|
Scythian dreams
A couple of times each year I mow the little meadow at the end of my
garden and every time I roll out extension leads, get weighed down by the electric strimmer which makes a horrible noise and the strimmer line breaks and I curse loudly To save the ears of my ladylike neighbour there has to be a better solution and I've been considering getting a scythe for a while now. It happens that there are loads of scythes in my local auction on Saturday so I might go and bid. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in particular? Does one buy a scythe to fit the person, or are they general purpose items? The lot descriptions include Grass scythe (several of these) Bramble scythe (hopefully dont need this) Pea scythe Scythe cradle Allen scythe scythette I'm told that a scythe blade has to be kept very sharp so presumably I will need some sort of honing stone too? Anna -- ~ ~ Anna Kettle, Suffolk, England |""""| ~ Lime plaster repair and conservation / ^^ \ // Freehand modelling in lime: overmantels, pargeting etc |_____ / www.kettlenet.co.uk |
Scythian dreams
Anna Kettle wrote:
Allen scythe Probably not at all what you are looking for, but great fun! (if you can visualise a clipper of the type you might use for a horse - now add a petrol motor and scale it up such that the clipping bit is 4 foot wide!) I'm told that a scythe blade has to be kept very sharp so presumably I will need some sort of honing stone too? Yup, razor sharp and they work really nicely. Personally I am quite pleased with the petrol brush cutter. -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
Scythian dreams
Anna Kettle wrote:
I'm told that a scythe blade has to be kept very sharp so presumably I will need some sort of honing stone too? When I use a scythe, I stop frequently to hone the edge. I wet the stone by keeping it in a plastic holster with water in it. Once you get the right swing and angle, it works very well. Good exercise, too! Sheila |
Scythian dreams
On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:00:15 +0000, Anna Kettle wrote:
A couple of times each year I mow the little meadow at the end of my garden and every time I roll out extension leads, get weighed down by the electric strimmer which makes a horrible noise and the strimmer line breaks and I curse loudly To save the ears of my ladylike neighbour there has to be a better solution and I've been considering getting a scythe for a while now. It happens that there are loads of scythes in my local auction on Saturday so I might go and bid. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in particular? Does one buy a scythe to fit the person, or are they general purpose items? The lot descriptions include Grass scythe (several of these) Bramble scythe (hopefully dont need this) Pea scythe Scythe cradle Allen scythe scythette I'm told that a scythe blade has to be kept very sharp so presumably I will need some sort of honing stone too? Anna ================================== Look for a 'cigar' sharpening stone in a garden centre - used for sickles so presumably good enough for a scythe. Cic. -- =================================== Using Ubuntu Linux Windows shown the door =================================== |
Scythian dreams
|
Scythian dreams
|
Scythian dreams
Anna Kettle wrote:
A couple of times each year I mow the little meadow at the end of my garden and every time I roll out extension leads, get weighed down by the electric strimmer which makes a horrible noise and the strimmer line breaks and I curse loudly To save the ears of my ladylike neighbour there has to be a better solution and I've been considering getting a scythe for a while now. It happens that there are loads of scythes in my local auction on Saturday so I might go and bid. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in particular? Does one buy a scythe to fit the person, or are they general purpose items? The lot descriptions include Grass scythe (several of these) Bramble scythe (hopefully dont need this) Pea scythe Scythe cradle Allen scythe scythette Presumably a 'scythette' is a female scythe ? :-) -- Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk ' |
Scythian dreams
