Above 1200 Sq/FT Cleaning Up My Shop

[oldironfarmer]

How does one acquire an Oklahoma made broom ?

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I believe you have to show up on Andy's doorstep offering a tribute of scrap aluminum.

Now makes me feel bad I sent the old water pump from my Mustang to the local scrap yard.

Yep, they are just too hard to ship, local pickup only if you're close.

The broom has it own spot hanging in the shop.I just bring it out for special occasions. I was sweeping the front porch for the first time and had to set down to go get a beer,Lol It is a very nice broom!

Now I can put a handle to the name, Dennis! I was just joking about standing it up but it is best to hang them. I'm glad you're using it, that's why I make them, to be used. Very glad you like it, maybe I can sell some more.

 

[Grizz1963]

Now I can put a handle to the name, Dennis! I was just joking about standing it up but it is best to hang them. I'm glad you're using it, that's why I make them, to be used. Very glad you like it, maybe I can sell some more.

Interestingly.

He was both proud and showing off last year and actually uses it in his shop for real.

Tools should be used.

 

[Farmall450]

:Note to self: Secure all metal while in Oklahoma. Unsecured metal subject to waiting melt pile in above picture.

Only non-ferrous seems to be at risk

 

[oldironfarmer]

Interestingly.

He was both proud and showing off last year and actually uses it in his shop for real.

Tools should be used.

Thanks for the good report!!

Only non-ferrous seems to be at risk

I have at least six derelict Farmall tractors who will be willing to donate high quality cast iron should I get to casting iron. Ventilated blocks, etc. When I bought my SMTA for $2,200 I also got lots of parts and six junkers, H's and M's. How much does a rear cast wheel weigh? Yummy stuff for a furnace. Rear wheel weights, at 145 lbs are worth $90 or $0.62 per pound. But you can't sell them. I easily have ten tons of good cast iron and cast steel which I could melt down if I get desperate and run out of old brake drums and rusted out manifolds (which is unlikely).

So, yes, non-ferrous is the desire of my hoarding heart at the moment.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Managed a little time in the shop today. Back on the Globe Lift.

Cleaned off the nameplate and it was not damaged.

Called the successor company, SVI International in DeKalb, IL when I couldn't find those numbers on their website. They couldn't help either but assured me they could replace the seal. I don't know the seal is bad but wanted to gain as much information as I can before putting it in the ground.

Checked the caulk in my sand heap liner and it was pretty well cured so I put the sand back in.

Foundry turnaround is complete and ready for casting.

Looked for my pit gauge. It wasn't where I was sure it would be. Nor where it might be. I decided to use a micrometer depth gauge and found the pit gauge in the spare micrometer drawer. How unlike me.

Pretty self evident how it works. The flat side spans uncorroded steel and the lever multiplies the reading. Each small mark is 0.010" so you can estimate to 0.001". Probably 0.003" accuracy. It has a rather sharp point so you can find the bottom of a pit.

I measured pits painted yesterday and have a 0.055" maximum depth.

Wire brushed a little more and found a Nasty looking pit. That's Nasty with a capital N.

Here it is with a flashlight to highlight the depths.

Preliminarily measurement is 0.075". Still less than the 0.080" I set as the limit. Inside is the polished surface the guide shoes ride on, not a seal, but I'd just as soon not weld on it. If I burn through it would make a rough spot and potentially require pulling the ram to grind 4 ft down a 12 inch pipe. An unnecessary challenge.

Thanks for looking in!

 

[don long]

Andy
Just checking in on a friday nite to see what kind of mischief you have been up to this week.

I'm proud to say that I received one of those great sweeping brooms last year but haven't seen it in several months.
I asked my wife just now what happened to that broom and she said she took it out of my shop cause it was too nice to leave out there and she uses it daily in the house.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

pit gauge.

Ah good, I learned something new today.

 

[Farmall450]

Thanks for the good report!!



