be passed down to future
> generations - the HP Way or the MicroSoft
> Way?
Unfortunately, the HP way went the way of Agilent... :(
> Again, thanks for another Keeper.
I concur...
"Thomas Bunetta" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside
> one's tools.
<snippage>
Thank you all for the kind words, but I stand in the shadow of the likes of
Tom Watson, Lew and others...
You have all provided similar lines of thought, and the one I liked best was
a suggestion to "turn him on to the Wreck"...
I have sent off a thank you card, and a copy of the original post and an
invite to do lunch one Saturday (less time related pressures).
Perhaps (and it will be awhile, leaving to take a tour through Tennessee in
two days) when we do I'll bring him to one of my 'puters and show him around
<G>.
Tom
Maker of Fine Sawdust and Thin Shavings
On Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:52:38 -0400, "Thomas Bunetta"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside one's
>tools.
>
>
>
>One day, some time ago, a patient of mine saw something in my office which
>led to a discussion about woodworking. I'm afraid (looking back with 20/20
>hindsight) perhaps it was less discussion than discourse about my hobby.
>
>A while later a board was left at the front desk, 4/4X3.5"x18". it was
>rosewood, quarter sawn.
>
>
>
>Several days ago, he was in again, and said he'd been the one that left it.
>After thanking him he asked if I'd like some of his old tools, explaining he'd
>been a string instrument maker and repairman.
>
>
>
>I said I was always interested in tools, even just talking about them.
>
>He said he'd given most of his tools to someone that "said he was a violin
>repairman" but Mr. Kurt Glaesel had an expression on his etched face that
>made me feel as though he didn't really think so.
>
>
>
>He asked too if I would like some little pieces of ebony. only a fool would
>have said no.
>
>He handed me a box with a variety of many beautifully made tuning pegs for a
>number of stringed instruments. Most were ebony, some have little ivory
>beads imbedded in the ends and a few were a lighter (cherry?) wood.
>
>There were a few small pieces of ebony, none square or true. Each had the
>stirrings of some piece of a musical instrument within them, none would
>yield much wood. yet all spoke of a Master Craftsman's touch. They were
>parts in progress, you see.
>
>
>
>He asked if I'd like some finger planes, and apologetically commented that
>they had need of a little care, since they'd been stored for such a time. I
>replied I probably would not make the same uses of them as he had done, but
>"certainly I'd love to have them, thank you."
>
>
>
>Today I was told (after he had gone) Mr. Glaesel had dropped by and had left
>"some toys for you".
>
>
>
>There were a number of tools that would probably fall into the "Can you
>identify" threads, two smaller unusual micrometers that are cylindrically
>shaped and finger planes of several sizes with one or two having a convex
>sole.
>
> Some were bronze, others cut from small blocks of ebony and one I think of
>steel.
>
>All the irons (a heavy name for such little blades) had a radius.
>
>
>
> Along with the tools was a "repair manual" for stringed instruments, I don't
>know if Mr. Glaesel wrote it, but at the bottom of the book it said in a
>nice big font. "Glaesel" and below his name and Coat of Arms was "String
>Instrument Division" The Selmer Company of Elkhart Indiana.
>
>
>
>It turns out his family have a two hundred and fifty year tradition of
>violin making. He studied, among other places in Mittenwald violin makers'
>school.
>
>
>
>I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
>lunch.
>
>I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
>interesting indeed.
>
>
>
>
>
>Tom
>
>
>
>
>
Damned fine post, Thomas.
And a reminder of what is still worthwhile about reading the Wreck.
Thank You.
Tom Watson - WoodDorker
tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (email)
http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/ (website)
Thomas Bunetta wrote:
> It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside one's
> tools.
>
>
>
> One day, some time ago, a patient of mine saw something in my office which
> led to a discussion about woodworking. I'm afraid (looking back with 20/20
> hindsight) perhaps it was less discussion than discourse about my hobby.
