Scythe
 

I've just bought a scythe from Lee Valley Tools in Canada and I would like
to use it and care for it properly. Unfortunately there were no instructions
provided with it, assembly or otherwise.

There are a number of websites that provide general information about
scythes or instructions specific to a given product, but nothing relevant to
this Austrian manufacturer ('Fux' I beleive).

Anybody have some insight?

Cheers,
Greg

Scythe
 

In article , "Gerg"
wrote:

I've just bought a scythe from Lee Valley Tools in Canada and I would like
to use it and care for it properly. Unfortunately there were no instructions
provided with it, assembly or otherwise.

There are a number of websites that provide general information about
scythes or instructions specific to a given product, but nothing relevant to
this Austrian manufacturer ('Fux' I beleive).

Anybody have some insight?

Cheers,
Greg

Yeah. Buy a farm tractor and a sickle bar mower. Hang the sythe on the barn
wall. (We did.)

You can cut yourself off at the knee by using a sythe wrong or you can put one
hell of a lot of hay up by hand by using one correctly. I can't tell you on the
Internet how to use one -- I'd need to show you.

Jan

Scythe
 

On Thu, 14 Aug 2003 06:33:05 GMT, "Gerg"
wrote:

I've just bought a scythe from Lee Valley Tools in Canada and I would like
to use it and care for it properly. Unfortunately there were no instructions
provided with it, assembly or otherwise.

There are a number of websites that provide general information about
scythes or instructions specific to a given product, but nothing relevant to
this Austrian manufacturer ('Fux' I beleive).

Anybody have some insight?

Their web site has 800 numbers for both USA and Canada, as well as
e-mail contact addresses. Seems to me as if this would be the place to
start.

Scythe
 

Oh sure, make it easy for me ;)

"Frogleg" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 14 Aug 2003 06:33:05 GMT, "Gerg"
wrote:

I've just bought a scythe from Lee Valley Tools in Canada and I would
like
to use it and care for it properly. Unfortunately there were no
instructions
provided with it, assembly or otherwise.

There are a number of websites that provide general information about
scythes or instructions specific to a given product, but nothing relevant
to
this Austrian manufacturer ('Fux' I beleive).

Anybody have some insight?

Their web site has 800 numbers for both USA and Canada, as well as
e-mail contact addresses. Seems to me as if this would be the place to
start.

Scythe
 

Gerg wrote:

I've just bought a scythe from Lee Valley Tools in Canada and I would like
to use it and care for it properly. Unfortunately there were no instructions
provided with it, assembly or otherwise.

There are a number of websites that provide general information about
scythes or instructions specific to a given product, but nothing relevant to
this Austrian manufacturer ('Fux' I beleive).

Anybody have some insight?

Cheers,
Greg

Which hammer and anvil did you buy for sharpening your scythe?

Scythe
 

Gerg wrote:

I've just bought a scythe from Lee Valley Tools in Canada and I would like
to use it and care for it properly. Unfortunately there were no instructions
provided with it, assembly or otherwise.

There are a number of websites that provide general information about
scythes or instructions specific to a given product, but nothing relevant to
this Austrian manufacturer ('Fux' I beleive).

Anybody have some insight?

Cheers,
Greg

Greg, a scythe can be a very efficient tool, but it is also very
dangerous to handle if you don't know what you are doing . . .
back in my ER days in CO, I had to care for more than one person
who'd been trained in the use and still had managed to stick the
blade into his anatomy. So, please, call your local agricultural
extension office, and find someone to teach you how to use it
properly. Then, never, ever, use it when you are alone.

Chris Owens




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Scythe
 

Gerg wrote:

I've just bought a scythe from Lee Valley Tools in Canada and I would like
to use it and care for it properly. Unfortunately there were no instructions
provided with it, assembly or otherwise.

There are a number of websites that provide general information about
scythes or instructions specific to a given product, but nothing relevant to
this Austrian manufacturer ('Fux' I beleive).

Anybody have some insight?

