[Gabe Ayers]

Wow, can’t wait to see some pics of that design…I am having a hard time envisioning it with something to look at.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Moccasin runners are wide in the wood body of the runner and then taper down to a smaller dimension at the shoes (steel). My bobsled runners are 5 ” or so and taper down to 3″ at the 3/8 thick steel shoes. This provides more float in deep snow and also allows you to use larger, more durable runners with a smaller steel shoe. In terms of the roll, it is pinned thru the upturned nose of the runners. If you think of the end of the runners as a circle of, say about 4-6 inches in diameter, then the holes for the pins for the roll go right thru the center of the circle. You will see this in my photos.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Roscoe-
The set-up you need really depends on what you are doing with the sleigh/bobsled. I use a two bunk work sled for hay transport and I log with a bobsled. Both have heavy duty rolls with poles joined with mortise and tenon. Additionally, they have steel cross-members for added strength. It is very important to have the roll/pole attached to the front of the runners so that your horses get some lift when they pull forward. When you have big load on, this is absolutely essential. How you attach the rear runners is not so important as how the front is set up. I do use heavy bridle chains on the bobsled, as it is common to have very steep runs down to log landings around here in Vermont. Also, from inside to inside of the runners, which in my case are 4×6 oak, my bob measures about 38 inches, and the bunk is 46 inches wide a top plate that is 53 inches wide. I can email you some photos of the bobsled if that is helpful, just send me your email address. Good luck!
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Mark-
Gauge does not depend on the pitch of the chain. In other words, I have run both 50 and 58 gauge bar and chain, with 3/8 pitch loops,on both of my larger saws. I now use 58 because my local saw shop seems to keep that gauge bar and chain in stock most times of the year. In terms of Jonsered vs Husky, I have had very poor luck with my Husky 357 xp, which is only three years old but has had all kinds of mechanical problems. I have had great luck with the smaller 346 xp, so no complaints there. I decided to try the Jonsered because both Carl and Kevin Rea have them and said they are good saws. They were also having a saw swap that sweetened the deal a bit financially. And, I totally agree with Carl and George about having sharp chain. I carry 2-3 loops in the woods each day and swap them as they get dull, saving the sharpening for the evening in the vise with good light, warm hands, a beer!
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

George-
This project required new wood (oak) as well as almost all new steel. John and I milled oak for two new runners (4×6″) as well as main bunk (8×8″) and top plate (4×8″). Some of the steel was salvageable, but badly worn. Because this is a tool that I use to make part of my living in the winter months, I decided to spend a bit more and have the steel pieces fabricated. I did resuse pins, reinforcing plates on front ends of runners, some fasteners, and runner steel (which I may use as a second layer tack welded onto the first layer for easier replacement when worn out). I figure that the new steel we shaped will last my lifetime of work and beyond. The other reason that we fabricated much of the steel was that the design was quite different on the old sled and I changed to a design similar to Carl Russell’s, which is a much sturdier design.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

I have a 346 XP as my smallest saw and it is great. The one thing I don’t like is that the clutch on it won’t accomodate a 3/8 chain. This is true of many of the 50 cc and smaller saws. I just like the 3/8 chisel loops much better, but other than that the 346 runs great and has plenty of zip. I second Carl’s comments about not going too small, as a powerful and sharp saw makes for easy cutting. Latethis summer I invested in a 2172 Jonsered, and though it is heavier than my old 357 I am not as tired at the end of the day because each cut is more efficient with more power. The other trick is to keep your bar length as short as possible given your work with that saw.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Any time is fine with me just let me know which it’s going to be. Kevin

[Gabe Ayers]

I looked back for Reva’s email and it said 7:00 pm.

[Gabe Ayers]

You might also check with John Plowden, in Stowe ME, about sleds. He builds first rate horse equipment. You can find him on the web at plowdenhorselogging.com or on this site as well. If he does not have what you need he can build it.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

MN Mules-
I have horses, but spend just as much thinking about how to get them to stand. I have always had horses that have come to me at an older age so don’t know much about starting the training process when they are younger. However, I think a big part of the success I have had with my team is based on relationship building. I trust that they will stay put and they trust that I am going to keep them safe while they stand there, even with saws, falling trees, forwarders, and whatever else I subject them to in the woods and fields. This relationship takes time to build, and even the best teams are susceptible to moving or even bolting if they feel threatened or if the teamster does not establish kind but firm expectations for their behavior while at rest. When I am in the woods, I frequently leave them untied to fell or cut brush, move logs on to the bobsled, eat lunch, etc. If they stand still, I leave them be on a slack line, but if they move or creep, we back up to where we started and try again. This is not to say that I have not had runaways, but the two mishaps we had were both teamster errors – my fault!! I think that there are many ways to achieve quiet horses, but the result needs to be a solid and trusting relationship with your animals. A trusting animal is a quiet animal…
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

I have mowed steep ground with single and team, and I second Donn’s comments about harness fit. Also, I use my horses for logging so I keep them shod, and I find that this is a big advantage on grassy steeps. I, too, will comfortably mow hills that I would not dare touch with a tractor mover, especially a sickle bar.
-Brad

[Gabe Ayers]

Carl, What do you think of the quality of you new swivel?

[Gabe Ayers]

Thanks Jen, the ipad has a mind of it’s own!:o

[Gabe Ayers]

Here’s a link Scott G. posted on FB that was great for what your looking for I think. Look for the swivel clevis, Kevin http://www.wesspur.com/carabiners/swivels.html

[Gabe Ayers]

Ed, if you don’t mind bring a gal. down for me also please. Another reason to look forward to this event! Thanks, Kevin

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