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  1. P

    Do I need a general contractor to build a house?

    While never a General Contractor I've DIY'd a number of homes. A good neighbor hired me to represent him during the build of his new home. Essentially I was the owner's representative. Fortunately he had made good choices and mostly it went very well. I did from time to time have them re do...
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    What would you do?

    A lawyer friend informed me that ALL, even emergency vehicles are to obey traffic laws. However they enjoy a tolerance and that even includes postal drivers. I've, over time, just been in court all to often* to contest. An example---- Judge: "did or did you not go thru a red'? Plaintiff: "Well...
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    What would you do?

    Once stopped at a red light I had an ambulance come up behind me with siren on an blowing horn so I ceded way but in doing so had to run the red light. I checked every which way for traffic B4 doing so. That cost me a fine and demerit points as a LEO was hiding around the corner.
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    What would you do?

    Couple of years back while driving home I saw puffs of smoke rising from a house. I stopped for a better look and sure enough flames were showing plus more black smoke also saw 3 people jump out of a window. By this time I was taking pictures as well. I had called 911 early and was on hold as...
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    Do I need a general contractor to build a house?

    On my first DIY build the neighbor complained that my septics and shed was on her land. The jokes on her, when I sold it naturally a survey was needed, and that showed that her staircase and paths to the waterfront were clearly well inside my property and (by luck) all my buildings and...
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    Lock down equipment

    Friend had a large 80 hp Kubota with extendable plow and 7 ft snowblower on it stolen last winter. He never lost a cent from his insurance claim and actually came out a tad ahead. The perps came prepared as they loaded it on a 'tilt and load trailer' with it all filmed on a monitor camera...
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    What would you do?

    Well Saturday on my way home I observed a vehicle down a small ravine laying on its side and no signs of tracks in the overnight snow. Also some 4-6 saplings were broken. It was obvious that speed was a cause as the site was just after a curve. I called it in as there was no question of my...
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    2nd shear bolt broken

    All talk of sheering bolts has me worried as not one sheered yet this year. Oh, wait still more snow to come. Being on a gravel road it is often the city plow that buries rocks in the plow berms. (That's my excuse and I'll stand by it) With fingers crossed, when I do sheer one I hope it is...
  9. P

    Postage paid return envelopes

    I agree with U but I know it happens. One incident I'm aware of is a delivery of a free meal to sample one of those mail food services.
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    Postage paid return envelopes

    Also a prank when U enter a neighbor's name and addy.
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    Postage paid return envelopes

    Yes, I believe so. However a few years back my PO manager commented as to how the gov't grabbed the surplus and applied it to other departments thus creating a loss to the PO.
  12. P

    Postage paid return envelopes

    In my city we have local mail 'pick ups' and the city has placed trash bins at each location. While a smart idea there some lazy slobs that throw all their household trash in there including food wastes. Come hot summer days you don't dare open that bin as they are on a biweekly pickup cycle and...
  13. P

    WICKED Toothbar will Transform Your Bucket

    OR like happened with my DIY bar, heat from welding the teeth holders curved my tooth bar so it is slightly more than tight fit.
  14. P

    Big Barn’s Retirement Farm Shop

    I'm mostly the same way except some few times when they are simply 'out to lunch'. Face it, not everybody can know market values on everything. however I do so so rarely that they usually agree. It helps that I've often made fair suggestions on items that I know well even if I'm not a buyer...
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    WICKED Toothbar will Transform Your Bucket

    I added a DIY tooth bar to my CUT and it thinks it is a skid steer now. Must be over 7-8 years and no looking back. Our soil breeds rocks and that bar sure helps.
  16. P

    Would you buy a 30 year old truck with 51 miles on it?

    Not trucks, but I twice bought older low mileage cars. That back in the 60's Both MG's. One a TD was 5 YO with burst frost plugs and very low mileage. Replaced the engine and had me a long life good runner and later sold for twice my investment. The other an MG B had slept under a back porch...
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    Do I need a general contractor to build a house?

    OK, I DIY'd our present home and still have no regrets as it came within budget and expectations. Only downfall is that I developed a water problem after 20 years. While I have French drains and did provide a pit for a sump pump I only developed water infiltration issues after 20 years. But back...
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    Need to change input/output shaft direction

    2 gears will reverse, 3 wont. Chain drive (and belt) will reduce speed depending on ratios of the gears or pullies. Next consideration is speed ! Most blowers are designed to run at 540 rpm PTO speed. If you are attempting to couple to the crankshaft output you would also require speed reduction...
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    Is AB-1346 The Beginning To The End Of The GARDEN TRACTOR?

    I'm not against clean energy but can't help wondering how our existing power grids will handle the demand. OK, they are wanting us to switch many power demands to off hour or night usage to level out the power demand but again if U are in a cold zone with electric heat what will be the outcome...
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    Got wind turbine blades? Build bridges.

    I believe casket sales people are the worst 'upsells' out there. Sure rank them above used car salesman.
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    Big Barn’s Retirement Farm Shop

    LOL, I bet a lot of us are in the same boat.
  22. P

    Broke a pair of safety glasses today! While I was wearing them!

    Also had both eyes returned to 20/20 and clear vision now. Once done I realized that water was blue and not brown as I had previously thought. Night driving also more enjoyable.
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    Do I need a general contractor to build a house?

    On a 1 mill commercial project they had to re do the electrical entry as it did not meet code. (The electric room ceiling was too low by a few inches)
  24. P

    Broke a pair of safety glasses today! While I was wearing them!

    Another here that had a grinding disc explode and trash a safety lens. It had a nice clean line about dead center where the disc made contact. Thankfully under Cosco insurance policy I got a free replacement.
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    Back up Generators - finally looking.

    "Good to know about the brushes. You may have presented me with a fine rationalization for buying a bench belt sander." Gee, you're not a real tool junky like I am, LOL, I don't need excuses as long as it looks handy and price is right. But then I can't move in my shop and still looking for...
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    Back up Generators - finally looking.

