Hello ALR,
About 9 years ago, I stumbled onto this website and was totally fascinated. Building a "kentucky rifle" had been an idea that had formed in my head when I was still a young man. I read and reread all the threads on the site until I determined to take the plunge. I bought tools and books, DVDs, parts and wood.
My first build was a Dickert precarve from TOTW with a straight GM barrel. It turned out OK, but it left me wanting more. I bought a blank and a swamped barrel and with a rip saw, I began another. The result was a shooter, but anyone with a good eye would get a real laugh if they saw it, but I learned from it. I made two more, each one better, but no prize winners. Eventually, I laid down my tools. Work took up too much time and off time meant grass cutting and chores. You all know how it is.
As fate would have it, I found myself forced into early retirement last January. My company decided to close the doors. I retired with full benefits two years ahead of schedule. Needless to say, I have been at a loss as to how to proceed with the next chapter of my life. Leasure can be a terrible thing.
I have decided to take up the rasp and chisel again. With 95% of the distractions and agravations that previously caused me to rush a build, I hope to have better success in my future efforts.
I took the first step of commitment to a new project today. I decided that the rip saw had to go. I bought a Grizzly G0555LX 1 HP band saw. I figured the rip saw could only get more taxing with time, so I elimated that hardship of building. I welcome any advice anyone would care to share about incorporating a band saw into a shop.
I don't know what I will attempt to build. I am partial to Reading/Burks and Lancasters. Whatever I build, I will be planning it thoughtfully and carefully. I look forward to getting back into it.
