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Thread: SMC Turner Interview - Karl Laustrup

  1. #1
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    SMC Turner Interview - Karl Laustrup

    Okay - "Turner" might be a stetch in this instance; but I wanted to be sure one of them Mod Guys wouldn't move this one to the OT Forum

    Name: What? You didn’t send me or show me anything to name.

    Named after my grandfather and my dad (John) and my other grandfather (Karl). My mom’s side of the family can trace our heritage back to the settling of the Hudson River Valley in what is now the Albany/Troy, NY area.

    Most important question comes first: What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?
    Aww that’s a trick question. How can anyone have just ONE favorite? I like most ice cream as long as it doesn’t have nuts. Vanilla, Coffee, Strawberry, Peach are right up there. I’m gonna have to try my hand at homemade, once I get a good ice cream maker.

    So what’s it like to each Vanilla, Coffee, Strawberry, Peach all at once?
    It's fun!

    cueball 01.jpg

    How young are you?
    I’m 59 and half way to the next number. Can’t remember what that number is without my abacus.

    Physical description:
    Picture a Weeble Wobble with brown eyes and brown hair, 5’8” tall and you’ll have a pretty good idea of my physical self.

    Where's home?
    Born in Troy, NY around the middle of the last century – wow, that makes me feel old! Here’s a pic with my sister Bonnie and brother Eric. That’s me in the middle about four years old.

    Cueball 02.jpg

    Moved to Long Beach, CA in 1962 where I actually finished high school, followed by two years in the Army with a stint in Viet Nam. Moved to Cypress, CA where Tiger Woods lived less than a mile from our house. Then moved to Las Vegas in 1989 to a beautiful house on a golf course. We moved to our current location in Wisconsin Dells in late 1993. My wife is from Wisconsin, and I must say I’ve come to really like it here.

    Family information:
    Our family includes my wife Carole, my mom Alice and our granddaughter Tama. Our lives changed dramatically in March 2005 when our middle son, Joe, passed away. We became guardians of his daughter Tama, who was 11 at the time. My dad passed away when I was 11. Kinda spooky, eh? Then in August of 2005 my mom moved from Hemet, CA to live with us and we became a three-generation family under one small roof. Hence, the building of a new house this past winter. We also have two other sons, one in his late 30’s, one in the early 30’s. We have two cats. I also have a 345 John Deere garden tractor.

    cueball 03.jpg

    Here’s my mom, Alice with her new lumber hauler.

    cueball 04.jpg

    And here’s our granddaughter Tama with Carole and I

    cueball 05.jpg

    New page needed
    Only the Blue Roads

  2. #2
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    And our late son Joe

    cueball 06.jpg

    Do you have a website?
    No. Someday maybe, if I can figure out how to do it.

    Vocation:
    I’m retired, and now a Mr. Mom. I do the majority of the cooking and cleaning and other household chores, so LOML can work and put food on the table. So you see that even though I’m retired I don’t get all that much time in the shop. It’ll be 10 years in April 2007 since I retired. I’ve done a lot of things over the years. My last position was Slot Director at Ho-Chunk Casino.

    I owned my own business, an auto electric repair shop for 10 years and a cabinet shop for a short stint. Grocery clerk, plus several other jobs for short periods of time. I’m the proverbial “jack of all trades, master of none”.

    What other hobbies or interests do you have?
    Golf. During the summer I play several times per week and end up averaging 50+ rounds for the season. I'm not that good at it, but it is fun and it gets me outside. And all it takes is that one good shot per round that will make you forget all those bad shots.

    I also enjoy cooking. Nothing fancy mind you, just good down home food. I'm learning bread making right now and I've just done my first pies made with apples from our tree. My mom says my pies are better than hers are and LOML and granddaughter really like them. While I can't do any WW'ing right now because of my pinky finger, I can still cook.