    Suggestion, re oil: From a petroleum eng I understand that diesel oils contain an additive that will help minimize wear on those old mechanical lifters. Brushes: I have a few times been able to simply modify larger ones by hacksaw, sandpaper and or filing.
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    PTO Link Easy PTO Adapter

    My trick also! I spray my PTO coupler and shaft with WD40 and that cleans and flushes both just nicely. Must be 8-10 years doing that and never an issue. Oil or grease would simply retain sand and/or grit while WD flushes and leaves a simple protective coating.
  28. P

    Tires filled with Beet Juice too heavy for landscaping and field work?

    Another observation. As much as possible avoid using 4 x 4 when on lawns as the fronts can and will damage the lawn while turning.
  29. P

    Edge Tamer

    I'd think they'd work OK clamped to the outer ends. On the other hand (if U weld) do as I did. Simply weld some flat 2-3" flat stock (with both ends bent like ski tips) onto the bottom of the factory blower skids. I made mine about 10 " long X 2.5" wide. No more gravel raking in the spring...
  30. P

    Propane Tank Outdoor Storage

    The farce of it all is when U need that propane to run your generator it is usually due to a power outage so all those precautions really don't matter, other than using ground heat. (buried tank)
  31. P

    Quality drill bits for metal.

    I must have a good eye, or learned how early on, as I always sharpen all bits from about 3/16 on up. I also frequently dress my fine grinder stone with a diamond dressing tool. Basically I simply freehand do my grinding. Also keep some water nearby to keep the bits cool. Also not often...
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    Propane Tank Outdoor Storage

    Another consideration. High propane demand from a tank and using a small regulator (like BBQ size) can actually freeze up quite fast. That phenomenon is from 'venturi effect'.** Heck even automotive carburetors have some heat source to prevent that effect. Early VW's had a summer/winter lever...
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    Lock down equipment

    When I bought my CUT the neutral switch had been bypassed and the 2 wires simply linked, So my deterrent is now to simply disconnect those 2 wires when parked. Also I keep the disconnected ends out of view, mind U I could simply install a discrete switch. In aviation I used to install a switch...
  34. P

    Quality drill bits for metal.

    I still have many Dormer bits that have stood the tests of time and always grab them when I see some at yard sales.
  35. P

    Do you take it to the dealer for maintenance or do it yourself.

    Since there is no dealers for Mitsubishi I do it all myself. Except for tire work as that is more than I can handle. So far it has worked for me but then I have all the manuals for my model which helps. Fortunately being a former licensed aircraft mechanic I'm very well tooled plus I am a fairly...
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    Replacing a frost plug block heater

    That was not me that that did that booboo but I did have to resort to the same technique one cold winter but I did know of the close proximity so was extremely careful. In fact I used a device to limit drill depth. I had to resort to a flexible extension for access. On My Mitsubishi CUT the...
  37. P

    Block Heaters 24/7

    A caution from lesson learned. All new electric installations to be code call 4 a GFI on exterior outlets. Well guess what. One snowflake that finds your heater extension will trip that GFI and you'll saying words that you don't wish your children to learn.
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    Block Heaters 24/7

    My CUT is a Mitsubishi and does not like cold so my heater is on 24/24. Heck even in summer I need glow plugs. I also enjoy the fact that my cab heat is ready to provide some comfort at start up. OK, in Quebec we have affordable power but the cost of that 300 watt element is not much worst than...
  39. P

    Snow blower purchase

    I can recall many moons ago buying a 28" Ariens from a dealer in 'kit form'. It had all new bearings and everything but a motor, paid $50.00 It so happened that I an industrial 6 hp Wisconsin that I adapted. We ran that machine for a bunch of years (8-9), I say we as I shared it with my...
  40. P

    What is your favorite Quote or Saying?

    "Would not touch that with a 10 ft pole" (or 3 metre)
  41. P

    Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year?

    Just wear a red hat and they'll come BUT -----best plug your ears! Color blind they are not.
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    B2400 Radiator- $1600!!!

    Yeah, OEM parts prices are hugely marked up. Like a 10 cent part lists for $10. OEM's have a standard scale for price mark ups that sounds crazy on most minor items but considering shipping, handling and discounts to the trades you get to understand their point of view. As to your radiator...
  43. P

    Replacing a frost plug block heater

    Most have a pair of 'wings' that spread to hold the heater in place. Un screw to retract the 'wings' and pull out. Mine resisted so I drilled a small hole and screwed a bolt in as to enable a point of grabbing. That worked out OK. To install you smear some grease on the O-ring and screw tight to...
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    Spreading just a tiny amount of road salt?

    I have often simply filled a bucket with dry sand and sit that bucket on my PTO snow blower and then engaged my CUT in 1st low gear at near idle and simply walked along beside it all while scooping sand from that bucket and flinging it wherever needed. LOL, an using a Folger's to fling it where...
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    Anyone else have an unusually large number of hummingbirds this year?

    Yep, and smart little fellas, we have one that arrives early and flies up/down and sideways at the locations where we usually hang our feeders and goes from window to window to announce his/her arrival. He kind of saying "Hey I'm back and hungry where is lunch?"
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    The Tractor Scam 2018 Kubota Grand L4760

    Hey, I once bought an MG-B for $3k as the mother did not want her son to drive it. Some minor upkeep and later sold it for $7 K. Then came a small aircraft that I agreed to buy with a condition that seller cold not meet so he dropped the price 'as is' to $1000. I obtained proper ferry permits...
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    Snow blower purchase

    I second Ariens as they sure make a practical and reliable machine. To the best of my knowledge they also make a lot of private labeled units as well. Also I like the Honda tracked machine. Most popular I think is a 28" powered by 8-12 hp engines. Nice sized wheels, not a bear to maneuver and...
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    The Tractor Scam 2018 Kubota Grand L4760

    That might explain my frequent calls that suggest my CC has been cloned. LOL, the never say what card (have a few) and always that a small 'test' swipe usually followed by an amount under $1000. But always the same voice!
  49. P

    Snow blower purchase

    If U have a welder, DIY upgrading is a simple task. Just obtain some flat stock, say 2" X 10/12" and bend the ends a bit ( like ski tips) in your vice and weld them onto the bottom of the factory skids. I've converted a few for neighbors as well as for my own equipment. Since I re skidded my...
  50. P

    Starlink

    My earlier cell phone was analogue and service was excellent in my area. Then they forced me to go digital* and service dropped drastically to the point that we all knew where to have to park and make a call. We are supposed to soon have high speed service via fiber optics and naturally they...
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    Are there any other good forums around that you know of

    In my case I had a CUT issue and a search led me to TBN and I started following from there on. I discovered many members that were very knowledgeable in many areas where I had interest. above and beyond tractors and I'd bet most came here for that same reason. Sure, there we a few that were very...
  52. P

    What might this be?