Anna Kettle wrote in message ... A couple of times each year I mow the little meadow at the end of my garden and every time I roll out extension leads, get weighed down by the electric strimmer which makes a horrible noise and the strimmer line breaks and I curse loudly To save the ears of my ladylike neighbour there has to be a better solution and I've been considering getting a scythe for a while now. It happens that there are loads of scythes in my local auction on Saturday so I might go and bid. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in particular? Does one buy a scythe to fit the person, or are they general purpose items? The lot descriptions include Grass scythe (several of these) Bramble scythe (hopefully dont need this) Pea scythe Scythe cradle They are bloody hard work even after you have developed the Knack of using them, and they don't have an engine! Allen scythe That one does so is much more fun http://www.lawnmowerworld.co.uk/prod01.htm There is a much smaller version of the Allen with a B&S engine but the makers name escapes me at present. - |
Scythian dreams
On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:04:45 +0000, Mark wrote:
There is a much smaller version of the Allen with a B&S engine but the makers name escapes me at present. Villiers? -- John Stumbles I can't stand intolerance |
Scythian dreams
On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:27:56 +0100, John Rumm
wrote: Anna Kettle wrote: Allen scythe Probably not at all what you are looking for, but great fun! (if you can visualise a clipper of the type you might use for a horse - now add a petrol motor and scale it up such that the clipping bit is 4 foot wide!) If Boudica did the gardening for uk.rec.engines.stationary .... (We've got one - terrfiying bloody thing to see it approaching) |
Scythian dreams
Anna Kettle wrote:
Allen scythe If you're seriously thinking of such a thing and you have a large meadowy area then it's probably worth looking at a Goldoni "Jolly" two-wheeled tractor. They have a scythe attachment but can do a lot more with the right attachments. The attachments include flails (much better than a scythe for rough grass), industrial strength brushcutter/strimmer, and even circular saws. "More than 50 implements including mowers, scythes, chipper, trailers, brushes, hay raked, roller, dozer, snow blower, pump, saw bench and cultivators" http://www.bsgtractorsandmachinery.co.uk/ Follow links for "two wheeled tractor units" and attachments. |
Scythian dreams
Andy Dingley wrote:
On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:27:56 +0100, John Rumm wrote: Anna Kettle wrote: Allen scythe Probably not at all what you are looking for, but great fun! (if you can visualise a clipper of the type you might use for a horse - now add a petrol motor and scale it up such that the clipping bit is 4 foot wide!) If Boudica did the gardening for uk.rec.engines.stationary .... (We've got one - terrfiying bloody thing to see it approaching) I remember one of the lads at my school finding a big one of these in one of the gardeners sheds and deciding to rebuild it as an exercise. Managed it as well - seemed to delight in tuning it up so it propelled itself so fast you could hardly keep up with it. Making sure you were behind him when using it was well advised! -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
Scythian dreams
On Jul 2, 10:53*pm, EricP wrote:
On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:00:15 GMT, (Anna Kettle) wrote: It happens that there are loads of scythes in my local auction on Saturday so I might go and bid. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in particular? Does one buy a scythe to fit the person, or are they general purpose items? The lot descriptions include The only way to buy a scythe is by trying them all until you find one that feels *right* for you. * If you swing it as if using it, you will immediately know that it is the one. Don't immediately go for a light one, it should be balenced and the weight is important as the heavier it is without discomfort, the less wellie you will have to provide to cut. As someone said they are really theraputic to use and can be enjoyable. FWIW my experience was about the opposite. I initially went for a small short handled thing, comfortable and easy to swing about, and it works. Chap got me to try a full length 2 handed one, and I found it impossible at first, but with his encouragement I persevered, and once I got the hang of it it really worked much better. I dont know a lot about scythes, but after that I'd go for a big heavy long 2 handled one. Despite being less easy to get the hang of, they cut more ground per hour with less energy. NT |
Scythian dreams
On Jul 3, 4:10*am, wrote:
