Jayman17
Well-known member
I like that long work bench in your shop with all the tool storage cabinets/boxes built in. That looks handy!
Above 1200 Sq/FT Plugger Workshop
- Thread starter Prospecter
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
@Prospecter, my thread started as and continues to be one long derailment. You're welcome to come and switch it over anytime!
OP
Prospecter
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Thanks, Bob. Back Atcha!
OP
Prospecter
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Seems like lots of folks are posting in the heat. I presume, like me, they are idled by heat. Not a lot going here.
I am SLOWLY doing projects. Very warm even in The County. This is the porch I jacked up and put a new deck on a while back. Added some screws to the joists and rafters to pull them into the side of the house. Installed J trim. Installed metal panels and light. It is diagonal because the base was too big to fit between the ribs, yet too small to span the ribs if I put it in square. Ugggh!
I also replaced the light over the kitchen entrance. Both lights are served by modernish Romex that I worked on last spring. Surprisingly, the wire specs seem a little different than current specs. The insulation is much thicker, both inner and outer. I took three days on a project I should have finished in a day.
First time working with metal panels. Some things I learned for next time. Steel panels and J channel are thicker than aluminum stock. I should have butted and mitered the steel J instead of overlapping. Marking the joists on the wall with masking tape was a good move, but I also should have pulled strings to avoid "Shiners." Should have arranged the seam overlaps to face away from the doors so the seams would be less obvious. Using a cutting wheel on a grinder was excellent for cutting the panels. Still, it turned out ok for a back porch.
Went home to return excess materials to Home Depot, and to pick up the siding brake. The returns are something I hate doing, but it went surprisingly easily. Too hot today though. After stalling all morning, I think I will do some very minor indoor projects and quit.
I am SLOWLY doing projects. Very warm even in The County. This is the porch I jacked up and put a new deck on a while back. Added some screws to the joists and rafters to pull them into the side of the house. Installed J trim. Installed metal panels and light. It is diagonal because the base was too big to fit between the ribs, yet too small to span the ribs if I put it in square. Ugggh!
I also replaced the light over the kitchen entrance. Both lights are served by modernish Romex that I worked on last spring. Surprisingly, the wire specs seem a little different than current specs. The insulation is much thicker, both inner and outer. I took three days on a project I should have finished in a day.
First time working with metal panels. Some things I learned for next time. Steel panels and J channel are thicker than aluminum stock. I should have butted and mitered the steel J instead of overlapping. Marking the joists on the wall with masking tape was a good move, but I also should have pulled strings to avoid "Shiners." Should have arranged the seam overlaps to face away from the doors so the seams would be less obvious. Using a cutting wheel on a grinder was excellent for cutting the panels. Still, it turned out ok for a back porch.
Went home to return excess materials to Home Depot, and to pick up the siding brake. The returns are something I hate doing, but it went surprisingly easily. Too hot today though. After stalling all morning, I think I will do some very minor indoor projects and quit.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Isn’t there always a learning curve so to speak? Sorry to hear it didn’t correct but learning is what we all do if we try. Good work!!
I agree returning stuff is a pain but not buying enough stuff and going back to the store 3 or more times is worse in my opinion.
Stay cool!!
I agree returning stuff is a pain but not buying enough stuff and going back to the store 3 or more times is worse in my opinion.
Stay cool!!
OP
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You are so right! 140 mile round trip definitely makes planning pay off!
OP
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I am making slow progress on the trim.
Per the earlier discussion of Lillies. These are the regular "Easter Lillies." Blossoms and leaves on a single stalk. The day lily we spoke of earlier has blossoms on their own stalks and leaves are separate.
Per the earlier discussion of Lillies. These are the regular "Easter Lillies." Blossoms and leaves on a single stalk. The day lily we spoke of earlier has blossoms on their own stalks and leaves are separate.
