Recent content by mrcharly

Never tried a tump line, although, as a spectacles wearer, they fill me with fear. Would still need a frame to attach the sack to (you don't look very happy in that picture!)

Not a bad idea, Dan. I'll see how my home-made thingy works (didn't get to test it today).

I've made a pack frame using pallet wood, bits of cord and stuff lying around. Will post pictures tomorrow, when I've had a chance to test it out. (Hopefully it doesn't break straight away!)

Oddly, the women carried peats in a creel, men carried them in a sack. (All the way home, which could be quite a way; my bank is 5km from my house) The pictures on that site give a good idea of the bulk that I carry on each trip.

My experience of commercial frame packs puts me off buying anything unless I can try it on; both of the pack frames (one old Karrimor, one cheap nameless) pressed into the bones of my pelvis. What can I say? I just have a very wide bottom.

That's a really good idea. An old dining chair might work perfectly. Rope or wood up from seat to the 'back' to take the strain.

The lk35 is probably a bit small. The sacks I carry are about 40l I guess. I usually use old feed sacks. There are loads of ideas on this site https://74fdc.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/external-frame-backpacks-applying-the-old-ways-to-the-new-journeys/ I guess I'm thinking of something like the...

I usually carry 5-6 sacks up to the tarmac road, load in car, then take home. Hence wanting to make something to carry a sack, not loose peat. A pack frame like Sara suggested would do the job, but I'd rather avoid spending that amount of money. Hence wanting to design something to do the job.

Appreciated, Broch. I'm waiting for physio appointment and doing some self-directed physio. Initially made the mistake of resting it, not knowing that with RC injuries, that would make it worse. Dragging anything is a no-go. I have rough ground to cross, old peat diggings. So have to get up and...

Spring last year I stuffed up one shoulder and still have a major rotator cuff injury. Can't lift left arm above shoulder height. In May, it is peat cutting season. I reckon I can cut the peat ok, the problem is in transporting the dried peat up to the road. Normally I fill sacks (about...

Hmm, Stonepark, I think there is a bit of both. It is certain that the drawing out of the metal is required, to get a thin enough edge that maintains a wire edge. The drawing out repairs the edge - it is really common to get nicks and blunted parts. Nicks should be filed out before they become...

Notes from an amateur user. Nomenclature; a scythe is the tool with a long handle for two hands. Yes, the thing usually shown carried by Death <sigh, if you own a scythe you have to put up with juvenile jokes about death). A sickle (or grass hook) is the short thing that used to be on the soviet...

The main 'rusting' items are saws. They are only used indoors, so maybe it is just something in wood that makes them particularly vulnerable. My scythe gets a cursory wipe after use, removing grass, and a bit of a dry off. It doesn't rust like the saws. Plane blade and body doesn't rust much...

I know I could replace the bow saw blade, but really don't like doing that when I can sharpen it myself and clean it up. Decades of use rather than throwing something away. I have some carnuba wax so will try that.

Thanks, all. I'll try the candle trick after I've sharpened and set the saws, they are in dire need of attention. Will also make rag/can oiler.