Who would of thunk it! - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

greatdane2 · 07-23-2008, 05:44 AM

My mom was over this evening. She about wet herself laughing at what I was doing. I had 30 pieces of maple on my bench that I am shaping into ears for my danedeer project. She was at it because I failed 2 courses in high school. Art and woodworking.
It got me thinking, I started out as a heavy duty mechanic in an open pit mine and then underground.
I was just wandering what different paths some of you guys started off with. Actually I have another job nowas well, providing comfort for the mutts. lol.

Alan.

Gill · 07-23-2008, 06:08 AM

That photo is my idea of heaven. Two large woofers, a flask at the side, remote within reach and loads of reading material. I bet there's a large bar of chocolate too, secreted nearby.

I'm sure I'd find space for a few chihuahuas as well

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And an alsation. Or two

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I presume your next project is going to be a new (reinforced) sofa?

Gill

greatdane2 · 07-23-2008, 07:12 AM

A reinforced sofa? Nope just cover the floor with matresses wall to wall. Actually the next ptoject is a remote controll door opener. The dogs are trained to whack the glass on the sliding door with their front toe nails when they want out. There is times where I just sit down and one wants out. When I am having a bad day getting up and sliding the door is a bit much. It is real hard to ignore a dog that weighs as much as you do. When they work together, its a good thing they are so gentle.
And yes they think they are lap dogs.

Alan.

JohnB · 07-23-2008, 07:47 AM

G'day Alan,
You'd have been right at home in Kal.
Actually if you wanted a job now, I bet you could walk right in and just about name your price.
Diesel Mechanics, and fitters are needed for the open cuts.
Only a few deep mines still operating in the area.

Funny how things change isn't it !!
I started out as a farm boy, Did a cabinet making apprenticeship, and worked in the trade for a number of years. Started my own cabinet shop, then went back to the trade after that went belly-up. Joined the Police Force and after a few years in General Duties went to the Youth Services Division. Got crook and retired after about 20 yrs and am back working with timber, although not much cabinet making.

greatdane2 · 07-23-2008, 08:25 AM

Well John you are one up on me, I have been with cops for 13 years. It is a group of redneck vollinteers that go out with the RCMP. Called Citizens On Patroll.We use our own vehicles and with police radios just patroll the areas that need watching. Its funny becaus we use my truck for servalance, Its a 2004-4dr-1 ton dually with a Hemi and dumped exhaust. The local idiots figger that a truck that noisy is not conected to the police.
Alan.

Gill · 07-23-2008, 11:51 AM

So, Alan, I presume you know all about British Columbia having an 'alternative economy'?

BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Canada's spreading cannabis crop

I recorded this programme last night and saved it to my MP3 player, but I haven't listened to it yet. They reckon that illicit activities account for about 20% of the world's economy!

Gill

mdvt · 07-23-2008, 12:21 PM

Alan,
I didn't flunk wood shop, but I wasn't interested either. I did just enough to get by, and that wasn't much. As far as art? One art class some 35 years ago in grade school. I have absolutely no artistic ability! That too is the reason why my family chuckled when I started scrolling and made them some nice stuff. "YOU made this???"

CanadianScroller · 07-23-2008, 01:11 PM

Gill I would be happy to discuss the economy of BC sometime

I wonder how many of us followed a planned path for our livelyhood.
Not this guy thats for sure.
Construction labourer, short order cook, printer in a printshop, production in a newspaper, gardener, janitor, iceman, meter reader.
I didnt do well in woodworking class, just average.
I went back to school a second time after a year break. Didnt do well in graphics art class.... I was young and my teacher didn't like me correcting him LOL.
I didnt get my grade 12 till I was 32....slow learner and as I have been told before....that is the reason I have a government job

Thats ok 5 more years till retirement.
Not sure what I want to do when I grow up.

sawdustus · 07-23-2008, 01:27 PM

Took wood shop in junior high school and high school, both required courses and was only average. College degree in geology, worked as a geologist for a while, then graduate school became too expensive and became a science teacher for 34 years. Part time jobs at the beginning to make ends meet for the three kids, included summer custodial work for the school district for 10 years, deli department in a supermarket for 5 years, landscapers assistant, repairing the schools AV equipment for 15 years. That's enough. Woodworking became a hobby in later life and scrolling just before I retired in 1999.

George

FRETDUST · 07-23-2008, 02:09 PM

man George that would make you 102 years old. Just kidding. I started out as a pot and pan cleaner at our local university. Went from there to custodial work for 4 years and now at the power house on campus as a boiler operator. Been at the university for 30 years now. We are burning woodchips in our boiler to produce steam for campus. About 150 tons a day.

Steve in Mi.