Attachments
OP
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We are very dry. First mow in two weeks, only because I did not want weeds to go to see. The soil amendments from last fall are paying off in the vegetable garden. Growth is stunted, but everything is growing. The flowers are planted where vegetable seeds did not germinate in our too wet spring weather.
More scrap to the dump. An impact wrench and penetrating oil made quick work of dismantling this guardrail gate. The gate was moved enough so the hornets could not find their nest. The nest was quite interesting.
Bonus rocks from mowing. A practice piece of trim with notes.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Looks great in the garden and flowers are a nice look instead of a bare area.
I get more than a few hornets but this year I’m more active out in my backyard so they haven’t build huge hives yet. In the past I’ve had a few the size of footballs and basketballs. When I find small one like yours I spray it with the white can I get at HD that shoots about 10 feet. I should do it at night but I do it when I see them usually and more than a few survive to hassle me later if I get in that area. Btw are hornets good for anything cause even mosquitoes are meats for other insects and birds?
I get more than a few hornets but this year I’m more active out in my backyard so they haven’t build huge hives yet. In the past I’ve had a few the size of footballs and basketballs. When I find small one like yours I spray it with the white can I get at HD that shoots about 10 feet. I should do it at night but I do it when I see them usually and more than a few survive to hassle me later if I get in that area. Btw are hornets good for anything cause even mosquitoes are meats for other insects and birds?
OP
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When I was painting houses during college I developed an unreasonable antagonism for stinging insects that hide under siding, in the ground, and in soffits. I'll hook on to the logs and pull them away to see if the critters are in the logs or the ground. Then, as you say, the white can treatment. I know some folks like to burn them out, but unwise in my firewood pile during a drought.
OP
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aExcept for the folded trim photo, these pics are all from home (Midcoast area). My apple drop picking crew is starting early this year. The apples are likely especially sweet and tasty in a drought. So far only the yellow delicious, which I don't care for, are dropping. Keeping them picked up will keep away the yellow jackets.
A piece of replacement trim folded and ready for installation. The sides of the garage door openings up north have taken a beating.
Cosmos in the garden. I need to check the peas today. I have enough cucumbers for sandwiches, which are a treat. Our Boothby's Blonde (similar to lemon cucumbers) are specially good this year. We are also harvesting zucchini and yellow squash. Also lettuce, which is better than store bought, but bitter due to lack of water. Water storage is the next big thing for the garden after soil amendments. No shortage of projects here!
During and after mowing pictures.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
There is a guy on YouTube that has a home brew for getting rid of wasps that has apple cider vinegar and orange juice in it. I might have to try it cause yesterday I stuck my un gloved hand in my job box lock area to get some chemicals (more copper green) and a new wasp nest with about 10-15 wasps fell out. Alive and maybe a bit sleepy so I manage to step on most of them and get away without getting stung.
Do you put apples in compost pile or maybe you don’t compost cause it might bring more critters?
Looking good in the yard and does your property include some of the forest (trees) behind the field too?
Speaking of boats (London thread) have you found time to use yours and is the trailer working as good as it can?
Do you put apples in compost pile or maybe you don’t compost cause it might bring more critters?
Looking good in the yard and does your property include some of the forest (trees) behind the field too?
Speaking of boats (London thread) have you found time to use yours and is the trailer working as good as it can?
OP
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Thanks for checking in. Home brew for yellow jackets sounds good.
Vegetable matter gets thrown in the aisles of the garden, where it gets dried out, and tilled under. Keeps the critters from building nests in a compost bin, and is super easy. We've done that with apple drops, too. In recent years, the turkeys, deer, coyotes, and crows have kept up pretty well with the drops, and we have not needed to do anything at all. So far, they mostly stop at the orchard line, and don't keep going into the garden. All very convenient.
Boat: Last week's adventure was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. This week's adventure is on hold due to weather. Next week looks very promising. We are all set to go. Just need a weather and timing window. No worries. If one plan does not work out, we just switch to another. It's all good.
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OP
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Oops. Missed this. Looking good in the yard and does your property include some of the forest (trees) behind the field too?