I have at least six derelict Farmall tractors who will be willing to donate high quality cast iron should I get to casting iron. Ventilated blocks, etc. When I bought my SMTA for $2,200 I also got lots of parts and six junkers, H's and M's. How much does a rear cast wheel weigh? Yummy stuff for a furnace. Rear wheel weights, at 145 lbs are worth $90 or $0.62 per pound. But you can't sell them. I easily have ten tons of good cast iron and cast steel which I could melt down if I get desperate and run out of old brake drums and rusted out manifolds (which is unlikely).

So, yes, non-ferrous is the desire of my hoarding heart at the moment.

You certainly can sell rear IH wheel weights for far more than their scrap worth! It would be a sin to melt them down. (Unless you're casting more valuable suitcase weights)

 

[shortykorte]

I ran by Jim Reed’s this week to check out his new garage cabinets and a hammer and broom made you know who.
The hammer feel and balance is something else. The broom definitely caresses the floor. Very nice.
I might have to fill up a box of aluminum and send your way.



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[drivesitfar]

Handy: i've got a lot of catching up to do which isn't surprising. i see you made a new sand box. you know # your aluminum muffins. you are talking about melting iron/steel and maybe making something else. and .........


sorry to hear your bride has had another setback and I'm wishing the best for her and you and sending more prayers.

have a great SATURDAY and there is a rumor out that it really is SATURDAY today.

cheers

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy
Just checking in on a friday nite to see what kind of mischief you have been up to this week.

I'm proud to say that I received one of those great sweeping brooms last year but haven't seen it in several months.
I asked my wife just now what happened to that broom and she said she took it out of my shop cause it was too nice to leave out there and she uses it daily in the house.

Do you need another one for the shop? Glad it passed muster with her. Expert thing and all, you know.

Ah good, I learned something new today.

Hmmm, you learned I know how to use a pit gauge? They're really not that hard to use. The main thing is getting the rust cleaned out of the bottom of the pit.

You certainly can sell rear IH wheel weights for far more than their scrap worth! It would be a sin to melt them down. (Unless you're casting more valuable suitcase weights)

Have you sold any IH weights lately? I've offered and never had any bites. That being said I have no plans to melt any. No plans. They would be incredibly hard to cut up.

I ran by Jim Reed’s this week to check out his new garage cabinets and a hammer and broom made you know who.
The hammer feel and balance is something else. The broom definitely caresses the floor. Very nice.
I might have to fill up a box of aluminum and send your way.

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Well I guess I need to put you on the list. The slow list.

Handy: i've got a lot of catching up to do which isn't surprising. i see you made a new sand box. you know # your aluminum muffins. you are talking about melting iron/steel and maybe making something else. and .........

sorry to hear your bride has had another setback and I'm wishing the best for her and you and sending more prayers.

have a great SATURDAY and there is a rumor out that it really is SATURDAY today.

cheers

Just lined the old sand box. But it looks like new

Melting metal other than copper wire which is in service is certainly on my agenda.

Thanks for the well wishes, she is doing very well, it seems the seizure gave her a bit of a cleansing but I don't think that is clinical.

Saturday was great! We've got stuff tomorrow then another trip to MD Anderson for my checkup so I'll be scarce for a few days, I imagine.

Thanks for the visits and comments!

 

[Craptain]

Good to hear you are taking a break to visit your friends at Anderson. They need to keep you fit and well to look after your bride. And keep us entertained with your projects. Projects that we would all like to try if we had space/time/etc. Sadly my location is unsuited to casting and similar pursuits. Though I am trying to find a workaround. Time is also an issue for me as I work mostly away from home. Which isn't all bad btw.
Dare I be so bold as to ask to be put on the hammer list for some future production? I have admired them and admit to being a little jealous of my Florida friends.

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[oldironfarmer]

All you have to do is ask! I'll hammer you!!

 

[shortykorte]

I guess with the temps y’all are having, a crucible sitting on asphalt is about all you need for smelting. Stay cool.


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[Farmall450]

Yes!

Throw them on craigslist for $150/pair and theyll be gone

 

[Vieux]

Andy it's cool!

