Hi brad That is great what you have done.
there isnt any thing better then seeing kids eyes light up with joy.im glad you have found a way to do what you love to do with wood wooking. Im glad you posted for all the men out there an hope they well give you tips that you are looking for. keep up the great work, God bless, take care
Hi Brad!
well I'm a girl but I am a Biomed which it is repairing medical equipment for many years. I love tools obviously and since RA decided to show up this year my job has gotten harder. I hope you have some tips on using tools but I think there isn't many arthritis friendly tools out there. I use my battery driver constantly as much as possible but sometimes I have to use screwdrivers and it hurts then I have to use a wrist brace for days especially during flares is hard.
I do need to buy me some kneepads for when I need to kneel for long periods of time.
LOL sorry about invading the male space.
Martilla
Glad you are into tools!!! I welcome ALL tips!!! Just kidding about the male vs female stuff! Your job sounds very interesting! I dont know if you are near a Lowes, but they just started offering a small, size of a regular screwdriver, battery driven driver. I got one and LOVE it!!! Lots of torque and it gets in many places a a large driver cant! Its made by General. Well worth looking into!
I will post the tips asap! Thanks!!!
Although entering the "Man Space" is scary 
HeeHee, I just had to comment on your post. You are an inspiration to us all. I have struggled terribly with my RA diagnosis and depression. It is so nice to hear of someone overcoming these huge obsticles. Way to rise up and kick some RA butt!!!
I have rental properties and to a lot of home improvement stuff myself. My cordless drill is my best friend, but is getting heavy and hard on my hands and wrist. I'm gonna have to hit Home Depot or Lowes and do some tool shopping. I am really looking forward to your "Tool Posts". Just because we have RA does not mean that we can't be Do-It-Your-Selfers!
I love that you built airplanes for the neighborhood kids. The hobby/man cave sounds awesome. I want one and I'm a girl. LOL Keep up the good work. You are a GEM! :)
PS- Have you considered building some outdoor bird houses? You could sell your woodwork on Etsy!
I can't believe I missed this post, and found it 3 months late ;)
Great post, Brad!
I've got a couple of brand new tools in the basement that are waiting for me to feel good enough to go down there and assemble them. I picked up a nice jointer/planer combo about a year ago and a really nice router table. It's terrible -- I have the perfect room already built out in my basement, but haven't felt good enough to set it up (even have the counter tops pre-cut and ready to install leaning against the wall lol).
One day...
I really want to get back into metal working... not sure how that will work out in this situation though.
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Hi Brad,
What a great post! I feel a bit like I'm "invading the male RA patient space" making a comment, when I'm not a guy...;) Just kidding. Regardless, your words are empowering for all of us -- male and female, in that it's a great outlet for anyone to have a hobby, but especially for those who could use something positive to focus their attention on.
I have found that creativity has been a great outlet for me, and something I've participated in all my life. I will continue to do so, augmenting as-needed, should that need arise.
Thanks again!
Well, I can refer to you as "dude" if it helps! LOL! You are right, everyone needs something to focus on, it brings a sense of accomplishment and pride in what you do. It really helps!
Brad