Comments on: Brushwhacker

By: John H. Farr

John H. Farr — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:43:10 +0000

Good advice on the brushcutter. I haven’t used it yet, but the moment is coming.

BTW, this thing is slow to rev. Doesn’t vroom-vroom, exactly. Might need to be tuned, eh? But it’s brand new. I thought maybe it’s just a little stiff. We shall see…

By: GD Armstrong

GD Armstrong — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:45:42 +0000

Brush cutters can get a lot done in a short time either on the brush or your person. If you use the metal saw blade on the sage ya gotta sneak up on it, take too big a bite & the brush will grab.
The Vroom-vroom factor can be a kick just like a motorcycle!

There are times that the sign will come in handy even when y’re not using the tool!

By: John H. Farr

John H. Farr — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:36:15 +0000

Chris: This place is in a beautiful spot, but it would take a lot of work, including a major addition, for it to offer workspaces for each of us. And we’re not experiencing much financial slack at the moment. Don’t think I haven’t thought about it, but there has to be someplace that’s even better than this particular hillside.

Manuel: Bear in mind that I’m no expert and have only a modest amount of experience with these things, but this one looks like it’ll get the job done. I’ll let you know after I try it out on a huge patch of wild rose brambles. It’s a Sears Brushcutter/Line Trimmer, Model # 79582, I think. 32 cc two-stroke engine, not too loud. The main things I like are the scary-looking brushcutter blade, the heavy pre-cut line that clamps right in (no bumping the trimmer head against the ground to advance a line), and the big handlebar instead of the much smaller handgrip you find on most trimmers. Costs $199, but it’s on sale now for 30 or 40 bucks less.

By: Manuel

Manuel — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:55:25 +0000

I happen to be in the need of a similiar contraption to wreck havoc some some intruding chamisa at my place in Cordova. I had a local gentleman work on it for the past year (I live in San Diego) and am now at the “fixin” the yard stage. Anyway, what model did you buy? Sounds like one I could use if you have found it to be a good tool. Thanks

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:47:23 +0000

Yep, those cutters are more fun than a pack of ferrets in your underpants! There is something very viscerally satisfying about clearing out a patch of overgrowth. Kind of like a slasher movie, but without the blood!

Changing the topic slightly, I know you and your domestic goddess are looking for new digs, and I don’t know if you’ve mentioned this, but have you thought of buying your existing place from the estate of your late landlord? Would there be enough room (and a stable temperature/humidity) for your sweetie’s piano if you were able to take over the whole property? Besides, the estate might be able to offer some clever financing options (i.e. a mortgage take-back or a second mortgage) which would allow you to get conventional financing. Not that I would EVER suggest that you are conventional, John…