Homestead mailing list

[Don Bowen <don.bowen AT earthlink.net>]

At 11/20/2004, you wrote:

> I think a heavy trailer is just part of having a trailer that will carry a 
> good amount of weight. A shop would most likely be a good amount of weight.
> Just another one of those trade-offs <shrug>.

In my case I cannot afford a new pickup, besides I like the one I have.  It 
has an 8500# towing capacity and will do the job nicely.  I do have to keep 
an eye on weight but it looks like I will be within my self imposed 
limits.  I am not taking a complete shop, only what I call my portable shop.

There will be two general woodworking tool boxes and a mechanics box in 
back of the trailer.  One is the box I currently take to sites and the 
other will have the planes, measuring and marking, drill bits, and other 
small items.  The mechanics box will have wrenches, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in. 
sockets sets, hammers, etc for doing light mechanical.  A Workmate will 
also ride back there.

I had planned to carry a folding ladder in the shower but saw an easy 
method to carry it on the roof of the trailer.  Inside the trailer will be 
the carving and flint knapping tools.  Not much, two knives, some copper 
hammer stones and a couple of Ishi sticks.

In front of the trailer will ride a smaller tool box with the day to day 
stuff, wrenches to adjust and remove the weight distribution hitch, and 
other tools that will be needed often.  A small soft sided tool bag 
containing electrical tools and supplies to fix 12 and 120 Volt problems.

In back of the pickup I have a very wide cross box and a cruise box.  The 
cruise box will hold an air compressor, all the pneumatic nailers, a 
generator, and maybe a portable table saw and drill press if they can be 
fit into the budget.  The cross box will hold day to day items and tire 
tools, extension cords, aluminum floor jack, 8 ton bottle jack, electric 
impact wrench.  I am thinking of getting a rack for the pickup but would 
rather have a shell.  Right now I cannot fit either into the budget.  Under 
the cruise box is a space for a workbench top and two folding saw horses.

Don Bowen
Awl Knotted Up Woodworking
Valley Center, CA             http://www.braingarage.com