On Jul 2, 10:53*pm, EricP wrote: On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:00:15 GMT, (Anna Kettle) wrote: It happens that there are loads of scythes in my local auction on Saturday so I might go and bid. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in particular? Does one buy a scythe to fit the person, or are they general purpose items? The lot descriptions include The only way to buy a scythe is by trying them all until you find one that feels *right* for you. * If you swing it as if using it, you will immediately know that it is the one. Don't immediately go for a light one, it should be balenced and the weight is important as the heavier it is without discomfort, the less wellie you will have to provide to cut. As someone said they are really theraputic to use and can be enjoyable. FWIW my experience was about the opposite. Mine too. Only time I ever tried was when I was younger and not as fit. Did about 3 hours of scything and the next day I felt as though I'd been wrung out by a giant. On the other hand. the bit of land above us could do with a bit of a tidy and I think the small grass hook will do the job - was thinking about buying a strimmer, but as usual, the group gets me thinking of other ways of doing things. The bit of land isn't very big and is on a very steep slope with stumps etc. so a scythe isn't an option. If you do buy the scythe, don't forget the leather gaiters, smock and broad brimmed hat (straw in mouth optional) Oh, and an earthenware jug of cider. D |
Scythian dreams
"EricP" wrote in message ... On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:00:15 GMT, (Anna Kettle) wrote: As someone said they are really theraputic to use and can be enjoyable. Also they are quiet and free to run and don't damage the environment. Don't take up much space either. Mary |
Scythian dreams
"David" wrote in message ... On Jul 3, 4:10 am, wrote: If you do buy the scythe, don't forget the leather gaiters, smock and broad brimmed hat (straw in mouth optional) Oh, and an earthenware jug of cider. D That's Anna's everyday work gear! Mary |
Scythian dreams
Anna Kettle wrote:
A couple of times each year I mow the little meadow at the end of my garden and every time I roll out extension leads, get weighed down by the electric strimmer which makes a horrible noise and the strimmer line breaks and I curse loudly To save the ears of my ladylike neighbour there has to be a better solution and I've been considering getting a scythe for a while now. It happens that there are loads of scythes in my local auction on Saturday so I might go and bid. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in particular? Does one buy a scythe to fit the person, or are they general purpose items? The lot descriptions include Grass scythe (several of these) Bramble scythe (hopefully dont need this) Pea scythe Scythe cradle Allen scythe scythette I'm told that a scythe blade has to be kept very sharp so presumably I will need some sort of honing stone too? Anna Yes, and wear stout boots up to the knees at least. I've seen a frog neatly bisected by a sharp sickle.. There is an art to scything, and I haven't got it. I use a motorised strimmer. |
Scythian dreams
Mary Fisher wrote:
"EricP" wrote in message ... On Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:00:15 GMT, (Anna Kettle) wrote: As someone said they are really theraputic to use and can be enjoyable. Also they are quiet and free to run and don't damage the environment. Tell that to the grass. And the bisected frogs in it. Prat. Don't take up much space either. Slightly MORE than a strimmer, actually. Mary |
scratchged windscreen
yesterday a passenger wiped condensation
off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? -- [george] |
scratchged windscreen
On Thu, 3 Jul 2008 13:28:45 +0100, "George \(dicegeorge\)"
wrote: yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? Jewellers Rouge perhaps ? or ask at a windscreen repair shop...Autoglass? then hand the bill to your passenger . |
scratchged windscreen
On 3 Jul, 13:28, "George \(dicegeorge\)"
wrote: yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? -- * * * * * * * * * *[george] Use a scythe. |
scratchged windscreen
"Phil" wrote in message ... On 3 Jul, 13:28, "George \(dicegeorge\)" wrote: yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? -- [george] Use a scythe. On the passenger. Mary |
scratchged windscreen
"George (dicegeorge)" wrote in message ... yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? You had condensation on your windscreen at this time of year? What WERE you doing? Mary |
scratchged windscreen
On Thu, 3 Jul 2008 13:47:11 +0100, "Mary Fisher"
wrote: "George (dicegeorge)" wrote in message ... yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? You had condensation on your windscreen at this time of year? What WERE you doing? Mary Trust you .....lol |
scratchged windscreen
|
Scythian dreams
On 2 Jul, 21:00, (Anna Kettle) wrote:
