Robert L. Baker

It is hard to belive that Bob is gone. I met and spent time with him at Williamsburg at an EAIA meeting a long time ago. Our friendship remained all these years I respected and admired him.

Sorry to be late with this but I was here before this guest book was here and just stoped by again to see if here was any more information about him. I see many in the tool world have stopped by to remember Bob.

Rest in peace.

As many have said, Bob was an extraordinary artist and craftsman. More important was his character; Highest integrity, open, warm and helpful, honest and trustworthy. I believe he brought out the best in people, as much as he did tools.

Words cannot express my admiration for Bob as a man and as an incredible mechanician. I will remember him and miss him.

I just wanted to say thank you to all the people that have posted here and on other websites. It has been amazing to read all the kind words about my father. It has meant a lot to my brother and I. Thank you again for all your support.

In the thick of it, life seems endless, but when it comes to a close for our friends or loved ones, it's far too short to comprehend.
To be remembered is all anyone could ask, you will be well remembered.

Bob was a dear friend of mine for many years and I am in shock that he is no longer with us. He taught me more than I can say, and was always ready to help. Besides being a good friend to me, and countless others, he was also the most skilled craftsman that I have ever known. This is truly a great loss on so many different levels. I know that he loved his boys dearly, and spoke of them often to me. I hope that they know how loved he was by all of us.

A superb craftsman no matter what medium he chose . A friend who shall be much missed .

Bob and I became friends through eBay. I'm heartsick to hear of his passing. His thoughtfulness and humor will always remain with me.

I will never forget Bob for his talent, his craftsmanship, his warmth, and his smile.

This was genuinely stunning news. Although I consider myself lucky to have some of his incredible pieces of craftsmanship, when I think of them it is when I think of the man.
He could spend an entire day just cruising around an antique tool event and reconnect with the many many friends and customers that he had developed over the years. These relationships were the result of the magnificent work he had done for them, and just being a friend to all who cared to talk. He did this with style and a humbleness that will place him at the top on the "Nicest man you ever want to meet" list.
It will take some time to adapt to such a loss.

Bob was the finest craftsman I've ever know. His knowledge was incredable.
It was a privalage to have know him.

May he rest in peace.

Jim Leamy, East Earl, PA

What a loss to the world of fine craftsman. So skilled in both metal and timber, also dedicated and knowledgable and so happy to share. I will never forget the few hours I spent in the workshop one evening I was in town.

Bob was the epitome of what a professional is all about. If you brought him something that was not worthy, he would test you to see whether the repair was for love or resale. For love of the object, he would do the work - for resale, he would discourage you. I will miss him.

Bob will be so missed by everybody! He was a good friend and among the finest craftsman ever. I still can't believe he is gone!

Bob was a talented and humble craftsman who took considerable pride in his work, and shared his knowledge freely with others. Time spent with Bob was a highlight in anyone's day.

Bob was an exremely talented person.
A great friend.
I will miss him.
Andy D'Elia

Bob was a artist in the truest sense. His skills were incredible and irreplaceable. But more importantly her was a kind a gentle person who was willing to help anyone he met.

Bob's quiet and serious manner and unsurpassed workmanship certainly leaves a major void in the antique tool world. He will be sorely missed.

This comes as a greaat shock. Bob had to be one of the greatest craftsmen I have ever known. We will all miss him.

There where few with his skill and understanding of the correct proportions and details of the 18th century wooded plane. I have seen him transform fragments back into a wonderful example. He was also a very patient and kind person helping those just starting out in the field.

I knew Bob for many years, both as a customer and as a friend. He was a sweet, gentle man, always fun and interesting to be with, and his legendary skill was a pleasure to witness. He will be missed.

Bob Baker was a superb craftsman, and was dedicated to retaining the authenticity of every tool he repaired. He was a good friend and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Bob, a true gentleman and a master craftsman/artist. His works of tool-art survive and will simply grow in stature for others to strive to achive the same perfection.
Eric Peterson

I think of Bob every time I handle a tool he made "right again" for me, always professionally handled with a sensitivity to the integrity of the piece. His absence has created a void that will be felt for years to come in. Bob, I hope where you are now is every bit as beautiful as Torch Lake and more. To your family I extend my heart felt condolences.

Bob, You will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know you. I always enjoyed talking with you and sharing ideas on different ways to solve a problem. Your level of skill will be hard to match.

Chuck Wirtenson ( Verona,N.Y.)

Bob, you will be greatly missed. An all around good guy with world class talent. You will live on in the memories of those who knew you and the beautifull tools you made.