Anthonyshopguy

Leap 1: Grandfather from Germany helped me build tree fort. Used crosscut handsaw. Had a blast. Thanks Opa
leap 2: 14 year old dragged to a craft show. Could not take my eyes off of Chuck Conner, Toy maker and Lathe man. After an hour my parents tried to drag me off. I promised not to move and watched Chuck for another two hours (Thanks Chuck, you changed my life on that day). Next day, off to middle school shop. Look out Mr. Bell. "Can I please use the lathe--I know all there is to use one" (as a future shop teacher many years later, this phrase now scares the **** out of me). Luck and patience. My first set up was with the spur bit in the tailstock. Whoops!!! Luckily nothing happens when you do this!!
Severe Bump in road: 16th Birthday present from my dad: 5' long 12"/12" kiln dried Mahogany. Oh, what to make???? Ahha!! 4 bowls patterned off of European beehive in picture books ( tapered bead pattern) with lids. Took 3 months. The day I felt they were done I put 3 in lockers and took one to show a teacher who had been following the work. I came back 1 hr later and the other 3 had been stolen. I did not touch a lathe for over 15 years.
Leap 4: CSU Thank you Dr. Lee Carter for building a fire from an ember I thought had gone out a long time ago. Got my degree as a shop teacher and proceeded down one of the most rewarding periods of my life. I taught middle school shop for 14 years and have never regretted a minute of it. The only downfall is that I'm (at least I think I am)an expert at teaching beginning woodworking and know little to nothing about larger more complicated projects (I've built one table in college the first time, turned less than 200 bowls, made a book shelf or two and that is about it). I organize an awesome shop (who wouldn't when you work with over 150 kids a day).
Leap 5 Retired very young-50. Moved to western Colorado. I'm building my new shop this spring. 32'/28' heated, insulated, well lit, and am ready to embark on a new part of my life. I hope to teach small classes while improving on my own skill at wood working.

Who knows what the future will bring.

If I were to point to one thing that affected me more than anything, it is people, not tools. I have worked with some of the best, worst, worn out, and brand new tools. People have meant the most to me.

Thanks for reading

Anthony Prough