As someone with a life altering illness I get the retired guy telling you 'that's good enough'. We like to have something in our day where we can look back and see a difference we have made albeit small. Proof of life I call it. It means we haven't surrendered to the slow creeping death of illness or compulsory retirement. You left him with a purpose. It might take him an hour or a weekend but he will have been a useful man for that time. It was a partial restoration for him. I love your philosophy and love you talking about it. Regards from Scotland.
A man with a job is his job, a man with a profession is his profession a man with a craft is his craft. A man needs to have a purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. A lifetime of hard graft, the failure's, the scars, the triumphs, the problems solved. Pure raw masculinity is a beautiful thing and should be cherished, we need it now more than ever.
I get comfort from restoring the old beat up stuff and keeping it around because I find it reminds everyone, including myself, not to give up on the old beat up stuff, that also includes myself. 👊
I get you, Jax. I am an 83 year old fire fighter and one great joy for me is the monthly get-to-gather of other old survivors (old beat up stuff, ha) and remembering the past.
I'm 5 1/2 yrs into recovery (this go round, and am getting it right this time), and my whole life has been about restoration or transformation of one kind or another. I have the scars both seen, and unseen. I operate on about 3/4s of a liver, but today i treat my vessel with the care it needs at 58 yrs of age. But you just pin pointed why i have become such a fan of restoration videos of all kinds, i guess i never stopped to wonder why. Muchly appreciated.
I cannot like this video enough! From respect and understanding to the retired guy to apologizing to the truck when he grinds the gears, August is the man. We all look up to him, because he looks down on none of us: young, old, machine, or tool.
My ole Jonserreds 1981 year 630 model Finally needs a rebuild, never been opened up, heated my home for 23 years soley with wood. I live in Northern Illinois, long cold winters.Cook over wood year round. Cut and gave many loads away to people who needed wood. did I mention it's cut a lot of wood in its 40 years. It's getting a complete rebuild, top to bottom, then set on a shelf in the shop to become a wall hanger, why, because I owe it that for what it has done for me.
Just before the great restoration genius left he gave us a great commission. I believe you are doing that quite humbly and quite well. I too was very hard on my body and other people were very hard on my mind when I was young. However I have been healing and being restored for the last 16 years and want to say you are an encouragement to me to continue my own healing process. And also a great encouragement and reminder for me to continue to encourage others to find healing and restoration in a great craftsman.
Too Deep ? Heck No Brother , Speak It ! We're all Broken at some point in our lives ! It's the come back , our safety net , spiritual physical self ! I'm just glad I can be reminded to get up kick butt keep trying and help others on my journey seen or unseen! Thanks August !
Once again some solid wisdom shared at the end of the video. Those of us who make the decision and are convicted to "restore" ourselves is something I very much appreciate you sharing August, thank you, very well said. Keep yourselves safe! 😃👍❤️🌲 Randy
As I've gotten older and the body breaks down due to the rough mileage that's been inflicted, I've also began to appreciate making whats old, new again, and taking a minute to help where needed. Even though I can't reverse all the damage done to myself, bringing an old tool back to new life, or even a little helpful prune to a young tree brings me a feeling of calm. Having control and order over something does the spirit a lot of good.
Redemption. Love that sees beyond the ugly. A love that sees value that was hidden. A love that brings out the value that was in there all along. When others see trash, Look what treasure only The Master's hand can unveil. Redemption.
I get the whole “restore to use” objective. That’s why I love my old trucks and tractors. Keep ‘em running. Keep ‘em useful. They’re “Made for This”. I also have my first chainsaw back in operation. I bought it slightly used 35 years ago. A Poulan 3800. Man that thing is a chunk of metal!
Yeah that's how she goes on good jobs that are communicated properly. The true coolness of a amazed client is worth all the grunts while bending over for that last twig that ran out in front of you on the final walk through. Lol. I appreciate you folks. Thanks for all that you have shared over the years. I try and think that I am trying to push that on in our work. Have a fabulous weekend. That laser thing is cool. Almost as cool as Buddy.
August I been watching your videos for some time now, this what you just talked about made me realize the core reason why I love working on old vintage bikes and chainsaws and bringing them back whenever everyone else would give up on them, it’s the satisfaction of making them come back to life and make them useful and I wasn’t aware that it’s been me that I have been working on, trying to restore myself and make me better I would hope; Epiphany it seems. Thank you August
Yep! Restoration of the soul from certain death to paradise as Jesus implied to the man next to him on the cross! Very thankful to have Jesus in my life! Keep rocking August. PS just ordered my 2nd mb saddle!
