Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 36

Thread: Turner Interview: Andy Hoyt

  1. Turner Interview: Andy Hoyt

    Name: Andrew Erskine Hoyt

    DOB/Age: December 15th, 1953

    Physical description (G-rated, please)
    Taller than Dennis Peacock; wider than Jim Dunn; better looking than Loy Hawes, dumber than John Hart; and slower than Bob Noles. Soulash Binti comes to mind.

    Location (for how long, previous locations, etc)
    Benton Falls, ME since summer 2003; corporate exile in Vallejo, CA from 1994 to 2003; Springfield, VT 1992 to 1994; South Royalton, VT from 1985 to 1992; Westport Island, ME from 1981 to 1985. The list keeps going and going – I’m a firm believer in the greener grass concept.

    Family information (brag on your spouse, kids, grandkids, dog, etc)
    Married to Chrystine since 1982, one daughter Gabrielle born 1984; dogs Marlowe and Archie; and cat Crystal. As the only male in the house, I get blamed for everything.

    Vocation (what do you do for a living, and what have you done previously)
    Spent a long time in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman – highlights include a tour with the marines; being a plankowner of the USS Nassau; and duty as a SERE instructor in Rangeley, Maine. After the Navy I spent a year working for the Mafia in Ghent, NY but that didn’t pan out, so I went to work for a timberframing company in NH and stayed with them for about 17 years designing, cutting, and building new timberframed homes.

    I now run my own business building timberframed architectural models and dollhouses. Same product for two different industries. Have sold some of my turned stuff, but turning is more of a therapeutic escape for me than anything else. I wish I could do it full time, since I need lots of therapy.

    Equipment Overview (lathe, tools, etc)
    Ancient Delta 10” Contractor’s TS; Powermatic 14” BS; Delta 6” jointer; Grizzly 1005Z milling machine; Jet JOVS-10 spindle sander; Oneway 1640 lathe; Oneida 2HP DC; Dewalt 12” CMS; Delta mortiser; plus the usual obscenely huge assortment of other stuff.

    How many lathes do you own, or have owned? How many PMs do you wish you owned? Tell us about 'em:
    I do not own any Private Messages, as they are all in the public domain. Started out on a Oneway 1018 that I bought used in 2001 and then sold to a fellow Creeker early last fall. I replaced it with a new Oneway 1640 and it’s set up with the outboard extension, which allows me to swing a 24” chunk; a vacuum system with a Gast pump; Stronghold Chuck; and the Moffat Light System. Would love to acquire a coring system and one of the big-boy hollowing rigs. Where’s Ketron Toolworks when you need ‘em?

    How many turning tools do you have?
    At last count there are twenty-nine, which is far too many. About ⅓ are home made. I always seem to gravitate to the same five or six.

    Tell us about your shop:
    It’s a 28’ x 30’ three-story barn attached to the house. Lower level is lawnmowers and stuff, plus the ducting for the DC. Upper level is a wide-open former hayloft. 75% is used for household storage and 25% is a dedicated and insulated finishing room / photo shoot area. The main (middle) level is on grade and has the mudroom, shop, and my office. After we bought the place in 2003, I gutted the main level and did a complete renovation.

    Wish I’d known about SMC back then, as I’m sure I would have benefited from the collective wisdom while I was doing the work. Have a ton of photographs that would have made a great thread like that of Chris Padilla or Frank Pellow. When I started, I figured three months would be all it would take. Actually took close to a year and I only went over budget by 400%. The power of plastic exists on many levels.

    As for the shop it self – while it might look like your basic shop with the usual assemblage of tools, it’s actually quite carefully orchestrated towards the models I make what with everything crammed closely together. The trailer lives in the shop during the winter for ease in snow removal, and outside for the rest of the year. This forces me not to locate tools here (which I like) as it leaves a nice 9’ x 14’ clear space for special projects.

    Website? If so, what's the URL?
    My business site is
    www.downscaledesigns.com which I maintain myself.
    And I also manage
    www.mainewoodturners.org for my turning chapter.

    How long turning?
    First time I ever held a gouge was on September 10th, 2001, a pretty easy date to remember.

    What got you into turning?
    The notion first crossed my mind in 2000 when I was looking for a way to avoid tossing out or burning perfectly good pieces of scrap wood generated by flat-sided work since it seemed like a waste of money and resources. Pens, ornaments, and other similar stuff were thought to be the initial way to go. Also liked the thought that it was simple quick work with instant results – much like plowing snow or mowing grass. Boy was I wrong!

