The Shop: (Click on the picture)

I'm Rick from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Here's a little about me and my
shop.

I have always liked woodworking. although most of it was projects done out
of necessity, with very few (sometimes crude) tools, in a cramped garage.

In the past 10 years, my wife (Dianna) and I have remodeled our house,
purchased and remodeled another house, which is currently a rental property.
When I say we remodeled. I mean WE remodeled!!! My wife, children & I did
95% of the work ourselves, that includes framing, plumbing, electrical,
drywall, and trim & finish.

In the fall of 2003 we purchased a recently built pole barn, and an old
trailer house on 6 acres of hardwoods, just 30 minutes north of our home.
Finally I would have a place for a shop, and storage for my toys
(motorcycles, boat, tractor.)

For the next year or so, we spent weekends 'up north' staying in the "very
old, but everything worked" trailer house. We immediately began to work on
the pole barn (64' x 40' with 14' walls) insulating & sheathing the exterior
walls. It soon became apparent that the trailer house was in pretty rough
shape, and not worth spending any money to fix it up. But, when the
previous owner built the pole barn, he had plumbed in water and sewer for a
future bathroom, so we partitioned a 16' x 32' corner of the pole barn for
an 'apartment' to spend the weekends in.

Our 'apartment' ended up being a little over-the-top. We installed a
furnace & hot water heater. We have a bathroom with a jumbo tiled shower
stall, we have a washer & dryer, a full size range & refrigerator, the
kitchen resembles an old west saloon, we have a fireplace, plasma TV, and
there's a king size bed up in the loft.

I did not have a plan for my shop, so tool placement has been an ongoing
affair. Some of the stationary tools have found a permanent home, but I
think I can improve on the layout. Many of my woodworking tools have been
acquired within the last couple of years, and I've made time to build a few
projects, but most of my time has been spent building the apartment, and
getting the shop in order.

We have just finished a 16' addition to the side of the shop for non-heated
storage. (and to think that when we bought this place, I was worried that
it was too big!)

Woodworking is my HOBBY, and I hope it's going to stay that way. Over the
years I have turned many hobbies into a second job (make money, to further
fund the hobby). I have learned that this is the quickest way lose a HOBBY,
and gain a JOB. When you have a contracted obligation to do something,
you'd better really love to do it!!! I love woodworking when I feel like
doing something creative, but I want the option to walk away.

My favorite tool is my newest tool, a Delta Unisaw, this replaces my old
Ryobi BT3000. I love the feel of wood gliding through the blade, almost as
much as the sound of the motor as you turn it on. Another tool I now can't
live without is my Kreg Pocket Hole Jig. I picked this up at last years
woodworking show, and I was very pleased with how well it works for things
like face frames.

My current project is putting the finishing touches on my shop. I need more
storage shelves, cabinets, etc. Future projects include a corner cabinet
and a small entertainment stand.

More photos can be seen at my web space. http://rick.blodgettoil.com
and click on 'DA SHOP'

Shortly after purchasing my shop I subscribed to the Sawdusters mailing
list. I don't do a lot of posting, but I read every post. You guy's have
taught me a lot, and I'm hoping I can pass the knowledge on someday.

Thanks for looking.

-Rick Pung