Mark Cothren
07-21-2006, 1:00 PM
Name: Barry Stratton
DOB: 5/16/1961
Physical description (G-rated, please)
5’ 10”, about 230 lbs, brown hair flecked with age and experience (okay, its turning gray), blue eyes when I’m happy, ice gray eyes when I’m not. I played all the usual sports growing up – baseball, football, basketball, hockey – and have the healed broken bones/knee/back problems to prove it. I was a competitive power lifter in college until a dislocated knee and shoulder (yes, at the same time) made me see the benefits of cold beer.
Location (for how long, previous locations, etc)
I’ve been an Alaskan for 44 years and lived in or near Clear AFB, Eagle River, Palmer, and Fairbanks. I’ve been in Anchorage since 1986. There was a brief stint in Springfield Nebraska in the mid 1960’s (all I remember was hanging out in the basement due to tornado warnings! We got ice cream and watched TV!!!)
Family information (brag on your spouse, kids, grandkids, dog, etc)
I’ve been married to a wonderfully beautiful, intelligent, loving, TOLERANT woman since 1996 who accepts ALL my quirks and faults with a smile. The oldest is a “James Bond Girl” graduating from High School in 007. I have to tell you she is the best kid you will ever meet. If I could have hand picked my step-daughter I would never have done as well! Sweet, kind, patient, always a smile, sees the best in all – A true joy to be around! The youngest just turned 7 and will be in 2nd grade this fall. She has inherited her mother’s beauty, intelligence, and skills along with her grandfather’s youngest son’s stubbornness, warped sense of humor, headstrong attitude, and physical resilience.
We have a great dog, Misty the Rottweiler, who plays her role well. She has that typical Rotty “look” – “where is the money you owe me”, takes voice commands from the youngest, and relishes her role as family friend and protector. We are also allowed to provide food and shelter for two cats Sophie (the mom) and Simba (the son). Simba had a “problem” several years ago that resulted in his plumbing being rearranged so that he now resembles a “girl” cat from the outside.
Given that I live in a house of females AND what happened to Simba, I try to be on my BEST BEHAVIOR at all times. I must note that I “try”, but I am what I am!
Vocation (what do you do for a living, and what have you done previously)
I’ve worked for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game since 1979. My entire career has been in the cold and slimy (fish) divisions. I’ve been fortunate to work all over Alaska – from Norton Sound to Bristol Bay, Prince William Sound, Resurrection Bay, and all of south-central Alaska managing and researching fish targeted by commercial, recreational, and subsistence users. Some of the duties I’ve had were amazing!
Tagging salmon in the ocean and then recovering the tags in rivers and streams, tagging fish in fishwheels, observing/participating on gillnet test fisheries, walking streams counting fish, flying streams counting fish, floating streams counting fish, etc….. I’ve done my share of enforcement patrols and issued citations when the need arose. I have even seen a bear or two in the wild. I cannot believe to this day that I have been paid to do many of the things I have done!
I love to hunt and get out as often as I can with my rifle and handguns. Chasing mountain goats is my greatest joy and simpler than it appears. Mt. goat hunting is nothing more than “up, then down”. I’ve been lucky to chase most things up here as well as a making several trips to New Zealand, Texas, New Mexico, and Montana. I fish when the mood strikes or the girls want to, but not as much as I used to.
Long ago I ran some trap for fun and pocket change. Coyotes are an excuse to get out in the winter and get some exercise with the 220 Swift. All of my family is proficient with firearms except for the youngest, but she desperately wants to learn so have begun the process of passing that tradition along as well.
I have been eligible for full retirement for a couple years. We plan to take advantage of that next summer once the oldest graduates. To that end, we already own 5 ¼ acres of heaven in extreme west central Minnesota complete with house and an 18 x 24 SHOP!!!!!!!! So, you Midwest Creekers can expect a visit once I get settled.
Website?
None.
Equipment Overview (lathe, tools, etc)
I’ve got a sparse collection that includes a Jet mini-VS lathe, Ridgid tablesaw, very cheap Ryobi router w/even cheaper table, cheap Delta drill press, and a Dewalt 788 scrollsaw. Also have the usual tailed hand tools.
How many lathes have (or do) you own? Tell us about 'em.
Uno. The Jet Mini VS purchased thru amazon and miraculously shipped for free!
How many turning tools do you have?
I own the cheap (noticing a pattern?) Harbor Freight spindle set along with a Benjamins Best 3/8 bowl gouge and 1” round nosed scraper.
Tell us about your shop
My “shop” consists of the above tools crammed into ½ the garage. I share “my” half of the garage with the chest freezer, filled with everything Alaska is know for and more: moose, deer, salmon, halibut, black bear, berries, frozen waffles, etc…. If you root around a little you’d probably find a coyote skull or two waiting to be boiled up and cleaned.
How long turning?
About 3 whole months!
What got you into turning?
You folks did. Seeing the amazing stuff you post everyday made me think I could do it. The bombing of Ken pushed me into the vortex. It has been a wonderful experience.
What do you enjoy most about turning?
I enjoy the smell (even oak), the excitement of the flying curls, and the feeling that all is right in the world when the lathe is on. I know, corny answer, but you asked!
