Has your age finally got you stopped????

[ToolLover]

Having been a Jack of all trades since my teens, I finally closed the shop, sold most of my shop tools, and gave into the wife to live in the city.
No more rebuilding wrecks, no more building trailers and repairing others.
No more tractors to tear down to put a clutch in or replace the internal brakes. No more greasy clothes to wash.
My back cannot take the heavy lifting anymore. My eyes cannot follow the weld crack that I have done so much of.
No more going into a cold shop on a winter morning to build a fire.
Recently I bought back my Oxy-Acetlene torch that I bought 50 years ago.
It sits in the garage, tucked away in the corner. It beckons me to fire it up and use it, but I have no need for it. It is just a reminder of times past.
Awwww! It looks like the second seventy years will not be as easy as the first 70.
As I sit looking out the window, the cars pass by unknowing that the old geezer that is watching them has seen so much and misses the old days with a passion.
A friend once said that good mechanics never dies, they just fade away.
Does this remind you of yourself? If not now, it will sooner or later. For sure sooner!
Geesh, I love this forum, is brings to lite things from the past and stirs so many memories.
Been there and done that, let it be known with a note here, I'm listening, maybe others too!

 

[powellscooter]

Hang in there old timer! You may not be as able to do the big stuff like you once did, but think of smaller stuff that you can handle. Lawn mowers, kids bikes etc. Head down to the thrift store and see if there is something that calls out to you, hey tinker with me! Keep that mind busy my friend....

 

[irishtom]

ToolLover, No man should fade away. Keep busy. Don't mope around.

Someone with your experience should be teaching young bucks how it's done. Contact the local schools: community college, high school, tech school, even art schools, to see if you can help out with shop, auto class. Start your own teaching workshops in the garage. Teach sculpture students how to weld. Build your own sculpture.

What city are you in?

 

[Clarifixer]

Sounds like you've got volumes of experience that can't be bought, but can be given away. Maybe you could volunteer at a place or even start a little teaching shop where kids could learn basic bike repair or something like that? Maybe not very many are interested in mechanical things these days, but those who are could be really fun to coach. It would take some effort, but as powellscooter says, keep those brain cells popping and you'll enjoy life more.

Edit: hey, irioshtom, you beat me to it!

 

[december45]

I feel your pain, im quickly following along in your footsteps ... but we cant give up the good fight, we gotta keep our hands in it, and just maybe pass something along to the next generation. I know its not just a matter of quiting, its more along the lines of our entire lifestyle being stolen from us by getting older, im not going down without a fight.
Until a guy is at or approaching that point in life, i think its hard to imagine its possible to close up the shop.

 

[Bender78]

ToolLover, now is the time to become a mentor. You have the kind of knowledge that a lot of us are still trying to learn on our own.

Welcome to the forum. Stick around......we can always use your experience here.

 

[UncleJoe]

Hang around here and use your new found "free time" to educate, instruct the younger guys on the proper way to do things.

I think it would be a great thing to have a Skills and Techniques section where those who know could share some of the knowledge gained over a lifetime with the rest of us.

A lot of the folks on this forum know what they are doing and then again a lot of folks came here to learn.

I have seen some real good posts along this line in the past on this forum. I remember someone doing a post with photos of the correct way to crimp a wire. Now for some that is boring stuff. I have wired boats, cars and motorcycles since I was 15 but I enjoyed that post.

On a motorcycle forum I frequent I once did a post about the correct way to solder two wires. I was shocked at how many people wrote to say they learned something and had been doing it all wrong for years.

Share your knowledge and in doing so it will "almost" be like being back in the shop.

Edit: I see Bender78 posted the same thoughts while I was composing mine.