A couple of times each year I mow the little meadow at the end of my garden and every time I roll out extension leads, get weighed down by the electric strimmer which makes a horrible noise and the strimmer line breaks and I curse loudly To save the ears of my ladylike neighbour there has to be a better solution and I've been considering getting a scythe for a while now. It happens that there are loads of scythes in my local auction on Saturday so I might go and bid. Does anyone know what I should be looking for in particular? Does one buy a scythe to fit the person, or are they general purpose items? The lot descriptions include Grass scythe (several of these) Bramble scythe (hopefully dont need this) Pea scythe Scythe cradle Allen scythe scythette I'm told that a scythe blade has to be kept very sharp so presumably I will need some sort of honing stone too? Anna -- * * * * * * ~ ~ * * * * * *Anna Kettle, Suffolk, England * *|""""| * *~ * * * * * *Lime plaster repair and conservation */ ^^ \ // * * Freehand modelling in lime: overmantels, pargeting etc |_____ / * * * * * * * * * * * *www.kettlenet.co.uk HI, I would choose the scythe which allows you most effectively to adjust the hand holds to accommodate your height and reach and style of swing. Good footwear and a studied appropriate posture are important particularly when starting. Check new prices..quite high now..might be worth buying two different ones if the price is right. There was an article on scythes in Smallholder mag a few months back. I wish you best of luck..I expect it to be a satisfying activity once you get the technique needed for you. |
scratchged windscreen
George (dicegeorge) wrote:
yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? No, just wait until the windscreen falls to pieces. And next time leave a tart like that at home. |
scratchged windscreen
Mary Fisher wrote:
"George (dicegeorge)" wrote in message ... yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? You had condensation on your windscreen at this time of year? What WERE you doing? You have lead a sheltered life Mary. Female passenger, lots of jewellery, steamed up car.... -- Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk |
scratchged windscreen
On Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:35:19 +0100, wrote:
Jewellers Rouge perhaps ? Rouge is soft and won't touch glass. You need cerium oxide here, probably on a Dremel with a hard felt bob. Small quantities are available cheaply from http://www.quicktest.co.uk (they sell excellent magnifiers too). Practice on a wineglass first. |
scratchged windscreen
On Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:57:21 +0100, The Natural Philosopher
wrote: George (dicegeorge) wrote: yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? No, just wait until the windscreen falls to pieces. And next time leave a tart like that at home. Perhaps he likes tarts. The jammy ones are delicious! |
Scythian dreams
http://www.lowimpact.org/topics_scything.htm
http://www.lowimpact.org/hackney_cou...e_scything.htm The course is run by Simon Fairlie of Chapter 7. We use Austrian scythes - the blades are recognized around the world as being of the highest quality. They are lighter, nimbler, more elegantly formed and easier for the novice to sharpen, yet no more expensive than traditional English scythes. However if you have an English / American style scythe we can advise you how to set it up. -- [george] ~ [g] ~ ~ ~ ~ 07970 378 572 ~ ~ www.dicegeorge.com ~ ~ (c)2008 ~ ~ ~ " |
scratchged windscreen
In message , EricP
writes On Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:57:21 +0100, The Natural Philosopher wrote: George (dicegeorge) wrote: yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? No, just wait until the windscreen falls to pieces. And next time leave a tart like that at home. Perhaps he likes tarts. The jammy ones are delicious! Shall we leave your menstrual fantasies out of this ? -- geoff |
scratchged windscreen
On 2008-07-04 00:13:31 +0100, geoff said:
In message , EricP writes On Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:57:21 +0100, The Natural Philosopher wrote: George (dicegeorge) wrote: yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? No, just wait until the windscreen falls to pieces. And next time leave a tart like that at home. Perhaps he likes tarts. The jammy ones are delicious! Shall we leave your menstrual fantasies out of this ? Not bad. Only took three posts to get to base level this time :-) At least nobody has suggested the use of AG to fix the screen (or the tart).. |
scratchged windscreen
George (dicegeorge) wrote:
yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? Wouldn't it be just fate if you got a big crack in the screen too ;-) Chris -- Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK Have dancing shoes, will ceilidh. |