Our back line is about halfway to the peak of the mountain in the background.
Our back line is about halfway to the peak of the mountain in the background.
OP
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Tractor Update: This past Spring both the JD and the Kubota were marking territory with oil leaks. I finally had time to look at these last week. Could not find a source of leaks on JD, so I topped off the fluids and mowed the field. Still no sign of a leak, so I put the covers back on and reinstalled the front loader. Kubota has a minor leak, but I can't find that one either. I am sure they have leaks, so for now I will keep the fluids topped up and wait for them to get worse so I can diagnose the problems. And if I can't find the problems? Guess that will mean they don't need fixing!
jon72vega
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Truth!
OP
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Thanks Jon! Very affirming from a guy who is so conscientious about caring for his stuff!
kaymccampbell
Well-known member
Weights to keep the nose down?
OP
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Good guess, but no. Mrs. P loves "Pretty" geological specimens, and picked those up while she was mowing. Southern Aroostooc County has a very diverse soil, with lots of shales, and glacial tills. Those are some pink granites, and some sort of white rock. The parts I mow, I use the mower platform to carry road trash. Not nearly as fun.
Weights to keep the nose down?
OP
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It's very warm here, and I don't do well above 80d. So my "Summer" projects are on hold, and I am doing "Winter" projects in the conditioned shop. (Except I can get easy access to stuff that would otherwise be closed off by snow or mud.) I began by putting stuff away in the shop yesterday. This morphed into sorting hardware, and other idle endeavors.
Couple days ago it was "only" mid 80s, so I picked up some previously processed firewood, and put engine covers and front loader back on the JD. The Monarch nursery is in full swing.
Couple days ago it was "only" mid 80s, so I picked up some previously processed firewood, and put engine covers and front loader back on the JD. The Monarch nursery is in full swing.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
man you are a busy guy and not surprised if you own property almost farther than you can see. i've got 1/3 acre and i've got some parts of the yard I haven't walked on in years.
I have to say I too love big old rocks and a few years ago I learned how to do a bit of masonry. I started with a few small brick planters and i've graduated to some mortar in a rock steps access and added extra room next to our raspberry patch. I learned a lot from a guy on Youtube named Mike (forgot his last name at the minute but he's our age and lives in Pennsylvania). anyway he likes to do a lot of repairs and new masonry and his favorite mortar mix is 1 part Portland cement and 2 or 3 parts sand. you won't believe the holding power of this simple mix if you want to make something for your bride with her rocks (with her permission of course).
it's going to be mid 80's here today and I hear you about being hot outside so enjoy your AC and good luck getting more organized.
I have to say I too love big old rocks and a few years ago I learned how to do a bit of masonry. I started with a few small brick planters and i've graduated to some mortar in a rock steps access and added extra room next to our raspberry patch. I learned a lot from a guy on Youtube named Mike (forgot his last name at the minute but he's our age and lives in Pennsylvania). anyway he likes to do a lot of repairs and new masonry and his favorite mortar mix is 1 part Portland cement and 2 or 3 parts sand. you won't believe the holding power of this simple mix if you want to make something for your bride with her rocks (with her permission of course).
it's going to be mid 80's here today and I hear you about being hot outside so enjoy your AC and good luck getting more organized.
OP
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I remember when you were working on that. Very impressive! I really like your house and grounds. All very beautiful.man you are a busy guy and not surprised if you own property almost farther than you can see. i've got 1/3 acre and i've got some parts of the yard I haven't walked on in years.
I have to say I too love big old rocks and a few years ago I learned how to do a bit of masonry. I started with a few small brick planters and i've graduated to some mortar in a rock steps access and added extra room next to our raspberry patch. I learned a lot from a guy on Youtube named Mike (forgot his last name at the minute but he's our age and lives in Pennsylvania). anyway he likes to do a lot of repairs and new masonry and his favorite mortar mix is 1 part Portland cement and 2 or 3 parts sand. you won't believe the holding power of this simple mix if you want to make something for your bride with her rocks (with her permission of course).
it's going to be mid 80's here today and I hear you about being hot outside so enjoy your AC and good luck getting more organized.
