The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Equipment => Topic started by: robert waddell on May 07, 2012, 11:28:44 am

Title: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: robert waddell on May 07, 2012, 11:28:44 am
just as title   how do you guard a scythe when working with it   you wont need eardefenders unless the swish swish gets on your tits  what footwear is appropriate do you need Kevlar strides should you have been on a recognised course before purchasing it and using it   at what age would you be considered to old to be safe
not as daft questions as you first think    and i bet no HSE jobs worth can answer with legislation to back it up
and finally do you get white finger from it and has testing been done to ascertain that last question
                                                          THE FLOOR IS YOURS :farmer:
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: Fleecewife on May 07, 2012, 11:52:00 am
Scythes are exempt as being weapons of mass destruction, along with pitchforks and ploughshares
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: suziequeue on May 07, 2012, 03:04:08 pm
Oh Robert - you're so excitable  ::) ::)
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: MikeM on May 07, 2012, 03:56:19 pm
I'm pretty sure any semi literate halfwit can learn to use a scythe safely.  :farmer:

just so long as no one tries to cut their toenails with one...
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: chrismahon on May 07, 2012, 04:06:39 pm
Guess you need to guard your feet and shins. So plastic football shinpads should do it together with safety boots. If you are really clumsy you could use cricket pads!
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: suziequeue on May 07, 2012, 05:29:21 pm
The grass needs some protection in case it gets cut - can be quite nasty.......

I've heard of some grass that's been cut clean in half by a scythe.......
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: FiB on May 07, 2012, 06:04:26 pm
Using is a doddle - wouldnt like to write a risk assessment and safe working procedure for sharpening though - anyone else cut themselves doing that?...... No?  Just me then,  I'll get me coat.
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: suziequeue on May 07, 2012, 06:37:57 pm
http://youtu.be/SnNnedpgggg (http://youtu.be/SnNnedpgggg)

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: Fleecewife on May 07, 2012, 11:48:20 pm
http://youtu.be/SnNnedpgggg (http://youtu.be/SnNnedpgggg)

 ;D ;D ;D

 :D ;D :D 8)
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: mab on May 08, 2012, 12:06:07 am
 ;D ;D

I've got an antique 27" scythe. it's not really easy to hit your feet/legs so I would think boots would suffice.

So far managed not to cut myself while sharpening, but I have slashed the polytunnel, cut through the electric fence (several times), cut through an electric flex (whilst extracting it from the toolshed), and almost beheaded the chooks when they've appeared unexpectedly (sometimes I think their survival instincts are a bit lacking).

m
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: Bert on May 08, 2012, 07:48:20 am
 I find the best way to sharpen a scythe is to hold it against the wind  ;D
 ( the above comment is only amusing if your a big Terry Pratchett fan and have read Reaper Man :thumbsup: )
 love the youtube clip. Sorry all very unhelpful
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: Penninehillbilly on May 08, 2012, 07:56:30 pm
I've got an old fashioned sort, it would be difficult to get your own legs, but its a pain to carry around, and never work when there is a dog around, you spend more time telling them to stay away than you do scything!. Gave up, took the dog home, saw something else that needed doing and forgot to come back till I saw the scythe later  ;D
And one day I'll get the knack so my arms and back don't ache.
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: Odin on May 16, 2012, 06:36:39 am
I often get a blister on my hand after operating a scythe. Considering that I have done the course and ticked all the pre-flight checks, I still get a blister! So I am looking for someone to bring a claim against and sue for loss of earnings?
Mr R.Waddell, a contributor of high renown to this site seems a good starting point ?
(Hmm, plaster, day in bed, private nurse, diving trip to the Sychells coz my feelings are hurt etc etc )  ::)
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: robert waddell on May 16, 2012, 09:06:23 am
i had forgot about this one       weapons of mass destruction   don't think so especially if you have blisters on the moving parts and ploughshares can be turned into swords   
blisters    =soft skin not used to hard labour
cutting your own feet     if you are a danger to yourself  i hope i am never within gun range of you  and any tool you are wielding :D :D :D :farmer:
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: colliewoman on May 16, 2012, 12:24:21 pm
I find the best way to sharpen a scythe is to hold it against the wind  ;D
 ( the above comment is only amusing if your a big Terry Pratchett fan and have read Reaper Man :thumbsup: )
 love the youtube clip. Sorry all very unhelpful


'But how do you sharpen it Miss Flitworth?' ;D
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: robert waddell on May 16, 2012, 12:53:57 pm
the same method as sharpening a butchers knife       you hold the scythe firmly by the blade point just of the ground and the sharpening stone in the other hand and procede to sharpen each side in turn building up a rhythm   using the scythe is also a rhythm  same as melling stobs in    if you ain't got the rhythm you are struggling to work it all day long :farmer:
Title: Re: how do you guard a scyth
Post by: Bert on May 17, 2012, 07:13:06 am
Quote



'But how do you sharpen it Miss Flitworth?' ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D  :thumbsup:
I Knew there would be another fan on here somewhere.