 

[drivesitfar]

Handy: wow if you start melting steel/iron and making stuff out of it i'd be very curious what you make with all your skills.

good to hear your bride's last episode/seizure ended up maybe helping her. still hoping for the best for her and of course you don't really mention anything about your health too much, but hoping what you are dealing with is getting better too. I know MENTAL HEALTH is up there at the top 1% of all of us which in my opinion is very helpful for overall health so keep smiling and dealing with whatever life throws your way.

safe travels!!

 

[Grizz1963]

Morning Andy,

Are you ready for the party to possibly get even bigger?

I think Dennis has had a real fascination with your operation for some time.....

We are chatting about possibly turning this into a road trip for three.

 

[njhoudini]

Yep, they are just too hard to ship, local pickup only if you're close.

I wonder if you could figure out how to make the broom handle segmented but still functionally solid when screwed back together. Then they might fit in the lighting boxes without anything poking out.

 

[Guster]

It's the pits. But good to see what you have been pitted up against. Dealing with it would rattle my pit. Haven't seen a pit gauge like that before either. But it looks handy to inspect that pitting!

Funny I was thinking, don't throw away the sign plastic and realised it is Andy afterall and he will find a very good re-use for it!

Hope all goes well with the checkup.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Is all Ok Andy?

 

[bolensboneyard]

Ditto! Not like you to be so quiet?

 

[jimreed2160]

...Saturday was great! We've got stuff tomorrow then another trip to MD Anderson for my checkup so I'll be scarce for a few days, I imagine.

Careful readers will remember that Andy is on a walkabout and is due to return shortly.

 

[Pressingonward]

Wow, what a thread! I feel like I just got to the end of the internet, now what do I do?

Andy, I tip my hat to you (well, I would if I wore hats...) - I've learned a whole lot about all sorts of things through your posts and all the comments. I love your can-do attitude and creative approach to all the problems that crop up along the way on whatever project you happen to put your mind to.

I really enjoy seeing your daily life stuff - feeding cows, fixing fences, visiting with friends, collecting stray cabooses ( caboosi? cabeese?), etc. in addition to the shop stuff. Maybe it's presumptuous, but I feel like I've come to know you over the course of this thread. Garage Journal feels like a visit with an old friend or friendly neighbor - talking shop, learning about new things, catching up on what's going on, offering and receiving advice, and of course a little friendly ribbing

I appreciate the detail you put into your responses to questions and concerns that are raised, like your analysis of the pitting on the lift cylinder. I used an old single post lift for a couple weeks at a shop I worked at (before they transferred me to a different shop under the same owner) and it was downright scary. I seem to recall it would bleed down overnight if you left a car in the air, and would lurch a bit when you raised or lowered it. Hopefully yours is better

A while back you mentioned you were looking for a source of zinc. Not sure what quantity would be of use to you, but I have some zinc strips I pulled off my roof (put there by the previous owner to control moss, mostly unsuccessfully). It's probably only a couple pounds, but you can have it if you want (assuming I can find it and didn't already toss it out).

I don't normally drink soda, but for this occasion I'll make an exception. Thanks for the coke!

 

[njhoudini]

Hope everything is good with MD Anderson. The Andy Martin Fan Club is awaiting your return.

 

[jblnut]

Wow, what a thread! I feel like I just got to the end of the internet, now what do I do?

I felt that way when I started following along WAY BACK somewhere around page 100 or so. Every time I come to GJ it seems like there is another 10 pages of Andy's adventures !!

 

[bowtiguy]

I felt that way when I started following along WAY BACK somewhere around page 100 or so. Every time I come to GJ it seems like there is another 10 pages of Andy's adventures !!

I think that’s the idea! To inspire, inform and ignite! In the GJ “world” I’ve only restored two Wilton vises, and 68’ C10 and a rotex punch, Andy ( and guys like him) do this sh*t on a daily basis!!!! Can’t wait for “semi” retirement!

 

[oldironfarmer]

I guess with the temps y’all are having, a crucible sitting on asphalt is about all you need for smelting. Stay cool.