We weren't really too sure what we were buying back when. A long term goal is an access road (woods road) to the back of the property, but not in this year's budget. But we keep having fun.
OP
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Double post on New Tools thread.
Took advantage of the Harbor Freight Parking Lot Sale. Joined ITC for the first time. I always figured it would be worthwhile if I could pay for it in savings from my purchase at the time of joining. Early Access allowed me to make some tool upgrades. I wouldn't be able to get to the store on the weekend, so this was worthwhile. Hardly anyone in the store. They had to open the only register for me. "Robert" was super excited to sell me an ITC membership. Kept track of savings so he could tell me when the membership was paid for, and then took out his calculator to figure out total savings. (Must be new to not know it shows on the receipt!)
Took advantage of the Harbor Freight Parking Lot Sale. Joined ITC for the first time. I always figured it would be worthwhile if I could pay for it in savings from my purchase at the time of joining. Early Access allowed me to make some tool upgrades. I wouldn't be able to get to the store on the weekend, so this was worthwhile. Hardly anyone in the store. They had to open the only register for me. "Robert" was super excited to sell me an ITC membership. Kept track of savings so he could tell me when the membership was paid for, and then took out his calculator to figure out total savings. (Must be new to not know it shows on the receipt!)
OP
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I've also been consolidating paint, and puttering about while organizing. Scrap plywood, leftover black and white paint, and leftover rosin paper to make a FREE sign from free materials, to dispose of stuff for free. I laid the stencil on the black paint to see what would happen. The sticky, partially dried paint helped the stencil to say in place and left a sort of stucco like effect when I pulled it off. The bench is covered with leftover wax paper, so cleaned right up. 
drivesitfar
Well-known member
I know you’re maybe a bit off the beaten path but I used to take advantage of the Craigslist free section. I’d post pics and then people showing up would know what they were getting if they contacted me prior to driving to my storage unit or meeting place I’d remove it from the ad. Yes there were a few no shows but most would honor their word and show up on time even for free stuff.
I’ve only bought a weed burner and a pipe threader at HF even though one of their main stores is about 3 miles away. Both items worked great but I just prefer old stuff to new and big box one stop shopping, but I should check into this membership you mentioned.
Enjoy your day!!
I’ve only bought a weed burner and a pipe threader at HF even though one of their main stores is about 3 miles away. Both items worked great but I just prefer old stuff to new and big box one stop shopping, but I should check into this membership you mentioned.
Enjoy your day!!
OP
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Drives: Craigslist Free is a great idea! We have a little bit of frontage on the main drag through town. Kind of a game to see how long stuff lasts at the edge of the road. Typically less than an hour for most stuff, but I have had stuff hang around that definitely could have benefitted from a CL post.
Old stuff is great for many things. I love my 12" RAS. Runs smoothly and true. All my pipe wrenches and Crescents are used, and excellent quality. And I like my mismatched collections of SAE wrenches for the sampling of quality vintage manufacturing. My drill bits are mostly 10 - 15 c each, and I have a bunch of them. Just fine for woodworking, and often excellent for metal, too. Files are similar, and generally $1 each.
On the other and, I have not had much luck finding other stuff. HF is good for consumables, hand tools, and some pneumatic tools. I would not trust trust their jacks without jack stands, but that goes without saying anyway. I have generally found their lessor power tools disappointing compared to used at similar prices. Top of the line power tools also disappoint me compared to similarly priced Bosch, and DeWalt. So HF is a mixed bag, rather than a simple answer. I always figured Inside Track Club would be worthwhile if the first purchase saved enough to pay for the membership. This is the first time that has been the case, but HF sales and coupons are always a moving target. Who knows if it will benefit me in the future, but if not, I have not lost anything.
