Mike Haasl

This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEM curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the Straw badge in Traditional Skills.

We often take things like zippers, snaps and velcro for granted.  A common fastener in the olden days was buttons.  Let's make some!

 
 

Here's one way to do it:


Minimum requirements:
  - Make 4 buttons from antlers
  - At least 2 holes per button
  - Somewhat smooth
  - This bb can only use materials that existed 200 years ago

Provide proof of the following as pictures or video (<2 min):
  - Antler you're starting with
  - Cutting antler into pieces
  - Drilling holes for thread
  - Finished buttons

Minimum requirements:
 - perform full service on a motor vehicle or tractor
      - other heavy equipment allowed as long as it has multiple fluids to change/maintain and similar or greater complexity to a truck

Provide proof of the following as pics or video (<2 min):
 - oil being changed (during and after)
 - proper tire pressure
 - vacuum/clean engine air filter
 - vacuum/clean cab air filter
 - all signal bulbs, headlights and tail-lights are working
 - topped up brake fluid
 - topped up transmission fluid
 - topped up coolant
 - topped up windshield washer fluid
 - lube joints (during)
 - topped up hydraulic fluid (tractor)
 - basic, quick cleaning (before, during and after)

I performed this work on my 2013 Toyota Tacoma.  Two details, the transmission is sealed so there isn't a reasonable way to check its level, and there aren't any lube zirk fittings on it since it's a 2wd.

To get certified for this BB, post three pics:

  - pic of tool before cleaning and oiling
  - pic of tool while cleaning
  - pic of tool after cleaning and oiling

I took apart a Ryobi cordless drill after watching a few youtube videos.  It came apart and went together splendidly and it still works!  I didn't use any harsh cleaners, just compressed air and dish soap.

To get certified for this BB, post three pics:

  - pic of tool with missing/broken/inadequate handle
  - pic of new handle under construction
  - pic of tool with new pin-style handle installed

I made a new handle for a peeling spud!

To get certified for this BB, post three pics:

  - pic of tool with missing/broken/inadequate handle
  - pic of new handle under construction
  - pic of tool with new wedge-style handle installed

I got a broad axe head a while back and it's been waiting for a handle and for this BB.  Found a chunk of oak to make this handle from.  I guessed at the size and shape but it turned out pretty good.

To get certified for this BB, post photos or a two minute video of:

 - close up of dull drill bit
 - mid-process with all sharpening equipment used
 - close up of the sharpened edge

I chose a big auger bit for this project.  I used a sharp triangular file to get into all the spots that needed attention (two bottom cutters and two side cutters)

To get certified for this BB, post the following:

 - Closeup pic of dull tooth
 - Action pic of sharpening a tooth
 - Closeup pic of sharp tooth

This was a fun (and worrying) one to do.  I'd like to sharpen a big old cross cut saw some time but I figured I should start on a $3 handsaw first.  It cuts much better now!

Requirements to complete:
- Disassemble loppers and sharpen the edge properly (depending on whether anvil or by-pass), including both primary and secondary edge if applicable.
- Remove excess sap and other residue. Some "staining" is to be expected.
- Oil sufficiently for smooth action. Oil can't be petroleum derived .

To get certified for this BB, post the following:

 - Pic of dull edge or poorly cut green stick.
 - Action pic with disassembled loppers showing method of sharpening.
 - Pic of reassembled, sharpened loppers possibly cutting green stick
 - Describe the sharpening method and oil used.

This is an old Fiskars and the design of the anvil seemed to wear out one spot on the blade.  I worked that area (near the end) for a while to get it back into shape.  I sharpened with a file, finished with a fine stone and used avocado oil for lube.  I kinda wish this BB didn't require disassembly cuz I don't think it's really needed to do the job with some loppers.

Requirements to complete:
- must be sharpened with a whetstone (or more than one)
- hone
- test before and after with cutting paper

To get certified for this BB, post three pics:

 - closeup of pic of the dull edge OR pic of the dull  drawknife raggedly cutting through a piece of paper
 - action pic of sharpening
 - pic of the sharp drawknife having cut halfway through a piece of paper

I was a bit leery to try this cuz my drawknife works so nicely already.  It doesn't have a bevel, it's kind of like a hatchet point on it so I just worked on both sides.  It's now wicked sharp and I understand why "knife" is in it's name!

I guess that would be ok.  A good way to think of it is that the materials have to be traditional, the tools and equipment don't.  

So if you're building a birch bark canoe, the parts that make up the canoe all have to be historical, but you can use a cordless drill to poke holes and a plastic bucket to hold pine tar.  If you want.