New member from Tassie

[Chris Lacey]

I only recently heard about this forum and after checking it out thought it would be a good thing to join up.

I recently officially became an "old fart" (65). Up until a few years ago my involvement with wood and woodwork was in renovating old homes and the like - all heavy work that did not require any real feel or finesse. Over the last years I slowly became less able to do any work that involved much effort; so no more framing and knocking out walls etc. I decided to take up intarsia using some of our beautiful Tassie timbers to create some nice pieces. By about two years ago I got to a point where I could only do about five minutes sitting at the scrolll saw before needing a long rest. Just over a year ago I found out that I had Parkinson's Disease and then understood why I was having so much trouble. I don't have a tremor and that is what made diagnosis extremely difficult. The medication that is prescribed for the disease now means that I can spend several hours a day on my woodwork. I am back enjoying the scroll saw work to make chess sets. By using a jig to hold the pieces of timber I am able to handle the chess set work wheras I can no longer deal with the small pieces of wood often needed in the intarsia work. I am losing fine motor skill especially in my fingers that makes the small things nearly impossible to handle.

By the way, don't feel sorry for me - I wouldn't be dead for quids, and probably would never have taken up this rewarding woodwork if it had not been for the disease.

Having access to the best of our rare Tassie timbers like Birdseye Huon Pine and Burl and Tiger Myrtle makes this work a real privilege especially while living with Parkinson's. Is there anyone else out there involved in compound cutting of chess pieces? If so I would love to hear from you.

I will put a few pics in the Woodwork Pics Forum.

Cheers
Chris

[wheelinround]

Hi Chris welcome to the forum.

I have already spotted your chess set and wow.

Sorry to hear you have Parkinsons not a good thing but these days I believe better than in the even 1970's. Good to see your doing something worth while and your enjoying it.

Yes I already know one Tassie gent who every winter season buys his stash of Tassie blackwood to keep him warm sadly he has had to sell off all his woodworking gear and isn't doing to well right now.

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "Chris".
There are quite a few members around Tassie..
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork.
Cheers crowie

PS - You aren't officially old until you've hit 80 years young...... so keep enjoying the shed.

[tdrumnut]

Welcome aboard Chris, may your journey be a pleasant one and yes we love piccys.

[John T]

Welcome to the best woodworkers forum,i only live 30minutes from you in deloraine

[Allan at Wallan]

A very warm welcome to you Chris and glad to see you can
spend some time creating some wood-turned items. Love to
see pics on the Forum so please do so when you get time.

Allan

[Chris Lacey]

I have got to say that I was not expecting such a quick response; it confirms my thinking that this forum would be a good thing to be part of.
Cheers
Chris

[Treecycle]

Welcome Chris, and as you have picked up, the forum is a great place to visit whether it be for advice or inspiration. It's great to see you making the most of what you are able to do. One door closes and another one opens.
You are very fortunate to have easy access to those beautiful Tassie timbers, and from what I have seen so far, really do them justice.
Keep those photos coming to inspire us, and make us drool.

[JJF]

welcome to the forum

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum.

[Evanism]

This is a fantastic forum, it's good to have you on board