    For sure some tensioning device but for what? how? or Perhaps a hold down device, but again, for what? Got me!
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    The Tractor Scam 2018 Kubota Grand L4760

    Once when looking for an MG sports car I rec'd and offer from an overseas soldier that had all the earmarks of a scam. Yeah, out of country, see at a friends, wire transfers etc. But I did follow it up as it was not too far and to my surprise it was the real deal. The custodian even had , on...
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    Hooks on FEL Bucket

    What I did was to use a standard 3/8" hook that I modified to look like the special weld on ones and I then welded that hook onto a 3 x 4 solid plate* (1/4" flat) and then welded that plate onto my FEL bucket. Total cost? $0.00 as I had a spare hook on hand. That's probably 12 or more years ago...
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    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    We once had what might be called the village scum or low life. Always in trouble and well known to 'borrow' or 'find' things that he did not own. Well he did an actual B & E and 'borrowed' a quantity of a clients tools. (the client had all receipts and S/N's). Well come court time client and I...
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    Upcoming Wedding - advice needed

    I already had taken my allotted vacation and we planned to wed thanksgiving W/E. I asked the boss for a few days for a brief honeymoon and he gave me 3 days but when he discovered it was a long W/E we got that whole week. Clever eh! Well we did not realize that it was 'coming home week' in the...
  57. P

    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    But he was hard headed plus from the condition of his tires he probably figured the rough toad brought on slow leaks. Anyway he got the hint.
  58. P

    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    I once had trespassers that would park and fish on my posted land. They stopped after they had flat tires 3 times in a row! OK, I was a nice guy as I only deflated one tire via the valve as I'm am not the destructive type. They got the hint!
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    Rant on shipping

    A friend owns a storage facility and Google map insists on placing it a mile away. Big problem is that a competitor is near the Google position. Friend is quite computer literate but can't convince Google to make the correction. I also have Google map problems. More than a few times I've had...
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    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Here i Quebec the SQ forced so many regulations on smaller police forces that they had no choice but to cave in. So today the SQ is only concerned with major crime, that and traffic violations. ($$'S) So today they refuse to enforce any local bylaws or even take reports on minor thefts like...
  61. P

    What might this be?

    WOW, and I paid $1.00 at a yard sale!
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    Need to change input/output shaft direction

    OK, mounted like that, back to back still IMHO is much to much stress on that plate which I am guessing looks like a 5/16 or 3/8" plate. Heck the shock load tore it apart. That's some forces!
  63. P

    What might this be?

    Do a search on the ongoing prices of anvils. Crazy, getting in the price ranges of rare metals and gems, never mind copper or aluminum. The sell them by the pound.
  64. P

    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Yeah, don't take the law into your hands, and don't interfere with our investigations BUT the more time passes the more frustrated citizens will become and the more vigilante action we'll see, I'm guessing. What with mail box thefts, convertor thefts and ever increasing scams you sure wonder...
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    Pallet Fork Length

    42" forks were always considered the handiest, after all you only need them to be over the pallet center of gravity. The round rod system was often a detriment as when swinging in a tight aisle they could catch and become misaligned requiring the driver to dismount and reset them. The notched...
  66. P

    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Yeah, more and more they ignore many smaller claims. Guess it's the paper work involved. Heck they even don't want to write up stolen exhaust converter thefts around here, but they are sure good at ticketing for stops at deserted intersections. It is all about safety don't U know, not cash grabs.
  67. P

    Burn Barrel that works

    While a pick or an axe is adequate to make air holes, I found that a quality hole saw does a nice job and just as easy to do. I found that about 1 1/4 inch size was about right otherwise embers would tend to fall out. Also I'd suggest a lot safer than an axe or pick that might deflect and injure.
  68. P

    Need to change input/output shaft direction

    I'd say it is due to only one flange bearing face mounted per shaft. I'd think you be OK if you were inside a 'box' with bearings at both ends of those shafts. The side load on a single face mounted bearing must be tremendous especially with shock loads. Just remove the mounting plate and...
  69. P

    Loan a Yanmar

    Just too often the guy will say 'it was due', I was just the last user. AKA, the last straw that broke the camel's back. Even saw that between 2 brothers. Lent mine once and only last time! I had specified that he trailer it which he did to pick it up. Weeks later I had to pressure him to...
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    Burn Barrel that works

    LOL, no, and also not my tractor. Heck my car has never seen wax either.
  71. P

    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Yeah, worst is tires mounted on rims. Nobody will take them No dump, city facility or recycle yard.
  72. P

    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Once I found many bags of marinara (pot) trash by the road side, City collected that trash and found an invoice made out to a prominent citizen. That should have had interesting results.
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    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Our city did an admirable thing. They installed recycle bins (black=recycle) at all the mail stations supposedly to collect junk mail. BUT Some local 'pigs' too lazy to put out their own bins dump all their trash including food scraps. Now those 'recycle bins' are only collected every 2 weeks...
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    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Local restaurant was adding an extension and the dumpster was always emptied Friday PM. However come Monday it was usually 1/2 full from locals to lazy to go to the city dump. Guess it was just too inviting and handy..
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    Lessons learned the stupid way

    On water skiing: I once stopped by a friends who was into water skiing and he offered me a tow. Having only my long pants on I simply rolled them as high as I could. Hey, I'm a ski pro, right! Well his motor stalled and for a dunking I went. LOL, I had been mucking around with chemistry making...
  76. P

    Lessons learned the stupid way

    During a spring thaw in order to prevent flooding of homes a local city backed up their big highway snow blowers and 'pumped' water over the sand bag dikes. Actually did quite well and moved tons of water.
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    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Totally agree, especially as we all get schedules in the mail plus they are well posted at the site.
  78. P

    Go to work and find someone trespassed on property.

