Hello everyone

[Brad Haskin]

Hi folks, I am new to the forum and to engraving. I was exposed to engraving at a very early age. My father designed and manufactured Roto-gravure printing presses and had a roll division. He employed a number of engravers. Most of them were from Germany. They emigrated to Canada and received special citizenship. That allowed them to emigrate to the US without having to deal with quotas and wait lists. I would go to work with him on Saturdays and watch the engravers for hours. The oportunity was there to learn from the best when I was a child. In later years I studied engineering, then law. I love working with my hands and do so at every oportunity. I have built a number of rifles, doing all of the metal work including finishing and make the stocks from blanks. I love to release the wonderful things that are hiding inside pieces of wood and metal. I have a number of other interests. Most notably Astronomy, music, mathematics and anthropology (primatology). I sure wish sleep wasn't necessary. I tried to wean myself off of it but I just can't beat the addiction. I'm trapped in Virginia beach because my wife and children like it. I live 6 miles from the ocean...a straight 55mph shot. But, I have not seen the ocean in close to 10 years. I love the mountains. I'm trying to locate about 20 acres bordering one of the national forests. My oldest daughter graduated from Virginia Tech with honors in Mechanical Engineering. She speaks fluent german and now works for Siemans. My younger girls is 19 and in her second year of college. So, there is nothing holding me here any longer. So, I am on the hunt for a piece of land.
I have been thumbing through this forum every day and find myself in utter awe. I pray that with a ton of practice i can be one tenth as good as you folks. I feel priviledged to be able to join your forum. Thanks so much for having me. With my best regards to all of you, Brad Haskin, Virginia Beach, Virginia

[mtgraver]

Welcome Brad, to the land of learning. Can't find a better group of folks to share their knowledge and work.
I started my working career in the roto gravure field, following my grandfather into the printing field. I moved to Va. and worked into the offset field, all my career I worked as a machinist and machine repairman.
I understand the affinity to these mountains, tain't nuttin lak em. I'm in the foothills of the Allegheny, I hope you find what your're looking for.
Mark
www.MarkThomas-graver.com

[Tim Wells]

Welcome to the fold Brad.

There's a lot to sift through here so paruse all you want and post any questions you might have; someone here will help.

[Big-Un]

Hey Brad, as far as land goes, there is a piece in Southwestern VA pretty reasonable, 16 acres I think with a 30 foot waterfall on it. I'll get the specifics if you want them.

Bill

[dbonder]

Hi Brad Welcome

[carl bleile]

Welcome, got any questions about anything at anytime just ask,
Carl Bleile
southwest, Ohio