I have participated in this Wreckish environment for many years - but without understanding.
As a professional woodworker, I dealt with tools as commodities.
I bought and sold tools according to my professional needs - and this was good - so far as it went.
I coveted naught which was not to be coveted for economic benefit.
Think you not that I did not enjoy a well formed tool - for I did.
But, it was in the way of hurrying me on to some particular task.
Having all to recently achieved the status of WoodDorker, as opposed to Professional Woodworker, I am encumbered by a good bit of cultural shock.
My Collectoris had never been adequately stimulated.
I know, you will say that for a man of middle age, this is a great embarrassment - and I would be loathe to disagree with you.
However, having been brought to the precipice of the consideration of tools as more than objects useful in the pursuit of trade related matters - I must confess to find myself in awe.
In awe - I say to you - in awe of their ability to stimulate the Colectoris.
Where once I contemplated salvation and resurrection on the altar of Altendorf and Biesse, now is my path secure in its reverence for Sweetheart and Bedrock.
The Collectoris is engorged and never to be satisfied.
Not by the friction of mere acquisitiveness, without regard for essence.
Not by the wanting without the having.
Not through the stimulus of proximity without climactic interface.
Lordy, does no one know where I can get a Goddard Townsend Reverse Profile in trade for a Satanly 55 and a moderately rusted 93?
Thomas J. Watson - WoodDorker
tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)