condeesteso
Established Member
I found UKW by accident only 9 months ago. In that short time I have come to know people personally who share my interests, encourage me, and who keep giving me stuff. And I always repay the debt.
Another big one today - a large sheet of Corian for the next router table; a Sorby DT saw (going back on my insistence once tuned), a lump of elm and some nice maple. I've had more stuff from Jim than I can count and more fun too. I've had one-to-one turning tuition from another local member, I had a screw for a rebate plane in the post (small but vital), a side handle for a Millers Falls in the post, a new blade for a frame saw, in the post... (And I do try and pay back, sometimes I pay forward... like in the film.)
I spent many years indeed working in isolation, reading mags, books, online articles etc. But there is nothing quite like sharing knowledge and enthusiasm first-hand. And let's face it, our interests are not widely shared. Our specific interests are often quite focussed so sharing is more rewarding.
I now feel part of a local network of fellow-enthusiasts, and we meet regularly but very informally. And I also have a second-level network of members I keep in touch with... a cello maker, a saw-doctor / blacksmith... usual kind of thing :lol: These contacts are every bit as valuable and rewarding. There are some amazing people out there - Jack in Canada with his Wadkins (plural, collection of), for example.
So my point is that UKW is more than an online community and you can get far more from it than online chat. It's been a revelation to me after years of lonely focus and determination in my specialist area of interest. And I am also discovering more and more makers of very fine tools, which is my own passion.
So if you feel a bit new here, you won't for long.
Another big one today - a large sheet of Corian for the next router table; a Sorby DT saw (going back on my insistence once tuned), a lump of elm and some nice maple. I've had more stuff from Jim than I can count and more fun too. I've had one-to-one turning tuition from another local member, I had a screw for a rebate plane in the post (small but vital), a side handle for a Millers Falls in the post, a new blade for a frame saw, in the post... (And I do try and pay back, sometimes I pay forward... like in the film.)
I spent many years indeed working in isolation, reading mags, books, online articles etc. But there is nothing quite like sharing knowledge and enthusiasm first-hand. And let's face it, our interests are not widely shared. Our specific interests are often quite focussed so sharing is more rewarding.
I now feel part of a local network of fellow-enthusiasts, and we meet regularly but very informally. And I also have a second-level network of members I keep in touch with... a cello maker, a saw-doctor / blacksmith... usual kind of thing :lol: These contacts are every bit as valuable and rewarding. There are some amazing people out there - Jack in Canada with his Wadkins (plural, collection of), for example.
So my point is that UKW is more than an online community and you can get far more from it than online chat. It's been a revelation to me after years of lonely focus and determination in my specialist area of interest. And I am also discovering more and more makers of very fine tools, which is my own passion.
So if you feel a bit new here, you won't for long.
