OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

15435 John Hofstad-Parkhill <jhparkhill@s...> 1997‑03‑20 BIO: John Hofstad-Parkhill
I'm not sure if this is going to make it to the right place, regardless.

Bill paying: Currently doing internal software development for consulting
firm, specifically for refurbishment (re-engineering) and the year 2000.
Mostly very very big clients. Don't visit clients (unless there's a really
big problem). Software is "value added" part of package. Business is
running at good clip. Been working in industry since about 1973, career has
spanned usual mainframe ladder from Technical Support, S&P, to Director,
MIS. Started in U.S. Navy developed several programs for use on Burroughs
equipment. Retail companies after that, both bankrupt, hence current
position.

Family: One wife, one son, one daughter, one very large black lab, one very
stupid orange tabby, one very unfriendly mud turtle, all share same abode.
Princess is 6 now, son is 10, wife is **, I am 42. To say that current wife
is a vast improvement over original hardly scratches the surface. Remain
out of contact with oldest son, now 19yrs. Reside in St. Louis Park, MN
(Minneapolis metro).

Fun having: Started with Sears 10" band saw to make a replica of F14/F15
(kinda both) for son. Plane cost me about $400 all told, still a
significant savings over what government paid, albeit w/o payload.

Migrated to Sears 8" table saw. Installed in approximate center of particle
board laminated bench, sporting a full 4'x8' surface.

Moved to sale unit of the do-everything, super-machine, the Sears 10"
radial arm.
Attempted x-mas gift of tambour top desk. Appreciated terror invoked from
tapering legs on RAS. Took 4 years to complete, sans tambour top. I can
still vividly remember every single flaw in "original" project. Sits in
basement, never delivered, attempting to atone. Bright spot - hand cut
finger joints that still look great, using (what else) sears chisels, down
side (of many) drawer sides were full 3/4" (sigh).

... jumping ahead (*flash*)...

Now have Powermatic 66, associated other dimensioning pieces, jointer,
planer, etc. During windfall of great uncle demise, obtained set of Sorby
chisels, discovered L-N #02... seed planted.

Flush with confidence, jumped out and purchased shiny new Stanley (U.K.)
and Record offerings #04, #05, #07, 60 1/2. Laid hands on every reference
on de-mystifying same. Discovered that I am completely inept when it comes
to smithy.
Ruined 60 1/2 by grinding a nice taper in sole. Purchased replacement,
failed. Neighbor "knew somebody", for trade had #04 and 60 12" machined
flat. Neither still performed that well.

Sore from experience, debated future. Found working model #07 and 70 1/2 at
estate sale (furniture making shop), both were "working" as opposed to
rusted hulks. Both fraction of cost of new, at least the #07 vastly
superior. Heck of a time honing tiny iron on router, but managed anyway, am
endeared to it. Landed Ohio Tool hybrid jack, unbelievable iron, *somebody*
painted it red. Re-soled, shimmed frog, is now producing most excellent
results.

Unlike everybody else in the entire world, I am completely unable to locate
flea markets and their ilk that supply any planes at all, much less those
worth purchasing. Famous lines like "Norris for $..." frustrate me to no
end. Remind me of Martha Stewart. One small group passed through a couple
of summers ago for a weekend, a few bedrocks, many #04..#05, a gazillion
beat up chisels, lots of complete wrench sets for $5, lots of needle nose
pliers, etc. Have not seen or heard from them since.

Have since built up collection of L-N, nearly complete. Don't have the #05
(how many jacks does one need?), nor the low-angle block, nor the edge
trimming, and the limited shooting plane. Everything else sits above the
bench ready to use.

Esteemed Mr. Leach has provided complete #45, I've added some cutters from
Mr. Poffenberger as well.

Every one is a "user", intend to stay that way. Have no intention in near
or far future of hand-ripping lumber, or hand-dimensioning either.
Nonetheless find great glee in pulling out the L-N low angle jack to remove
edge banding in a few, short, sweet, well-controlled strokes, sans ripples.
Or to take out Clifton to make the tongue fit "just so", or to take out the
router and make the groove even through-and-through. Collection of irons
and chisels has moved me to the Tormek, which suits me fine. On some edges
I'll still get out the stones to polish it just so.

>From my great-grandfather - carpenter/inventor, father jack of all, master
of many, to me. Everything takes longer than I hope, due to excessive
expectation levels comes out worse than I want, still provides most
necessary "quiet time".

Over two years invested in my brothers box (mostly a machinists chest, but
a lot more fancy). But have been able to create several other things with
great speed and accuracy. Imperfect but well built.

Currently working on final plans for new workbench. I think I've got the
tail vise figured out, plan to make model before comitting more costly
lumber. Settling on round dogs. The latter due primarily to lumber
availability. Very difficult to find 8/4 or 12/4 of anything besides
butternut around here. Slim pickings are clear and costly, nearly $6/bf for
8/4 maple. Have larger record ready to install, hope to begin construction
this weekend. Unless date with tax man fares poorly, in which case I may
take up drinking again.



Recent Bios FAQ