    So Karl - is this cooking thing done with one of Dino’s EZ Bake Ovens?
    Yes, but it uses four 100 watt bulbs. and I've got it hooked up to the Oneida, which makes it convection. Now if I can just figure out how I can woodwork and bake at the same time.

    Shop Overview:
    My shop is part of a 24’x30’ detached garage. I share the space with two cars, so it’s not a dedicated space for woodworking. I’m still working on finishing up a CMS/RAS bench, plus trying to get some storage for my hand tools. Since acquiring the X-31 I don’t have to spend time rolling all my equipment out so I can work. Saves a lot of time setting up and when it’s time to quit for the day.

    cueball 07.jpg

    I use that 2” wrench quite often for small cars, watches, and ‘puters. Got any work you want done on something – bring it over. This is the set up in the woodworking mode. The drumsander and bandsaw move to the back right corner when in garage mode.

    cueball 08.jpg

    How many tools do you own? Tell us about 'em. Even the ones you no longer have. Is there something new in the works?
    X-31 Combo. LT-16HD BS. Delta 18/36 drum sander. A 60’s vintage Dewalt RAS and a 70’s vintage Dewalt RAS. A 12” CMS. Several routers, sanders, a C-man belt/9”disc sander, 5 or 6 planes and numerous hand tools. Also, have an Oneida 2HP commercial cyclone. Delta bench top mortiser, still in the box. I recently sold my C-man 10” TS, 6” jointer and 13” planer after my purchase of the X-31. I have 3 grinders and the Lee Valley MKII power sharpener. I also have an extensive selection of automotive tools plus a humungous Mac Tool chest on wheels from when I had my automotive shop.

    For a guy who doesn't turn, you're pretty active in our small branch of Sawmill Creek. And while we're grateful for your participation, it does beg the question - What are you waiting for and how much longer do you think you'll be able to resist the forces of the Abyss?
    Why don’t I turn? I really hadn’t thought about turning much until I started hanging around SMC and the “Looney Tuners” that frequent the Tuners Forum, but I’ve found them to be much like me, a little half baked. I’ve resisted the urge, so far, knowing that once I do dive into the abyss, my other tools will become mostly useless and I do have several projects to complete for our new home. (I saw what happened to Ken in Idaho. Will he ever finish his shop?) Strange thing is LOML read this interview and asked me when I was going to get a lathe.

    Knowing that you one day hope to actually get into this addiction I'm wondering if you've given any thought as to what flavor of lathe you might acquire.
    While a lathe is somewhere in the future, I have begun my quest to determine which beastie I would like to grace my floor. I’ve done some research on Oneway, Pinnacle, that mustard one, Jet and a couple of others. Leaning toward Mayo, but the decision isn't finalized yet.

    What do you enjoy most about not turning?
    The chance to actually finish projects that require flat boards and the ability to do things other than turn.

    What do you enjoy least about not turning?
    The gratification of finishing a project in a relatively short period of time when compared to most flat work. Not sure either of the answers to these questions makes sense, but I’m sticking to them.

    What scares you most about the notion of turning for the first time?
    Having whatever tool I’m using catch and come flying out of my hand and imbed itself somewhere where I don’t want it, or whatever I have chucked up flying apart.

    What will your first completed turned project be? You get bonus points for a sketch of it.
    As is the custom here, my first project will be a Bonker. I’ll have to let the wood tell me what type of Bonker it wishes to be. There is a tradition to live up to here. Of course maybe a rolling pin as I am in need of one.

    What’s the form that you most want to turn?
    I’m going to be most interested in bowls and hollow forms.

    How do you take your Moxie? (Straight up? beer chaser? neat? with corn flakes?)
    This is a real tuffy. Let me count the ways.

    Ummmm

    Well, lets not and say we did.