Old stuff is great for many things. I love my 12" RAS. Runs smoothly and true. All my pipe wrenches and Crescents are used, and excellent quality. And I like my mismatched collections of SAE wrenches for the sampling of quality vintage manufacturing. My drill bits are mostly 10 - 15 c each, and I have a bunch of them. Just fine for woodworking, and often excellent for metal, too. Files are similar, and generally $1 each.
On the other and, I have not had much luck finding other stuff. HF is good for consumables, hand tools, and some pneumatic tools. I would not trust trust their jacks without jack stands, but that goes without saying anyway. I have generally found their lessor power tools disappointing compared to used at similar prices. Top of the line power tools also disappoint me compared to similarly priced Bosch, and DeWalt. So HF is a mixed bag, rather than a simple answer. I always figured Inside Track Club would be worthwhile if the first purchase saved enough to pay for the membership. This is the first time that has been the case, but HF sales and coupons are always a moving target. Who knows if it will benefit me in the future, but if not, I have not lost anything.
OP
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We've been BUSY. This is the time of year when everyone wants to visit Maine. Between guests, and visits, the garden, chores, and the boat, there is a lot going on.
The thing about shop organization is that, after living with an organization for a while, one sees more to do. I went through all my accumulated paints and consolidated partial cans.
Harbor Freight managed to capture some of my money with its 40% off sale. I also found a use for one of those tiny toolboxes.
We visited the Maine Woods and Waters contact station, all build with private donations. It's off the grid, so it is heated with passive solar and wood. Cooled with thermal air movement and fans. A ground mount solar array provides all their electricity. The floor has a map of the Penobscot River Watershed, which covers almost all of the contact station floor.
We are in drought conditions. I have not mowed for a month. The weeds are getting a little high, but I will likely wait a while longer.
The thing about shop organization is that, after living with an organization for a while, one sees more to do. I went through all my accumulated paints and consolidated partial cans.
Harbor Freight managed to capture some of my money with its 40% off sale. I also found a use for one of those tiny toolboxes.We visited the Maine Woods and Waters contact station, all build with private donations. It's off the grid, so it is heated with passive solar and wood. Cooled with thermal air movement and fans. A ground mount solar array provides all their electricity. The floor has a map of the Penobscot River Watershed, which covers almost all of the contact station floor.
We are in drought conditions. I have not mowed for a month. The weeds are getting a little high, but I will likely wait a while longer.
OP
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The gladiolas are an intentional crop. They do not manage very well in our regular soil, and benefit from the amended, tilled soil in the vegetable garden. The other flowers are filling in skips, of which there were many in a cold wet spring. These also do well in tilled, amended soil and aside from making my vegetable garden prettier, also provide seeds for next year. Seed collection is beginning early due to drought conditions.
The Monarch nursery is also in full swing. And there is always one that escapes and attaches outside the net.
The covid boat project is out of the shop, masted is mounted for travel.
The Monarch nursery is also in full swing. And there is always one that escapes and attaches outside the net.
The covid boat project is out of the shop, masted is mounted for travel.
OP
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The deer are moving up past the apple trees The prune the beet and carrot tops, and inadvertently pick a few. We have plenty of booths not a big deal. They leave enough leaves behind so everything keeps growing, and we won't harvest until October. We pick up the picked carrots that the deer leave behind for early treats. Amazingly, these Jaja carrots are well formed and very sweet, despite the drought. The summer squash and zucchini are producing.
The covid boat has been splashed for two shakedown trips. These photos are from the first trip. The lines are color coded. The green jib sheet marks the Genoa (larger front sail) which we used used on an almost windless day. Mariners have a large sail plan for their size, which makes them move in light air, but prone to overpowering for nervous sailers.
The covid boat has been splashed for two shakedown trips. These photos are from the first trip. The lines are color coded. The green jib sheet marks the Genoa (larger front sail) which we used used on an almost windless day. Mariners have a large sail plan for their size, which makes them move in light air, but prone to overpowering for nervous sailers.
