SILVER

As in brazing. Steel is very different from silver/gold (I was a goldsmith for a number of years before I went back to school for an industrial design degree.) So I'm finding I'm re-learning what I already know in terms of silver brazing/soldering with steel. Always great to learn new things, to refine your process and perfect your craft. With time, I'm confident I can leave no room for cleanup. I was taught that each step in your process should be held to the highest degree of quality. Every file stroke matters. Each time you perform a task, its in relation to the finished product so less work means more time and a more efficient craft. Each part matters-and this is not just in the design, but in the process of fabrication as well. The end result is not only a reflection of the time you spent but also the time you saved by perfecting your process.

LPS 3

I wrangled a Bridgeport J-Head a year ago and have been slowly getting it prepped. But in the meantime, its in storage so I've been rustproofing all the dials, handles etc. to protect it against moisture and corrosion. Enter LPS 3.. Spray on, wipe clean, let dry. Apparently you can let the part out in open sea spray for 2+ years and it won't corrode. We'll see as it tends to get some high moisture content in my shop. I hope to change that with a bunch of planned long term renovations. Pictured are some dials and goodies prepped and ready for LPS3-ification. Gotta love US Made Steel. Only way to go.

RIDE NOTES

Been doing a lot of riding locally as there is just so much right here under my nose. Found some trails but was informed that there were indeed much more-just well hidden from the common folk.. So I was given a tour this past week and man, what a ride!! The trails were beautiful, classic New England singletrack. This section here rolls through a descent inside a stand of managed Red Pine. I was white eyes and white teeth the whole way through-the whole ride I should say too. Simple rolling singletrack, great climbs with plenty of rocks, roots and tech. Some really nice sections and the locals have definitely been at it and building these very well. I'm stoked to have met some fine riders to have shown me around. Funny part is they often pop out in peoples driveways or backyards only to go back into the woods. So goes it in Live Free or Die Land. People are pretty supportive of bicycles around these neck of the woods which is great.