    Our local 'dump' will not accept trash from any commercial enterprises, so you know what happens. I once found 15 so old tires by my entrance (in a depression), that was back when there was a fee to dispose of them. That was later corrected by pre charging the disposal fee. But there is still a...
  79. P

    Pallet Fork Length

    Generally fork lifts are used in warehouse situations and as such 42" was the most popular. As long as the forks are over 50% of the pallet size you are good. Long forks in narrow warehouse isles are accidents looking for an accident. Now consider the majority of pallets are usually under 48 x...
  80. P

    What's wrong with Canadians?

    Yep, horse --ss!
  81. P

    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    Also keeps out 'street people', well most anyway. Now the big push is to 'affordable housing' to get people off the street. Problem is. considering all the bylaws, how to convince builders to build at a loss. Those 'affordable' rental units have to be almost indestructible due to the nature of...
  82. P

    What's wrong with Canadians?

    "The American stuff was just water to us." Now your being polite, we had another way of describing it.
  83. P

    Burn Barrel that works

    Actually a burn barrel works on the same principle as rocket stoves. I recall once when as a group we wanted to have a lobster fest. My solution was 6 cinder blocks and a 5 gal metal pail that was suitably pierced and loaded with dry wood, twigs etc. Friends were amazed to see how fast that...
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    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    Put it this way, my drift cutters on my blower are 48 inches high and many intersections are so high that seeing oncoming traffic is often impossible. I was thinking of adding mirrors on the front of my fenders to kind of see around the corner B4 pulling from an intersection. Last winter a...
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    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    Yeah! We call ours 'paradise', only one hour north of Montreal, 20 mins to great skiing, all kinds of wild lfe from moose, deer and even once saw a bobcat. Oh, and water so pure as it is all spring fed and at the top of the watershed. Lake is about 1 mile long and we banned all powered...
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    Tires Winter use Tires

    In my area most snow contractors have gone to the Nokian brand. The one comment is they wear a bit faster, probably due to the softer rubber compound.
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    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    In my area we've developed 'Dry Wells' for the dept to get water. Actually the first one was installed by our association and the dept had occasion to use it to fight a minor forest fire. A dry well is basically a permanently installed pipe on a lake shore with a matching hose fitting that the...
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    What's wrong with Canadians?

    LOL, so true. Wife also says that.
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    What might this be?

    Yep, cable puller! Another of my yard finds and, YES, I've used it 5/6 times even once to tighten a sagging power line for a client. Can also serve to place tin roofing B4 attaching. LOL, works better than vice grips. Think it was another of my $1.00 or so, garage sale buys.
  90. P

    What's wrong with Canadians?

    While back I was into DIY beer. I had it pressurized in old Coke and Pepsi tanks and stored in a dedicated fridge. The advantage of pressurized tanks was no bottle washing to do, I also DIY'd my wine for a while using concentrates and I used vacuum to fill my bottles. that made filtering a...
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    Burn Barrel that works

    I made me a real pretty burn barrel. I used a 1.5 inch hole and drilled 4 holes nicely spaced at the bottom and another 4 just below the first ridge but staggered between the lower ones. Used my jig saw to neatly cut the top off. Works like a charm all while looking good. Heck I even painted the...
  92. P

    Rear mounted snowblower

    I suspect you simply need to adjust your upper 3 point arm. Screw it out to have the blower aimed slightly downwards. That should do the trick.
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    Tires Winter use Tires

    When you take a close look at turf treads you'll observe they are the ones that most closely resemble snow tire treads. The main difference is the rubber composition with actual snows being much softer for better gripping.
  94. P

    Dresser Dozer

    It was that or oversized garden art.
  95. P

    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    Not to worry, I've done some 30 pump installs in my time mostly involving lake water installations. In this case we are looking at 50 ft run and 15 ft lift but on solid rock so heated tracing is a must plus some insulation. Worst will be the hole in the ice plus a new hole in the foundation...
  96. P

    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    Daughter's chalet uses lake water for household needs. Would U not know it but it is a 3 wire pump with the start relay guts down in the lake under the ice. Everything else checks out OK. So now a new hole in the ice, pump + controls, heated tracing wire etc. Only good thing is SIL and his kin...
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    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    "I might not be able to remember people's names. But tell me where you live, and if I worked there before I can tell you how deep the well is and what size pump you have. Those kind of things just stick in my head for some reason. Lol!" You are not alone on NAMES! I also recall small details...
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    USPS? getting delivery ever other day?

    Can't comment on USPS but Can post seems to be coping fairly well. Perhaps I'm lucky but our Postie is very much like everybody's best friend. She knows all her clients by name and often goes out of her way, She even signs for me on certified mail (they have a form for that). LOL, she also...
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    Cold weather start, with glow plugs and block heater. Why does my tractor not start at minus 20 C?

    I did have to once change an element but it was 25 yrs old. (and was it cold) and that was B4 I started the 24/7 routine. I think my element is 300 watts so same as a few light bulbs but then I know heavy contractors that always leave units plugged in with much bigger wattage. I once tried using...
  100. P

    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    "certified music teacher with a masters in education." Could he be over qualified? happens U know. Budgets can hurt. I've known a few cases of over qualification. I once had a qualified electronic engineer apply for a technician job but wanted bigger pay. I rejected his application and soon was...
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    Cold weather start, with glow plugs and block heater. Why does my tractor not start at minus 20 C?

    LOL, I solved that problem, I leave mine plugged 24/7 so it always fires up. Hydro is reasonable here and that extra $s is worth my peace of mind, besides if my car won't start I can always boost from my tractor. But then my car groaned and started and it was -32 C this AM. and that via my...
  102. P

    USPS? getting delivery ever other day?

