Lee Barker
Contraptionator
Greetings. Central Oregon. Retired woodworker. Nice, insulated studio/shop. When I'm not there, I do grandkid stuff, read, write, play music, cook my share and keep the house clean for my still-working wife.
When I am there, I tinker, putter, make tabletop art and weather-driven outdoor art and maintain a fleet of 5 parade vehicles, all of which started life as riding mowers. Pictures posted in my profile.
Challenges in the construction of the latest one led me to this site. I have read for several days and I like the information and the helpfulness that accompanies it. I am intrigued.
I was 10 years old when my father bought me a Briggs washing machine engine ($12). Kick start, governor. Using maple from a folding chair, we made bearings for a jackshaft and assembled a wooden go kart which ran and steered.
Since then I have been fascinated with things that go. My motorcycling career, spanning decades, is coming to a close so these little four wheel things loom larger.
Riding mowers make a great platform for parade vehicles for two compelling reasons: 1. They have a fantastic turning radius. We can do figure eights on our town's streets during parades. 2. They are made to go slow.
I'll pose some questions for the experts later. Meantime, I apologize for the length of this introduction. Onward!
When I am there, I tinker, putter, make tabletop art and weather-driven outdoor art and maintain a fleet of 5 parade vehicles, all of which started life as riding mowers. Pictures posted in my profile.
Challenges in the construction of the latest one led me to this site. I have read for several days and I like the information and the helpfulness that accompanies it. I am intrigued.
I was 10 years old when my father bought me a Briggs washing machine engine ($12). Kick start, governor. Using maple from a folding chair, we made bearings for a jackshaft and assembled a wooden go kart which ran and steered.
Since then I have been fascinated with things that go. My motorcycling career, spanning decades, is coming to a close so these little four wheel things loom larger.
Riding mowers make a great platform for parade vehicles for two compelling reasons: 1. They have a fantastic turning radius. We can do figure eights on our town's streets during parades. 2. They are made to go slow.
I'll pose some questions for the experts later. Meantime, I apologize for the length of this introduction. Onward!
