I got to know Billy thru his son-in-law, a coworker and close friend, in the early 70's. Billy had bought a tract near Albany, Missouri in the late 50's or early 60's and the first thing it needed was new fences. He first started out with a Strunk MorWood. PP AH-47 engine, gear drive and 1/2" chain. Weighed 34#.
Good thing he was a strong youngster at the time.
Later on he acquired a Lombard model 68 at a farm sale. Direct drive, PP AH-58 engine and 7/16" chain. Much lighter and faster than the strunk. His grandson tells me it's the loudest saw he ever heard. Having run it, I believe him.
Well, Billy passed a couple years ago in his mid 80's. He was still farming every day.
His grandson knew I collected old saws so he rooted the above out of grandpa's basement and left them with me.
As you might notice the Lombard has a broken frame. So, in the best tradition of 'farm fix' I used a length of 1/8 x 7/8 flat stock to make a splint. Formed the curve over a handy '69 vet rally wheel. Drilled, tapped eight #8-32 holes using just eyeball and a Sharpie for layout. Transfered the holes using the tap drill and a 'C' clamp. Billy would be prould of me as it would have been how he would do it.
Besides the frame repair, the rest was the normal fuel system and ignition overhaul. So, now he runs again.
We still need to figure out an air filter element and are having trouble with an excessively worn sprocket but, getting there.
Thanks Billy for the many, many days spent on your farm hunting every critter that was in season at the time. And, some that weren't.
Good thing he was a strong youngster at the time.
Later on he acquired a Lombard model 68 at a farm sale. Direct drive, PP AH-58 engine and 7/16" chain. Much lighter and faster than the strunk. His grandson tells me it's the loudest saw he ever heard. Having run it, I believe him.
Well, Billy passed a couple years ago in his mid 80's. He was still farming every day.
His grandson knew I collected old saws so he rooted the above out of grandpa's basement and left them with me.
As you might notice the Lombard has a broken frame. So, in the best tradition of 'farm fix' I used a length of 1/8 x 7/8 flat stock to make a splint. Formed the curve over a handy '69 vet rally wheel. Drilled, tapped eight #8-32 holes using just eyeball and a Sharpie for layout. Transfered the holes using the tap drill and a 'C' clamp. Billy would be prould of me as it would have been how he would do it.
Besides the frame repair, the rest was the normal fuel system and ignition overhaul. So, now he runs again.
We still need to figure out an air filter element and are having trouble with an excessively worn sprocket but, getting there.
Thanks Billy for the many, many days spent on your farm hunting every critter that was in season at the time. And, some that weren't.
did that to my mighty mite