scratchged windscreen
On Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:43:37 +0100, Andy Hall
wrote: On 2008-07-04 00:13:31 +0100, geoff said: In message , EricP writes On Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:57:21 +0100, The Natural Philosopher wrote: George (dicegeorge) wrote: yesterday a passenger wiped condensation off the inside of my car windscreen with her hands, she had on 6 rings, now there are scratches on the inside of the windscreen which show up at certain angles to the sun, how can i polish them off? No, just wait until the windscreen falls to pieces. And next time leave a tart like that at home. Perhaps he likes tarts. The jammy ones are delicious! Shall we leave your menstrual fantasies out of this ? Not bad. Only took three posts to get to base level this time :-) At least nobody has suggested the use of AG to fix the screen (or the tart).. Err....I think you'll find I did mention AG in my first reply :-) |
Scythian dreams
On Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:12:16 +0100, "George \(dicegeorge\)"
wrote: http://www.lowimpact.org/topics_scything.htm http://www.lowimpact.org/hackney_cou...e_scything.htm The course is run by Simon Fairlie of Chapter 7. We use Austrian scythes - the blades are recognized around the world as being of the highest quality. They are lighter, nimbler, more elegantly formed and easier for the novice to sharpen, yet no more expensive than traditional English scythes. However if you have an English / American style scythe we can advise you how to set it up. Thankyou all for your comments - and I may be speaking to you again George ... I collared several old boys* at the auction room and had them demonstrating scythe swinging actions. Loadsa fun! Also was given some good advice to avoid any scythe with woodworm holes in it. Several of them had hairy tales to tell about Allen scythes so I am glad that my meadow is small enough that I'm not even tempted I was outbid on a couple of the grass scythes but I was privately offered a scythe by one of the old boys and according to its owner it is better than any of the ones in the auction, has been sitting in his garage for ages and will cost me just twenty pounds, so if all goes well I will be wielding a scythe by next week *Thats a Norfolkism Anna -- Anna Kettle Lime plaster repair and conservation Freehand modelling in lime: overmantels, pargeting etc Tel: ***(+44) *01359 230642 Mob: *(+44) *07976 649862 Please look at my website for examples of my work at: www.kettlenet.co.uk * |
Scythian dreams
simon fairlie is the expert on scything, not me,
i know him through http://www.tlio.org.uk/ Chapter 7 is partially supported by the sale of hand-forged Austrian scythes, which are lighter and easier to sharpen than conventional English sythes - click her for a link to www.thescytheshop.co.uk to find out more about these fine tools -- [george] ~ [g] ~ ~ ~ ~ 07970 378 572 ~ ~ www.dicegeorge.com ~ ~ (c)2008 ~ ~ ~ "Anna Kettle" wrote in message ... On Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:12:16 +0100, "George \(dicegeorge\)" wrote: http://www.lowimpact.org/topics_scything.htm http://www.lowimpact.org/hackney_cou...e_scything.htm The course is run by Simon Fairlie of Chapter 7. We use Austrian scythes - the blades are recognized around the world as being of the highest quality. They are lighter, nimbler, more elegantly formed and easier for the novice to sharpen, yet no more expensive than traditional English scythes. However if you have an English / American style scythe we can advise you how to set it up. Thankyou all for your comments - and I may be speaking to you again George ... I collared several old boys* at the auction room and had them demonstrating scythe swinging actions. Loadsa fun! Also was given some good advice to avoid any scythe with woodworm holes in it. Several of them had hairy tales to tell about Allen scythes so I am glad that my meadow is small enough that I'm not even tempted I was outbid on a couple of the grass scythes but I was privately offered a scythe by one of the old boys and according to its owner it is better than any of the ones in the auction, has been sitting in his garage for ages and will cost me just twenty pounds, so if all goes well I will be wielding a scythe by next week *Thats a Norfolkism Anna -- Anna Kettle Lime plaster repair and conservation Freehand modelling in lime: overmantels, pargeting etc Tel: (+44) 01359 230642 Mob: (+44) 07976 649862 Please look at my website for examples of my work at: www.kettlenet.co.uk |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:14 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2014 DIYbanter