What was your first completed turned project?
My first completed project was a large pile of mountain ash shavings. I think a bonker was in there somewhere as well. My dad is using it to bonk fish this summer!
What is your favorite form that you turn?
At my skill level, my favorite form that I have turned is one that is round-ish and does not require copious amounts of CA to hold it together!
What is your favorite form someone else turns/has turned?
The hollow forms and NE bowls you folks post completely amaze me.
What is your favorite wood to work with and why?
Turning or in general??? For turning, I’d have to say walnut. I love the smell, I love the subtle variation incolor, and I love the price!
Have you met or hung out with any turnin' Creekers? Tell us about it.
Unfortunately no. You folks in the Midwest better hide though, `cause once I move down there – ROAD TRIP!
What is your favorite individual piece that you have turned, and why?
An Osage Orange pen/pencil set because my wife latched onto them up for her own.
What is your favorite piece someone else has turned, and why?
Other than my own, I do not think there is a turning I have seen that I did not like. I am constantly amazed at everything I see posted here.
Now that I have some understanding of how it is done, I am truly in awe! Each and every pen, stopper, cup, bowl, NE, HF, death triangle bowl, ort, etc… is an amazing reflection of the one who made it.
What do you not turn now that you want to - or plan to - in the future?
Something that looks round, has no sanding or tool marks, and has a good finish!!!!!!
What brought you to SMC?
Surfing the web. I lurked for a while and was really impressed by the friendship, support, encouragement and freely given advice here. When you folks “bombed” Fitz it made me realize “I’ve got to be a part of this”. I signed up, donated, and started posting. John Hart was the first of many to offer kind encouragement. I sincerely hope to be able to give something back to you folks someday in return for ALL that you have given me. This is truly a community that I am honored to have a small part in.
Got any nicknames? How'd you get it?
“Bear” has been my nickname since I was a kid. I like to think that it has to due with my slow, easy going, plodding nature that can turn deadly when threatened. But I must admit it is most likely to my ability to eat copious amounts of anything and sleep for months on end!
Many tried, but all failed to get the usual “Straw”, Rasp”, Blue”, and/or Cran” berry to stick. One guy got real creative in 2nd grade and tossed “Dingle” into the mix. I believe his jaws are still wired shut and the doctors think the limp may be permanent!
Now let's get a little deep... If you were a tree, what tree would you be and why?
Tough question…….I’d have to say a stout and burly maple tree that provides sanctuary to a healthy population of beetles. That way when I got old and past my prime, I could get cut down, folks could work their spinny magic on the blanks, and I’d be able to live forever!
DOB: 5/16/1961
Physical description (G-rated, please)
5’ 10”, about 230 lbs, brown hair flecked with age and experience (okay, its turning gray), blue eyes when I’m happy, ice gray eyes when I’m not. I played all the usual sports growing up – baseball, football, basketball, hockey – and have the healed broken bones/knee/back problems to prove it. I was a competitive power lifter in college until a dislocated knee and shoulder (yes, at the same time) made me see the benefits of cold beer.
Location (for how long, previous locations, etc)
I’ve been an Alaskan for 44 years and lived in or near Clear AFB, Eagle River, Palmer, and Fairbanks. I’ve been in Anchorage since 1986. There was a brief stint in Springfield Nebraska in the mid 1960’s (all I remember was hanging out in the basement due to tornado warnings! We got ice cream and watched TV!!!)
Family information (brag on your spouse, kids, grandkids, dog, etc)
I’ve been married to a wonderfully beautiful, intelligent, loving, TOLERANT woman since 1996 who accepts ALL my quirks and faults with a smile. The oldest is a “James Bond Girl” graduating from High School in 007. I have to tell you she is the best kid you will ever meet. If I could have hand picked my step-daughter I would never have done as well! Sweet, kind, patient, always a smile, sees the best in all – A true joy to be around! The youngest just turned 7 and will be in 2nd grade this fall. She has inherited her mother’s beauty, intelligence, and skills along with her grandfather’s youngest son’s stubbornness, warped sense of humor, headstrong attitude, and physical resilience.
We have a great dog, Misty the Rottweiler, who plays her role well. She has that typical Rotty “look” – “where is the money you owe me”, takes voice commands from the youngest, and relishes her role as family friend and protector. We are also allowed to provide food and shelter for two cats Sophie (the mom) and Simba (the son). Simba had a “problem” several years ago that resulted in his plumbing being rearranged so that he now resembles a “girl” cat from the outside.
Given that I live in a house of females AND what happened to Simba, I try to be on my BEST BEHAVIOR at all times. I must note that I “try”, but I am what I am!
Vocation (what do you do for a living, and what have you done previously)
I’ve worked for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game since 1979. My entire career has been in the cold and slimy (fish) divisions. I’ve been fortunate to work all over Alaska – from Norton Sound to Bristol Bay, Prince William Sound, Resurrection Bay, and all of south-central Alaska managing and researching fish targeted by commercial, recreational, and subsistence users. Some of the duties I’ve had were amazing!