    In my case its the local bank has shut down since Thurs B4 New Years with only 1 ATM operating. Thought there was a law concerning consecutive days of closure. (This is in Canada)
  103. P

    I was young once

    Then back in the '60's when my young son liked to sleep on that shelf over the rear engine of my VW bug! Also was not comforting knowing you had 20 gals of gas just over your legs and sometimes with a gas fired heater just over that gas tank. I think the worst accident that I ever saw was when...
  104. P

    What was the best dog you've had?

    Ours was an Airdale! -He let my son hang onto his ears as the toddler learned to walk and actually pull him back from falling, that must have hurt! -Then he once wanted to go out for a run but when I refused to open the door he grabbed the knob, twisted it open and left with a WOOF -When on...
  105. P

    Price to install a service door

    I've been there done that. Like, Client will supply the door, it comes 2" too wide! Or too tall! Then there is a overhead structure preventing closure. Or the walls are out of plumb so door can't close. And we then have a fight to get paid! Glad to be retired! But now to find good and...
  106. P

    The Resting Place.

    Try 83!
  107. P

    Upcoming Wedding - advice needed

    My son lives on the US west coast and we are on the east. His bride's family are all Mormons and she was divorced. Nice girl otherwise. Big show but cold reception as we 'weren't in the click'. (hey we are not Mormon) Making it worst they'd actually wed B4 a JP (for insurance and tax reasons) so...
  108. P

    35 mm slides converted to digital format

    I'm in that same boat. Problem is patience, which I am in short supply of. It'll be 'round toit' thing I guess. I did start a while back by projecting and selecting some 'keepers' but that soon got boring. 1st step was to load the projector and view to select the keepers but after some 7-8...
  109. P

    What is your favorite Quote or Saying?

    It was so cold that the b-lls froze off of the brass !monkey !
  110. P

    What's wrong with Canadians?

    Mine is always outdoors and it was -23C overnight. I did one cycle of glow plugs and it fire up within 3-4 revolutions and out to plow/blow that abundance of dandruff. Guess my CUT is acclimatized to Canadian colds, EH!
  111. P

    Hooks on FEL Bucket

    If I recall welding hooks was my first mod on my CUT. No, sorry, my DIY cab won first place and it went on from there, followed by heat, LED's back up camera, pusher front blade, electric chute rotator and it seems never to stop. LOL, keeps me busy!
  112. P

    Ugh!! Water Well contractors...

    I'm not a pump/well guy, just the local handyman. I lucked out shopping service for a client that had well issues. Most wanted to drill a new well adjacent to the existing one. The one guy said no problem, I'll simply use an older drill head so that it won't get pinched in the old well and...
  113. P

    Your last generator Maintenance Run

    As U know most filters are fine porous foam elements or paper. With all that snow flying around those filters would clog up rapidly. Even some large tractors can come to a halt from snow clogged filters if they are located so as to allow ingesting blowing snow.
  114. P

    Is AB-1346 The Beginning To The End Of The GARDEN TRACTOR?

    Guess it's OK as long as it is generated in somebody else back yard, state or country. Then how about disposing of all those batteries? clean, no polluting of the soil and water table? OH, but they will recycle them hopefully using non polluting methods, and only clean energy.
  115. P

    Pallet Forks

    Well I have a set of DIY 'clamp on forks'. Never damaged anything. BUT, LOL, my main usage is to collect all the wind blown branches every season. OK, I did move my generator but that's not all that heavy. Mine 'DIY's' are simply 3 inch channel stock and clamped via 5/8 bolts and that works 4...
  116. P

    Snow chains, too close to the body

    Re 'spacers': My CUT is a Mitsubishi and I'd sure like to find spacers as it is very narrow. I'm OK with my chains but even with rims reversed it is still too narrow to my liking. Problem I've found is all the extender makers always refer to the vehicle and not to the proper rim designation...
  117. P

    Tractor died, won’t start.

    Was using a borrowed tractor last summer and when I made a sharp turn it died suddenly. OK, I'm handy, turned out an added wire would get pinched and shorted the main fuse when a sharp turn was made. I pried the (large) fuse open and was able to force the ends into making contact. Naturally this...
  118. P

    Your last generator Maintenance Run

    With U there. I have an intelligent 1 amp charger permanently wired to my battery so it will always be fully charged. Also since my generator is in my attached shed I made a 12 inch hole and have a large muffin fan installed to evacuate any escaped exhaust fumes. My genny provides both 110and...
  119. P

    what on earth does electricity cost near you?

    I should have also said that our billing is for 2 months, sorry.
  120. P

    Front Porch Security Options

    Very snowy here today and I sure hope they don't 'deliver' any packages as for sure the city plow will bury them as he speeds by. A neighbor uses temperature sensitive medications that went astray last summer. He eventually found them but delivered 4/5 houses away from his address.
  121. P

    Front Porch Security Options

    Also with the Xmas rush they hired many temps also in my area they use local subs, even the odd taxi driver for the more remote areas.
  122. P

    Plow now or wait?

    For sure, else you will have a skating rink. Let the snow act like a sponge to soak up the rain. And, to avoid clogging the blower chute, colder is better, if U can wait.
  123. P

    Front Porch Security Options

    A local problem is UPS tracking shows delivered but not to where? During Xmas they were dropping shipments to a local pickup site but never mentioned where it was much less a note at your door to indicate where that was. Fact was they never came anywhere near your house. The clerk at the pickup...
  124. P

    Cold weather start, with glow plugs and block heater. Why does my tractor not start at minus 20 C?

    Here is a trick I've adopted. I wired an LED night light into my block heater/tender circuit so that I simply look out the window to confirm that everything is working OK. Now I'd also like to be able to install a remote starter like I have on my car. Would sure be nice to enter a warm cab!
  125. P

    Rant on shipping

    Just a day or so ago a friend showed me a 12 x 12 x 12 box that contained but a very small item (like a mouse) and lots and lots of lose packing. Guess the concept was 'they can't lose that'.
  126. P

    what on earth does electricity cost near you?

