be aware off your handsaws.

fearless · Jan 28, 2011

I've started bringing my felcos up with me when I know I have a bunch of small cuts. Seems like I always cut my hands in maples or crab apples thick on the interior when I can't see that well

Blinky · Jan 29, 2011

I used to carry a Pro Sentai for small stuff, now I use a fine toothed folding silky.

mattwisconsin · Jan 29, 2011

I put my back up on today.

treestyler · Jan 29, 2011

nice things about a backup is that it's not in the way.
That's why I prefer a smaller diameter line like the 6 mm globe or some 5 or 6 mm hollow braid.

If you back up with 2 thick lines it will definitly mess up things and become a problem with the carabiners as shown in the picture off matt. It will hook in one off the lines during work.

Use a dmm ring on the bridge and it will go smooth or just buy some small diameter lines that will fitt in just right.

Don't use the backup as an excuse to delay the change off a totaly weared out main bridge, cause that would be a stupid thing to do.

Climb save

wouter

pureascension · Jan 29, 2011

Re: be aware off your handsaws

I like the back up idea. I have to try it. What about using a cover? Much like the flip line covers that are offered at sherrill.
http://www.sherrilltree.com/Professional-Gear/1-End-Lanyards/A-R-T-Positioner-with-10-ft-lanyard

mattwisconsin · Jan 30, 2011

Re: be aware off your handsaws

treestyler.. it's actually ice line and it's a bit more slack than my bridge, so it doesn't really touch the biners at all. I'd definitely be interested in getting a smaller line in there though if I can get one. I just really like how ICE knots.

treestyler · Jan 30, 2011

Re: be aware off your handsaws

here in the netherlands they have really sweet hollow braids at the watersport / boatshops.

It will hold as much as 1500 kilo's and only 5 mm diameter.
Globe 5000 in 6 mm is what I use now but when this one will be replaced I will definitly go for hollow braid 5mm spliced on the d-rings off the TM saddle. That looks even better.

My back up line has about 5 cm more slack then the ropebridge and I allways use a DMM ring for anchorpoint cause biners tend to mess up the ropebridge.

climb safe
wouter

Coconut · Feb 1, 2011

Re: be aware off your handsaws

Came out of the tree today and my handsaw was missing form its scabbard. Nothing on the ground either. I didn't even use it in the tree. It was there when I went up, gone when I came down. Heard a squirrel laughing in the distance.

ForestKeeper · Feb 1, 2011

Thanks for sharing this video. We should also mention hanging pole saws in the tree. Forget for a moment where you put it and all it takes is one nudge for that thing to come zipping down on you.
I always tell our trainees; hang your pole with your blade away from you and NEVER hang it above your head!
I got 7 stitches from this mistake once. Thankful it wasn't more, or my rope for that matter.

treestyler · Feb 1, 2011

I never use a pole saw up in the trees.....it's better to climb anyway. polesaws make terrible cuts and are a real strugle to climb with.

just climb and you will find out your climbing skills will inrease if you just don't use a polesaw.

climb safe
wouter

Blinky · Feb 1, 2011

I disagree that polesaws make terrible cuts... the climber makes the cut, not the saw. Some species require more care than others to prevent tearing but that's true with all saws.

I'm all about climbing to the cut but sometimes its a waste of time. A polesaw will get you through some trims in half the time. It's a useful tool but it's also a biotch to learn and develop the musculature for... it hurts until you get good at it... most guys just don't get that far... I was forced.

I like the Longboy because it folds and has a dedicated scabbard. It's short enough that you can hang it from your harness with a little cord for an extension. The hookfox makes it hangable in the tree and the scabbard makes it safe to push and hang above your head. Good tool to have in the quiver.

Norm_Hall · Feb 1, 2011

I agree with Blinky.
I'm all about climbing to the cut, but in American elms and similar species, a polesaw makes life much easier.

pureascension · Feb 1, 2011

When I first started learning to climb I used a pole saw too much. When my work partner told me I couldn't anymore, it forced me to learn how to climb into hard areas. Over time I realized that climbing out to it usually took less energy than pole sawing it.

treestyler · Feb 2, 2011

I have used the last pole saw in the tree about 10 years ago....from the ground they are excellent for retrieving stuck branches out off bushes.

For climbing for me it doesn't work but like everything else, that's a personal issue and you'll have to do what suits best for you and the job

climb safe
wouter

jduvall · Feb 2, 2011

Agreed, there are times when a sharp polesaw saves much time and energy.

fearless · Feb 2, 2011

I love my longboy for all the reasons blinky mentioned. Limbwalking every long branch on a huge white oak can be exhausting and I love the ability to reach several branches from the same spot. I always see small dead on spots I've already been from different angles in the canopy. Majority of the time it stays in the truck but certainly worth having when a large area needs to be covered.