Tagging salmon in the ocean and then recovering the tags in rivers and streams, tagging fish in fishwheels, observing/participating on gillnet test fisheries, walking streams counting fish, flying streams counting fish, floating streams counting fish, etc….. I’ve done my share of enforcement patrols and issued citations when the need arose. I have even seen a bear or two in the wild. I cannot believe to this day that I have been paid to do many of the things I have done!
I love to hunt and get out as often as I can with my rifle and handguns. Chasing mountain goats is my greatest joy and simpler than it appears. Mt. goat hunting is nothing more than “up, then down”. I’ve been lucky to chase most things up here as well as a making several trips to New Zealand, Texas, New Mexico, and Montana. I fish when the mood strikes or the girls want to, but not as much as I used to.
Long ago I ran some trap for fun and pocket change. Coyotes are an excuse to get out in the winter and get some exercise with the 220 Swift. All of my family is proficient with firearms except for the youngest, but she desperately wants to learn so have begun the process of passing that tradition along as well.
I have been eligible for full retirement for a couple years. We plan to take advantage of that next summer once the oldest graduates. To that end, we already own 5 ¼ acres of heaven in extreme west central Minnesota complete with house and an 18 x 24 SHOP!!!!!!!! So, you Midwest Creekers can expect a visit once I get settled.
Website?
None.
Equipment Overview (lathe, tools, etc)
I’ve got a sparse collection that includes a Jet mini-VS lathe, Ridgid tablesaw, very cheap Ryobi router w/even cheaper table, cheap Delta drill press, and a Dewalt 788 scrollsaw. Also have the usual tailed hand tools.
How many lathes have (or do) you own? Tell us about 'em.
Uno. The Jet Mini VS purchased thru amazon and miraculously shipped for free!
How many turning tools do you have?
I own the cheap (noticing a pattern?) Harbor Freight spindle set along with a Benjamins Best 3/8 bowl gouge and 1” round nosed scraper.
Tell us about your shop
My “shop” consists of the above tools crammed into ½ the garage. I share “my” half of the garage with the chest freezer, filled with everything Alaska is know for and more: moose, deer, salmon, halibut, black bear, berries, frozen waffles, etc…. If you root around a little you’d probably find a coyote skull or two waiting to be boiled up and cleaned.
How long turning?
About 3 whole months!
What got you into turning?
You folks did. Seeing the amazing stuff you post everyday made me think I could do it. The bombing of Ken pushed me into the vortex. It has been a wonderful experience.
What do you enjoy most about turning?
I enjoy the smell (even oak), the excitement of the flying curls, and the feeling that all is right in the world when the lathe is on. I know, corny answer, but you asked!
What was your first completed turned project?
My first completed project was a large pile of mountain ash shavings. I think a bonker was in there somewhere as well. My dad is using it to bonk fish this summer!
What is your favorite form that you turn?
At my skill level, my favorite form that I have turned is one that is round-ish and does not require copious amounts of CA to hold it together!
What is your favorite form someone else turns/has turned?
The hollow forms and NE bowls you folks post completely amaze me.
What is your favorite wood to work with and why?
Turning or in general??? For turning, I’d have to say walnut. I love the smell, I love the subtle variation incolor, and I love the price!
Have you met or hung out with any turnin' Creekers? Tell us about it.
Unfortunately no. You folks in the Midwest better hide though, `cause once I move down there – ROAD TRIP!
What is your favorite individual piece that you have turned, and why?
An Osage Orange pen/pencil set because my wife latched onto them up for her own.
What is your favorite piece someone else has turned, and why?
Other than my own, I do not think there is a turning I have seen that I did not like. I am constantly amazed at everything I see posted here.
Now that I have some understanding of how it is done, I am truly in awe! Each and every pen, stopper, cup, bowl, NE, HF, death triangle bowl, ort, etc… is an amazing reflection of the one who made it.
What do you not turn now that you want to - or plan to - in the future?
Something that looks round, has no sanding or tool marks, and has a good finish!!!!!!
What brought you to SMC?
Surfing the web. I lurked for a while and was really impressed by the friendship, support, encouragement and freely given advice here. When you folks “bombed” Fitz it made me realize “I’ve got to be a part of this”. I signed up, donated, and started posting. John Hart was the first of many to offer kind encouragement. I sincerely hope to be able to give something back to you folks someday in return for ALL that you have given me. This is truly a community that I am honored to have a small part in.
Got any nicknames? How'd you get it?
“Bear” has been my nickname since I was a kid. I like to think that it has to due with my slow, easy going, plodding nature that can turn deadly when threatened. But I must admit it is most likely to my ability to eat copious amounts of anything and sleep for months on end!
Many tried, but all failed to get the usual “Straw”, Rasp”, Blue”, and/or Cran” berry to stick. One guy got real creative in 2nd grade and tossed “Dingle” into the mix. I believe his jaws are still wired shut and the doctors think the limp may be permanent!
Now let's get a little deep... If you were a tree, what tree would you be and why?
Tough question…….I’d have to say a stout and burly maple tree that provides sanctuary to a healthy population of beetles. That way when I got old and past my prime, I could get cut down, folks could work their spinny magic on the blanks, and I’d be able to live forever!