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I Think California has gone off the deep end

Nothing like advertising ya gonna have 35K in small bills floating around. Brilliant move my man

If you can afford it build it. I’m now 80 and although I built my first shop in 1972 and expanded it about 30 years ago it is my daily activity to spend 4 to 6 hours a day building, restoring, or tinkering. Beats the hell out of daytime TV and it’s my senior safe space. B. John

Hypertherm 45XP plazma cutter. Ox/acetylene is still around for heating and bending but mostly retired now

I have been insulin dependent for over 10 years now. Has it been a lifestyle change? Yes and no. Stay active physically, shed a few pounds, and lay off the sugar. blood sugar testing is a simple. Procedure as is the injection protocol twice a day in my case. Interestingly after a short time, I...

My New Holland TC45 tractor with a sub frame mount BH has more than paid for it self over the 20 years I have owned it. I built a castered dolly for the BH making it very EZ to put on the tractor and the attachment can be stored in an obsecure corner or the barn when not in use. would a tracked...

Good point on the aspect of charging for hunting privilege. i don’t charge as the deer population is huge and needs to be thinned out, I do however accept gift certificates that are offered by the invited hunters.

Here in Michigan the 2022 deer season is about to close and in my township relatively close to a metropolitan area there is no shortage of requests to hunt deer on private property and certainly no shortage of trespassers. As a land owner it is my understanding the potential exists to be liable...

I used shur Kryl from Sherwin Williams on a metal building that was erected in 1972. i first washed the building with a 2,500 PSI hot water pressure washer and double coated with an airless sprayer using a .017 gun tip. the results were spectacular and now 3 years later the building still looks...

In Michigan the current owner and future owners do not have to open the protected property to public access.

Budweiser John looking for member opinions/experiences in putting land into a conservation easement. Background. My wife and I Own 80 acres in southern Clinton County Michigan. We purchased the raw land in the summer of 1971, built a house and over the years have added 5 out buildings and raised...

I took 3 pieces of railroad track about 8’ long and spaced them parallel about 2’ apart on a lever surface and then welded two pieces of 4x4x1/2” angle iron across the top of the rails about 6” in from each end. Torched a couple holes through the ends of the angle for a couple chains And pull...

This incident did not happen to me but happened to a lawyer friend of mine. My friend recently purchased a new Kubota 26 HP tractor with all the bells and whistles. My friend is also a boating nut and his boating collection includes a fair sized sail boat. last spring, he decided to use his new...

Pipe clamps work well but only buy the clamps intended for 3/4” pipe. lenth cab be zero to infinity depending on the length of the pipe. I have a stash of threaded pipe from 12” to 60” and a handful of couplings so if necessary can couple assorted lengths together to obtain a length suitable...

My son has one of those with a grapple and they are amazenly gutsey machines

The cost of the premium is not the issue. If you purchase a 50K piece if equipment and do not insure it you’re being stupid. A major barn fire in 1983 and the resultant settlement hassles tought us the value of doing business with a reputable company and spending time to record and document all...

Not sure if I should focus on the splitter or the splitee

Here is a couple pictures of how I process about 6 cords I use to heat my shop building. in the field I cut logs to multiples of 16” long and with a grapple bring the logs to my processing area where they are cut into 16” rounds and pushed into a pile with my FEL. At this point, they are split...

Cutting table? Sounds interesting can you post a picture(s)?

I will add my endorsement to the Stihl easy sharpener. I also own a Oregon chain grinder but find the Stihl easy sharpener to do a superior job with out having to remove the chain from the bar and fiddle with setting up the grinder. B. John

I have a Circa early 90s Stihl 029 and a MS391. the 029 can sit for months in cold weather and will start with 3 to 5 pulls. the 391 is a much different story, that sucker needs to overnight in a warm environment to have any chance of starting. Once started and warmed up it performs as...

👍👍 Now, from one Michigander to another. It’s time to build the tunnel before it’s too late. Bolt that puppy down……

I live in Michigan where the water is salt free and shark free. ACQ treated lumber eats up steel fastners faster than a Bear on steroids but I’ve had good luck with anything ‘Spax’ or green label ‘Simpson’ and I love those Torex star heads. when restocking my bolt bin for farm use, TSC bulk by...

