Journey into DIY: My Path to Being a Jack-of-All-Trades

These days, there are countless items in a household that can be easily replaced, especially when it comes to things like televisions. With modern technology making electronics more affordable, it often makes sense to get a new one rather than dealing with repairs. As an experienced mechanic and woodworker, I've always believed in finding solutions rather than throwing things away. This ethos of fixing and creating has been at the core of my life for many years.

Starting My Professional Career in 1961

My professional journey began in 1961, when I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial education. I started teaching shop classes, focusing on metalworking, woodworking, and drafting. Over the years, my skills developed, and I became a versatile craftsman. Now, at 83, with a decade of retirement behind me, I've taken on the roles of a jack-of-all-trades. If a thing can be fixed, I'll try to fix it; if not, I'll replace it.

Living as a Hermit in Jacksonville, Florida

Today, I'm quite content living as a hermit in Jacksonville, Florida. Being a hermit doesn't mean isolation; rather, it's a choice to live a simple life outside the hustle and bustle of city life. I don't drive and haven't for five years, but I’ve found the perfect solution with a bicycle cart. It enables me to go on longer trips to local grocery stores, which are a mile and a half away from my home. I don't bother with television; it's simply a waste of time. Instead, my smartphone becomes my companion, and I play challenging games on it to keep my mind sharp.

Cleaning Gutters and Fixing a Ladder

Dealing with upkeep is a regular part of my day-to-day life. About two weeks ago, I needed to clean out the gutters of my roof, which are constantly filled with oak leaves due to the endless supply in the neighborhood. This task required a sturdy 10-foot ladder, which I built out of 1 and 3/8-inch galvanized plumbing pipe. It may be a bit heavy, but it stays put and is perfect for the job. Climbing up and down the ladder for 30-40 minutes is tiring, but it's significantly better than using an 8-foot step ladder.

Rebuilding a Chop Saw in the Woodshop

Additionally, this past week, I had to completely rebuild and replace my chop saw in the woodshop. The process involved building a new 14-foot chop saw bench with a 12-inch DeWalt miter saw. The bench is placed 9 feet to the left, and I constructed it using used lumber. If only I knew how to share pictures here, I would be happy to showcase it!

Background in Plant Maintenance and Manufacturing

As a skilled plant maintenance engineer for over 30 years, I was responsible for designing and building various fixtures out of lumber. Early on, our company couldn't afford steel, so we opted for lumber instead. Over the years, I built over 200 fixtures, saving the company thousands of dollars. One of the most significant projects was a 53-foot long, 10-foot high, and 16-foot deep plywood rack, located in Sarasota. I also set up three manufacturing plants for the company, a job that was both exciting and fulfilling. I work independently, rarely needing additional help.

Conclusion

My life has been a journey of fixing and creating, and I've embraced this hands-on approach to problem-solving. From teaching shop classes to now building and repairing my home, my skills have evolved, and I enjoy every step of the process. Whether it's fixing a ladder, cleaning gutters, or rebuilding a chop saw, these DIY projects keep my mind sharp and my hands busy. And as long as I can, I'll continue to be a jack-of-all-trades, turning challenges into opportunities for personal growth and creativity.