My views, are my own views. I try to state them clearly, and, well, sometimes people disagree with them.
I was told this nugget 40 years ago, and it's seems to still be true today. "This game takes money to play. You have to take your lumps. If you avoid playing to avoid the lumps, you'll never learn how to play ."
Old things that pique your interest are like that. You learn twice as fast when you are taking your beatings.
We need to remember that old field guns were made in the tens of thousands for the most part. There are a few out there for each of us fool with. They will never be worth piles of money. But in the learning, there is a priceless education. And, if you are doing it right, a fair share of lumps to be had.
Again, just my opinion on restoration, and how far should we go. I doubt anyone here spritz's vinegar on freshly blackened barrels (with a toothbrush) to patinate them back toward a more honest look. Recut checkering that is as rough as a cob, or cut halfway through the grip bugs me to no end as well.
There are tons of things to learn in this hobby. That is part of it's appeal. And, it mixes iron and wood.
Of all the things within the restoration field that are hard for me, the hardest, is looking at someones hard work, and not liking it. I wish I could, I try to be polite, I keep my mouth shut , but I am always saddened when someone has worked very hard on something, and I think it looks like crap. That's hard for me. I haven't driven "Old Blue" (my Dad's 900c IH)since his funeral. I think I should fix the slave cylinder, and get her some air. Dad's restoring of it wasn't very restorative.
