RE: Wheelchair in the shop

> I'm looking for suggestions concerning redesigning my work area
> for access in a wheelchair. Due to diabetic neuropathy in my leg
> I am spending more and more time working in a wheelchair.
> I'm wondering if there are any other such shops operating in this 
> fashion and if anyone could give me a few tips to make the 
> transition a little easier.
> Dennis Cronk




Gary H. writes:

Dennis,

I am really sorry to hear about your condition and I wish you the best.
Mary and I are going through the process of getting our new building 
up to code to include installing two handicap accessible lavatories.  
Many of our friends have asked isn't that excessive?  At first I agreed, 
but then began thinking about what would happen should our health 
deteriorate or just get hurt....  we may need these facilities some day.  
I admire you for determination to continue working.


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Ozzie writes:

Dennis:

I am going to take this time to spell out a friend's predicament. His name
is Larry, and was a sailor on a nuclear submarine in the engine room. They
had a slow fuel leak and was unnoticed until too late. Larry ended up legally 
blind and can only see shadows and fuzzy stuff. He naturally was discharged 
and the legal battle persued. The Navy won and Larry ended up with nothing. 

I met him 5 years ago when he came into my shop and asked if he could help 
me so he could learn woodworking. Consequently Larry bought a MarkV 
Shopsmith with all the attachments, and started his new trade. 

How??

With interstinal fortitude  ... that it sounds like you have.

I still sharpen his planer blades and set them for him.  I helped him make jigs 
for himself, so that he doesn't cut his fingers off. We made index shimms for 
his table saw and bandsaw and put them up on the wall of his shop with 3" 
black measurements painted on them.

He does a great job and still makes functional furniture, and artsy craftsy
stuff and sells them. He works part time at the local blind shop and walks
home and gets to work.

You can do it.    We'll help

Ozzie 
NY







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