OP
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Some more photos from our first cruise. Nothing really special, other than evidence of success. The electric motor is a delight. Easy to use, and actually quieter than sailing. (The centerboard pennant vibrates, kind of like playing cards against bicycle spokes, for those of us who remember those days.)
Mia stretching in her sunspot and demanding attention after a day home alone.
Our Monarch Way Station sign.
Our one and only, very delicious peach.
Our potato foliage is beginning to die back prior to harvest. Remarkably, we still have foliage to die back due to our regular potato beetle and grub harvesting.
Mia stretching in her sunspot and demanding attention after a day home alone.
Our Monarch Way Station sign.
Our one and only, very delicious peach.
Our potato foliage is beginning to die back prior to harvest. Remarkably, we still have foliage to die back due to our regular potato beetle and grub harvesting.
OP
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The turkey clean up crew clearing apple drops. This is such a huge help. Between the turkey and the deer, no rotting apples on the ground to pick up, skid on while mowing, host apple diseases, or attract yellow jackets. Fun to watch the crews at work, too! Surprisingly, the deer and turkeys leave few droppings behind.
Off on our second voyage. The red jib sheet is for the working jib which is the smaller of the two front sails. Light winds forecast, but with 20 mph gusts, which would have overpowered us if we used the genoa.
Dragonflies were frequent hitch hikers.
Off on our second voyage. The red jib sheet is for the working jib which is the smaller of the two front sails. Light winds forecast, but with 20 mph gusts, which would have overpowered us if we used the genoa.
Dragonflies were frequent hitch hikers.
OP
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A couple more photos from our second voyage. We reduced our set up time from 1h45m to 1h, and our take down time from 75m to 45m. The trailer adjustments work very well. With the lowered axle, springs and tires, the boat is smoother to tow, and launching/retrieval is super easy. I am still working on reliable lighting. I will probably end up rewiring with a better harness that includes a full length ground wire. A lot of little adjustments for little problems between the first and second trip.
The mini tool box is my new casual drill index. I do have good quality, formally indexed bits when I need them. These are my users that I pick up along the way for 10 cents each or less. Some get tossed quickly. The supply changes periodically.
Hand Pollination. (Mrs. P., not me.)
The deer apple drop pick up crew.
Sorry to drop so many pics on you guys all at once.
That's the news from the mid-coast.
The mini tool box is my new casual drill index. I do have good quality, formally indexed bits when I need them. These are my users that I pick up along the way for 10 cents each or less. Some get tossed quickly. The supply changes periodically.
Hand Pollination. (Mrs. P., not me.)
The deer apple drop pick up crew.
Sorry to drop so many pics on you guys all at once.
That's the news from the mid-coast.
jon72vega
Well-known member
I enjoy your pictures!
Nice use of the HF mini tool box.
Nice use of the HF mini tool box.
Jacko264
Well-known member
How many drills To drill a hole 
only one if its the right size
loving the photos
Graham
only one if its the right size
loving the photos
Graham
OP
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Thank you both. I try not to drop a bunch of pictures all at once, but sometimes I get behind. I've used the mini tool box a few times now. It's nice to be able to take it to the drill press, and get to the right size drill almost as quickly as an index when doing unexacting work, which is mostly what I do.How many drills To drill a hole
only one if its the right size
loving the photos
Graham
OP
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A small update.
I've been using that small Icon kit for boat projects. My thought is that if it covers my needs in the workshop, it will cover my needs on the boat. So far so good. I like my regular shop tools better. The driver bits are a nice assortment, but not of Milwaukee/Dewalt/Makita quality, which is what I generally try for. Good enough for a boat emergency. The sockets are meh, but good enough. Glad I did not pay full price.
A picture of the twins. They are quite different sizes. The one in the back is almost full grown. The front one is much smaller. Apparently deer have two uteruses, which increases the likelihood of twins, and that the twins will be fraternal. It also increases the chances that the twins will have different fathers.
