[Path-list] Tools for the Bland & SG tool barn.

Jack Bookman bookman at math.duke.edu
Sun Jul 25 20:05:51 MDT 2021


Here in the Triangle, there are some gas stations that sell ethanol free 
gas, which I now use in my chain saw, lawn mower and weedeater.  I used 
to have lots of problems with gumming up but now, since I've been using 
ethanol free gas, I don't.  Stabilizer works too.

Is there a place in Wytheville area that sells ethanol free gas?

-- 
Jack Bookman

On 7/25/2021 9:11 PM, steve lund via Path-list wrote:
> Path,
>
> I will also note that FMST assigns chainsaws and trimmers to specific 
> volunteers. These volunteers are responsible for the care and 
> maintenance of these tools. This might provide some of the 
> "accountability" that PATH is searching for. If the maintenance is 
> beyond their skill level then it is their responsibility to get the 
> tool to a volunteer who can perform such maintenance. We also have 
> periodic "roundups" especially of the weedeaters during the off season 
> to do preventive maintenance.
>
> Thanks,
> Steve
>
> On Sun, Jul 25, 2021 at 8:54 PM Jerry Adams <jeradams106 at gmail.com 
> <mailto:jeradams106 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>     Steve’s comments on gas powered equipment are valid.  I learned
>     from some old pros to use stabilizer in my gas and pay for premium
>     in saws, weed eaters and atv’s. I’ve had a lot less issues
>     following that guidance.  I’d agree that it’s best to dump the gas
>     and run them dry between uses.
>     At home we’re using stuff weekly.  PATH tools get used monthly at
>     most and that’s not EVERY piece!  So gas sits in the carb doing
>     it’s best to gum up the works. 🥴
>     As for battery tools, like everything else, you pay for what u
>     get.  I’d opt for a Dewalt or Milwaukee set that has multiple
>     tools and an extra battery or 2. JMO 😁
>
>     Jerry
>
>     On Sun, Jul 25, 2021 at 6:11 PM steve lund via Path-list
>     <path-list at path-at.org <mailto:path-list at path-at.org>> wrote:
>
>         Herb and PATH,
>
>         I think the hand tools should be pretty self-explanatory. IMHO
>         cheap tools are a poor value proposition. HF is much more miss
>         than hit.  It is rare to find a HF tool that is durable and
>         works as it should. They can't even make a parts cleaning
>         brush that the bristles won't immediately start falling out of!
>
>         Unless something has changed that I haven't heard about
>         battery powered and top handle (as opposed to rear handle)
>         chainsaws are not covered in the USFS saw policy and are
>         therefore not allowed. Saw chaps are ineffective against the
>         torque of a battery operated saw.  "top handles" are a special
>         purpose arborist saw with greatly increased kickback potential.
>
>         As far as gas powered tools go ethanol and old stale gas are
>         the big killers of OPE. Since it is unknown when these tools
>         will see their next use they should be drained of gas after
>         usage and the carburetors run dry. FMST has been using the
>         attached guidelines and it has significantly reduced our OPE
>         issues. BTW, chainsaws should be considered a high maintenance
>         precision instrument. Forcing the saw to cut with a dull chain
>         is another good way to kill a chainsaw.
>
>         My $,02,
>         Steve
>
>
>         On Sun, Jul 25, 2021 at 3:27 PM Herb MacDonald via Path-list
>         <path-list at path-at.org <mailto:path-list at path-at.org>> wrote:
>
>             I really wasn't commening on the procedure in place for
>             hand trail tools.  I am a big user of that, with PATH
>             hand tools and my own tools: Pulasski, small folding hand
>             saw, loppers and hand trimmers.  I also have a PATH fire
>             rake, silky saw and calf protectors. We have a good
>             inventory of those types of tools, although they need
>             periodic sharpening/repair.  The need is in powered tools,
>             bench tools and powered trimmers/chainsaws with grant
>             funding.  Most of those are very old,incomplete or not
>             maintained.  Chris is right about battery operated powered
>             tools(Bland shed has no electricity). if the batteries are
>             not charged, after their use, they are of no use on a work
>             day.  Perhaps a sign out log with a sign easily read at
>             the barns, detailing expectations on how powered tools are
>             used and returned to the barns?  Maybe Steve Lund could
>             suggest a tool list for our type of work on the trail
>             and tool maintenance.
>
>             Herb
>
>             On Sun, Jul 25, 2021 at 10:47 AM Jim Houck via Path-list
>             <path-list at path-at.org <mailto:path-list at path-at.org>> wrote:
>
>
>                 Follow-up rebuttal to Herbs email.
>                 Let's use 2 categories.
>                 1) Trail tools. Used for trail work.
>                 2) Shop tools.  Used in the shop.
>
>                 1) Trail tools: I've allowed volunteers to keep club
>                 tools in their possession so as not to have to go by
>                 the tool barn to pick up and drop off every time they
>                 wanted to work on the trail.
>                 So far this has worked well and there's no shortage of
>                 tools in either of our tool sheds.
>                 I have complete confidence and trust that our members
>                 will do the right thing.
>                 Hand saws, Loppers & Work gloves: All regular workers
>                 should have these in their possession and bring them
>                 when they come to the trail.
