Intro

[GaryK]

I thought it is about time to introduce myself.  I have been woodworking for years. When I first heard of Festool, I thought you would have to be out of your mind to pay that much for a power tool.
Earlier this year I needed to replace my old PC sander. Someone on a boat building forum I read was singing the praises of a Rotex sander and vac combo, so in a moment of temporary insanity, I spent my bonus on a Rotex 150 / CT22 combo with lots of sandpaper from Uncle Bob.  Building boats takes a lot of sanding, lets just say I am very happy, almost dust free and my hand doesn't tingle for hours after a sanding session.
Since I had such a positive experience with the sander, and being one that loves to take advantage of a sale, I bought a TS55 and extra rail a couple of weeks ago. Today I set up and used it for the first time. Wow, I didn't expect such a great cut from a handheld saw. I have been using a PC circular saw with a homemade guide for years to breakdown plywood oversize then trimming to finished dimension on my table saw. Never again, the table saw  will be used for what it is good at, ripping hardwood.
I think I finally understand why so many of us are out of our minds. [wink] 

Cheers
New Festool Addict
Gary Kvasnicka

 

[peter halle]

Gary,

[welcome] to the FOG.  I am sure that I speak for the rest of us, we would love to see posts on your works and pictures.

By the way, I live not that far away, so if I can help you in any way, send me a PM!

Peter

 

[Jonathanerrrm]

Hi Gary,

Welcome to the Forum. Your post rings a bell, it's how it happened to me too. I'd just bought lots of DeWalt stuff including two of the new plunge saws when a friend said I should try Festool and the TS55, He described it as the ipod of tools. I tried it out in the dealers and just got it straight away. replaced all the tools I just bought with Festool whilst trying to sell off most the yellow and black stuff, haven't even used them. I just wish he had mentioned it sooner.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Gary welcome to the FOG!  I"ll echo what Peter said, we'd love to see some pictures of your work if you're comfortable sharing some.

 

[GaryK]

I am comfortable sharing. The worst that can happen is I get banned from this site with a suggestion I sell my tools to someone competent. I have to resize the pics first.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

...with a suggestion I sell my tools to someone competent.

This made me laugh out loud.  Very suble jest.  Judging from your profile picture, I doubt we're going to be disappointed.

 

[GaryK]

I hope these attach ok. A couple of my first kayak, 18'x23" western red cedar hull, deck is redwood with poplar stripes. Plans came from One Ocean Kayaks it is his Cape Ann model. If you want to learn how it is built, google One Ocean Kayaks and check out the workshop pages.
[attachthumb=1]  [attachthumb=2]

These are of a stand I designed and built for my lathe.
[attachthumb=3]  [attachthumb=4]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Gary

 

[Chuck Kiser]

OMG Gary is a turner! [eek] Do we need a forum vote for turners?

Beautiful job on the kayak BTW. [cool]

 

[Brice Burrell]

Wow, I love that kayak. [thumbs up]

 

[DavidCBaker]

I love the look of that kayak, too! And welcome to the forum. I'm also new here.

They are friendly and knowledgeable folks.

 

[Jonathanerrrm]

That's Beautiful Gary, love it.

 

[butzla]

Beautiful Kayak!  I love the lathe stand too.  I'm wanting to get a lathe now for years and have had my eye on the Nova line.  Does the stand make it stable enough?  Great idea on the pull out drawer for your tools.
And welcome to the FOG!!!  [welcome]

 

[lumbajac]

Gary,

Ever hear of or see anyone build a kayak from primarily poplar?  Reason I ask is I have 80 acres of poplar (big tooth aspen) and a sawmill.  I could mill my own material for most of the kayak build and use red cedar, mahogany, or redwood perhaps for accents.  Not sure how weight would compare to using primarily cedar.  However, sure would be neat to harvest, mill, and build primarily with my own wood... again, so long as weight wouldn't become an issue.

Thanks,
Corey
Upper Peninsula of Michigan

 

[GaryK]

Thanks everyone for the kind words.

Jim,

I have turned some large, off balance chunks, no problem with stability. Most likely because the Nova's variable speed goes as slow as 100rpm so I am able to find a balance speed until I can get a piece round. The stand is heavy, the top is a 6" thick gluelam beam.

Corey,

Not poplar, but I have seen some beautiful boats built from dense exotic hardwoods, I don't think they were intended to paddle. I believe they were built  to be wall art. 

Gary

 

[RONWEN]

That's a great lathe & lathe stand Gary -- any more pictures?  Also, tell us more about you Nova lathe (I've been considering one).

 

[justinmcf]

hi gary and welcome to the fog!

beautiful work!
i wish i could find the time to learn how to make a beautiful kayak like that.

justin