It's been warm but not too bad here. But we've had humidity. Now we're having acold spell, barely hit 90F today. Quite balmy.

Yes!

Throw them on craigslist for $150/pair and theyll be gone

I tried a few years ago and got no response. I'll send you some if you'll pay shipping.

Andy it's cool!

Thank you Vladimir!

Handy: wow if you start melting steel/iron and making stuff out of it i'd be very curious what you make with all your skills.

good to hear your bride's last episode/seizure ended up maybe helping her. still hoping for the best for her and of course you don't really mention anything about your health too much, but hoping what you are dealing with is getting better too. I know MENTAL HEALTH is up there at the top 1% of all of us which in my opinion is very helpful for overall health so keep smiling and dealing with whatever life throws your way.

safe travels!!

Who knows? At least I'll make a mess

Dang it if she didn't have another major seizure in the hotel room in Houston. Talk about feeling like I was in the wrong place. But she got through it and the rest of our trip was uneventful.

Morning Andy,

Are you ready for the party to possibly get even bigger?

I think Dennis has had a real fascination with your operation for some time.....

We are chatting about possibly turning this into a road trip for three.

Why not? If there's not enough space we can move some junk and make room. I've had ten for all day before and I think everyone had a good time.

Do you have a date range in mind?

I wonder if you could figure out how to make the broom handle segmented but still functionally solid when screwed back together. Then they might fit in the lighting boxes without anything poking out.

I think it's fun to ship them whole. And while I was working in Houston I would take them as carryon. It was apparently an established practice and they fit in the overhead bin. If anyone asked I would tell them it's better than a parachute in an emergency.

It's the pits. But good to see what you have been pitted up against. Dealing with it would rattle my pit. Haven't seen a pit gauge like that before either. But it looks handy to inspect that pitting!

Funny I was thinking, don't throw away the sign plastic and realised it is Andy afterall and he will find a very good re-use for it!

Hope all goes well with the checkup.

Remind me to never pit wits with you. English may be a second language for you but you do OK.

That's a pipeline pit gauge. Pits in a high stress pipeline are a big deal. And they can't readily be measured with ultrasonic thickness meters.

This is the first time I've used a pit gauge. I'm an engineer, and we always had inspectors. I wasn't qualified to operate one on the job. This one was given me by a vendor and is brand new at twenty years old.

Plastic comment is funny. Funny because now I have drops stacked up for some unknown future use. Should have taken a picture.

Checkup went fine. Lady doctor with small hands...

Is all Ok Andy?

Yes, sir. Funny thing happened upon return to Terlton...

Ditto! Not like you to be so quiet?

We started having internet problems...

Careful readers will remember that Andy is on a walkabout and is due to return shortly.

Nice of you to notice!

Wow, what a thread! I feel like I just got to the end of the internet, now what do I do?

You broke my internet...

Andy, I tip my hat to you (well, I would if I wore hats...) - I've learned a whole lot about all sorts of things through your posts and all the comments. I love your can-do attitude and creative approach to all the problems that crop up along the way on whatever project you happen to put your mind to.

I do appreciate all the kind words! Of course, if one knows what one is doing, one does not have so many problems to solve...

I really enjoy seeing your daily life stuff - feeding cows, fixing fences, visiting with friends, collecting stray cabooses ( caboosi? cabeese?), etc. in addition to the shop stuff. Maybe it's presumptuous, but I feel like I've come to know you over the course of this thread. Garage Journal feels like a visit with an old friend or friendly neighbor - talking shop, learning about new things, catching up on what's going on, offering and receiving advice, and of course a little friendly ribbing

It is a little hard to put the mundane stuff on the thread. Sometimes I sneeze and forget to post it. But it seems some people like to read along and laugh at my mistakes so I figure those that don't like it can just scan on along and get to the important stuff.

WAIT!! Is there important stuff here????

OK, I thought not.

Whew, that was close.