    In Quebec: .06159 kwh first 40 kwh .09502 kwh thereafter plus access fee of $25.11 plus 2 taxes Total for 4699 kwh $390.04 We are now on 'Smart meters'**so I'm guessing there are some surprises in the future. Quebec has contracted to export power so I'm guessing we'll be throttled back at peak...
  127. P

    Bar oil quality

    What I found confusing was those mixing graphs. Considering that most are for USA volumes you have to convert US gal to Cdn gal but then we now use liters so convert gals to liters. No matter, I tend to err on the richer (oilier) side and prepared to replace the odd spark plug. I'm in my '80's...
  128. P

    Which brands have more metal, and which brands have more plastic?

    My CUT(Mitsu) has a plastic front face. Today it is a mishmash of hot glued bits and pop riveted aluminum strips attempting to hold it together. I wanted it to remain recognizable as a Mitsu and actually considered duplicating it in wood. All my metal parts, hood, side panels etc , even fenders...
  129. P

    Bar oil quality

    Well I've owned my fair share of chain saws and I never knew one to not be messy. One thing I always treat my saw to is a good compressed air blast after each use. As to chain oil, well I like to do garage sales and there always seem to some cottagers that had rented a saw and had the best part...
  130. P

    Your last generator Maintenance Run

    I might be repeating, but when I exercise my generator I use an old 220 baseboard heater as a dummy load.
  131. P

    Back up Generators - finally looking.

    "The cost per kW from a generator far exceeds the cost per kW from the utility." For sure but the comfort provided is priceless. With my 10 KW (gas powered) I can sit out an outage while watching TV and using the net. With a few ceramic cube heaters I keep warm and have water and flush the loo...
  132. P

    What is your favorite Quote or Saying?

    "Alternate facts" Kelly Anne Conway
  133. P

    Bar oil quality

    Sure wish I could find what is used to cause oil to cling like chain oil does. I bet it is something really simple. Be it sugar? alum? Any ideas.
  134. P

    Your last generator Maintenance Run

    As to generator noise I once found a neat trick. My noisy Briggs powered genny was about 30 feet from my chalet and we could not converse. Their was a hole near it, perhaps 1 foot deep and equally wide. I attached some flex tubing that was handy and re directed the exhaust into that hole...
  135. P

    How to tap into propane (iron pipe) line

    In the '50's my dad had the first propane furnace installed in the area. Every time it started with a small 'boom' and often opened the trap door leading to the cellar. Plumbers were the installers back then. Once on a job site I was asked to finish the floor installation as the flooring guy...
  136. P

    Customer ... Service???

    Calling our power co is total frustration, First the say how great they are and so busy that you'll have to wait. (abnormal calls today they always say) Then comes a series of ??'s, is neighbor OK, is your line OK etc, then U could report on your cellphone (no reception here) or go online to...
  137. P

    When do you replace the chain on a 3-PT. snowblower?

    Replacement is for sure is the better long term solution but I'll bet there is a lot of life in that old one. Problem is that usually new chain is sold boxed and usually more than U need and also just too short to make up multiple of your lengths. Either way, get extra full and 1/2 monkey links.
  138. P

    Customer ... Service???

    I have also experienced that. With French it can be even more difficult, I've tried both. Actually you were lucky to have an American answer as often you get someone from offshore.
  139. P

    Clearing Snow Off An Open Station

    Buddy uses an inline hose heater and leaves it on 24/24 during cold months. That's going on 5 years now. Your worst nightmare: Having to replace a frost plug heater , outdoors in -20C cold! ---and it is hidden behind your oil filter!
  140. P

    Building 55' Bridge Across Creek - Utility Poles

    Perhaps you might consider the wood end treating solutions like used an the treated woods most lumber yards sell for decks. Usually in green and recently a light brown. Believe they also have clear. Usually available in gallons. Very liquid, fast penetrating and fast drying. Apply when wood is...
  141. P

    Cordless Tools vs. Other Options

    J'en ai
  142. P

    Cordless Tools vs. Other Options

    Lots of low priced replacement batteries on the web for Makita but very rare for DeWalt. I was aware that DeWalt monitored web sites for discount batteries and presume issued cease/desist warnings. To charge a battery you always do so at a voltage slightly higher than the nominal voltage , I.E...
  143. P

    Cordless Tools vs. Other Options

    We once roofed a very large barn using 2 drills and 2 sets of batteries and swapped them out all day. That was back in the days of 9.8 ni-cads. Worked out just fine, perhaps cool weather helped when charging.
  144. P

    Building 55' Bridge Across Creek - Utility Poles

    I did use RAW (unboiled) oil and thinned it somewhat for the 1st application followed by pure. However I'll add that there was rarely any sun on the oiled surfaces due to trees and location. Years later (30) I did clean up some of the logs and that wood was simply beautiful. I used raw as I...
  145. P

    Drift cutters

    I also have lined my chute with HDPE and confirm it helps a lot. Another mod is that I made my skids longer and wider (about 3 X 10") and that keeps my gravel in the driveway where it belongs.
  146. P

    Electrical troubleshooting question

    Agree, but a pro seems the proper route. And if he had a VOM he'd perhaps not know how or what it can do.
  147. P

    Anybody use Paypal ?

    BUT the IRS does, they want every last cent they can find.
  148. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    LOL. I was once out or my province and noticed many beer cans at the bottom of a highway sign. Had to be fellow Quebec's as the had a lot of practice. Driving south one winter I observed that littering signs increased from $100 locally to up to $1000. further down south. But then locally any...
  149. P

    Electrical troubleshooting question

    OR, simply twist the pair together at either end and use your VOM for continuity check. That would make the twisted pair of wires into one long wire.
  150. P

    Commode keeps plugging. sometime it good 3 months A snake clears it in 4 -5 ft. commode on line always runs.

