Greetings from Waterloo, NE

[stickwhittler_matt]

Hello All:
I have lurked around the site quite often, and finally got the courage to register and become an active, participating member. This message board has an incredible amount of knowledgable, very good carvers, who are nice warm hearted people, who all seem to be willing to help a new guy on the block, as well as a somewhat seasoned "Whittler". I guess I am somewhere in between, probably closer to the new guy on the block if I were to be brutally honest with myself. I love to carve characatures and wood spirits, and do a few walking sticks from time to time. I have made my own wood carving knives from straight razors, after seeing all of Rick's amazing creations, and buying plans for a homemade 2 x 72 inch belt grinder. Also made my own sharpening equipment...so I love to tinker with making things. I became disabled last February, and without carving to turn to....I would be completely nuts right now, after working full time since childhood, through college, and then as a Computer systems administrator for 24+ years, carving gives me something to "wake" up to, and I always look forward to picking up my knives when I am somewhere I cannot be carving. I even started taking them with me to restuarants and leaving my wood chip calling cards. Well, thats enough about me, thanks for letting me get registered, and thanks for being such a great group of people.

Matt

[Paul_Guraedy]

Matt, welcome to the forum. I am sure that you will enjoy the communication and camaraderie here. Just looked up Waterloo. There are quite a few carvers in the Omaha area. I visit my son in Papillion several times each year. Always stop in at Midwest Woodworkers to take a look at the supplies and wood.

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Matt. It's nice to have you here. I hope you stay active on the board. That's the way to get the most out of it. I do sticks, too, and would love to see what you've done. I also made a lot of my carving knives.

[Iowa Carver]

Welcome Matt from CB, Iowa!

Corey

[stickwhittler_matt]

Thanks Paul....I think I waited too long to get registered....I guess you could call me a chicken!! I was in Midwest Woodworkers on last Saturday....the store has just sold & changed hands....I hope they don't do away with their wood carving tools and books....the old owners always used to tell me it was the smallest part of their business, I hope it grows for the new guy. It is the only place in town.

Thanks Again:

Matt

[stickwhittler_matt]

Hi Corey & Ron T.:

Thanks for the welcome....I think I'll be around here quite awhile...infact, redfaced of course, I have been here quite awhile already, just to shy I guess to chime in. Ron T.....I just took a look at your site, and your sticks are awesome.....I hope I can do that good someday!!! I am currently saving for a new digital camera, otherwise I would already be posting some pics, but thanks for the kind words to all.

Matt

[big dave]

howdy and welcome, pls click on quick links and complete your public profile so we will know where you are from.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Matt, I am sorry to hear about Midwest changing ownership. I never make a trip to Papillion without stopping by the store. They had gotten to where they remembered me, after I mentioned being the woodcarver from the Ozarks.

In fact, the last time I was in there I was taken in the back and shown one of the largest pieces of rosewood I have ever seen. I bought my supplies and headed to my son's house. then discovered a piece of holly in with my other wood. The owner had told my wife to give it to me after we got home.

Nice folks. I hope the new people carry on with the friendliness and inventory of the previous owners.

[Ed Redwine]

Welcome Matt: Looks like you have a heaqd start on most "newbies". Have fun and enjoy the site.
Ed

[Iowa Carver]

Matt are you a member of Mid America Woodcarvers Assoc in Omaha? I joined after the big show and it's a great group.

Corey