    What do you enjoy most about turning?
    I love to mount a sopping wet chunk of anything and let the cold wet shavings cover me from head to toe; make a huge mess; and relish in the marvelous sensation on your hands as you make really long curls come off the gouge. I could rough turn all day long.

    What was your first completed turned project?
    In preparation for selling our house in California, we re-landscaped the front yard, which meant I had to build a new picket fence. There were about seventeen posts, each with a finial on top. I think it took about 30 pieces to get 17 that looked close enough to please me.

    What is your favorite form that you turn?
    I guess I’m kinda like Ernie. I get great satisfaction from completing any piece that still resembles the vision I had at the beginning. This happens so rarely that when it does the sense of pride in the accomplishment is quite powerful.

    What is your favorite form someone else turns/has turned?
    I’m especially impressed with any piece that will hold a pint of Heath Bar Crunch.

    What is your favorite wood to work with and why?
    Cherry – because it’s so versatile – comes in a close second. But Freewood wins this contest, because I wreck so much of it.

    Have you met or hung out with any turnin' Creekers? Tell us about it.
    I met Lou Sansone and Syd Lorandeau at Mike Cutler’s house down in Connecticut when I got all that spalted hickory from Mike last December. Syd turns, but the others don’t (yet). It was a quick calorie burning visit, but enjoyable nonetheless. There are two well-known Creekers who have indicated a desire to stop by the house sometime over the next few months. Kinda isolated and off the beaten path up here in the top right corner, so visits are especially exciting. I’d name those two guys, but don’t want to jinx the visit.

    What is your favorite individual piece that you have turned, and why?
    There are a number of favorites, but the most treasured piece that I “helped” turn is Ken Fitzgerald’s Salmon Bonker. I wasn’t the only person to help, as there were scores of other folks on the assault team, too. Without sounding too drippy, let me say that the entire event was a pivotal point in my life – at least I hope so. Humanity routinely joins hands to help in times of urgent need; but I honestly cannot recall an event where so many jumped in to help someone they’ve never met just because they thought it would be fun and worthwhile.

    What is your favorite piece someone else has turned, and why?
    Ya wanna out me, huh? Okay, I’m game - anything by Travis Stinson. That he can produce his stuff on that crummy mustard yellow beginner’s lathe of his is astounding, and mighty impressive, too.

    What do you not turn now that you want to - or plan to - in the future?
    I’m hooked on hollow forms due to their complex issues. I’ve done lots in the 3” to 5” height range, but I want to go taller and wider. That means money – damned Abyss.

    What brought you to SMC?
    I always thought Internet forums were where teenagers spent all day exchanging locations, ages, and favorite movie stars. Then last summer a fellow chapter member told me about The Wows and the AAW Forum. That ultimately led me to the Creek and I fell in - all the way in – and I have no interest in climbing back out.

    How is it that you deal with your "mustard yellar envy"?
    I keep reminding myself that mustard yellow lathes need viagra to keep up with my white iron.

    Got any nicknames? How'd you get it?
    Sluggo – the story involves an evening in a Kuala Lumpur gin mill, a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant, and my lack of sobriety.

    Now let's get a little deep... If you were a tree, what tree would you be and why?
    In honor of my recently retired two-faced avatar, I’ll pick two. There are the giant redwoods out west because they grow so old, so wise, and so tall that I feel thoroughly humbled in their presence. And the pine – in all of its variants – because it built North America.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by John Miliunas; 02-28-2006 at 8:08 AM. Reason: Edit Title

  2. Man, this interview was jinxed... it must have been the sarcastic remarks made against PMs...

    Took Andy about 314 tries to get an e-mail thru to me... then SMC wouldn't accept any font except Courier New from my copy/paste... I dunno...

    ENJOY!