Cheers,
Greg


I bought a scythe from Sycthe Source - http://www.scythesource.com/
They also sell a pretty good book called "Scythe Book". I didn't buy the
book from them, but (surprisingly) found it in my local library - it
describes everything about the use and care of a scythe.

--
Joe
http://www.joekaz.net/

Scythe
 

...a pretty good book called "Scythe Book"...

I have seen several references to this title on the web. Don't hate me, but
I couldn't justify the cost of purchasing the book (or an anvil) yet. I had
searched our local library without success, but tonight I was able to
request this book from another library in Alberta.

I have contacted Lee Valley Tools, and they have been very cooperative, but
failed to address my concerns about the scythe.

After one day's use, the ring clamp has become bent. I assume that this is
because the pasture I am cutting has areas of dense/wet grass. I beleive
that this grass is difficult to cut and is covering the blade at the
beginning of the stroke, thus preventing the remainder of the grass from
being cut withing that stroke. The result is that I am using exessive force
to complete the stroke and forcing the blade out of the correct hafting
angle (repeatedly) and still failing to cut the grass effectively (sigh).
The ring clamp is bearing the majority of the force and is not up to it.

My gripes are as follows:
o The clamping screws on the ring clamp are not sufficient to hold the
blade in place when meeting resistance
o The ring clamp is not rigid enough to withstand the force
o The tang is thin and allows too much freedom of movenent within the clamp

I know, you will all yell at me and tell me I'm probably an idiot and
shouldn't be using such a wonderful tool if I'm just hacking at the grass. I
would partly agree seeing as I have little experience using a scythe.. it's
not a common subject. I am making an attempt to learn, but, I should expect
a tool to withstand a certain amount of expected stress without failing.

Cheers,
Greg

Scythe
 

On Sun, 17 Aug 2003 05:43:45 GMT, "Gerg"
wrote:

...a pretty good book called "Scythe Book"...

I have seen several references to this title on the web. Don't hate me, but
I couldn't justify the cost of purchasing the book (or an anvil) yet. I had
searched our local library without success, but tonight I was able to
request this book from another library in Alberta.
....snipped


Hi Greg,

I know my Dad has cut small saplings with his scythe without
any ill results... The following links maybe help.

Some discussion about using one:

http://www.ibiblio.org/london/orgfar...using-a-scythe


This is for Lehmans Hardware, they sell scythes too.
Interesting that they provide an small booklet with any
scythe purchase.

http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/sear...keyword=scythe

or try this if the above doesn't work:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?P2B912AA5

Good luck!

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b
Remove no.spam for email

Scythe
 

Thanks Everyone!

I've read most of the "Scythe Book", but have found that the best way to
learn is by practice. Most of the information and technique I had already
read about on the few web sites dedicated to this subject. I have mowed
again just tonight and noticed a vast improvement over my technique and the
results. I must remind myself not to force the blade through.

I am mostly trimming weeds, but there is some fine grass growing there as
well and I had some success cutting that also. Tomorrow I will try with a
sharper blade and a (hopefully) improved technique.

Until next time,

Happy Mowing :)


"Leon Fisk" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 17 Aug 2003 05:43:45 GMT, "Gerg"
wrote:

...a pretty good book called "Scythe Book"...

I have seen several references to this title on the web. Don't hate me,
but
I couldn't justify the cost of purchasing the book (or an anvil) yet. I
had
searched our local library without success, but tonight I was able to
request this book from another library in Alberta.
...snipped


Hi Greg,

I know my Dad has cut small saplings with his scythe without
any ill results... The following links maybe help.

Some discussion about using one:

http://www.ibiblio.org/london/orgfar...using-a-scythe


This is for Lehmans Hardware, they sell scythes too.
Interesting that they provide an small booklet with any
scythe purchase.


http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/sear...fresh=1&search
Type=advanced&iMainCat=0&iSubCat=0&attribute14=0&a ttribute15=0&attribute16=0
&RS=1&keyword=scythe

or try this if the above doesn't work:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?P2B912AA5

Good luck!

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b
Remove no.spam for email

Scythe
 

"Gerg" wrote in message .ca...
...a pretty good book called "Scythe Book"...

