George R. Urquhart

IN MEMORY OF GEORGE R. URQUHART

Not even a year has passed that I have had to interrupt this little stream of works and tips to recognize the death of a dear friend, as well as my wife's uncle, George R. Urquhart, affectionately known as Uncle Bud.  The appellation is especially appropriate because, with little ado, he became everyone's uncle, exuding a rare warmth and interest in all whom he encountered.  Uncle Bud was inquisitive and would ask you questions, not a common trait at all.  He was an aeronautical engineer by profession, but in his retirement years became quite an avid and skilled woodworker.  Thus we shared two life interests:  aviation and woodworking, and enjoyed many a good conversation about both.  It was not even a year or so back we were discussing table saw practices.  Uncle Bud lived a full and rich 91 years, even publishing a book recently, entitled Reasons to Believe.  He will be sorely missed by all who know him.  More can be learned about Uncle Bud in the excellent obituary in the Kansas City Star:  George R. Urquhart.

Tool Tip #12: Grabbing for Arrows

I've never been a fan of carpenter's pencils, finding them imprecise, awkward and a hassle to sharpen.  What is it...a million hours of construction labor lost each year to sharpening them?  I do, however, like the better grip they provide when grabbing them from a tool belt or shop apron.  To provide that same grip on a typical pencil I glue on an arrowhead eraser.  In fact a pencil without one now feels quite naked to me.  I always have a pair handy in all the locations I need them:  a #2 for writing and a #3H for lines.  (See also Plague of Cheap Tools)  Furthermore, should you ever make that rare marking mistake you have a nice fat eraser to take care of it.