Pictures of Dave Fleming

[John Blazy]

I'm sorry, I meant pictures FOR Dave Fleming :D
I took these shots off a restaraunt wall in Leland, Michigan, a port called 'Fishtown' with the most beautiful scenery and caribbean blue waters just north of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. These were turn-of-the-century construction shots of the Carlson fishing boats still around in Leland, built by the fisherman himself. Good shots using the tools Dave tells us about.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid76/pd72718f662bc81f518eda65ff6ef39ac/fb474fa8.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid76/p3dcf549de8459cdc237f38532e07e7b9/fb474fa4.jpg

[Dave Fleming]

Ayup, thems the ones.
Thanks for posting them John, it is appreciated.

Or so says I.

[Hughman]

Dave, You look pretty good for an old guy.

;) tongue.gif

[Dave Fleming]

Nah, he's prettier n'me and he has hair on his haid too.

[Ian McColgin]

First guy looks like old Eben. When Mystic first had the bright idea to save traditional craft and crafts, they figgured that some old guys would happily teach some young guys.

The old guys seemed to figgure that they just had a job and we young guys would learn the same way they did.

Perhaps our ability to learn on the street had been destroyed by learning about sex from books rather than on the street. (Back then it was the Personal Hygene class.)

Anyway, in '65 I think it was, I'd watch Eban select his tools and I'd do likewise. We then went out to whatever big boat we were 'corking' and Eban would start laying in the oakum. (I said big boat.)

I'd try to duplicate his dips and bows.

Then he'd start working along with hammer and iron.

I'd do likewise.

Then I'd say, "Have I got it right yet, Ebb?"

"Nope."

I never did get to an "Ayeup."

Which is one of many differences between Mr Flemming and myself, between any real boatwright and an boathacker who fixes stuff because I can't afford to pay someone else.

- - Doesn't matter what kind of wrench. I'm gonna use it for a hammer - -

[Dave Fleming]

Ian, what means this?
Then he'd start working along with hammer and iron

[Ian McColgin]

Mallet, not hammer.

Or maybe it was a heavey adjustable spanner with a spring loaded jaw.

HehHehHeh.

At this remove I forget what the right name for those nifty slotted caulking mallets with the strangly long slotted head. I do remember how surprised I was that the thing was actually easy to use all day long once you got the hang of it. Looks awkward but traditional caulkers did not suffere carpel tunnel that I ever heard of. The tool actually fits the job.

[Dave Fleming]

Finest Kind are the C Drew, Black Mesquite Caulking mallets with the tool steel rings.
I cannot recall any carpal tunnel problems with the 'corkers' Just deafness, from mild to severe. The ring of a finely tempered corking iron struck by a good mallet is something that can be heard a city block away.
Tis no wonder the men that did it for a full time profession suffered hearing loss.

I picked it up, never worked as a corker just a bit here and a bit there, from the last two real corkers out of the Hall in San Francisco.
When they retired, I was able to buy a full kit from one of them, Costello, horsing irons and all.

Even a day of it will set your ears to ringing for some hours later!
Tugboat Dave and I both started wearing hearing protectors as soon as they came on the scene. The little squeezy yellow ear inserts just don't cut it over a day worth of work.

[Hughman]

EH? WHAT???