    What’s your favorite individual piece someone else has turned, and why?
    The most recent one posted on the forum. I have yet to see one I wouldn’t be proud to display in my home. Really, seeing the beautiful forms and wood used by the crazies here almost lulls one into thinking they may be sane Insert smiley here I really enjoyed the “Itty Bitty’s”. I might end up doing a lot of those, but it won’t be on purpose.

    Do you think schlamacca can be turned, or is it best left to flatlanders?
    This is a trick question. I have no idea how it is for either flat work or turning. It’s my understanding that that Singer guy in SoCal has all the Schlamacca in the world and won’t part with it, although I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Mr. Hart has procured some from somewhere.

    What brought you to SMC?
    That guy from Spring Green. Spring’s his name. Going on three years now. Man he’s cost me a lot of money in a short time. I was a normal happy idiot before. Now I’m a poor happy idiot. If I can find some other hapless sucker that I can pull into the bottomless pit, that would help.

    Cueball 09.jpg

    Sheesh! How many times do you think THAT pic has polluted the creek? Or will again? So, umm, have you met or hung out with any fellow Creekers? Tell us about each and every visit – We’re keeping score.
    I feel very fortunate in that I’ve met so many fellow “Creekers”. Of course Spring, as we’re only about 45 minutes from each other and we do get together on a regular basis.

    Jerry O., from Illinois, (but we don’t hold that against him) was one of the first Creekers I met, after Spring, at a WW’ing show in Milwaukee in 2005.

    Take special note of the third pic in the third post folks.

    One of the best ever was the (in)famous La Crosse Get-together to meet Mr. Grumbine in April 2006. Of course the “Thong Man” was there as well as the one person that has single handedly done the most to de-forest the north woods of Wisconsin, “Pesh”. It was also most pleasurable to meet Joe, Scott, Erin, Cousin John as well as Bill. I had the pleasure of sharing a ride with Spring and Arena on the trip to La Crosse.

    This was when Steve, Judy, Larry & Randi took a road trip to visit Spring, Arena and I here in Wisconsin. From Michigan, and just for the weekend. Driving through Chicago. Like all the other “Creekers” I’ve met - GREAT PEOPLE and new found friends.

    You forgot this one, Karl.

    New page time
    Last edited by Andy Hoyt; 10-05-2006 at 12:19 PM.
    Only the Blue Roads

  3. #3
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    What was your first post on SMC about? Or don’t you remember?
    Don’t remember off hand. I know I blew it in that I didn’t properly introduce myself as everyone does now.

    How many houses has your builder completed since he finished yours?
    Not sure exactly, but I think about 5 since April. I’m still amazed that we went from old house to new house in 3 months.

    Do you recall the first thread you started?
    I couldn’t remember so I had to look it up. That brought back some memories.

    What’s your favorite old thread on SMC?
    There are several that I re-read from time to time, but the one I keep going back to is the latest abysseration. Now that was a fun thread.

    Also, my own “A new house” threads on the building of our new home.

    Got any nicknames? How'd you get them?
    Cueball – when I was a baby as I was bald for almost 3 years. Little Mouse to my Dad’s Big Mouse and Mom’s Mrs. Mouse. Junior when I worked in the grocery industry. Now it’s mostly names not suitable for this forum.

    Now let's get a little deep... If you were a tree, what tree would you be and why?
    I think I’d be a Sequoia. Tall, stout (I’ve got a head start on that) and live a long time.

    If you won the Power Ball Lottery what part of your life would change?
    I’m not sure very much would change. I’d just be able to do a few more things for my family and friends.

    Well, that’s about it. The good, the bad and mostly ugly. Since injuring my left pinky a couple of weeks ago, typing on the ‘puter is rather difficult and I’m still not sure why the MOA wanted my life’s history. Not very interesting, but it’s mine. And you’ll be happy to know that most of it’s true. Insert smiley here. Now for those of you that made it all the way through this drivel, reward yourself with a big bowl of ICE CREAM.

    Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for any nightmares caused by reading this. Karl

    cueball 10.jpg cueball 11.jpg

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    Thanks for doing this with us Karl. Your presence here on the Creek is one that I truly value.

    Now, before it’s too late – dump them clubs and go grab some mayo!
    Last edited by Andy Hoyt; 10-05-2006 at 11:13 AM.
    Only the Blue Roads

  4. #4
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    Way to go Karl. Can I get your autograph?
    Those who sense the winds of change should build windmills, not windbreaks.

    Dave Wilson

  5. #5
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    Great interview, especially for the "non-turner" in the bunch! (Ahhh...We'll have to work on that one!!! ) I can only say that I feel proud and honored to have been but a minuscule influence in the story of Karl and very glad to be a part of it! Good people, good times and good friends...Man, it just don't get any better than that!
    Cheers,
    John K. Miliunas

    Cannot find REALITY.SYS. Universe halted.
    60 grit is a turning tool, ain't it?
    SMC is totally supported by volunteers and your generosity! Please help if you can!
    Looking for something for nothing? Check here!

  6. #6
    Great interview Karl, so when are you gonna get the lathe..

  7. #7
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    Enjoyed the interview, Karl!

    Now...about that spinny thing, let me warn you--I started building a workbench back in April. In May I got back into turning, and you know, I haven't touched that dang workbench for months now... (except the top, which is holding turning tools and blanks)

    BTW, in one of those pictures (in this thread) it looks like you're saying a prayer over that lathe! Or was it an exorcism!
    Last edited by Mark Pruitt; 10-05-2006 at 12:00 PM.

  8. #8
    Great interview Karl...nice to know ya better.

    Bread making? Best book I've found is this one...

    The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread (Hardcover)
    by Ron Manville (Photographer), Peter Reinhart (Author)
    (97 customer reviews)
    Glenn Clabo
    Michigan

  9. #9
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    Karl, great interview !! Nice to know more about you. It's nice to see someone who has their priorities straight. Familywise anyway, not woodworkingwise . Always enjoy your posts, now your wife has granted permission to get a lathe............so what's the holdup??
    941.44 miles South of Steve Schlumph

    TURN SAFE

  10. #10
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    Very kewel interview! And Karl...you need to get that hat back from your "4 year old" picture!! That'd make a very fine uplift to your shop wardrobe!
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  11. #11
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    Hey Karl...

    Real nice interview. You got the boss's permission to get a lathe and didn't do it yet??? . These folks here will have you spinnin into the vortex before you can grab that multi-machine to hold you back .
    If you ever get back to the Albany area, I'm in the phone book. I live a bit outside of Schenectady. Give a call.

    Take care,
    Happy and Safe Turning, Don


    Woodturners make the world go ROUND!

  12. #12
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    Fine interview Karl. You lead a varied and interesting life. Learning that you lost a son gave me grief. We also had a son die in his prime, age 27. A parent never recovers from that. You are continuing to live life, he would want that.

  13. #13
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    Great interview Karl. Nice to get to know you better. When is the lathe coming?????
    Bernie

    Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.

    To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone.



  14. #14
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    Nice to know more about you Karl! Anybody who'd send a guy in Idaho a couple of Old Styles has got to be OKAY even if he's not a turner. I'll bet, however, if you ask your Mom she'll tell you "If you hang out with dogs, you're bound to end up with a few fleas!" so Karl.........have you been scratching?
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  15. #15
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    Thanks all for the good vibes. I'm quite honored that I, a non turner [at least for now] would be asked to interview for this forum.

    I must say it was fun filling out the form the MOA sent to me. And while we're at it, thanks Andy for taking care of the pictures that I couldn't get to do what I wanted.

    For all of you asking when I'll get a lathe, it will happen, just not sure when right now. We're still adjusting to having a mortgage and our new home. If I had to guess, I'd say by this time next year probably. You'll know when I get it, 'cause the questions will begin.

    Karl
    Creeker Visits. They're the best.

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