JaJa is a grandcat from Paraguay. Small, but fierce. Big ears.
The Torqueedo motor needed some adjustment. The shaft twisted in relation to the battery section. Quite concerning until I realized that the motor and mechanical parts are contained in the pod at the bottom. There are only wires inside the shaft. Realigned the shaft gently by hand. Good to go again.
I've been using that small Icon kit for boat projects. My thought is that if it covers my needs in the workshop, it will cover my needs on the boat. So far so good. I like my regular shop tools better. The driver bits are a nice assortment, but not of Milwaukee/Dewalt/Makita quality, which is what I generally try for. Good enough for a boat emergency. The sockets are meh, but good enough. Glad I did not pay full price.
A picture of the twins. They are quite different sizes. The one in the back is almost full grown. The front one is much smaller. Apparently deer have two uteruses, which increases the likelihood of twins, and that the twins will be fraternal. It also increases the chances that the twins will have different fathers.
JaJa is a grandcat from Paraguay. Small, but fierce. Big ears.
The Torqueedo motor needed some adjustment. The shaft twisted in relation to the battery section. Quite concerning until I realized that the motor and mechanical parts are contained in the pod at the bottom. There are only wires inside the shaft. Realigned the shaft gently by hand. Good to go again.
OP
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Two Toms, including a less common lighter colored one. Also a hen with her babies.
The deer found their way to my garden. Started at one end of the lettuce and went right down the row. No tragedy. Due to lack of rain the lettuce is very bitter this year. They hit the broccoli hard, too, which should produce more heads. Potatoes are almost ready to dig. We are getting a steady supply of cherry tomatoes, and have some larger ones not yet ripe. Bad planning on my part. I got excited about our new longer growing season, and focused on longer season varieties, forgetting that I would still want early season varieties, too. Next year. . .
We picked our first corn. The corn isn't really ready to pick, but we are more than ready to eat it!
I also rewired the boat trailer. Arrrgh. I reused the lights, but replaced the wire, including ground wire to each light, rather than just using the frame as a ground. I keep spares of the coupler lever things, and I think I will also start keeping a spare lighting kit. Trailers live a hard life, and those seem to be common failure points. I keep a spare tire on each trailer, and I think I will also get some spare hubs.
The deer found their way to my garden. Started at one end of the lettuce and went right down the row. No tragedy. Due to lack of rain the lettuce is very bitter this year. They hit the broccoli hard, too, which should produce more heads. Potatoes are almost ready to dig. We are getting a steady supply of cherry tomatoes, and have some larger ones not yet ripe. Bad planning on my part. I got excited about our new longer growing season, and focused on longer season varieties, forgetting that I would still want early season varieties, too. Next year. . .
We picked our first corn. The corn isn't really ready to pick, but we are more than ready to eat it!
I also rewired the boat trailer. Arrrgh. I reused the lights, but replaced the wire, including ground wire to each light, rather than just using the frame as a ground. I keep spares of the coupler lever things, and I think I will also start keeping a spare lighting kit. Trailers live a hard life, and those seem to be common failure points. I keep a spare tire on each trailer, and I think I will also get some spare hubs.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
sounds like your adopted critters are very happy. I hear you on the trailer wiring cause even though mine rarely is in the water I think I've changed mine on my little trailers 2 or 3 times so far.
keep up the great work!!
keep up the great work!!
OP
Prospecter
Well-known member
Drives: I agree. Trailer wiring is exposed to the elements, and thin gauge. The conductors may have enough beef to carry the loads, but not enough to endure the stresses. The lights themselves are vulnerable. LEDs are a wonderful improvement, but those are a small piece of the problem. Every join is a failure point, including the 4 flat connectors.
OP
Prospecter
Well-known member
Mostly self-explanatory, gratuitous garden photos. I hope the deer will prune back the bitter lettuce a little more, and that maybe we'll get some new, sweeter growth.
