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When joining two pieces of wood perpendicular to each other nothing works better than the mortise and tenon joint. When correctly made it is probably the strongest joint there is between two pieces of wood. Precision fit is a must for strength and accuracy. These will be draw bored and used without gluing. They have to be pounded in and out. The unequally beveled shoulders add a great amount of difficulty in making the joint but equally add greater strength particularly in this application. If glued they would also greatly increase joint strength by not only adding surface area but more importantly adding long grain on shoulders which is a better glue surface. Mortises are chopped first by hand. Tenons are fit to each individual mortise. Shoulders are scribed also. No two shoulders are alike in this case. Fitting unequally beveled shoulders is tedious time consuming work in this application tenon and shoulder fitting is done prior to shaping pieces so they can be pounded in and out during fitting once fitted they are then roughly shaped They are then planed to thickness being cut to length only after final shaping so they can be pounded back in if removed

The view over the front end of my dedicated plow rig…pushing back the leaf and grass clippings pile. GT-1600 with a Mag 10 and a 48” 5 sector plow setup.

There IS hope. I trailered a Blackhood from Mass to Maine. We needed to stop for quick supplies at a Cumbys in Winthrop. I pulled through the parking lot to a place where I could easily park. there was a really cool (home made?) Bobber motorcycle by the door when I went in that I was checking out. A kid, maybe 13yo was at the door looking too. He said "that's a really cool wheel horse, it's a C-175, right?" 😄 Then he told me he had a 312-8 and how great they were. Totally caught me off guard 🙃. My wife was laughing her butt off. Only you! She said

There are numerous types of chisels many dedicated and designed for a special function. Amongst them a relatively unknown one is the Paring chisel. As it name implies it is designed to pare which is to remove very small amounts of material in a very controlled manner. Another disappearing tool but are still available from only a couple of sources such as Sorby in England who still makes them with the utmost care and quality. That are not cheap and are available in 1/2”, 1”, and 1-1/2”. The 1” version is the most useful. It is essentially a precision instrument.What allows it to do that is the long thin blade which is somewhat flexible. It is mainly that flexibility coupled with an absolute razor sharp edge that allows such controlled material removal. It is always pushed and never struck. The long blade allows also for very controlled directional pushing. Long thin flexible blade Razor sharp edge . Back ground absolutely flat and polished to a mirror finish Cuts are first made oversized with saw Paring chisel is then used to take it down to finish line. In this case with beveled shoulders on end grain no other tool would be able to be used correctly or efficiently. Chisel leaves a glass smooth surface essential for a good glue bond. Blade is bent slightly in use by applying pressure with thumb while resting on index finger as chisel is pushed. Slight pressure with other hand at handle aids and controls flex. Sides of chisel are also used as a reference straight edge for surfaces being pared. Alcohol is used on end grain to soften it prior to paring with chisel. It will dry quickly with no effect on wood whatsoever thinner than paper translucent end grain shavings produced by paring chisel. The end result .A perfectly fitting clean precise surface unattainable with any other tool.

Oh yea…baby’s got back

When I was in my late 40's and one of my wife's co-workers husband's did something stupid/cool I asked her when could I have my mid-life crisis. She said that ship has sailed and you missed your chance it's too late. Enjoy it while you can!

I don't know if a defined moment where you cross over from being a big kid to midlife crisis to entering your second childhood exists. Sounds like the kids have the right idea. You don't have to spend a lot of money or do a lot of work to make it a fun-buggy. Cut the body off, fabricate a roll bar, put on a pair of straight pipes and let the fun begin. May want to replace those rusted out brake lines though, I know that brakes are optional on a buggy but what the heck, got to set a good example for the kids.

I turned 38 yesterday. I think I still have a little while to go for a midlife crisis. I was on a motorcycle ride last weekend and pulled up on this 2000 ZR2 S10 Blazer for sale. It’s filthy, torn apart a bit, starts and runs great, needs some wiring and brake line/hose work in the rear. It’s rusty. I have no idea why I bought it. I have no idea why I didn’t tell my wife, until it was in our driveway. I’ve always wanted a 4wd S10 of sorts, since looking for my first vehicle. Well, here it is and I have no idea what to do with it The kids want me to make it a buggy (one more thing to go fast and break) and I thought if anything, a running parts truck for Rylee’s “first” vehicle, a similar powered 4.3L V6 Chevy. I’ve always wanted my 4wd S10 of sorts to be a solid front axle off road machine. Maybe this is the start of something cool and fun and pointless. Midlife crisis or just a dumb buy?

Happy 233rd Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard.

@ebinmaine Knowing Kev he got the Fred Flintstone model. Wait tell he pulls the carpet (mats whatever it is called) and gives a count on used license plates.

