We've had a few projects in the workshop over the past few weeks, although the bulk of the progress on them has been made over the weekends. With this beautiful weather we've been having lately, we've been spending our weekday evenings outside playing, which has tended to push workouts and chores to after the boys' bedtimes, leaving less time for other things.
The first project started (and yet to be finished) is repainting the snowplow for Johnny. I had located a snowplow earlier this summer, and then another one to provide some parts in better condition. This turned into a true case of using two to make one. The first one had less rust, but had been used and abused. The cutting edge was worn completely down and it had several large dents in the blade surface. Also, one bracket was bent, and no amount of heat and force seemed to be able to straighten it. I got the second blade primarily to replace the bent bracket, but the hardly used cutting edge for less than what a replacement one cost was a nice bonus. I ended up completely disassembled both and used the best parts from each. At this point, all the parts have been sanded, primed and repainted, but other projects have taken priority over reassembly.
One of said "other projects" is a new addition to the Tallon tractor fleet. One of the dangers in getting a collector tractor to use around the house, and subsequently using a collector forum (Weekend Freedom Machines) for technical help on that tractor, is that you run the risk of becoming a collector yourself. That risk is even greater if you are one that is predisposed to collecting stuff like I am. Back when I was first researching a garden tractor, I was debating on the 110 or the smaller 60/70. Both had that "new generation" look like grandpa's 4010 and 6030. Ultimately, the 110 won out due to being more common, and more versatile. I have not once regretted getting Johnny, but the appeal of the smaller 60/70 still lingered in the back of my mind. When a good condition, good running 70 came up for sale, for a pretty cheap price, I could not resist. I've subsequently given it the once-over and mowed with it a little bit. It does need a new front tire, and some adjustment to the throttle linkage, however being a "lawn tractor" and not a "garden tractor" like the 110, the 70 actually mows a little better than Johnny does. At this point, I don't know what the long-term plans are for it. I've considered everything from keeping it to ride around tractor shows, to sprucing it up a little and try to sell it at a profit. For now, it's just another fun little project.
All the tractors took a back seat to a project for the boys last weekend. While the weather has been perfect as of late, it won't last forever. Pretty soon my dirt-loving boys won't be able to go outside and get their digging fix. The last two winters we have set up a "sand box" in the garage for them to dig in. That pretty much just consisted of a plastic storage container filled with gravel. While better than nothing, it isn't ideal because the gravel goes everywhere, and the container isn't really big enough for both of them to play in. I had been thinking about how to do something better, and last weekend finally built it. The end result is a two level, 4' x 3' table with small rocks to scoop and dump. I think it will do the trick, but it still isn't as good as digging in the dirt outside, which the weather is still permitting them to do. I'm anxious to see how well the table works, but certainly willing to let this weather stick around as long as it wants to.
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