"LDR" wrote in message
k.net...
In article , says...
"Lowell Holmes" wrote in message

I met Roy in Williamsburg while attending a conference last January.
He
had
no bandages at that time.
He's really a nice person. He let us examine a collection of antique
tools
and handplanes he has acquired. I was flabbergasted, as some one in
the
crowd of 250 could have pilfered something. I think he demonstrated a
basic
trust in people that he possesses.
I did get his autograph on an unused Band-Aid. It broke up the group
(of
about six woodworkers) when I approached him about the autograph.

I've met him also ... anyone making a value judgment about him being a
"dope" and a "spaz" is seeing his own reflection in the TV screen

Roy Underhill is one of the nicest woodworkers you will ever have the
chance
to meet ... any woodworker worthy of the name should hope for the
opportunity.


I agree with the above and would add I kinda like the sight of Roy
Underhill's sore thumbs: it validates what I am seeing, that he is in
fact doing what he shows. I have no doubt that Norm Abram, another hero
of mine, is absolutely capable, but I do have the feeling he is more an
ormament to his work, which I suspect is pureed for him by unseen grunt
woodworkers.

I was actually reading a couple of Roy's books this weekend. A relevant
quote:

"I like to work fast"

He also explained that he turned from craftsmanship to showmanship when he
worked at crafts fairs. Simply selling spoons wasn't enough so he turned
spoons with one hand, chopped a bowl with the other and played the
harmonica.

Certainly he tries to entertain and inform at the same time. Norm doesn't
seem to have the same sort of motivation.

-j