There is no midlife crisis Kevin. There is just life during which your likes, hobbies, or passions cause you to acquire or do things related to them that many others will question or not understand. That will be so also with the ones closest to us particularly spouses. With spouses as you very well know we need to compromise and keep a comfortable balance. Don’t however ever feel self conscious about the others or apologize for doing what naturally comes to you and makes you happy. The not telling the wife we all do that. On the other hand I am also always surprised by another priceless hand bag or another pair of shoes. God bless her, makes her happy and we can afford it so it’s not a problem. The hiding is just human instinct. When that hopeless looking vehicle ( to all others) is finally done, along with all the satisfaction you had while working on it, you will look at it and have that irreplaceable and illusive feeling to most, of pride in your accomplishment. That feeling we get from making something out of nothing. It’s not the doing it because we need to have something else but because it feeds the insatiable need in us to create and accomplish. Blessed are the ones that have such feelings.

I hear scrap steel prices are up! (There's some brotherly love in this comment ........somewhere!)

Midwest fuel savings plan. Power to weight ratio is drastically improved after some years here. And THAT is why I prefer to buy nice vehicles out of state!

I would make a comment, but this is a family forum.

Found another one. Again in northern Indiana. Well used. Mostly there. Runs and drives fine. Original owner threw some later model decals on it. 👎 Gitty up!

I had to sign up with Red Square to share this one. I went through all the checks to see where the fault was in the cranking system. I tested continuity on the seat switch, shift handle, and the p.t.o. lever. After scratching my head for awhile I couldn't understand how both micro switches and the seat switch could pass the test and still not have power at the p.to. micro switch. It turns out that the shift handle micro switch is mounted up side down with the arm on the bottom. For some reason the arm started drooping down so much that it went under the actuator detente where it became useless. I replaced the switch and it worked fine after that. Also not all the micro switches are the same. You have to have one with a hook on the end of the lever. I hope this helps someone.

I was presented with a list of permissible mid-life crises. It was so boring I’ve since forgotten everything on it. Oh well.

So I have been wanting to put this together to share with everyone. I find this stuff very interesting! This is all the paperwork the original owner and my grandpa (the 2nd owner) kept up with throughout the years! I love all the little notes and number written all over it! Maybe other people will also find this fun! It was purchased from a deal down in Kerrville, Tx but I cannot find the name of the place. PS. Lee Lightner was the original owner. He was a general in the Army back in his day at least that is what my grandpa told me! I believe my grandpa got it around late 90s maybe early 2000s. I have had it since about 2012 or 2013 and this is one I will never part with as it means a whole lot to me!

“When does a midlife crisis start?” When you come home with one of these instead of a wiped out Blazer .. LOL! Bought this a few years ago, drove it for a couple years and sold it. I think that might have been my midlife crisis

My garage is filling up so I removed the deck off the Free10-8. Then I had to take it for a spin. This machine runs, drives, and sounds so good. Some might question its looks but it just might be a keeper.

You can use that Blazer to "Hide" other stuff you have piled up around you. Or you now have another powered "chicken coop!"

Rob looks like a nice 1045. Give it a good clean up get some new decals and she will be sittin pretty. I enjoy hearing an old start/gen in the morning.

If you melt both lead and zinc wheel weights together, as the molten metals cool down the zinc cools quicker than the lead forming a crust that can be skimmed off of the still molten lead.

Thanks everyone! From roping loose chickens to a “new” vehicle showing up, it was a great day!

Is this guy @stevasaurus a wealth of information or what? He never fails to amaze me with his transmission knowledge! @tractorchick As I’m sure you already know that you’re in good hands here, seriously the nicest and most knowledgeable people are here on Red Square! 👍🏻

Kevin, I like those too! I have been going through mid life crisis for about the past 5-7 years!

A portable chicken coop with heat and air. Turn on the egg laying music and grab a Rock & Rye !! Genius !! BTW Happy Birthday Chris / Kevin

Well said Caz. ❤️. Dude. Floor is a MAYBE ???!!!???

There are two spacers a 5/8" between the pulleys abd a 1/2" on the out side that is not your problem . There is a 5/8" spacer behind the v-groove pulley that is welded to the shaft, I think the weld has broken loose that will allow that spacer to move back 3/8" to 7/16". Some heavy handed must have over tightened and broken that weld as one of mine is just spot welded.

The front wheels do get where they won;t hold the bearing tight. I that problem with my C-120 tried several way to fix it and eventily destroyed the spindle. Some say you can fix it, I don't think that is posible on a working tractor with out welding inside the hub and turning back a press fit. The front spindle number 112674 came with a c-clip holding the front wheel on. Earlier in the 70's the used a tapped spindle with a 3/8" bolt, later the went to a washer and cotter key. both systems are better than the C-clip. The Raider I bought back in Feburary I took the front wheels off and all the bearing fell out. Bought some new wheels on Ebay the hubs were shorter use collars and washers on the back side to make them work.

Great things these, even my doggy has one, + his own personal cordless fan! IMG_1108.mov

The Horse is finally home! Long story. This was my late fathers pride and joy. You see he passed away ten years ago. I wanted to haul her home but my Mom insisted my step Dad would use it ( yes she moved rather fast lol ) turns out he never did and it sat in the garage for five years until he pushed it out under the lean to where it would spend the next five years to rust and go to h$&@. Well he passed and now the Horse is where it belongs. I have fond memories of when I was a kid Dad rebuilt it a painted it up nice n pretty. This was his pride and joy, as he plowed all winter with it among other things. One early spring day it was time to pull the race car out of the snow bank to get ready for summer, as I backed up to it with the truck he said " get out of the way, I'll pull it out with the Wheel Horse," as he sawed back n forth on the hydrostatic shifter not to be proven be proven wrong as I said it couldn't be done he blew the transmission out of it lol. I also remember getting yelled at as a kid for popping wheelies with it. Good times. I really don't need another one but this one is kind of special.