    J-cloths I discovered to be deadly to clogging train pipes. They snag on the merest rough joint and don't disintegrate like paper will. I had some rentals and folks simply did not care. My worst experience was when I once owned a large commercial building and had a sicko (never identified)...
  151. P

    Clearing Snow Off An Open Station

    You are lucky, you got 3 years. I bought a new pair since the originals were very scary checked. Well the new pair that cost me $1000, checked just as bad over the 4-5 months of winter. Making it worst my size is no longer available ANYWHERE! So I don't go far. To keep your seat dry have U...
  152. P

    Drift cutters

    Mine are 48 inches tall! (And I need them later in the season) I simply used 5/16 X 3 inch flat stock and that works just fine for me. Going on 5-6 years with no problems.
  153. P

    Power Line to my house was broken

    I once won a debate with the hydro at a house that I was renovating. I had a digital meter with me and could prove to them that one side was a mere 90 vs the other was at 120. They allow +/- 5 vac deviation. The client home owner made a claim for having been short changed on her invoiced...
  154. P

    Anybody use Paypal ?

    Some years ago PayPal was forced to divulge sales data to the Canadian tax people. I know of one guy that took a hit over that. I was really nervous at that time as I was producing a very popular item and had sold, for my sister, a very pricey ($5K) collectable item. My produced item did...
  155. P

    Timber Frame Hybrid Home - Owner Builder

    When I built I wanted a 'hobby shop', attached but without direct access. My city refused it as such so I had to install a garage door to get my permit. LOL, that door has never been opened nor a vehicle in the 'garage'. On the inside it is fully insulated to R12 as is the 3 outer walls with the...
  156. P

    Customer ... Service???

    Yeah, really? If it was you'd hire a few more responders. (who spoke english)
  157. P

    Pallets in fields

    On pallets, Recently I have noticed that lots of them are decked with fine multilayered plywood. Great material for many projects. Fortunately I have a source to collect as many as I want. Trick however is to separate the riser blocks from the decking. Sawsall to the rescue!
  158. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    Today I was following a car that turned on his hazard lights at every hill and turn in the road and never went over 30 km/h. Drove me nuts! I was forced to follow him that way for 1/2 hour. Could not pass safely and must add the road was well plowed and lots of sanding. Some drivers should...
  159. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    On walking at night: OK, a good healthy thing. BUT, in winter don't wear a white jacket! In summer same goes for whatever blends with nature. Best for whatever season is some reflective gear be it but a shoulder band that reflects, cheap enough at a dollar store or on Amazon. More than once...
  160. P

    Are you this old?

    I agree, shucks some banks even offer a bonus or perk to get your business, usually the simply ask that U have a minimal amount in the acct. There is one local one that offers a $250. 'perk' to get U to shift. I'll have to look into that.
  161. P

    Are you this old?

    I went to my bank to pay my phone bill on Tuesday and they were closed and had been on the Thursday Dec23 as well. This time I saw a sign on the door stating they'd re open next Tuesday, Jan 11! That's 13 days! \Blamed on COVID ??? OK, they have 2 ATM's (with only one working) and you had to be...
  162. P

    Are you this old?

    Promptly at 12:00 I got my (now daily call) saying my CC had been scammed. Would sure like to know what list they use that my number is on. Oh, and I never respond, just hang up. No name, no card mentioned, just the same recording. Usually they say --a minor amount followed by a $XXX charge.
  163. P

    Timber Frame Hybrid Home - Owner Builder

    One benefit of those window grids is that it makes for much fewer bird strikes.
  164. P

    Do I need a general contractor to build a house?

    OK, I've always been a DIY handy type guy. I DIY built my first cottage starting @ age 18 when I discovered some gov't 'free' land within 1'5 hrs from home. I hired out the purchase of enough logs to build a 16 x 24 log cabin. Included was the use of the logger's chain saw as well and he...
  165. P

    Electrical

    That or stop using soy (food) based insulation.
  166. P

    Pallets in fields

    Locally many years ago a fellow DIY built his cottage. He decked his roof using free pallets but certainly was no engineer. He did not overlap the joints so they all aligned on the same truss. Well come winter the snow load overcame the holding power of the (probably very few) nails and his...
  167. P

    Are you this old?

    One time when I brought a collection of coins the teller questioned if the rolls were correct. I simply replied that she was free to re-count anytime. Kind of insulting.
  168. P

    Rant on shipping

    That might have taken 2=3 more steps and time is money!
  169. P

    Anybody use Paypal ?

    Amazon also has casual/private sellers that list, just like EBay. On TBN there was a lady that sold Olive Oil and she detailed all the fees she faced in order to sell. It was quite a costly exercise.
  170. P

    Are you this old?

    Well whenever you do get the cut you want keep going back to the same barber. That was and still is my way. A year or so ago I was back to the area from which I had moved some 10 years ago so being due for a cut I dropped in to my old barber. Well , what a reception, and what conversation...
  171. P

    PTO Snow Blower Angle of Attack

    Last year I replaced all my bearings on my blower as I had one that was very bad and did the others while I had it apart. That was quite reasonable and certainly worth buying another 8-10 years usage. BUT after careful examination of the PTO shaft bearings I left well enough alone as I could...
  172. P

    Customer ... Service???

    I usually get; "We are experiencing an unusual number of calls today, please be patient to retain your position" followed 30 mins later by a click and the dial tone.0 as I'm disconnected. AND while waiting, horrible music interrupted frequently by some praises of their terrific services.
  173. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    I live on a back country road. Very hilly and narrow. Cyclists sure like the challenge of riding here but to the detriment of local drivers. They weave all over the road making it impossible to pass them. and usually 2-3 abreast. Passing them is nearly impossible so I just have to wait 'til they...
  174. P

    Do I need a general contractor to build a house?

    " Do I need a general contractor to build a house?" NO, but you sure need to know what you are doing plus know all the local bylaws. Also need to to know drafting to prepare those plans for approval. Then how to comply with the ever raising local requirements that can change before you know it...
  175. P

    Starting a pre purchase inspection business

    Well I did 'pre inspections' for light aircraft 'back then'. Often I found recalls or directives that would have seriously cost the buyer good $$'s. Perhaps aviation is more efficient to determine snags and faults (called AWD's) but the same economic principals apply. Since I practice what I...
  176. P

    Rant on shipping

    But then once installed they would get scuffed up, dirty, scratched anyway. Hey, that's that happens to tires. So you'd prefer to pay another few $$'s to get a clean one? Or do you simply think the seller should absorb those extra costs. Re boxing rims, that I concur. LOL, you want to make your...
  177. P

    What creates "bad diesel" fuel ?