Hey, thanks for the shout out August our seasons are opposite our storm damage comes in the spring. Our black oaks also don’t suffer so much in green turf, but that turf is frozen 5 months out of the year:)
To me August, the restoration thing has a lot to do with this. Have you ever laid hands on or contemplated something that was formed with love and appreciation and was then left to you(or anyone) after the person is gone? For me, it can often fill me with love and appreciation for the person AND the object or job that was left for me to see or use. In a way, it's like the relic tools you might find in a dig or archaeologically. It just reminds me of the holiness of the thing that we are doing here. You may be embarrassed by going too deep into this, and I might be too, but the simple efforts are important. I try to do what I do with love (including this comment) so that when it is seen or used, it might help.
You were busting me up at the beginning. As usual, another great video. You could've named this video "An axe to grind". I'm right there with you on the terrorizing our bodies. I'm reminded of it daily. Thanks for the video.
Love your analogy of the axe handle and how we treat our bodies, especially in our youth. The joy of bringing the axes back to life is representative of the joy of bringing ourselves back to life.
Before you even got to that restoration of the axes I already wanted to comment that you are an inspiration August!!!!! I've only been the field for a year and a half but your videos help to drive me to be in it for life!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Restoration…love your thoughts on the matter-I have 3 P’s that accompany this journey- Purge-Purify-Persist…with a helping of humble atonement. You are a treasure to the community that surrounds you and beyond.
Great stuff, August. Learn a lot from your videos, but especially appreciate some of your philosophical insights, like the one you shared at the end of this video. I agree and can relate to where you're coming from on this one. I'm not sure what else would explain the tremendous satisfaction that comes from restoring a useful tool (or whatever) and putting it back to work, or better yet sometimes, gifting it to someone who will appreciate it.
The world (and our own foolishness) beat us down and the lord restores our soul if we trust him with it. Paraphrasing John 10:10. Great video, always enjoy watching!
I restore old axes as a hobby, and I think you totally nailed it the way you described the craft. Thanks for continuously putting out inspiring videos.
Just received my copy of The Fundamentals of General Tree Work 25th Anniversary Edition. Very well written forward August. What an honor it was to be a part I’m sure. Good work!
I lost all of the toes on my left foot due to the same cause you are talking about. The heart couldn't pump hard enough to supply the extremities so I had a bad case of "dieback". After an angioplasty all is pumping well to my lower leg now. I keep checking for new toes but no luck so far! On the subject of restoration; I got an old double bit axe head made by Mann Edge Tool Company of Lewiston, PA (probably made in the 1930's). I re-hafted it and cleaned it up. Got a nice leather cover to keep it in. Sweet looking item. I was very happy to give it renewed life!
Anytime you turn yourself around and continue to improve yourself from the not so good ways is a restoration all in itself. I like that RESTORATION lol like I do with the old saws. Good man never stop
48. 5 years clean/sober. Self taught tree worker, 3 years. Retired commercial plumber, 15 years. Retired professional scuba diver.. Yes we are always recreating ourselves-especially if we are of a growth mindset. The day we die is the day we don’t learn something new. Worked for Les Schwab for several years out of high school and today I learned that Costco no longer uses air for inflating their tires but now uses nitrogen! Ha, who woulda thunk. Thanks for your insight August. You are truly an inspiration.
started my self restoration 10 years ago, 11 years on Jan 10th. It's cool to see other "rugged", tough dudes find themselves and become the bucking specials we always had the chance to be. Admiration from ColoRADo- Magic Mike and the boys
i think that we all have struggles ...to one degree or another...and for you to find some commonality with folks is a beautiful thing. Find your true self. Be who YOU are.. It's sad, frustrating and sometimes can piss you with the F*** off...but we have to suffer to appreciate...once suffered, if you can relate to someone, grab on to it and whatever you do, don't let go. Good on you, August. It's definitely not an easy thing but in the long run, I suppose that's what makes it all worth while.
😄😄👍 Good one about the big and little tree relationship. Also I think I saw Charlie Brown walking down the driveway towards the saved tree. 😁 God Bless and as always keep pressing on to the higher calling of God
Some really awesome thoughts at the end there, that’s why it’s so important to compare one self to person one was yesterday. It’s amazing how those small steps to make a positive change can really add up. ❤️
Restoration, wow interesting insight.At 54 years old I treat my body better too. But I still feel the brunt of time and gravity on it. Trees have greater longevity than me. I have a slice of tamarack wood that dates back 530 years. When I fix tree issues by pruning or cutting back deadwood, reshaping etc...In a weird sort of way I feel like I’m adding years to it and maybe in my mind to myself too. Ecclesiastes 3:11 has always stuck with me.
I have a tree that is both box-elder and oak. the heartwood is light color and the outer color is light brown. There can be a new branch of oak and right next to it will sprout box-elder. It is really weak in wind as several limbs fell in moderate winds. I have a 19 second video on my channel I took while bringing down a limb safely that had a 5" separation at a crotch. This tree blooms really late and leaves fall well after all other trees here do.
Good job, you do not see too many people using "Boomers" now days (Chain Binders) I remember from my oil field days care required taking them off if a cheeter had been used to tighten them. Good luck from the UK
August, you are mostly nuts but that's OK. Big group. You are in touch with your soul, living your life with perspective. Small group. You be all right, Buddy.