>
> A while later a board was left at the front desk, 4/4X3.5"x18". it was
> rosewood, quarter sawn.
>
>
>
> Several days ago, he was in again, and said he'd been the one that left it.
> After thanking him he asked if I'd like some of his old tools, explaining he'd
> been a string instrument maker and repairman.
>
>
>
> I said I was always interested in tools, even just talking about them.
>
> He said he'd given most of his tools to someone that "said he was a violin
> repairman" but Mr. Kurt Glaesel had an expression on his etched face that
> made me feel as though he didn't really think so.
>
>
>
> He asked too if I would like some little pieces of ebony. only a fool would
> have said no.
>
> He handed me a box with a variety of many beautifully made tuning pegs for a
> number of stringed instruments. Most were ebony, some have little ivory
> beads imbedded in the ends and a few were a lighter (cherry?) wood.
>
> There were a few small pieces of ebony, none square or true. Each had the
> stirrings of some piece of a musical instrument within them, none would
> yield much wood. yet all spoke of a Master Craftsman's touch. They were
> parts in progress, you see.
>
>
>
> He asked if I'd like some finger planes, and apologetically commented that
> they had need of a little care, since they'd been stored for such a time. I
> replied I probably would not make the same uses of them as he had done, but
> "certainly I'd love to have them, thank you."
>
>
>
> Today I was told (after he had gone) Mr. Glaesel had dropped by and had left
> "some toys for you".
>
>
>
> There were a number of tools that would probably fall into the "Can you
> identify" threads, two smaller unusual micrometers that are cylindrically
> shaped and finger planes of several sizes with one or two having a convex
> sole.
>
> Some were bronze, others cut from small blocks of ebony and one I think of
> steel.
>
> All the irons (a heavy name for such little blades) had a radius.
>
>
>
> Along with the tools was a "repair manual" for stringed instruments, I don't
> know if Mr. Glaesel wrote it, but at the bottom of the book it said in a
> nice big font. "Glaesel" and below his name and Coat of Arms was "String
> Instrument Division" The Selmer Company of Elkhart Indiana.
>
>
>
> It turns out his family have a two hundred and fifty year tradition of
> violin making. He studied, among other places in Mittenwald violin makers'
> school.
>
>
>
> I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
> lunch.
>
> I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
> interesting indeed.
>
>
>
>
>
> Tom
>
>
>
>
>
>
What a great yarn Tom.
I reckon a coffee and a chat with this gentleman would be very
rewarding, for both.
John
"Thomas Bunetta" wrote in message
> I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
> lunch.
>
> I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
> interesting indeed.
Grab a hold of that idea like a terrier with a bone and don't fail to do it.
... and thanks for the lift at the end of a long day.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 7/23/05
"Thomas Bunetta" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
<snip>
> It turns out his family have a two hundred and fifty year tradition of
> violin making. He studied, among other places in Mittenwald violin
> makers' school.
>
>
>
> I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
> lunch.
>
> I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
> interesting indeed.
>
I believe, Tom, that I would, as you will, value the visit far more than
the tools.
Thank you for posting this. It is a reminder that I need to call an old
friend.
Patriarch
Please be kind enough to tell the gentleman thank you from all the rest of
the woodworkers who have never had the pleasure of meeting this fine example
of a human being. To share his love of fine things even at second hand thru
your tale it makes my day. Thanks for giving the rest of us a chance to
share. Larry
"Thomas Bunetta" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside
> one's tools.
<snip>
"Thomas Bunetta" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
>
>
> It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set
> aside one's tools.
>
>
<reluctant snippage>
>
> Tom
>
<Clap! Clap! Clap!>
Gracias, Merci' and Thank you!
"Thomas Bunetta" <[email protected]> writes:
> I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
> interesting indeed.
Share some of the stories you hear when you come back, Okay?
Thanks.
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
> It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside one's
> tools.
[snip]
> I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
> lunch.
>
> I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
> interesting indeed.
Thanks for posting. And please follow up, after you've had lunch with the
guy.