I have seen several references to this title on the web. Don't hate me, but
I couldn't justify the cost of purchasing the book (or an anvil) yet. I had
searched our local library without success, but tonight I was able to
request this book from another library in Alberta.

I have contacted Lee Valley Tools, and they have been very cooperative, but
failed to address my concerns about the scythe.

After one day's use, the ring clamp has become bent. I assume that this is
because the pasture I am cutting has areas of dense/wet grass. I beleive
that this grass is difficult to cut and is covering the blade at the
beginning of the stroke, thus preventing the remainder of the grass from
being cut withing that stroke. The result is that I am using exessive force
to complete the stroke and forcing the blade out of the correct hafting
angle (repeatedly) and still failing to cut the grass effectively (sigh).
The ring clamp is bearing the majority of the force and is not up to it.

My gripes are as follows:
o The clamping screws on the ring clamp are not sufficient to hold the
blade in place when meeting resistance
o The ring clamp is not rigid enough to withstand the force
o The tang is thin and allows too much freedom of movenent within the clamp


This may seem a dumb question, but did you put the steel wedge
(or whatever it's called) between the tang and the clamp? The scythe
should have come with one. It allows you to tighten the clamp very
firmly.

I have used a scythe for years on tough weeds and grass, both wet and
dry,
and have not had the problems you describe.

As several posters have said, you do need to be very careful when
using a scythe. It's really easy to open an artery with one. Having
to use excessive force while cutting is an invitation to an accident.

Unless the scythe has been bent or had its edge seriously dented, it
shouldn't be necessary to use a hammer and anvil to sharpen it. A
good scythe stone and a bucket of water are all I've ever needed.

BTW,should you need an anvil but don't want to shell out big bucks for
one, get a foot long piece of scrap railroad track instead. Use a belt
sander to smooth the top, and you're in business. Yeah, I know,
purist ferriers will scream, but that's too bad.

J. Del Col

Scythe
 

J. Del Col wrote:

BTW,should you need an anvil but don't want to shell out big bucks for
one, get a foot long piece of scrap railroad track instead. Use a belt
sander to smooth the top, and you're in business. Yeah, I know,
purist ferriers will scream, but that's too bad.

Guess what Japanese smiths use for anvils.

Scythe
 

This may seem a dumb question, but did you put the steel wedge
(or whatever it's called) between the tang and the clamp? The scythe
should have come with one. It allows you to tighten the clamp very
firmly.

There was no wedge with the scythe. I had tried using a piece of wood, but I
didn't know wedges were supposed to be used. Sounds like a good idea though
:)

I have used a scythe for years on tough weeds and grass, both wet and
dry,
and have not had the problems you describe.

Have you ever cut packed/trampled wet grass? Did you just use shorter
strokes, or do you have any other tips you could offer?

As several posters have said, you do need to be very careful when
It's really easy to open an artery with one.

What's one or two arteries anyway. I've got lots ;)

Cheers,
G.

Scythe
 

"Gerg" wrote in message .ca...
This may seem a dumb question, but did you put the steel wedge
(or whatever it's called) between the tang and the clamp? The scythe
should have come with one. It allows you to tighten the clamp very
firmly.

There was no wedge with the scythe. I had tried using a piece of wood, but I
didn't know wedges were supposed to be used. Sounds like a good idea though
:)

It should have had at least one with it. Go back to where you got it
and ask for a scythe "key." (I found out that's the proper term) The
folks at the store might refer to it as a wedge.



I have used a scythe for years on tough weeds and grass, both wet and
dry,
and have not had the problems you describe.

Have you ever cut packed/trampled wet grass? Did you just use shorter
strokes, or do you have any other tips you could offer?

Well, I wouldn't try to cut trampled grass, but I have cut my way
through plenty of wet grass. Really tough grass, weeds, etc. might
require the shorter, wider brush scythe. I haven't needed one yet.



As several posters have said, you do need to be very careful when
It's really easy to open an artery with one.

What's one or two arteries anyway. I've got lots ;)

The chaps or leggings made for chain saw users might not be a bad
investment if you plan to do a lot of scything.


Good luck.

J. Del Col