 

[ToolLover]

Updated my profile.
Guys, I still do a little gunsmithing in my basement 10 x 10 shop.
Build a few AR's and install some scopes.
Got a buddie in Asheville, NC that is a machine shop guru.
He helps me with the speciality machine work and he is the best friend a guy can have.
The local Technical college is too far advanced to allow me to pitch in and offer expertise.
My welding buddy taught there until 1998. He said the technology had surpassed his knowledge.
He indicated that most hiring companies did not have the equipment in place to allow the highly technical graduates to work for them.
All of the local machine shops have closed their doors. No more casting of small parts and the machinists are gone and no hiring is done.
Somewhere along the line, we gave away all of our hard work in developing and inventing our manufacturing techniques.
I hope some of you younger guys can bring it back.
If not, all will be lost.
I agree: "a Skills and Techniques section" would benefit many.

 

[bczygan]

We need your knowledge and experience. You write very well. Combine the two and write about your experiences. You can inspire young people to enjoy the path you took and choose it for themselves

Bill.

 

[rsanter]

I have slowed down alot from what I used to do but I havent stopped
I have scaled down the projects a little and lenthen the timeline to get them done

bob

 

[930dreamer]

There are so many younger people that need to learn how to be a man. Most can't see past their nose when it comes to life. Don't stop learning, find something new to keep you busy and look out for someone to mentor.

 

[e-tek]

PLEASE, PLEASE, chime in on all the posts where we need so much help!

Remember: If your body has failed you, your mind will be right behind if you don't "exercise" it....this is where forums can help - both ways! You offer your expertise and it keeps your mind active! Got any photo's from stuff you've done or had that you can scan in and post? If you don't know how, great time to LEARN something NEW! The computer has kept my Dad busy the same way. He discussed things of interest, downloads reams of music, visits places of interest, chats with people from the old country....it's all there in the box!

Nice to have you along, hope to be learning from you very soon!

 

[ambenz]

Oh, how I long for a time when I can retire and pursue all my hobbies and interests!
I would, it I were you, make a sign "Metal Work Shop, we fix/make metal parts!" and mound it on the garage.
Gosh, I would love to have someone like you in my neighborhood I could take my snowblower ski to and have it repaired it better than new, while I wait!
I myself, plan to retire from my current job at age 55 of so (married, no children) and do just that!
I always wanted to make lawn ordiments and tinker in the garage.
Repair old outdoor toys, bikes, and wagons.
Start a small car wash and do odd jobs in the neighborhood.
Remember back in the day when you were a child, that neighborhood handyman?
That could be you today! I think your sure missing your calling!!!

 

[Jay H 237]

Something else you can do if you have a high school nearby that's involved is become a mentor on a F.I.R.S.T. robotics team. http://www.usfirst.org/

We have had a few older retired mentors that would help the kids build the robot. They will sometimes be in the high school machine shop or even wood shop helping them make the parts after school hours with other mentors.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Tool Lover,
You're as old as you allow yourself to accept mentally. If your eyes or your back aren't cooperating anymore, find a new way to be youthful. Even people confined to wheelchairs can (and a lot do) have a youthful orientation. Just because you aren't gong to be doing the heavy mechanical doesn't mean you can't transfer some of that knowledge and experience to other guys (like us)!

 

[Clarifixer]

I have slowed down alot from what I used to do but I havent stopped
I have scaled down the projects a little and lenthen the timeline to get them done

That's the spirit. You can enjoy it even more by taking your time and stepping back to admire your work once in a while. No need to worry about deadlines and stress. Completion is fine, but not mandatory!

 

[May Pop]

How about teaching your grand kids,neighborhood kids or others your passions. Our local church has a CARS ministry that repairs cars for single moms and people down on their luck. Your SKILLS are extremely valueable to others as a worker and TEACHER. Please dont let aches and pains stop you from living life.
Ron

 

[tommudd]

I have been "playing " with all types of cars, mainly trucks and 4 WDs since back in the late 60s. My Dad was a mechanic / jack of all trades and started me out early.
I now seem to find a lot of younger guys 20-30 who have never done anything at all even the most basic like changing oil, doing fluid changes in diffs etc. Many come to me to help them learn the basics of taking care and doing general maintenance on their rides.
A couple of them have gotten to the point where I would trust them working on mine even!
So start out doing some odd jobs helping others learn from you, its a lot of fun really seeing someone not even knowing the difference between screwdriver's, to having a nice selection of tools and knowing how to use them.

