Hello, my name is Mike Armitage and I am originally from Uxbridge, North West London. I was married for 24 years but am now separated, I have 3 children. They are all living independent lives so I'm now able to do some of the things I have wanted to do for some time but have been unable to due to family commitments. I have met a new partner and now live with her (Julie) in Berkshire. This means a longer trip to work on the boat so things have slowed down somewhat.
I have always enjoyed working with my hands and have developed many skills over the years. I earn a living now by repairing central heating boilers and flushing heating systems, but have in the past fitted bathrooms and kitchens, done carpentry work and building work of all kinds. As leisure pursuits I have done stained glass work with lead and copper, leather work, furniture making ,car mechanics, and I am now becoming more involved in metalwork. I did a welding course at Uxbridge College some years ago. I have recently constructed an LPG forge using plans from the internet and hope to be able to cast the portholes for my boat myself using brass reclaimed from plumbing fittings. My first attempt showed me that the skill improves with practice.(Hopefully)
My next project is to build a 60 foot, live aboard narrowboat. This will be the biggest project and who knows, my swansong. I have never been trained in boat building or metalwork except for an evening class in hobby welding so this is going to be quite an undertaking. It will encompass all the many skills I have learned over the years and many which I have yet to learn! This will be a long term project over several years and this site will document it.
I am currently doing another evening class at TVU Reading to learn how to properly use my lathe/mill. I have to make the control linkages for the boat engine. And maybe build a steam engine when I have some time on my hands!
Please visit often and feel free to leave your comments in the guest book.
