Letters from Paul Schobernd

I love old tools, old and appropriate technology in all forms. Tools that scream are relegated to the dark corners. I have an old Barnes Velocipede, a couple post drills, a treadle jig saw and a six foot long lathe I made plus tons of 19th-century forged and cast iron tools. I make some furniture, boxes, carvings and Rube Goldberg contraptions, but making dulcimers was my first love. Carving a mahogany gunstock 30 years ago actually started me down the slippery slope.

Paul Schobernd

In a past life I was a teacher, a principal and for 10 years worked with Education students at Illinois State University. Some folks consider me eccentric and eclectic, but it looks like normal to me! My childhood sweetheart and I have 3 adult boys, 2 wonderful daughters-in-law and one 3 year old granddaughter.

I am her afternoon babysitter. Best job yet! I now have the opportunity to sit in my shop and ponder the world of old tools, piles of wood, unfinished projects and where I will get my next old tool fix. I am an addict.

Restoring, preserving and/or just making old tools usable are my real passions. Nothing makes me happier than a bunch of rusty tools to work on. But, now I am surrounded by so many tools I have no bench space left.

I am a bibliophile specializing in old technology/tools, eclectic religious thought, history and poetry. Books cover several walls on two floors and a large bookcase with glass doors sets next to my chair. Ever so often the books I have piled on top land on me from six feet up. I have not learned to duck or mend my ways. It is a pattern I have followed in the other areas of my life! I, also, love really dark stout - cold or warm - and conversation.

I love working wood in the shop. I am addicted to seeing that unique pattern of grain and smelling the aroma of Walnut, Sassafras etc. I make Walnut shavings just to spread around as a spider repellant in the shop.

My final addiction is to vintage acoustic guitars, mandolins and resophonics, specializing in Martin and Gibson brands. I use my old tools to do basic luthier repair work.