400 gallons of water is about 3,300 pounds. Be extremely careful of the balance point of the tank so it is tung heavy. I would pop for a two axel trailer minimum. B. John

I’m 78 my wife is 75 we have lived on our 80 acre farm for 50 years this November. About 12 years ago we seriously considered relocating but given the fact that would interrupt our life and cost a bunch of money we elected to stay put and looking at the trials and tribulations of several close...

The great chipper vs brush pile debate will rage on forever, here’s my take: Both are necessary. I bought a Wood Max 8H eight years ago and with one minor hydraulic valve issue (taken care of by Wood Max) the machine has performed as advertised. As the question goes, are you cutting down the...

Let’s just say 30 years ago when hay season rolled around and small square bales were the norm the anticipation of a barn full of green sweet smelling hay was almost as good as making love ( note the term almost), we had an inventory of willing young Teenagers mostly striking for that first...

Stand alone. Here are a few pictures of my wood processing set up. Average about 6 face cords per year.

Thanks guys, Crossbow and RM43 are on my radar.

Just a point of clarification on my brush removal. Everything I’m on the warpath for Is 1 to 3” in diameter.

Last Christmas Santa brought me a Husky handlebar style brush cutter. Now having exercised said cutter, I’m wondering what is the most effective and perhaps the least expensive chemical I can spray on the stumps to prevent future re-growth? if any one has a magic potion commercial or home...

Yes, here in the Great Lakes state (Michigan) the forecast is for lows below zero. Deer have been enjoying chowing down on the radish cover crop. Last evening from my great room window.

Any TBNers out there willing to share their experiences with Cateract Surgery? I am not terribly concerned about the procedure and the doctor has performed the procedure 17,000 times with only 8 complications in the last 12 years but the delimma is, I have only one good eye as the other has be...

Re: Big Barn痴 Retirement Farm Shop Not exactly in the same league but. I finally installed this auction find a few weeks ago. 7 1/2 HP 2500 CFM 10.5 of static pressure. Interior piping comming soon, more than enough Moxie for a one man wood shop

Looking for advice on landscape water features. We are in the beginning stages of creating a interesting water feature along the lines of a disappearing waterfall rather than a water impoundment (pond) as a pond would become a private playground for our yellow lab. Matters of pump capacity, pipe...

A new shop acquisition a couple months ago. This is a South Bend Lathe originally born in the 1920s or 30s as a Lin痴 shaft driven metal lathe. I have no idea about it痴 life history other than my late neighbor owned it and used it as a wood lathe for a number of years. I acquired it out of his...

Here is a picture of a recent neighborhood barn find. Eight foot long bed, variable speed DC motor with controller and a box full of accessories. I haven稚 turned wood since high school almost 60 years ago so looking forward to new shop adventures. This machine is branded South Bend but I cannot...

We recently downsized our RV from a 36 fifth wheel boxcar to a 27 Airstream bumper pull. Our reason for the change is simply the fifth wheel was too big and too high to do any back County boon docking and leaving the seclusion of our farm for a typical crowded RV park simply was not our idea of...

I have a Stihl pole saw purchased new in 2006. This saw only gets occasional use so for all practicable purposes is in like new condition. Saw started right up today after being unused for over six months but will not pick up the load when cutting. Following the directions in the owners manual...

My New Holland TC45D tractor transmission range selector switch that only allows the tractor to be started while in neutral occasionally will not complete the required circuit to allow the tractor to start when the key is turned to the start position. There is a audible clicking sound at the...

Here is a picture of my three phase set up. The converter is a RotoPhase listed for 20Hp max but will operate up to 60HP total load. This setup has been in service for over 30 years and works flawlessly.

I知 sure this topic has been covered in the past but coating technology continues to advance so here goes the question. Given today痴 technology, who or what is the best paint product to use on a 1970s vintage steel building? The steel is rust free, weathered to the prime coat and originally...

