Something to do

[flehto]

With the passing of my wife in Nov., the days are long so I finally restarted the work on a Bucks County LR that  has laid idle for 4 yrs.  The stock is about 80%  shaped and all components are inletted and installed  except that the Mcap, cheek star, toeplate and Pbox aren't made yet. The stock was from a blank.

Started making the front plate of the Mcap for the 2nd time and found that using my new, 3-1/2X  Opti Visor w/ a led light frame is annoying to use because of the 4" focal length.....the 3-1/2X is needed because of the macular degeneration in both eyes. Will be at it again this AM and hopefully can get it done......lucky thing that I don't make a living building MLers as did the original makers and as the many  contemporary, full time makers do today.

Judging from the fact that many original makers became tavern owners, farmers and blacksmiths prematurely,  poor eyesight  possibly was the reason......Fred

[n stephenson]

Fred, Sorry to hear about your wife. Glad to hear , that your back at it! I have always enjoyed your work! I too like the Bucks/ LeHighs. I sometimes find that my best "therapy" sessions are when I`m in my shop with my focus on the task at hand. Keep us posted , I know you will turn out one , that we will all want to see. Thanks Nate

[Mike Brooks]

Sorry to hear of your wife's passing Fred, I must have missed that somehow. I understand the failing eyesight issue, I can still do good work, but I have to struggle to get in the right range to see. It's a real pain in the neck! (literally!) It's good you're going back to work, a man has to have something to do.

[deepcreekdale]

Condolences on your loss Fred. I too like most of us here, live with the optivisors, I am still at 2.75 but starting to eye the ol'# 10's.
Just think how fortunate the early gunmakers in this country were. At least after they lost their eyesight, they had a chance to buy land, farm or open a business. In Europe, they tended to get thrown into the streets when they could no longer work. Just think of the eye strain in those poorly lit shops. Best of luck on your project.

[Eric Krewson]

Sorry to hear about your wife Fred, I know how it is as I lost mine to cancer 4 years ago. Building guns and bows kept me from going nuts. It is good to see you are taking up your tools again, it does help to have something else to concentrate on.

[Spinner]

Very sorry to hear of your loss, Fred.

[smart dog]

Hi Fred,
I did not know your wife died.  I am very sorry. I wish you strength, health, and the best.  The magnification issue is a pain.  There are binocular-type glasses (some doctors use them) that magnify but allow a longer distance for focus. The problem is they also magnify movement.  The other thing to pay attention to is lighting.  You may need brighter lighting than in the past.  Good luck Fred and keep building.

dave

[oldtravler61]

 Fred you have my condolences. I also find time in my shop very healing when I need time....But as smarting says...better lighting helps a great deal...take care..Oldtravler

[BOB HILL]

Most sorry to here of your loss. I can only imagine how hard this must be. I am glad that you are back at your bench. Keep on keeping on.
Bob

[bama]

Fred I am very sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is very hard a spouse is even harder. I pray the Lord will guide you and give you peace.

I am very glad that you decided to return and finish this project. I do build for a living and enjoy it very much but I have always enjoyed seeing your builds. You are a very talented builder and this community of long rifle builders have been fortunate that you are part of our group. Please keep us posted as you progress on this project.

Jim 

[P.W.Berkuta]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Loosing a loved one is very painful and leaves a large void in your heart. Glad to hear you are keeping busy - be strong.

[Dennis Glazener]

Fred,
I did not know your wife died, so sorry to hear that. May God give His peace to you and all that mourn her death.

I hope you can stay busy in your shop and turn out more of those nice longrifles that you have shown us.
Kind regards,
Dennis

[greybeard]

Fred. I guess none of us knew of your loss and I am so sorry. Time heals our grief.
  My thoughts and prayers are for you at this trying time. Show us the progress in what will be a fine rifle gun. May God bless my friend.   Bob

[snapper]

Fred

I am very sorry to hear of your wife's passing.

I am very excited to see the rifle in progress and the finished product.  I really like your builds. 

Fleener

[flehto]

Thanks to all for your concerns ....My wife had Alzheimers for 4-1/2 yrs and except for the last 2 mos at the nursing home , was cared for by me and also periodically by my 5 kids. She was home which I think she appreciated. We were married 60 yrs and 1 month.

The gun work will take some time to get into  again......hopefully the 2 Optivisors will help in getting some rifles built.

Again...thanks......Fred

[SingleMalt]

My sympathies, Fred.  I switched to LED lighting, which helps a lot.

[elkhorne]

Fred,
I did not hear of your wife's passing and send my prayers for strength, comfort and peace that only God can give. The loss of a loved one leaves a deep void in our soul and I can not imagine how it hurts to lose your best friend. I will keep you in my prayers.
Like all of the previous members have said, it is good you have begun building again as it is great therapy in it gets ones focus off life's problems and on the task at hand. I have always loved your style and too am a Bucks County fan! I hope you will share many of your progression building with us and we all can learn more techniques from you.
All our prayers are with you and your family.
elkhorne

[James Rogers]

Fred,
I knew your wife was not well but had not heard of her passing.  Our condolences.  I am glad to see such a talented fellow back at the bench.
James

[Keb]

I'm sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse is a very hard part of life. The best thing you can do is stay busy.

[Robby]

God bless, Fred.
Robby

[jerrywh]

 I'm sorry to hear about your wife Fred. I know it is hard for you. I almost lost mine also. She had four operations within a 6 week period. You are one of my favorite builders. Please keep it up as long as you can. 

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Fred:  pls. accept my condolences...how empty this must make you feel.

But you are blessed with such talent and drive.  These builds require natural and learned skills and perseverance lots of people don't have.  It is wonderful that you are back 'at it'.

[ddoyle]

 I hope busy hands and mind will help make it a little easier to find some respite from the woe. Take care of your self as well as she would have wanted.

Thanks for sharing and be certain that what you have to teach by doing so is appreciated.

   

[Mike New]

Mr Fletho I am very sorry. Please keep building. M. New

[J. Talbert]

My sincere condolences Fred.
Hope you can keep up that great work.

Jeff