On Tue, 26 Jul 2005 10:27:48 -0700, Tim Douglass
<[email protected]> wrote:
>On Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:52:38 -0400, "Thomas Bunetta"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside one's
>>tools.
>
>[snip]
>
>>I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
>>lunch.
>>
>>I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
>>interesting indeed.
>
>Take advantage of that, Tom. All too many of the old and interesting
>tools in my collection have come to me after the hands that first knew
>them have been forever stilled. I would treasure an hour talking
>woodworking with just one of those men.
Agreed- I ran across an old fella in one of those voc. ed. woodworking
"classes" (kinda seemed more like a cheap way to rent shop time and
socialize, but I did learn a few things) who taught me how to use an
old hand plane that was in the basement of a 130 year old house. I
had cleaned it up and tried it out, but I couldn't get that sucker to
cut anything. This guy had me making wispy thin little curls in a
matter of minutes- it was impressive. Now, I like to think I'm a fast
learner, but there is no way I have the patience, demeanor or
knowledge of human nature needed to teach anyone *anything* that
quickly. Another person to put in my "remember and strive to emulate"
file... seems like that one is full of nothing but older woodworkers
and craftsmen. It's always worth seeking folks like that out.
"Thomas Bunetta" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> Several days ago, he was in again, and said he'd been the one that left
> it. After thanking him he asked if I'd like some of his old tools,
> explaining he'd been a string instrument maker and repairman.
>
>
> Today I was told (after he had gone) Mr. Glaesel had dropped by and had
> left "some toys for you".
>
> I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
> lunch.
>
> I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
> interesting indeed.
Wow, sure puts a lump in the throat. He may think he is giving you tools,
but he is giving so much more. Thanks for sharing this story and I hope you
have a nice long lunch and bring back more stories. . Perhaps you can put
together some tales and the tools as some sort of scrapbook or article that
will inspire others.
On Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:52:38 -0400, the opaque "Thomas Bunetta"
<[email protected]> clearly wrote:
>It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside one's
>tools.
--megasnippage--
>I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
>lunch.
>
>I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
>interesting indeed.
PLEASE post that little chat, too, Tom. Love to hear it!
P.S: Congrats on the tool gloat. You officially Suck!
------------------------------
Gator: The other white meat!
------------------------------
http://www.diversify.com Comprehensive Website Development
On Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:52:38 -0400, Thomas Bunetta wrote:
> It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside
> one's tools.
<delicately snipped>
> It turns out his family have a two hundred and fifty year tradition of
> violin making. He studied, among other places in Mittenwald violin makers'
> school.
Whew. A melancholy tale made all the more heart-rending when you consider
that you are likely getting this unexpected inheritance because he has
no one left in his family to pass it to. It must be quite a burden on
him to know that he is the last of his line.
Perhaps some effort should be made to get some of these tools into the
hands of a gifted instrument maker? Or, even better, a talented,
dedicated student of same? But, then, that's easy for me to say, I won't
be the one to burn the shoe leather on such an endeavor.
Enjoy your good fortune!
--
-Joe Wells
On Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:52:38 -0400, "Thomas Bunetta"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>It is a sad day when, if we live long enough it comes time to set aside one's
>tools.
[snip]
>I think I'm gonna gather a few of the stranger tools and invite him to
>lunch.
>
>I bet there are some things he might share of his life that would be
>interesting indeed.
Take advantage of that, Tom. All too many of the old and interesting
tools in my collection have come to me after the hands that first knew
them have been forever stilled. I would treasure an hour talking
woodworking with just one of those men.
--
"We need to make a sacrifice to the gods, find me a young virgin... oh, and bring something to kill"
Tim Douglass
http://www.DouglassClan.com
"larry's lair" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> To share his love of fine things even at second hand thru
> your tale it makes my day. Thanks for giving the rest of us a chance to
> share.
Hell, if he's willing, introduce him to the internet and this newsgroup and
so we can hear him first hand.