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

[GREGORY WEAVER]

Hmmmm ….

If PATH were a business, there would be enforceable rules and assignment of a person(s) responsible for maintenance and tool tracking. So, of course that doesn’t apply.

Theoretically, PATH chain saws are only used by PATH USFS certified sawyers for PATH work on A.T. (USFS) land. Seems to me that the sawyers should manage & maintain PATH saws. Put them accessible by locks with different “need-to-know” combo locks.

If “all” the PATH sawyers use personal saws, then PATH doesn’t need general use chain saws. I agree they are serious tools - serious expense, serious skill needed, serious maintenance required.

My hat is off to those with the dedication to maintain 3 certifications (sawyer, CPR & first aid) to become, and continue to be, one of PATH’s sawyers. I was certified for one cycle (bucking/limbing) and decided the certification effort would probably be more hours than using a saw and that balance didn’t appeal to me in the long run.

There were several suggestions about emptying fuel tanks and running the engine to dry. Just make sure the mix taken out ends up back in the fuel container and not on the ground.

I, too, take the premium fuel approach with my power tools, including the brand-new Stihl MS-261 chain saw I recently purchased which only 30 minutes run time on it so far. I finally wore out my +/- 25 year old Stihl 028AV Super saw by working it too hard last fall for 10 days of storm recovery tree clean-up in the Lafayette LA area. It was a great saw, until the chain brake failed followed by a piston issue.

GREG W., Mocksville NC @ 336-918-3455 (Sent from my iPad)
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On Jul 25, 2021, at 6:10 PM, steve lund via Path-list <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> 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> 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>
>> Date: 7/23/21 7:31 PM (GMT-05:00)
>> To: Jim Houck <houckjw at bellsouth.net>
>> Cc: Chris Bracknell <wbracknell at juno.com>, Betsy Truscott <btrus at infionline.net>, Jerry Adams <jeradams106 at gmail.com>, David Atkinson <1david.atkinson at gmail.com>, David Faucette <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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<Care and Feeding OPE.pdf>
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