I played NRL as a kid and I had a bricklayer as a coach he was a little late one day. This team of under 11 boy were quick to judge him on this. And he told us if you don't eat you don't poop you die. And I was making sure my family and I could eat. He made some boys into men that day mate. But it's the same with trees 🌳 and if they can't eat they die. Our fig tree in Australia have a soil Fungi that kill them the same way.
Stupid little detail I know but it's nice to see someone still using old style chain twitches and a journey bar rather than speed binders that assume you carry a battery driver all the time.
That's a good ethos, especially with things gifted. There are Russian YT channels that will take an old rusty vise, or some other machine and turn it to brand new and serviceable. It is testament to them and the tool lives on for many more generations.
Just lost a large Alder this last week in the wind. Lots of rot in the trunk. What should I replace it with, its in my woods in the PNW, not in a lawn area. Great video!
Red oaks suffer from the same issue. Correct about random limb death associated with onset of root rot. Nice to have plenty of equipment to bang out the job.👍
Great video. You have me worried about my champion black cherry. It appears very healthy but the lawn is so green and the tree has no leaves. Also where we dump chips is a paved turn around for the school buss and the snowplow. Should I be worried about the roots rotting on the big old pines the town dumped & paved over???? You seem to be the expert when it comes to the destruction of trees and danger hazard trees man.
Driveways/soil compaction near root zones is a big problem for Trees. I don’t really know about black cherry and how much water it loves. I assume it probably does well with water.
Their are people with all sorts of trades that had to haul ass to keep a job .I layed ceramic tile for 35 yrs competitive bid the saying around here was either your fast or you ain't, as in ain't here. Same goes for bricklayers, concrete finishers etc. But you want the best for your family so you bust ass. Dennis Miller said it best life is like the Serengeti plain it's either eat or be eaten. It's supposed to be a struggle that's what makes it worthwhile.
Wow two things. Frost Bite and refurbishing the temple of life. I’ve been around red Oaks all my life. They are usually in the forest on noels near pine that like sand not loam. Die back limbs Hum. I found some old Collins heads in the barn and I use them for everything. I got a hatchet I pan on using like a pilgrim next week.
I guess I could never understand getting rid of something that still works. I had an old flip phone that I had to stop using because the manufacturer stopped supporting it. I had to get a smart phone. Not a month went by when they were trying to get me to "upgrade." WTF? It's now about eleven years old. I wonder if they'll stop supporting it some day. My pickup's twenty four. It still works, and I'm afraid to get a new vehicle for all the electronic sensors that fail. Sigh. Maybe you could use that old ax as a tombstone of sorts. I don't really want to get buried. Just render me. May as well put this old body to some use. I think that's what I'd have written on my headstone: "Hope I'm delicious." ^.=.~
Well, during the last 2 years of excessive lock-downs, I have restored 4 axes from rusty heads buried in a yard, another 1 that was used as a sledge hammer until it split the eye & the poll, 3 hatchets, 2 block splitters and 1 good Fiskars that had a chip from hitting a stone or a rock somewhere. I have made axe masks for all the non-Fiskars choppers so now any of my use is followed with a quick check on the edge and putting the tool away in its mask. BUT, when I am gone I bet that my kids won't treat them with the same "respect".
Hi August, I think that I can identify what you said about the butterfly. I totaly abused my body with all kinds of activity's that uat not to be. At the age of forty I was close to death but then I had an experience that changed my life. I became a born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and the work of restoration began, the caterpilar became the butterfly. I am still learning to fly/ walk in the Holy spirit. Glory to God the allmighty,
That metal is lovely isn't it. Especially when the wood stays and they want it cut small and you just wait to hear that dread full sound, all the while saying let me get it cut up, just this time without hitting metal, tree gods.
your right about missle launcher lol i took a popcan size chunk from one right in the back side of my forearm where the bone is. that sucked. had a baseball size welt there for a few days lol
God is quite the craftsman, isn't He? Taking a decrepit human being who has all but destroyed themselves and their lives and He calmly and gracefully takes the pieces, cleans them up, puts them back together and polishes one to a new finish. Yeah... He's fairly amazing and whom I gladly serve. Thanks for all you do :)
Watched this video to see some trees falling (or cleaned up) and ended up with some restorative philosophy. I think many of us abused out body and our soul in our youth but have restored hem to a degree and no live in a more harmonious manner.
Unlike an refurbished old ax, most old men cannot be re-sharpened after they have been sitting idle in a dark forgotten corner. The metal looses it's shine and the wood becomes weak and brittle. All it's now good for is conversation and an occasional story from days long past.
I would say that’s a good analogy, it’s just a little sad that we can’t be restored like that! Unless you have faith in our Heavenly Father, through his son Jesus Christ you can be restored!