I appreciate the detail you put into your responses to questions and concerns that are raised, like your analysis of the pitting on the lift cylinder. I used an old single post lift for a couple weeks at a shop I worked at (before they transferred me to a different shop under the same owner) and it was downright scary. I seem to recall it would bleed down overnight if you left a car in the air, and would lurch a bit when you raised or lowered it. Hopefully yours is better

Thanks, I do try to consider lots of lurkers (HEY! They're people too!) who may never post but may not understand what is going on. Some stuff can be dangerous so in an effort to not lead someone astray, I try to explain stuff. It also helps that I really really enjoy hearing the sound of my voice.

Lurching in lifts is caused by being low on oil. It is unnerving and unsafe if you're not expecting it. Being low on oil can also lead to settling under load as the air is more likely to escape the main seal than is oil. The lift valve is also a prime area of settling: letting the air out very slowly). It is really best to not leave in the ground lifts under load long term. The Dakota has only been on my lift about 10 months so I need to get it down. (I put a safety bar through the guide rod about six months ago because I got tired of airing it up and needed to put stuff under it for storage.)

A while back you mentioned you were looking for a source of zinc. Not sure what quantity would be of use to you, but I have some zinc strips I pulled off my roof (put there by the previous owner to control moss, mostly unsuccessfully). It's probably only a couple pounds, but you can have it if you want (assuming I can find it and didn't already toss it out).

I don't normally drink soda, but for this occasion I'll make an exception. Thanks for the coke!

I pay freight on zinc.

Glad you had a Coke, I hope you used one of my dimes, don't mess up my inventory control.

Thanks for dropping in.

Hope everything is good with MD Anderson. The Andy Martin Fan Club is awaiting your return.

MD Anderson is great, everything is good there. I'm OK too.

How did you know about the Andy Martin Fan Club? We had a meeting just today.

The tall guy, he's my biggest fan. But I like them all, big fans, small fans. They really take the heat off when the going gets tough. And I have other fans. Lurkers. They stay safely behind their grills but still do their part to keep it cool. I never see them, but I know they're there. In the A/C.

I felt that way when I started following along WAY BACK somewhere around page 100 or so. Every time I come to GJ it seems like there is another 10 pages of Andy's adventures !!

Uh-oh. Is that too much?

I think that’s the idea! To inspire, inform and ignite! In the GJ “world” I’ve only restored two Wilton vises, and 68’ C10 and a rotex punch, Andy ( and guys like him) do this sh*t on a daily basis!!!! Can’t wait for “semi” retirement!

The underlying theme in GJ is world peace. Amazing how many friends we have in faraway places like Terlton, OK.

I am privileged to have six Saturdays every week. And I'm thankful for it every day. I remember working.

Retirement is especially fun when you can help someone out. For instance, JB was overloaded on aluminum. I helped him out.

A young man I know is having a tough time of it. He and his two brothers are trying to find jobs and having difficulty doing so. He is delivering pizzas (not particularly lucrative when you add wear and tear on the car) to make ends meet and called today. He had hit a deer. Not too bad.

He had already been stopped for no headlight. I was able to lead him to a salvage yard to get a replacement, and asked him to bring it by to see if we could get it ready for the headlight.

My first fender job.

He wouldn't let me finish because I'm slow and he needed to get to the salvage, get the light working, and a brother delivered 100 miles away all before his pizza shift started at 5:00.

At least we got it to where the light will go in. He may have to tape it in. But if he had to go to a body shop he would have missed work and probably lost his job. It worked for me.

Thanks for all the nice comments, and the concern over Missing It's Andy!

 

[oldironfarmer]

I finally got the cylinder boxed and sent out.

Couple of days ago my woodcutter told me he had a nice red oak, did I want saw logs.

Well, yes.

So he cut it down (too close to a water outlet and was going to ruin it).

I loaded up Bob on Sunday

Early Monday we were in the woods

There's the woodcutter, water outlet (WPA, 1930's), 5 ft log, and a big elm on the left. It's coming down next but he didn't want it to fall on the red oak logs.

