Name: Joe Tonich
DOB: 3/25/60
Physical description (G-rated, please)
Burly, sorta the Grizzley Adams look.
Location (for how long, previous locations, etc)
Parma Hts, OH
Family information (brag on your spouse, kids, grandkids, dog, etc)
I have a beautiful wife, Deb, and two wonderful sons, JJ & Johnny. (12 & 11)
We try to go camping a few times a year, especially like going to the islands in Lake Erie. Deb does crocheting as her hobby.
We have a 10 yr old yellow lab, Mellow Yellow, and 3 cats, Jerry, Meowth & Fluffy. Also have 18 fish and a farm full of ants. (Just set it up for John.)
Vocation (what do you do for a living, and what have you done
previously)
I work for the State of Ohio maintaining the highways. I plow and patch in the Winter and usually work the guardrail crew the rest of the year. Worked in a Fastener factory for 10 years previously. Ran the pickle house, where I was in charge of maintaining the acid tanks and running the overhead crane. I pickled the wire coils so they could be run on the header machines.
Before that I was in construction. Ran blueprints and cleaned job sites as soon as I was big enough, around 12-13 yrs old. Labored and worked up to running the inside construction of office and Medical Arts buildings, scheduling the Trades and figuring/ordering all materials needed. Went on my own for about a year after I was married in '88, but had to get my foot operated on after busting it up a few years earlier (long story, lets just say I have the worst luck picking Dr's) and needed a job that offered insurance.
Equipment Overview (lathe, tools, etc)
I guess the standard shop tools...Lathe's, Table Saw W/ router table, miter saw, Morticer, Drum and spindle sander, 6" joiner, 12 1/2" planer, not enough clamps
How many lathes have (or do) you own? Tell us about 'em.
I have a Jet mini and a Jet 1236. Nothing baby poop yeller.........yet.
How many turning tools do you have?
I think about 14. I also built a vac chuck system last Fall.
Tell us about your shop
14'x22' pure unorganized mess. Started insulating the walls, had an injury setback, and have not done anything to it since.
Website? If so, what's the url?
A group of turning friends got together and we are in the midst of finishing up a website. www.flyingcurls.com I would appreciate any suggestions anyone might have to help me make my pages better.
How long turning?
About 7 years.....off & on....more off than on
What got you into turning?
I think it was when I discovered the old 'Badger Pond' forum. Saw a lot of beautiful turnings and met some awesome people at Ray Thompsons 'End of Pond' picnic. There was a lot of great instruction there and it got me more comfortable at the lathe.
What do you enjoy most about turning?
Taking an ordinary piece of firewood and finding something special inside.
What is your favorite form that you turn?
Intact. I really hate when they become UN-intact.
What is your favorite form someone else turns/has turned?
Vases and Hollow Forms. I love them forms.
What is your favorite wood to work with and why?
Cherry. It makes the shop smell sooooo gooooood, and it turns and sands beautifully.
Have you met or hung out with any turnin' Creekers? Tell us about it
Met Dick Parr a few years ago, when I first started thinking about moving to TN. He drove my family around showing us the town.All around good guy.
Met Jim Ketron and Big Mike at Dick's BBQ. Drove and camped out in AR to meet Mark Cothren, Joe Measle, and see Dennis Peacock again. Met Dennis first at Rays E.O.P. picnic. Great bunch of guys. Hoping to soon meet a few more at the end of June...
What is your favorite individual piece that you have turned, and why?
A little Black Locust bowl and plate I made for my Mom a few months before she died. It was my first and most special turning.
What if your favorite piece someone else has turned, and why?
To tell ya the truth, my favorites are the 'Firsts'. Then I can watch and be amazed at how much they improve as time goes by.
What do you not turn now that you want to - or plan to - in the future?
Vases and Hollow Forms. I've only turned one HF and definitely want to do more.
What brought you to SMC?
The closing of Badger Pond.
Got any nicknames? How'd you get it?
'The Mule'....Whenever anyone had something heavy to move or carry, they always came and got 'The Mule' to give em a hand. Ever haul one of them old double bowled cement utility sinks up from a basement? I think that's when the name was born.
Also: Joesfault.....DON'T ASK!
Now let's get a little deep... If you were a tree, what tree would you
be and why?
Dunno if this makes sense, but, I'd be the big ol' Oak in the middle of a farmers field. The one they use as a reference point for straight furrows when plowing. I'm sort of a loner, prefering to be by myself as I get uncomfortable in crowds.
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