Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Wednesday Windage: Loosen Your Tree Stand After Deer Season

Trees grow up and out every year. After deer season is over, visit every stand and loosen the straps so the tree doesn't embed metal. I will be carrying a ladder around my woods for a few days because tree stands are wrecking some of our sawlogs. I will have to do surgery to separate them, and I think these trees are ruined. Be a thoughtful guest when you hunt on the property of others. Don't use nails, spikes, or screws, and after you are done hunting, give the tree some breathing room. You can strap them in snug again next Fall. 

Click the photos for a closer look.

 

Tuesday Torque: 12-25 IHC Mogul Tractor

 Many Thanks, Merle! Everyone note how you start this antique beast. It has a pony motor! I don't know if this was standard or an option. It sure is neat!

Monday, January 5, 2026

The Day After Christmas....

 ....stores in Mt. Vernon, IL were taking down Christmas decorations and decorating for Valentine's Day. Oh Well.  We always like to post songs for Valentine's Day for a month, but may start early. But today is Epiphany, so one more Christmas Song for all of you!

Sunday, January 4, 2026

An Idea Worth Revisiting

 Logger and chainsaw instructor Joe Glenn showed us how to make a stump vise way back in '09 at the Dixon Springs Ag Center.  It's easy to do and just takes a few minutes, in case you rock your saw and need to do some serious filing.

Back To The Old Grind!

Weekend Steam II: Little Train In The Snow


Many Thanks to Merle for another great pick. I like the full cab around this little loco. Good for winter!

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Borax Wagon Wheel

 This is a fascinating process to witness on little wagon wheels. There is a video on YouTube of the entire process of building one of these wagons.  Update: Many thanks to the commenters! Below is a video from Engel's Coach Shop, and if you like this sort of thing you should hit the subscribe button on his channel. 

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Susan Is A Pile-It!


She has piled firewood from one end of the house to the other. Full frontal firewood!




 

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Happy New Year!



 

Wednesday Windage: Go Big Or Small?

 We bring out a few small revolvers and semi-autos at classes, but most folks gravitate toward mid-size pistols. We see a lot of failures with the tiny pocket pistols. Those require a very firm grip and a bit of weight in the hand in order to function relilably.