It was steep getting in and back out, but two nice logs, about 16" diameter, 5 ft and 8 ft long.

Good lumber even if they're small.

Here's a better shot of the water outlet.

That's the red oak stump on the right. It's been treated to keep it from resprouting.

Thanks for dropping in!! Come back and meet Grizz!

 

[Grizz1963]

Morning Andy,

Welcome back.

Lovely job on the logging.

My dad used to go cut the logs out of trees when his friends would build extensions or garages, and then have them cut into lumber for his woodwork projects. So I am totally onboard with your rescue mission .

Let’s see what Dennis says, he needs to dictate the timing.

There is a New Orleans part to the trip which is a 12 hour driving day, just to get there, and the same on the return........

He has a business to run and bills to pay.

Craig and I land on the 30th August late afternoon around 5pm US time in St Louis, after an 18 hour day, that will have started at 21.30 on the 29th August US time. Remember, we are 6 hours behind you guys and will be at the airport by 5am English time, 100 miles from where I live plus the detour to pick Craig up.

I would hazard a guess that it would be in the first week of September, but not sure what day exactly.

We may find a garage sale, or auction along the way


Meet my buddy Craig, we go a long way back, I used to buy spares from his father 26 plus years ago when we lived in South Africa.

With two of his four AD Chevys. He also has two pickup trucks.

Part of this trip for him is to find some parts, including the whole passenger window mechanism for his Suburban



Manpower?



We will keep you updated.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy its great to see you back

Clearly every one missed you..

 

[shortykorte]

For sure.

I’m stumped on the water outlet. (Cool rock work) since there’s not a pipe or valve. With the high sides, Does this act like a spillway?

Beautiful oak logs. Will you or your logger friend mill those into boards?


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[Bears Fan]

Andy

I love it! something I have never seen before! A pit depth gauge! Who knew?

thanks for sharing,

 

[oldironfarmer]

Morning Andy,

Welcome back.

Lovely job on the logging.

My dad used to go cut the logs out of trees when his friends would build extensions or garages, and then have them cut into lumber for his woodwork projects. So I am totally onboard with your rescue mission .

Let’s see what Dennis says, he needs to dictate the timing.

There is a New Orleans part to the trip which is a 12 hour driving day, just to get there, and the same on the return........

He has a business to run and bills to pay.

Jobs and businesses are so pesky, they continue to get in the way.

New Orleans, now that should be an experience. Take your cardigan in case it turns chilly there by the water...

Craig and I land on the 30th August late afternoon around 5pm US time in St Louis, after an 18 hour day, that will have started at 21.30 on the 29th August US time. Remember, we are 6 hours behind you guys and will be at the airport by 5am English time, 100 miles from where I live plus the detour to pick Craig up.

Sounds like a fun day. When I was working in Nigeria we spent a lot of time in Heathrow and Gatwick. Then I had the pleasure of spending some time in London, our client was on Grosvenor Place, right across from the lady's big house. They were impressed by their location, we thought they were shabby old embassy buildings. A bit of a cultural difference.

Quick story: A bud and I hired a car to drive around when we had to stay the weekend. You know, American Vacation. He had driven backwards before, I hadn't, so his idea was to go to Heathrow to get the car. I went along. We went to Stonehenge, then on to Bath. He drove like your granny. I finally got him to let me drive and we made some time. Spent the night at the airport hotel in Birmingham. Sunday morning he was ready go to back because of my driving so I agreed to get him close enough to London to catch the Underground. When he finally spied one I saw the Mable Arch so I just took him to the hotel, on Knightsbridge just down from Hyde Park Corner. After he was out of the car I went on down to Canterbury, great tour of the cathedral, then on to Dover to witness a spectacular sunset against the chalk. Got to Victoria Station to turn in the transport a little after midnight. Nice bloke to check me in, told him I needed the three day unlimited rate as I'd clocked 900 km. He told me I 'ad't 'ad it three days. We argued and since my hotel (the round one, back then) had free parking I told him I'd just bring it back when I'd 'ad it three days. Monday afternoon I told the Australian secretary in the client's office that I had a car, where for tea, dinner, supper or whatever. She said "The Lanes, Brighton". He boss said then you'd better get started (it was about 3PM). I didn't have a clue, so off we went. We had a great time, added 240 km to the car and I got her back after midnight. Dropped her off at her flat in SW London and got turned around getting back to V.S. Actually had to get out of the car and walk to the center of a park to find the north star and get oriented to set myself off on the right direction. (Blokes in the office had a great time making fun of Daniel Boone "navigating by the stars" in London, but as you well know you're so far north the north star is quite high and easy to find, it was foggy but not foggy straight up. I never could find it in Nigeria.) So about 1 AM same guy in the car park, I announced I had deprived his employer of a day of usage of the car but had over 1,000 km on it and he announced I was now qualified for the three day unlimited mileage rate. We 'ad a good laugh.