 

[ToolLover]

Tommudd,
I guess you are still surrounded by eager to learn youngsters.
I however seem to see only the telephone toting, saggy pants types.
Believe you me.....uhhh they don't seem to be interested in learning anything useful.
Sometimes I just shake my head and wonder where we went wrong.
After thinkking about it this morning, I may start a new post about how I finally achieved it.
Maybe it will bring about some interest in how you did it too.

 

[930dreamer]

Tommudd,
I guess you are still surrounded by eager to learn youngsters.
I however seem to see only the telephone toting, saggy pants types.
Believe you me.....uhhh they don't seem to be interested in learning anything useful.
Sometimes I just shake my head and wonder where we went wrong.

I have two teenage girls, their boyfriends don't have a clue. I took my youngest and her "boyfriend" shooting, first time for him. You can't assume anything.

I was home for two weeks during Christmas, I asked my oldest why she didn't do any student driving with me, answer "you didn't ask me to". Game over.

 

[Thruxton]

I'm 69 in April, bought a 91 Jag XJ40 10 years ago because I missed wrenching (long story and nevermind). Haven't stopped! Sold it a few years ago and got a Porsche 928, chose both cars because they are interesting, well-made, and I do all my own work. Just started redoing my shop (will start a thread on it any day now ) to accommodate the car (got tired of crawling around on gravel) and hopefully a MaxJak in the not too distant future. I have had back surgery fairly big time, eyesight won't discuss, aches, creaks, groans aplenty. BUT this work and the work on our little farm keeps me young (you know, if it don't kill you it makes you stranger), maybe. What I do know is I'll NEVER GIVE UP until I absolutely have to. This stuff, working with your hands, problem solving, learning, is too good to leave behind.

 

[Amitygravel]

ToolLover , Welcome to the GJ!! You're doing gunsmithing in your basement ? Let's see it ! Gunsmithing has been a dream of mine since I was 10 and I'm 48 now and haven't given up hope. I think your knowledge and experience will be warmlly received and greatly appreciated here on the forum. Please , spend time with us !


Craig

 

[ToolLover]

930Dreamer,
I took my 17 year old grandson to the shop to explain how to break down my guns.
After 30 minutes he was bored....or should I say not paying attention.
So I made a deal with him, pull his pants up and keep em up and I'd give him his choice of my guns. I'm thinking that would free up one hand at least!
Deal! He kept his pants up for the time I was with him.
His choice was a brand new 12 gauge shotgun, but it had to stay with me.
Took him shooting and he loved it.
He is a good shot too!
Maybe he will come around before it is too late.
Good luck with your daughters friends......

 

[930dreamer]

Most kids only have one working hand, because the cell phone is in the other.

 

[ToolLover]

Craig,
Gunsmithing is closely tied to using a file, drilling and taping, and being very careful how you determine your altreations, very very careful.
I can say when you are dealing with an expensive firearm, it only takes one uh-oh to make your draw string tighten.
I have enjoyed making my own AR15 lower from an 80% blank.
Especially as the law allows you to do so.
I have a buddy that he learned a lot about the AR while watching me disassemble one. It answered a lot of questions he said.

 

[e-tek]

While we're complaining about the youngins......can I tell you about my liver spots and cataracts??

 

[bczygan]

I was in HF yesterday and had to jockey for space at the clearance rack with a guy in an electric wheelchair, piled down with tools!.....................it ain't over til you say it's over!

 

[Steevo]

When my father-in-law got to the point that going out to the shop was just too difficult, and working on cars and equipment were too physically demanding for his waning strength, he turned a room in the basement into an indoor workspace, where he restored Tonka trucks, tractors, etc. He even did a few pedal cars in there.

Scale back, go small, but find something you can enjoy daily, or you'll find yourself chair-bound and fading faster than you should.

Good luck!

