WoodChuckPO

I'm a recently retired research scientist (retired July 1st, 2012). I worked for 26 years at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research. My work was mostly looking at spine mechanisms associated with vertebral motion problems.

I've always enjoyed building small devices (a necessity for a basic science researcher), but I've had very little experience with woodworking. On the other hand, I got LOTS of experience fixing things as a landlord for 15 years! Being a "fix it yourself" type of landlord provided many opportunities to learn about a wide range of tools and materials.

When I retired, my WONDERFUL wife turned over our entire 3-car garage to me for my woodshop. So, I have been equiping it for the past 2 months. I had plenty of hand tools, a table saw, and a drill press, but no serious woodworking machines (router table, thickness planer, jointer, etc.). I now have the aforementioned machines and have been having a VERY good time learning how to use them by making an assortment of woodshop necessities (workbench, crosscut sled, miter sled, wood-storage cart, and an assortment of jigs) as well as a few things my wife actually enjoyed (routed bowls, domino racks, gift boxes, above the stove rack, and a candle holder centerpiece).

I faithfully watch three woodworking TV shows that are available in my area: The Woodsmith Shop, Rough Cut, and The Woodright's Shop. These have provided great practical instruction and inspiration.

When I decided to take up this "hobby," I looked around my area (Daytona Beach and Port Orange) for some adult woodworking classes. To my amazement, there were none to be had! They don't even offer shop classes in the public schools here! Next, I discovered how difficult it was to find hardwoods and woodworking tools in this area.

I've gotten past these hurdles. Now, I'm looking to find other interested woodworkers to share the fun. There must be experienced woodworkers in the Daytona Beach/Port Orange, Florida area. I found a few Florida woodworking clubs, but they are too far away. So, I'm going to start one here. Are there any interested woodworkers on the LumberJocks site that live in or near Daytona Beach (or Port Orange) Florida?

I hope to hear from interested woodworkers,

Chuck
woodchuck.po@gmail.com

-- Chuck, Port Orange, Florida