Ok, maybe it wasn't so short a story.

I would hazard a guess that it would be in the first week of September, but not sure what day exactly.

We may find a garage sale, or auction along the way

Meet my buddy Craig, we go a long way back, I used to buy spares from his father 26 plus years ago when we lived in South Africa.

I've met him on your thread. Seems like an agreeable fellow.

With two of his four AD Chevys. He also has two pickup trucks.

Part of this trip for him is to find some parts, including the whole passenger window mechanism for his Suburban



Manpower?



We will keep you updated.

Sounds like fun. Does he want a new riser mechanism or an original? I could have a look around unless that would dampen his enjoyment of the trip.

Andy its great to see you back

Clearly every one missed you..

Thanks, Steve. I've never put an app on my phone and fear my addiction should I do that. I also eschew traveling with a computer (too much like work) so when I'm gone I'm gone.

For sure.

I’m stumped on the water outlet. (Cool rock work) since there’s not a pipe or valve. With the high sides, Does this act like a spillway?

Beautiful oak logs. Will you or your logger friend mill those into boards?

You're stumped? May I call you Stumpy?

Agricultural terraces have multiple purposes, depending on the soil. This soil is highly erodible and was terraced to keep rainwater from washing off tilled soil. The field has seven terraces, each with a water outlet to let the water off the terrace without erosion. A grassway would do the same thing, you just don't till it. So I have seven of these low outlets and a 14 ft high one where the water is let down into the creek. I've posted pictures of repair to the big one last year, it had eroded underneath a wing wall and I scrambled to save it. For the curious, it appears stable now. Here it is from the top, new soil over the far wing wall.

And here it is from the lower side. All the dirt to the right had to be added as it was washed out.

I have since covered the soil with a load of gravel because sometimes Keystone Lake will back up onto the lower part and really washes the fresh soil away. The rock has done the trick.

When the Soil Conservation agent visited my farm when I bought it, to discuss conservation plan and practices (actually good use of tax money) he told me about these structures. I took him to see mine and he said the lower one was the highest he had seen. So now I'm a celebrity.

Thanks for the comments and visits!!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy

I love it! something I have never seen before! A pit depth gauge! Who knew?

thanks for sharing,

Tools of the trade are not always ubiquitous but often useful in other area nonetheless.

My pleasure.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Oh, yeah, I forgot to report when the technician was here fixing my internet and was uncovering multiple issues, he said something about "Sheddwellers Syndrome" and it may never be right

 

[bolensboneyard]

Andy's back! Now let's bring back the WPA! Welcome back!

 

[tym]

We will keep you updated.

Flintstonian propulsion? ;-)

 

[sawduststeve]

Hi Andy

Great not so short story In my head your London/cockney accent
Is all a bit **** Van **** / Bert the chimney sweep , gawd blimey G’vnor.

Good sized logs, have you anything in mind for them?

Regards
Steve

 

[realvc]

The lower one was the highest he had ever seen. Sounds like a great line/idea for a song.

Welcome back Andy, glad to hear you are doing well. Sad to hear your wife went through what she did in Houston. Continued prayers for the both of you.