Minus 13 in central Michigan this morning with a decent wind. BURR. Geothermal system is doing it’s job and the solar panels are generating electricity so Life is good. Going to build a fire in the shop and make a quick run to Car Quest to get a new hydraulic hose for the snow plow. May be...

Finally located a source for etholal free gasoline in my area, popped for a wheeled gasoline caddy from Northern Tool and am about to treat the eleven or so small engines around here to a new healthy diet. Now, the sixty four $$ question: What exactly is the storage life of ethonal free...

Over the last three years the course of Macular Degeneration (declining eyesight) is slowly claiming my ability to maintain my welding and woodworking skills. In the woodworking arena I have retro fitted where possible, didgital readouts on my table saw fence, thickness planer and cut off stops...

Not exactly tractor related but thought I would show off a recently nearly completed project. Our lower level has gone unfinished since we added on to the house several years ago. A few more weeks work including some natural Alder custom trim will add about 700 square feet of game room/guest...

Several weeks ago my wife and I attended a local Home and builders show and struck up a conversation with a guy representing a local solar enegery co. His pitch was quite interesting and included tax savings, enegery savings and increased property values. Bottom line, we agreed to an on-site...

Recently a lawyer friend of mind retired his law practice and was going to send the pictured file cabinets to the scrap yard. Much to the chagrin of my wife, I hauled the files home and with a little right angle grinder therapy to remove the partitions ended up with some very nice enclosed...

OK, my wife and I have had the farm for 46 years and all of those years there have been 3 or more horses in the barn. At age 75 (me) and 71 (spouse) the time has come to stop playing cowboy/girl and sell the remaining horses. However... A barn with out life is only a building and both of us...

I am considering investing in a plasma cutter. I would seldom be cutting material over 1/2 thick and generally like to purchase American made quality equipment. My preference would be either Miller or Lincoln however, I could be swayed to other brands with enough TBN endorsements. Now a few...

Asking the opinions of seasoned firewood cutters. Do any of you use a 'pickeroon', sometimes called a 'hookeroon' for gathering wood rounds in the process of stacking or moving firewood? I'm not exactly a spring chicken anymore, so bending over and picking firewood off the ground is getting a...

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to improve the visibility of the oil level on a engine dipstick? Specifically on my 20Kw standby generator. I change the oil annually and because the unit is propane fired the oil is never really dirty so when routine checking or changing the oil (and due to...

OK now, at 74, I've never considered my self old. However, the good GP doc recently suggested I see a cardiac specialist. Well fast forward several months and several diagnostics culminating in a heart Cath, the cardiac guy casually says, yup, minimum triple by pass and while we're in there...

Looking for advice on favorite and effective brush killers. Brand names or home brew, what have fellow members used to effectively discourage the enrichment of hauthorn, wild rose and other nusence brush in fence rows? Any and all suggestions appreciated. B. John

Now retired and getting caught up on various personal/farmstead projects, I've been thinking about the pros and cons of a small flock of sheep. We live in central Michigan, so four weather seasons, and I own 80 acres of land. At 74, I'm not interested in bailing my own hay but have a reliable...

I've got to paint two steel clad Pole buildings this spring. The steel is structurally sound but after 45 years is weathered and faded but no rust. My game plan is to pressure wash the structures and airless spray a new finish. These are side walls only as I have had the roofs coated with an...

After many years I finally have the luxury of a sink in my shop building. Anyone have any recommendations for an electric point of use hot water heater? Crusing the WWW there are a plethora of choices both 120V and 240V. I would prefer 120V. Thanks in advance for any insights. B. John

Yup, you all read the header correctly. OK, so here's the delimina: For years we had a couple of old Tom cats that hung out in the barn and earned their keep keeping the mice and birds in check. Alas, those two grumpy ole guys passed over the Rainbow Bridge and for several months we were Cat...

Over the last decade or more the 'big box' retailers have captured the Lions share of the building supply, home improvement business to the demise of many smaller independent company's. Will they all survive? Which one of the big three seems to be the weak link? Which one, Home Depot, Lowe's, or...

Seems as there are more predictions of a brutal winter season coming up. What do you all think? B. John

I recently hired a contractor to directional bore some water lines on the farm. Now that the lines are installed, several Tees, Ells, and Couplings need to be installed to compleat the network. The drilling contractor suggested I should pay him additional $$ to heat fuse the connections rather...