 

[MBfreak]

Guys

Read " Big Sids Vincati " by Matthew Biberman and "Shop Class as Soulcraft" by Matthew B Crawford.
Great stuff on the subject. NEVER lie down. Never.
I have worked in technical theoretical jobs since 21, I am 66 now. I have kept alive by hands on jobs in my spare time, everything from repairing the kitchen clock to a 15 year bare metal, nuts/bolts restoration of a MB 230 SL. In 9 months I will retire from my day job, but will keep on with building/restoration hobby work until they crew the lid down.

Ola

 

[jamesemery728]

One of the forums that I visit has a section called "Machining With Disabilities". How lucky most of us are that we don't have to deal with that. Like others have said, it ain't over yet. There are lots of small things that still need to be repaired, teach someone a new skill, write up a post with pictures on how to do something. Don't give up until they close the lid on the "box".

 

[5lima30]

Even though I'm a baby boomer I don't feel old! I'm just a little more cautious and take my time to do things that I used to rush to do. Being retired now I am blessed to be able to pick and choose the projects I work on more for enjoyment than for necessity. I always have admired my older peers and tried to learn from their wisdom as I share my knowledge with a younger generation.

 

[jeepxj]

Am I the only person in here under 30?

 

[jwillis]

I feel your pain, ToolLover. At 63, I stopped doing work because of all the aches and pains. I could hardly work on cars anymore, so I started paying other people to do it only to see how badly they screwed it up. One guy I had doing a lot of my work, who I thought was pretty good, couldn't put a wheel on my car without warping my rotors. So, I went back to trying to do things myself and fight through all the pain. I had someone build a metal garage this summer. After it was done, I studded it up, ran the electric and put up the SMARTSIDE siding on the inside. I fell of a ladder once and thought I broke my arm. Every night I thought I was going to die from all the shoulder and back pain. The place looks awesome but my shoulder still hurts. Do the best you can. My heart goes out to you. But I guess all the aches and pain- it goes with the badge.

 

[2000GM]

To put a slightly different perspective on this, my father is 58 and is currently sidelined while undergoing chemo for colon and liver cancer. No matter how willing his mind is, he's just too tired and can only expend energy in short bursts. It's very sad to me when I walk through his basement and garage where I grew up, and look over all his woodworking equipment, hand tools, car parts, posters and signs on the walls, etc. When I was young we were both always down there doing something...it was such a lively place. He'd be sitting watching TV at night and suddenly an idea whould pop into his head, and he'd go downstairs. A few minutes later the saws and drills and hammers would be going. All the oil changes, brake jobs, frame fabrication for the '34 Chevy he built, bicycle maintenance, etc. that happened down there.

Now everything sits collecting dust. It's hard.

 

[december45]

J Willis,

You are so right, I did about the same thing you did, with my latest (last) shop, it was tough going, but got through it... something as simple as a mis-step can have consequences i never imagined 10 - 15 years ago. This getting old is tough but better than the alternative.

 

[thrifty bill]

The local Technical college is too far advanced to allow me to pitch in and offer expertise.

Is this first hand knowledge (did you talk to someone in charge at the school), or second hand from your buddy? I work at a community college in SC, tutoring mathematics. Some things have changed, some are the same.

If you don't have for sure, first hand knowledge, I would go check in person. I would also go check at the local high school. Even just volunteering would be great.

 

[PCO6]

... restored Tonka trucks, tractors, etc.

My Dad will be 85 in a few months and that, plus a few other things, is what he has been doing for the last 10 years or so. I ask him where he gets them and he says ... "mostly at flea markets". His projects have got smaller over the years but it's great that he's remained active.

 

[copterdoctor]

I just hope to continue to enjoy everything tools and garage until I'm your age... and I hope to earn the respect that I'm sure you've earned over the years.... I'm a long way out, but i feel I've got a good start....

 

[bobadame]

Hey you old fart! Get up off your nuts and teach a kid some of the things you know.

 

[e-tek]

Am I the only person in here under 30?

Sorry jeepxj, you're gonna have to SPEAK UP in here!!!!!!