    While I take all the usual precautions with my fuel I also use a funnel that has a very fine mesh that separates water from the fuel. After having gelled once and having a long cold walk home I learned my lesson.
  178. P

    PTO Snow Blower Angle of Attack

    Personally I like grade 5's as they break 'clean' while softer mostly stretch and tear making them hard to drive out. In fact grade 5 is often the recommended shear bolt by some manufacturers.
  179. P

    Cold weather start, with glow plugs and block heater. Why does my tractor not start at minus 20 C?

    Fortunately my CUT's battery space allowed me to install a much larger one. Then I have a 300 w block heater. When it is really cold I am plugged in 24/24.* An intelligent battery maintainer is permantly wired in as well as an LED witness light (modified LED 'night light) so that I can confirm...
  180. P

    Share Pics of People Hauling or Towing Something Wrong

    Call me ignorant, but what about health, pollution, and climate issues like global warming and plain breaking a law. But then that was not in his job description I guess.
  181. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    Did U not mean Organ Harvesters ?
  182. P

    Online tv question

    It is getting so that we need Add Blockers to watch TV now. Some channels are getting as bad as my computer B4 I installed my add blocking program. Very thank full that we record and have fast forward.
  183. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    We had an eye surgeon friend that would often be called Sat evenings out to collect eyes for transplanting. He also mentioned that motor cycles accidents were their main organ sources.
  184. P

    Share Pics of People Hauling or Towing Something Wrong

    I have been involved in but a few inspections but was amazed of the different results. Seems truckers soon learn which station/agency will overlook what defects. One I saw that passed had tires so scary that I'd not drive in it. Another insisted on the most minor flaws that were simply not a...
  185. P

    What creates "bad diesel" fuel ?

    Should also add that re filling at the end of the day will also help especially with a metal tank. Also I always fill up thru a fine mesh funnel as that separates water from fuel, even so I add that 'squirt or 2; of power service. Have U guessed that I've been caught once? Never again!
  186. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    "taxes are based on your income." OK, income taxes BUT It is fuel taxes and license tags that pay for road maintenance!.
  187. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    Yep, but only if I can see clearly in all directions and there are no trees to hide a LEO with a radar gun. Yes, they are that sneaky around here! Always remember on our honeymoon the time when a LEO was actually parked inside of a huge semi van to catch speeders. Naturally just where a narrow...
  188. P

    Need some vapor barrier and insulation advice

    Sealed with tape! Metal will always sweat and the insulation will soon absorb the moisture and rust the metal. I once on a project observed as to how bad that moisture could do a number on metal roofing since the guy had placed the tin directly on plywood. In fact I have a small shed that you'd...
  189. P

    Are you this old?

    Back in the '70's Ontario closed the bars @ 6:00 and reopened @ 7:00. That was so the workers had to go home and the wife could grab the pay. Back then pay was cash in little envelopes. As a teen I had motor boats. The local marina had a shore pump with a long hose to the end of the pier...
  190. P

    Battery disconnect switch

    My trick for theft protection is to disconnect my seat safety switch. But since many of todays tractors have 'keep alive circuits' (like a computer or even a radio) I like the battery disconnect theory. On my CUT I also have a permantly installed intelligent charger to keep my now aging...
  191. P

    Anybody use Paypal ?

    I also use PP for the majority of my online purchases but do so with a dedicated CC. That gives me double protection should the PP way not pan out I still can resort to a CC reversal. While reversals could be denied, the seller most often won't do so, especially if he accepts fault.
  192. P

    Rant on shipping

    My best was when I shipped an light aircraft strut from Montreal to Vancouver. I simply taped 2 shipping labels on that strut and sent it without any protection at all. It made the trip without any damage ! I gambled! Being longish and very light I figured it would ride on top of the load or...
  193. P

    Online tv question

    Probably due to modern search software Things like using St vs Street, St, Ste or Saint (Sainte) would throw off many searches. You need to be precise and hope the software is equally well programed with the common variants.
  194. P

    Repainted tractors

    Over the years I stripped and painted a few small aircraft. What I would do is purchase a small sample size of the various strippers, both commercial and consumer quality, and do a test patch before committing to a product. Sure made the job easier once U found the right match. Also in a few...
  195. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    Once an ardent cyclist wanted the city to install water fountains every few kilometers as cyclists became rapidly dehydrated. He actually made that demand at a council meeting. In Montreal they spent close to 1 million$ to keep a scenic waterfront bike path snow cleared. Wonder how many cycled...
  196. P

    Rural porch pirates: ideas?

    After reporting a B & E at my chalet I jokingly suggested to the LEO (that was writing the report) that spiking my bottle of Voka with sleeping pills might help capture the perp. He answered that I'd be the loser as I'd be cited for 'entrapment'. Go figure,
  197. P

    Repainted tractors

    Another paint tale: I once purchased a Jeep Wagoneer that was blue. For some reason only the roof was mostly rusty, probably due to chemical exposure. The color was an exact match to Tremclad med blue so I grabbed a 3 inch brush and promptly did what I termed a camouflage job. Nobody ever...
  198. P

    Online tv question

    "Did they change something? Last time I tried to set up a new Gmail account (within the past year), they required a cell #. It would not let you set up an account without one, nor would it accept a landline #. Some BS about "so we know you're really you" or something like that. I Googled ways to...
  199. P

    Watch out for bicycles too.

    I have had so many close calls involving bicycles that I've become anti bike. They share the road network but (mostly) disregard any of the rules/laws. They blow stops, make unlawful turns, dodge in/out of traffic in/out of sidewalks. I once had one bounce off of my van to expedite his turn. In...
  200. P

    Repainted tractors

    I once bought a tracked dozer and specified that I wanted it steam cleaned B4 delivery. (they also had to do some repairs) 1st thing I did when it arrived was to brush paint the whole thing to make it presentable. Well I worked it for 3 years and earned 3X my purchase price. I then sold it and...
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