I'm considering installing a 540 gallon plastic tank as a receptacle for washing out our RV holding tank(s) and as a convenience for our occasional RV guests. My local supply house sells a plastic tank described as a "pump tank" for a fairly reasonable amount and my septic pumper could service...

What do you guys do with your used motor and hydrolac oil? I have accumulated around 20 gallons that needs to go away. B John

Any one know of a source for replacement rubber 'boots' that go around the control sticks on a New Holland back hoe? Sunlight and weather have deteriatered the originals and my local NH dealer is more than willing to nick me $120.00 for a new pair. There must be a better way? B. John

Yes, this is a tractor site but the depth and breth of the combined member knowledge is incredible. For the last 25 years I nave limped along with a couple Grissly bag type dust collectors for my woodworking equipment. I recently scored a real 7 1/2 HP cyclone type collector at a local auction...

I am making a hand rail for our local church. I ordered the brackets from King archetual metals and will use 1 1/4" schedule 40 pipe for the rail. The brackets are malleable iron and my question is: Should I use a 70 series stick rod, flux core mig wire, or something more exotic? Each weld...

It's been 12years since being in the tractor market but the ensuring years have accumulated a bunch of three point (cat 1) attachments from post hole augers and wood chippers to sprayers and snow blowers. My primary tractor is a New Holland TC45D full hydro 4WD with a FEL, quick attach bucket...

For years we have fought Woodchucks and the damage they cause to buildings and gardens. Gripeing about the problem with some guys at a local tavern an ol geeser chimed in with a suggestion to bait the trap with brocklee. Wala, 7 'chucks' this week and a flock of very happy buzzards. It really...

I own a New Holland TC 45D hydrostatic drive tractor and lately the PTO shaft continues to turn after the control lever is in the disengaged position. As such, the attached implement in this case a TPH toto tiller, continues to turn unless lowered to the ground. I'm concerned about possible...

Having recently built a new porch on the front of our home the wife and I would like to include a 'water feature' as part of the new landscaping. We're not talking a large body of water, probably not more than 4' in diameter with a fountain, bubler, or whatever to offer some visual interest...

I've been in the trim carpentry/building game (retired) and lumber span tables were the bible used to select lumber sizes for a particular load or span, such as floor joists. Now having the retirement time to fabricate some labor saving goodies out of steel for storage or perhaps a boom lift for...

Any members out there who own a. Woodmaxx hydrolac feed chipper ever had any problems with the feed rollers not turning? Woodmaxx thinks it may be the high pressure relief valve is malfunctioning and is sending a replacement. My machine is almost new with probably less than 20 hours total usage.

Well, winter has arrived and as I have grown more senior, I can keep every part of my anatomy warm in sub freezing weather except my hands and fingers. I would surly welcome any tips on how to remedy the problem and still maintain some semblance of dexterity.

Just wondering, how many members out there really consider them selves caught up on the affairs of rural living? After forty two years on the same place and after a years retirement one would think all the ducks would be in order to allow at least a little 'sit time'. Seems like ya just get one...

Any one out there have any idea where wild parsnip came from or is coming from? It looks similar to Queen Ann's lace but once exposed to your skin makes poison Ivey exposure a walk in the park. The good spouse and I have owned our farm for over 42 years and up until the past two years never...

Having lost an entire weekend recently because of not being able to set the bead on a front tubeless tractor tire begs me to me to check out the validity of a tip I once herd from an old excavator guy from upper Michigan. Ol Axelrod said, just put the tire on the rim and squirt a little...

In the spring of 1983 we lost a barn to fire. As a replacement we built a WICK BUILDING. At that time we were assured the posts would last a lifetime and in addition, the posts were a full 6" square which according to Wick would add another level of longevity to the building. Fast forward...

Members. Budweiser John here from Central Michigan looking to purchase a three point wood chipper for my New Holland TC45D tractor. Since I burn wood in my workshop I'm not looking for a machine that will eat huge stuff so a machine capable of 4-5" would be plenty large enough. I own a...