>                 If you want a silky saw let me know as I'm going to
>                 purchase some more soon. If you prefer a different
>                 type of hand saw purchase it & the club will reimburse
>                 you.
>                 If you don't have your own loppers to bring, purchase
>                 a pair & the club will reimburse you.
>                 Fisker makes some good loppers of different lengths
>                 and sizes they are at Home Depot and Lowe's.
>                 Same for work gloves.
>                 LET ME KNOW ASAP !!
>
>                 We DO need someone(s) to oversee & maintain our tools,
>                 including our power equipment.
>                 Winterizing gas powered equipment is essential.
>                 I too am miffed about the missing chainsaw from the
>                 Bland shed !
>
>                 2) Shop tools: Wrenches,  Drills, Circular saws, etc.
>                 Chris knows where some of these are stored in the
>                 Sugar Grove tool barn.
>                 We need to inventory & decide what we need.
>                 Some need to be cordless & some need to be corded.
>                 We DO need an angle grinder !
>
>                 As for "no control", yes & no.
>                 Unless someone steps up to oversee, We'll have to rely
>                 on PATH members to return tools & PUT THEM BACK WHERE
>                 THEY BELONG, & NOT JUST PUTTING THEM DOWN ANYWHERE !!
>                 We need organization to know what we have.
>
>                 Any purchases need to be completed before the end of
>                 this year to qualify for Josh's ATC grant.
>
>                 Jim
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>                 Sent from my Galaxy Tab®
>
>                 -------- Original message --------
>                 From: Herb MacDonald <herbmacdonald999 at gmail.com
>                 <mailto:herbmacdonald999 at gmail.com>>
>                 Date: 7/23/21 7:31 PM (GMT-05:00)
>                 To: Jim Houck <houckjw at bellsouth.net
>                 <mailto:houckjw at bellsouth.net>>
>                 Cc: Chris Bracknell <wbracknell at juno.com
>                 <mailto:wbracknell at juno.com>>, Betsy Truscott
>                 <btrus at infionline.net <mailto:btrus at infionline.net>>,
>                 Jerry Adams <jeradams106 at gmail.com
>                 <mailto:jeradams106 at gmail.com>>, David Atkinson
>                 <1david.atkinson at gmail.com
>                 <mailto:1david.atkinson at gmail.com>>, David Faucette
>                 <dfaucette1948 at gmail.com
>                 <mailto:dfaucette1948 at gmail.com>>
>                 Subject: Tools for the SG tool barn.
>
>                 Jim, I've been doing a little leg work and thinking
>                 about your request to clean up and take an inventory
>                 of tools at the tool barn.  Most of what's there is
>                 very old and has not been maintained in years. There
>                 are odds and ends of tools, some incomplete sets with
>                 pieces missing.  Adding in the current issue with
>                 members taking tools home, so only they can use, not
>                 maintaining those tools and then not doing the work. 
>                 I question buying replacement tools or new tools. 
>                 Many people know the code to get into the barns and
>                 storage cabinets. There is a list on the wall
>                 requesting new or replacement items for the SG Barn,
>                 but it is several years old with no action.  I just
>                 don't think buying one tool or many tools is a good
>                 move.  There is no control at either barn, tools get
>                 taken without anyone knowing who took them.  New stuff
>                 will go missing, need maintenance or get broken
>                 easily.  The same holds true for the chain saws and
>                 trimmers you asked Chris to purchase.   Chris and I
>                 personally a few years ago worked one day maintaining
>                 the chain saws and powered trimmers, sorting out the
>                 operating ones from the rest.  Another time we worked
>                 with members to maintain and sharpen the trail hand
>                 tools.  Once I found a chain saw at the Bland Shed
>                 completely dull, stuffed with saw dust in the filer
>                 area, no operating tools,no gas, etc.  I took it home,
>                 corrected all that and got it running again (new spark
>                 plug & filter).  It shortly disappeared from the shed
>                 when I was counting on it for some work.  Every year
>                 some of these gas operated tools need to be winterized
>                 too as well as made ready for the Summer work season. 
>                 Many members use their own personal tools that they
>                 can count on.
>
>                 Recently, a Harbor Freight retail store opened in
>                 Elkin.  I stopped to see what they had, which was
>                 about everything.  I thought of all the things we
>                 could use in the club, but as I said, I don't think it
>                 would be a good idea with no control or maintenance to
>                 keep them there ready to use. For around $250, I could
>                 get a battery operated drill, reciprocating saw, as
>                 well as an angle grinder and a circular saw (corded or
>                 battery operated). Maybe some extra (20V) batteries
>                 too.  .What is your pleasure?
>
>                 Herb
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