    (Last picture)
    Attached Images Attached Images

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Grand Marais, MN. A transplant from Minneapolis
    Posts
    5,513
    Neat shop and family Andy. I guess you're OK too. Thanks for sharing
    TJH
    Live Like You Mean It.



    http://www.northhouse.org/

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    1,578
    Hi Andy. You seem like an alright guy, even if you prefer mayo to mustard and hung around with a bunch of Marines. Better not say too much about a bunch of swabos since there seems to be a bunch of them here. Pack up the trailer and come down to Texas for a visit.
    Good, Fast, Cheap--Pick two.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    East of the Mississippi
    Posts
    3,807
    Great interview Andy Glad to get to know you a little better although you're not as OLD as I expected With all the ice cream you eat I expected you to be a little heavier as well . Nice looking family, house and shop, too. You definately have an interesting profession.
    941.44 miles South of Steve Schlumph

    TURN SAFE

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Goodland, Kansas
    Posts
    22,605
    Hey Andy and fellow ice cream buddy it is nice to meet you. Also on another note I want to thank you also for all your help that you have given me over the past several months on turning. Like you said never having met someone and getting that kind of help means a lot to me.
    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.



  7. #7
    "Location (for how long, previous locations, etc)
    Benton Falls, ME since summer 2003; corporate exile in Vallejo, CA from 1994 to 2003; Springfield, VT 1992 to 1994; South Royalton, VT from 1985 to 1992; Westport Island, ME from 1981 to 1985. The list keeps going and going – I’m a firm believer in the greener grass concept."


    Sounds more like a man running from the law.
    Looking forward to really meeting ya in April.
    Glenn Clabo
    Michigan

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Brentwood & Altamont, TN
    Posts
    2,334
    Oh my gawd, they will interview anybody! Very nice interview Andrew, I really enjoyed your website as well!

  9. #9
    Andy, you are my kind of man on the run. I like a guy with a sense of humor and a sense of himself. You always entertain the lurkers in the turning forum and are probably singularly responsible for so many visitors thinking that there is something wrong with us. Thanks for making it so.....

    P.S. It is obvious from your web site that you know more about woodworking than you let on....
    Big Mike

    I have done so much with so little for so long I am now qualified to do anything with nothing......

    P.S. If you are interested in plans for any project that I post, just put some money in an envelope and mail it to me and I will keep it.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Knoxville TN.
    Posts
    2,667
    It all sounded good Andy and you really have a great looking family and home. Thanks
    Dick

    No Pain-No Gain- Not!
    No Pain-Good

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Just outside of Spring Green, Wisconsin
    Posts
    9,442
    Andy, you are truly a man of many talents and skills but, your one major attribute shines on: You're just plain old real!!! It's what makes you, "YOU" and thanks for being just 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!

  12. Hey Andy, welcome to the club!

    That is the "Interviewed Ones"

    These are great, they sure give us a better look at the various......ah.....characters (ya that sounds good) that inhabit this place!

    Nice pics, nice house, VERY cool models, and, me being the "Only Male" in the house too, I hear you on that one.

    BTW, isn't it just GREAT that daughters take after their mothers....

    Thanks for sharing!

    Cheers!

  13. #13
    What a great interview. Pleasure to meet you Petty Officer Hoyt! The grass sure looks pretty green where you are right now. What a great life you have!!
    ~john
    "There's nothing wrong with Quiet" ` Jeremiah Johnson

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Conway, Arkansas
    Posts
    13,181
    Well Andy.....

    At least I'm taller than I used to be.

    Nice interview.....but ya gotta remember.....I'm just as tall standing up or laying down.
    Thanks & Happy Wood Chips,
    Dennis -
    Get the Benefits of Being an SMC Contributor..!
    ....DEBT is nothing more than yesterday's spending taken from tomorrow's income.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lewiston, Idaho
    Posts
    28,504
    Nice to learn some details about the guy who pushed me into the vortex! You're certainly one of a kind and I mean that as a compliment! And so.........in your honor..............I'll publicly announce.........I'm home for lunch and THE GRINDER ARRIVED! DON'T CALL OR COME KNOCKING TONIGHT.........I'LL BE BUSY!
    Ken

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

Similar Threads

  1. Turner Interview: Dennis Peacock
    By Mark Cothren in forum Member Interviews
    Replies: 39
    Last Post: 02-26-2006, 12:49 PM
  2. Creeker interview: Steve Wargo
    By Zahid Naqvi in forum Neanderthal Haven
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 02-24-2006, 11:27 PM
  3. Turner Interview: Ernie Nyvall
    By Mark Cothren in forum Member Interviews
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 02-23-2006, 4:28 PM
  4. Andy Hoyt... What a guy!
    By George Conklin in forum Turner's Forum
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 02-17-2006, 11:44 AM
  5. Happy Birthday Andy Hoyt!!!
    By John Hart in forum Turner's Forum
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 12-16-2005, 2:13 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •