We know of the inventor of this unique scientific instrument, Sir David Brewster, but what of the craftsman, JAMES N. DUXBURY, who, with his numerous skills, creates beautiful pieces specifically for your appreciation and enjoyment.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, James N. Duxbury (Jim) moved to a rural suburb as a young child where his father, a finish carpenter by trade, built the house Jim resided in until relocating to North Carolina.  Jim had an inquisitive mind, and his interests always turned to mechanical and building projects throughout his youth. He pursued a trade as a sheet metal and HVAC contractor.  Ironically, a Presbyterian like Sir David Brewster, the founder of Kaleidoscopes, his desire to serve God and his own congregation while using his technical and creative abilities drew him to a position as properties manager of the Old Stone Church, a beautiful and  historic Presbyterian church on Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jim now resides in Graham, North Carolina where the bright warm sun shines down on his little shop almost every day.  Creativity abounds - all sorts of fine turnings are made from small Bottle Stoppers to Bowls, Bud Vases, Trays, Furniture, Kaleidoscopes, Turned Wooden Hats, and even a working Foucault Pendulum.   New models of Kaleidoscopes have been designed resulting in numerous blue ribbons.  Both custom made Kaleidoscopes and the plans to build them are now available on his website.  www.duxterity.com/ec 

Much of woodworking generates large amounts of fine dust.  Also noise and flying debris is a problem and it soon became evident to Jim that a good respirator that was compatible with ear and eye protection was almost a must.  This led to the development of the Resp-O-Rator™, the first mouthpiece respirator ever designed to function on a full time basis.  Many workers with beards or facial deformities can now also be protected with this device.  A smaller version, the Resp-O-Rator Jr.™ has since been developed for lighter duty usage.  The National Institute of Health and Safety, NIOSH, has tested and approved both the Resp-O-Rator™ and the Resp-O-Rator Jr.™  as escape type devices. Both Resp-O-Rators™ are sold nation wide as nuisance dust respirator protection. 

Although Jim quit working in 1996 and has claimed to be retired, he has since obtained two U. S. Patents and has a third one in progress.  Additionally his company, DUXTERITY LLC, markets both the Resp-O-Rators™ and Elegant Creations, his gallery of fine wooden objects.  Both can be seen at his web site www.duxterity.com