I would go out of my way to visit this type of shop anywhere in the world. (Note: Put on my radar by the lovely, Emily Moore.)
Milking Stool
Out of context these seats look ridiculous, but in the realm of a dairy farm, a hyper-practical and simple solution. Notice the strap that secures the stool to the seat of the pants. The milker sits or stands without having to put the buckets down and grab the stool, also, one-legged saved on weight. This insight was pointed out:
“….a farmer told us that a seat like this was great in case the cow fell over or started walking sideways onto the milker. All they had to do was spin on the one point and could quickly stand up and move away, taking the seat with them (w/o hands), possibly avoiding injury from the cow tipping over, or stomping on them, as well as leaving the ground clear for the cow's safety."
Tools
Eric (who came in from Lake Tahoe for a long weekend) was helping in Eagle, among other things, to organize and sort through some of Seth belongings in the workshop. It looks like Eric had a small diligent crew assisting but I know it was only him staying up late and determined to accomplish something. Before departing, to return home yesterday, he dropped off some things on our porch.
The level, I remember Seth showing me (in our late 20s) while we were working on a renovation project. We had both come to the same conclusion around that time - that we were only (when possible) going to buy quality tools, that we loved. After years of working with our hands we had become committed to craft and learned that good tools matter.
The Japanese pull saw, which I was unaware Seth had acquired, fits perfectly into this category of tool and philosophy. When I got home yesterday and saw the level and then opened the Tajima bag to see the saw handle and blades I not only felt honored to be receiving these things but reminded of the roads traveled with my best friend and soul brother.
Thank you Eric.
Building a shed for the Manzella’s in Lyons CO about 10 years ago.