I'm going to have to stop responding at 3 in the morning

Appreciated, thank you! My Range Rover has a removable tow bar but it is a bespoke bayonet..I wonder why they didn't use the existing receiver system? My guess would be the 'loose fit' and 'rattling' issues.. (surely not acceptable on a Range Rover 🤣). The system looks ideal for the WH application though, and better than the slot or sleeve hitches as it is fixed height (no lift needed). I note receivers are available online, so I will probably invest.

I see a Pennsylvania connection in these two documents... Ray's / Ray's Lawn & Salvage in Boyertown PA. I haven't been out that way in several years, but there used to be a Ray's Mower Shop there that still shows up in online searches. It's not clear whether they're still in that business, but I suspect not because there's currently a Ray's Wranglers operating from that same address and phone number ("specializing in used 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler parts").

True art, Cas! Beautiful stuff, and once again thank you for sharing!

Yeah, sorry @tractorchick… my bad .

Hopefully it’s next in line. The engines been soaking with diesel and is now free and I recently got a correct transmission to replace the missing one. Sorry to side track your thread Kate.

Jack it up and check your rear axle hubs for play, very common problem on xi machines

Sure can. One can not accurately diagnose a charging system with a defective battery.

Always wanted to find a Nice one of these.. Nice Tractor!!😎👍

Pulley finally came for my diesel. Gotta figure out drive belt length. Its gonna be somewhat a guessing game I imagine. Took a couple measurements. Also gonna make engine mount plate because engine doesn't line up with original mounting holes. I'll bolt it thru original holes because I don't wanna weld to original frame.

Went outdoors and got away for a bit with the little one and went fishing. She caught her 1st fish all by herself today! She was so happy. Got 9 more though out the day!

Kate...I think that is an A 25-0...if so...that is "A" = January 25th 1960. "A" is January...25 is the 25th day... and "0" is 1960. That means you have a #5010. I still want to see how the brake band is mounted...that is the test. The #5003 is the right transmission for the RJ-58. The #5010 is the right transmission for the 1960 & 1961's. OK...that being said...I still want to see how that side plate looks with the brake band mount. That means a lot about how the linkage is fabricated. Don't worry about what Wallfish is saying yet. There is only about 5 of us on Red Square that can see through the casting to see what is inside. The early #5003 had a mushroom gear that was an 8 tooth upper and 44 tooth bottom. The bull gear matched the 8 tooth upper. This was a weak situation and Wheel Horse changed that tooth configuration to the popular 11/44toothed mushroom gear and a different bull gear to match. In the #5010's, they kept the 11/44 mushroom gear and the bull gear, but they changed the bull gear to a bolt on to the differential and they changed the brake drum shaft outer bearing to a needle bearing. They also changed the brake band mount to a 45 degree angle and changed the push linkage to the pull linkage we see in the suburban's. That changed how the linkage worked the tension pulley. I would not worry about any of this really-at the moment. Show me the brake band mount...that is the clue we need to know. Let's not worry about the inside of the trans right now. This all depends on how correct you want to make this.

That is what my wife told me about getting rid of all her various craft stuff if she goes first...

What will become of my collection of Wheel Horses? and tools and guns and boats and fishing tackle and Wild Turkey bottles and tree stands and turkey calls and tents and trail cameras and more than a hundred deer, bear, antelope, and turkey mounts I can only hope She doesn't sell it for what I told her I paid for it.

Around twenty years ago I worked with an old German guy who had an unbelievable collection of vintage motorcycles. He had literally a small museum of maybe 30 bikes. He was moving to Colorado and couldn’t take all the bikes with him because of the cost and he would not have a proper storage space for them. What he did next, I will never forget. He gave most ( not all ) away! He told me that to him it was not about the money, but knowing that they would be in the right hands of people that appreciate them. Now I’m no motorcycle expert by any means, but I know damn well that some of these bikes were worth a pretty penny. I was there when people he knew through his motorcycle world came from all over, most from far away. I could tell by watching him as they loaded up his treasures it was bittersweet. Once I thought he might cry, but he didn’t. BTW this guy was BIG and looked like he could kill you with one hand!! The smile on the people’s face receiving these bikes eventually made all of us smile. I remember back then thinking, I wonder if this will be me with my Wheel Horse collection? And I suppose it probably will.

Im 42 and growing up my dad was a wheel horse guy, I had no interest in them and couldn’t understand why he loved them. Until he passed away last year. I inherited a 312-8 from him which I started to wrench on because it reminds me of him the most. I now have 3 horses that I wrench on and will acquire more. So I now understand the draw these tractors have and I'm sure that future generation will too.