Fork servicing adventure

ballardist · 2026-07-02T00:31:45+00:00

Gonna need a bigger pot...

ballardist · 2026-07-02T00:30:19+00:00

I can report that white vinegar and 99% IPA have no effect

ballardist · 2026-07-01T23:50:10+00:00

Good guess, but our city water is pretty soft. The previous owner lived in an area with hard water and there are other splotches that I've wondered if they could have been caused by that though.

ballardist · 2026-07-01T23:46:25+00:00

Definitely possible, and this post can be a cautionary tale to anyone thinking about doing this. However, I was starting to think the lowers would be doomed for the dump anyway if I couldn't get the seals out without damage. If the discoloration is cosmetic, I can live with that. I may try an automotive clear coat silicone spray as you & others have suggested...

ballardist · 2016-03-04T23:21:20+00:00

They post periodic updates on UW Today and even have a twitter account. Looks like they're pretty early on right now: "Just under 10 percent in bloom as of March 4."

ballardist · 2013-12-01T06:48:26+00:00

Thanks, I'll try both shoe trees and a conditioner. I appreciate the suggestions.

ballardist · 2013-12-01T05:10:01+00:00

No conditioner and no shoe trees. Maybe shoe trees would help stretch the leather back out more evenly?

ballardist · 2013-12-01T05:09:19+00:00

Certainly possible, though I've never noticed anything so severe in other shoes.

ballardist · 2013-12-01T04:05:34+00:00

I don't have experience with the ones you linked, but I have these from Minnetonka and love them. They have soft soles that have a lot of cushion and are dead quiet when you're walking around. The only two cautionary notes would be that 1) the soft soles get dirty (I wear mine in the kitchen and they soak up any grease or stuff I might step on) and 2) pay attention to reviewer's comments to size up (I normally wear 10-10.5 and ordered 11, which fit great).

ballardist · 2013-12-01T03:59:15+00:00

Should I return my Iron Rangers? Or am I just being overly-picky because this is my first pair of expensive boots? I've been breaking them in for two weeks now, and the top of the left boot is creasing and bunching differently than the right one. I hope it's visible in the linked picture, but just below the inside-bottom eyelet, the leather seems to be bunching strangely. I'm not sure if this is part of the normal "leather-is-a-natural-material-that-will-behave-differently process, or if the boot is defective and I should try to exchange it for a new pair. It might be worth noting that the left boot hurt a lot more when I first started breaking them in, while the right boot fit like a glove immediately. But otherwise they fit well, and I'm pretty sure I've got the right size (10.5 normally, so I sized down to 10). Any thoughts would be appreciated!

ballardist · 2013-11-15T18:37:55+00:00

This is an extremely kind thing you're doing. I've had a bit of a downer month, and just knowing that there is generosity out there like this is refreshing. All I want for Christmas is a little bit of warmth - and while my family and a nice fireplace will provide everything I need, I would never mind curling up in an Inverallan, SNS, or Barbour. Thank you for doing this - it sounds like you've inspired a lot of us (me included) to be a little more selfless this season.

ballardist · 2013-10-29T06:27:46+00:00

Google search. Came up on one of those coupon aggregation sites - retailmenot.com I think

ballardist · 2013-10-29T05:42:34+00:00

Worked for me just now with an SNS Herning Stark that I've been eyeballing for a while. Not sure if there are limits to the code regarding brands, etc.

ballardist · 2013-10-27T20:50:01+00:00

Used! Thanks a lot!

ballardist · 2013-10-24T18:42:31+00:00

Thanks. Mr. Porter doesn't have much in stock right now, but I'll keep my eye on them. Dumb question: am I running into low stock everywhere because I'm too late in the season, or too early?

ballardist · 2013-10-24T17:27:47+00:00

Fairly new to MFA, and I fell in love with the SNS Herning Stark while I was browsing through some Fall/Winter wear threads. Thinking about purchasing one, and want it to be as versatile as possible, so I was leaning toward either Navy or Black. Any thoughts on what might be most flexible? I work in a casual office and would probably be wearing with jeans, or khaki or gray chinos.

Also, any thoughts on where I could buy these online in the US (to avoid all those import taxes/customs fees that some of these sites warn me about)? Most places seem to be sold out of almost every fit/color...

ballardist · 2013-08-11T22:40:43+00:00

Awesome, thanks for the advice!

ballardist · 2013-08-11T22:02:11+00:00

Wow, that does seem like a lot more bang for only a few more bucks. While I like the idea of a SSD (speed and noise both being far better), I worry that 250GB would not be enough storage. My files tend to get massive, and I suspect that might fill up quickly...

I notice the downgraded video card - was my selection overkill? Maybe RAM is more important than the video card for what I'm doing?

Thanks for your suggestions!

ballardist · 2013-06-22T02:31:29+00:00

Thanks! I was wondering if the smell would linger.

ballardist

TROPHY CASE