Good morning!!!!

[LS Tractor Owner]

I did a little pokin' around on Berryman's web site. Turns out there's several formulations of their Chem Dip product, but none of the ones in the one gallon can with the basket contain the magic ingredient: Methyl Chloride. However, they still sell a "professional" version in a five gallon can with basket, and a one gallon "replenisher" can of the same stuff with a screw on lid. And I'm pretty sure I can get both of those at the local auto parts store. I'll call 'em today and find out for sure. Berryman does not recommend any of the MEK based products for use in an ultrasonic cleaner, but say the water based stuff should be OK. But I'm thinking that the MEK product would make a good pre-wash, then a dip in the UT tank to clean that off with Dawn dishwashing detergent and water as the fluid.

I still had a can of Chem Dip on the shelf, and tried it yesterday. I noticed right away that about a third of it was missing, and it didn't have that strong Berryman's smell. After 45 minutes in the stuff, the parts were cleaner, but not as clean as with the "good stuff" of years ago. The basket in my can is also plastic, and I don't think it would hold up in the good stuff. So I think what I'll do is dispose of what I have as hazardous waste, but keep the can. Then get a gallon of the replenisher for the five gallon "good stuff", and use an old metal basket I kept from the good ol' days. Even with all that, though, reviews on Amazon for the pro cleaner say it's still not the same as the good ol' days formulation. But it'll better than what comes in the gallon basket cans, which seems to be water based with no Methyl Chloride at all.

So thanks for the offer, and I might take you up on it if I can't find the replenisher locally or just over the border in Reno. I'll let you know!:thumbsup:

Can you get regular MEK? Might be able to just add some to the new "pro stuff". Always liked MEK to take off the hard stuff. Fortunately here, we can still get most of the stuff that's been removed elsewhere. I'll have to check on the berryman's that is on the shelf at the store... Maybe can't get the old stuff.. It's been a while.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

RNG, those valve cover scratches, from laying a bike down? Are you putting on the bars or are they not cool?

The old time crash bars never worked very well. They'd usually just fold up around the cylinder heads, not providing much, if any, protection for either rider or bike. Worse, they would transmit the force of impact to the frame, often times bending it. But the biggest problem is they tend to drag in corners, which can unweight one or the other wheel with very exciting results. So from that aspect they are very aptly named because they can actually cause a crash!:shocked:

 

[toppop52]

that's a lot of good done by a bunch of guys. Attaboy Toppop. It's all about giving back and being a giver and not a taker.

going to see if I can plant these overachievers today.
Ron, the dates make no sense to me either, with my Northern DNA. But I have three different localized planners to read, including the NC State Guide for Eastern NC Gardening.
Uh, that's me. And they all say start planting outside Feb 1. The problem of course is the killer frost. I'm only planting these peas where I can throw a sheet over them. But the cabbages? Yeah out they go. They are supposed to be almost like collards, tough things that like the cold and don't like the heat. This is going to be a live and learn special. Of course I could just have a big greenhouse built there.... where it would block the sight of my one eyesore neighbor.
What's interesting here, very interesting actually..., is that my destitute neighbor farmer has the remains of three large greenhouses all stacked in pieces after the hurricane went through.
So all the frame parts are available. I'm only thinking of a cold frame.
Not this year for sure.

Plant ‘em Drew, I was raised near South Mills, cabbage would grow year around just about and it was colder in the 50’s than today. We planted potatoes in February. Peas are pretty hardy and they like poor soil, rich soil will get a pretty plant but not many peas.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Gotta call Dirt R Us and get a couple loads of topsoil delivered if it痴 not too wet to put where I want it.

Around here, they charge by weight for topsoil, fill dirt, decomposed granite, and gravel/sand and the like. When it's been raining, that stuff soaks up water like a sponge, and a ten ton load has much less material in it than the same load of dry stuff. And it can take several weeks for the quarries and yards to dry enough for the water to not be a problem...

 

[farmer2009]

Was looking briefly on the net at some Kentucky property, gorgeous land, but the restrictions at those parcels were too restrictive. Definitely going to research further. We like to be about an hour out from "civilization" (at least where there is available lumber and tractor stuff) Kentucky is high on the list. Not sure if I like the tornado aspect though.

Yes you can get some gorgeous views here. Land restrictions, what’s that? Just kidding, if all you were finding was restricted property then you need a new website. lots of unrestricted land here. I have 4 commercial poultry barns on less than 50 acres.
Your civilization requirements are easy to meet. That’s basically where I’d describe my place. Local lumber yards. A TSC and grocery store and medical care. But to find a tractor dealer is about an hour away. Big box stores Lowe’s, menards etc. are an hour away also.
Wasn’t trying to scare you with the tornado remark but just inform you. Seems winter tornadoes are our deadliest. Guess people drop their guard that time of year. Plus it’s easier to get them after dark. We don’t have many each year but they happen.

 

[toppop52]

Around here, they charge by weight for topsoil, fill dirt, decomposed granite, and gravel/sand and the like. When it's been raining, that stuff soaks up water like a sponge, and a ten ton load has much less material in it than the same load of dry stuff. And it can take several weeks for the quarries and yards to dry enough for the water to not be a problem...

Here it’s by the yard for dirt, sand, etc... Stone is by the ton.

 

[toppop52]

Well goodbye 61, its 45 out there now and still raining. Up to .95 since yesterday, we will top an inch before it’s over, but nearby there are place over 7 inches since Saturday.

 

[toppop52]

The old time crash bars never worked very well. They'd usually just fold up around the cylinder heads, not providing much, if any, protection for either rider or bike. Worse, they would transmit the force of impact to the frame, often times bending it. But the biggest problem is they tend to drag in corners, which can unweight one or the other wheel with very exciting results. So from that aspect they are very aptly named because they can actually cause a crash!:shocked:

I always liked a clean bike sans all the pegs, bars and dodads.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

Here it’s by the yard for dirt, sand, etc... Stone is by the ton.

That's what they say here, too, and they sell it by the yard. But when pressed for details, the truckers will admit that they just fill the truck to whatever the weight limit is for that particular size dumper. So you get less material when it's wet.

 

[farmer2009]

29 this morning and headed to 44 today. Flood warning out on the river. Over a foot above flood stage by Wednesday. All that water in eastern Kentucky has to go somewhere and this is the beginning of it. A light layer of ice over night. Just enough to cancel school today. So wife and kids are home.

Some chicken coop maintenance and finish grill assembly and then baby sit so wife can do homework.

Lots of talk of hearing loss. And way too much sounds familiar. I’ve had trouble carrying on conversations in loud rooms. Seems all the noise runs together. I thought it was a focus problem. Now I wear ear protection for most jobs. More so in summer than winter though. But that wasn’t always the case. For years I fought ear protection mainly because growing up it wasn’t comfortable. Now I buy my own and I buy comfortable ear protection.

Drew. Looks like garden is off to a good start. Pace yourself.