Fortunately I was able to retire, once, for awhile anyway. As with many of us though investments went bad and we had to re-think our “retirement” for me that was going back into the workforce at 59 years old. An old electrical contractor is not a prize that is high on anyone’s list. Reality was to look at overseas work. I first came to Afghanistan in May 2010. Woodworking was not something that was done and I had to make my own way. As a superintendent I have my own living quarters so then it was just a matter of acquiring some tools, wood, and everything else, then keeping it clean. At first I tried some wood models but was not fulfilled with them. I even bought the high dollar Dumas models, which are great, but. I create things, not just build them. I found a company called Proxxon that caters to modelers with top quality tools. Dremel also had tools that would fit my needs and I slowly began to build my middle east wood working shop. Wood was and is a big problem also. I got a hold of some wood cigar boxes and packing crates from around the embassy. I even joined the Cigar club [I don’t smoke] just to get more cigar boxes. When I went home on R&R I would plane down wood and pack Flat Rate shipping boxes full and mail them to myself. A lathe seems out of the question so I get my son to help out with special needed pieces. Take time? sure does, but then I have a lot of it.
I am not one to watch TV and my few spare hours are spent making small saw dust in my hooch. Just last month I sacrificed space for a 9” band saw. Amazon.com ships to my APO so now I have the ability to cut bigger pieces. I ordered a few blades so I can rip, as well as cut the traditional cuts using it. So from my 24”X 4” bench, here comes Woodworking from Afghanistan, by Doug Perkins
P.S. I like mail!