Dear Galoots,

A short autobiography of Bill Petaishiski

I'm currently 29 years old, and I work at home
taking care of our almost two year old daughter.
My wife is bringing home the bacon as a psychiatric
resident, with two and a half years to go before
being a full-fledged Psychiatrist.

We live in Fresno, CA, and have been here the past
year and a half.  Before that, we lived in Richmond, VA
where she was attending Medical College of Virginia,
and I was studying classical guitar at Virginia Commonwealth
university.  I was quite good;  I won first prize in the Solo Guitar
and Chamber Music competitions held by the Virginia Music
Teachers' Assoc.

Before that, we lived in Davis, CA where she earned
a B.S. in genetics, and I a B.A. in psychology at the
University of California at Davis.  California
is great, but my area is not good for flea markets.

Back to the present.  It's frustrating being so close
to my tools and wood during the day, yet unable to use
them.  So far, I've made a "first" bench (2x4s and 4x4s,
with a plywood top), have started a second bench, this
time I have some 8/4 maple to resaw and glue up, with
some beech for the stretchers.  I'm finishing up a box for
my wife's Tarot card deck collection.  I'm very proud of it.
The top and bottom are lined with maroon velvet, the corners
are dovetailed, and the top and bottom sit in stopped and
through dados.  I'm just waiting for some Vavona burl veneer
from B&B Rare Woods to top it all off.  BTW, sides are birch.

I have a couple of tools that actually make me feel like a woodworker
when I use them.  My Japanese 3/8" chisel, my #93, and my Japanese
back saw.  I can't rip worth a sh*t, and that's one reason I'm
re-subscribing
and submitting a bio.  Cos I need help! ;-)  I've found that like any
other skill or talent, woodworking takes patience, practice, and passion,
in order to excel.

I'm very happy to have discovered old, hand tools.  Just the other night
I was noting how calm and satisfying it felt to drill holes for the mortises
with my cheap Dunlap brace, and my hand sharpened auger.

Sincerely,
Bill

Welcome to the porch, Bill!

I'm a UC Davis alum myself, though not in California anymore--since my wife
is faculty at UW Madison, I'm here with her. I'm hoping to do the
house-husband thing myself once we have a GIT or two.

I'm also a guitar player, but nowhere near of your caliber, just an
occasional player. Something on the project list, though, is a stand for my
guitar (or maybe I"ll make it for the mandolin) like some of the padded box
stands I've seen in the guitar magazines.

Again, welcome!

Kelly Cox
Madison, WI