Older woodworkers

rock · Post by **rock** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 8:36 am

For those of us octogenerians everything is heavier and lighter tools are
Welcome. Just purchased the new Festool drill. Lighter with smoother controls and great and features. It retires my craftsman right angle and Dewalt drills. In January a fall on ice caused a fracture of my wrist and held up the Oak rolltop desk I'm building for my wife. Resumed work in Febuary
with limited ability but I'm managing with the help of all my Shopsmith tools
That are a boon to 82 year old folks. I must admit this desk would be easier
in Pine but Oak it is.

Rock

garys · Post by **garys** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 9:00 am

Hang in there. I got my Shopsmith from my Dad 25 years ago when he decided he wasn't using it as much anymore as I might. I plan to keep it cutting wood until I can't do it anymore. There aren't many things more rewarding than turning a nice piece of wood into a beautiful piece of furniture.
Post up pictures of the desk when you finish it. We would enjoy seeing it.

berry · Post by **berry** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 10:54 am

I think woodworking keeps folks young, providing both physical and mental exercise.

rock wrote:For those of us octogenerians everything is heavier and lighter tools are
In January a fall on ice caused a fracture of my wrist and

Rock

I try to walk a couple miles every day. For the last four winters I've worn Yaktrax. (Winter walking is always a challenge here in St. Paul.) They provide a lot of extra traction. Putting them on is not too bad but this year I just left them on a old pair of boots. You can drive with them too. I only fell once this winter. Caution they are very slippery inside on tile and can catch on carpeting.

(Next season I'm going to try those Nordic walking sticks.)

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:05 pm

At 73, I notice a lot of things getting a lot heavier than they used to be. And, farther away, too.
I hate it when a screw falls to the floor and rolls under something. If I can't get it with a magnet on a stick, then I have to get down on my knees. It's become a habit to make sure there's something close to grab onto so I can get up again. Usually, while on the floor, I look around to see if there's anything else I can do while I'm down there.
Yesterday, I cleaned off all the overhead fluorescent lamps. It's a bit brighter in there now, but it used to be a lot brighter even. It's getting harder and harder to see a pencil line on walnut. Tried a marking knife. Still can't see it, but I can feel it.
But I still have my memory and don't repeat myself.
But I still have my memory and don't repeat myself.

idcook · Post by **idcook** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:33 pm

But I still have my memory and don't repeat myself.
But I still have my memory and don't repeat myself.

Yeah. I got a little ways to go yet but, yeah.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:40 pm

Gene Howe wrote:It's getting harder and harder to see a pencil line on walnut. Tried a marking knife. Still can't see it, but I can feel it.

Try using a white pencil on walnut.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:00 pm

Gene Howe
Gene, watch out about getting old. Three things will happen. The first is that you will lose your memory. But I can never what the other two are!:D
Bill V

joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:23 pm

I am only 64 and had a stroke a year ago and my short term memory really sucks, but I was lucky I lost use of my right arm, after 4 mo of therapy I have it back. I just thank the lord every day that is all that happen. Yes everything is getting heaver. I am glad I got the lift assist.

anmius · Post by **anmius** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 4:22 pm

Gene Howe wrote: But I still have my memory and don't repeat myself.
But I still have my memory and don't repeat myself.

What did you say?

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 5:58 pm

anmius wrote:What did you say?

I don't recall.