Custom Saddle Ideas

[Merle Nelson]

Such as...

 

[tuttle]

I bought a weightlifting belt to try out as a base unit, nice old leather with double eyes, great condition, will see how it works out, and post pics as soon as.

 

[tuttle]

merle, it looks like you are going camping for a week up that tree

amazing to see someone carry all that, bet you had to remain upright.

 

[islandarb]

Merle that's a lotta stuff there, liked the pic so much I came back to look at it, don't envy that removal...you gotta do what ya gotta do...

 

[southsoundtree]

Maybe mentioned. The Treemotion lower rings with the bridge allow a snap to be clipped in, like on most steel core fliplines. Rigging plate don't, or don't always.

 

[evo]

Has anyone come across a manufacturer that produces fig 8's that can be used in place of rings, or rigging plates? I've never done it, but I have had the thought of using and 8 on my bridge instead of a ring. It could also make for a good Tree motion style suspension to bridge connection.

Maybe and 8 like this? Lower hole for harness suspension, slot for the rope bridge with stopper knots, large eye for second laynard option. I can't thing of a use for the horns though.... There may be a better 8 style out there too..

 

[Tom Dunlap]

A good place to start to look for F8's is Gary Storrick's Vertical Devices page.

I've read almost every page on is page and learned a LOT!

 

[evo]

His page is great, but I guess what I'm trying to ask is; is this configuration of a figure 8 against manufacture spec's? and is there a manufacturer who would ok this use of their gear?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Find the shape you like and then ask the manufacturer directly.

I'd really like to see a mock-up of your concept. It's intriguing!

 

[evo]

I found the 8 I would use. I only have one 8 but I'll play around and see if I can get something photo worthy to show the idea.

http://smcgear.net/figure-8-s-descender-s/smc-figure-8.html

 

[tuttle]

@evo

I have used a fig 8 on a bridge, but they get in the way a lot of the time.

The new tiny trendy fig 8 eights are good, but they are not the strong compared to rings.

Take a look at 'rock exotica's' range

 

[Jamin_Mayer]

I have been seriously thinking of making my own harness for a few years. I don't see why a T.M. couldn't be replicated.

The material used is only conveyor belt (which is cheap). You could use an existing T.M. and use that as a template. You could buy neoprene rolls, for padding, cheap. The webbing to keep it captive, would be cheap too.

I priced the raw materials out and the whole project could be done under $100 dollars.

I have not idea how long it would take though. I'm certain there would be a lot of trial and error.

If one were to make a custom harness, where would we go to test it and get it rated?

 

[evo]

As Tom D pointed out to me a while back, is that in the US there is no ANSII spec's for saddles (any more). They are not rated as a assembled unit, but as individual pieces... So like the Tree Verse in the video above, it appears that it would be as strong as the oceans poly rope and rings..

 

[evo]

Ok Tom here is the best I could come up with... If I were to do this I would make it like the Tree Verse in the above video, but have the harness suspension and leg loops go though the small eye of the 8. Then with the right 8 with a hole or slot (like the SMC above) do a rope bridge with stopper knots... In the photo I only have 1/2 the stuff to get the idea illustrated...

 

[chep]

Merle,

whoa! What is the smaller yellow saw hanging?

thanks

 

[Merle Nelson]

Poulan 25AV. Just sent the photo in a moment of light hearted/egotistical weakness. Don’t recall if I had all three on my harness at one time that day. Poulan and HT 131 Pole Saw are hanging on tree. I frequently climb with a lot of gear and often have both a 25 and power pole saw on for periods. That tree had some high power lines ten feet away and I was trying to get it done without any ground person touching ropes.

 

[BOTS]

Nice pic merle!

Theres times when I run 2 saws on my saddle as well

 

[BOTS]

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Even worse when you have 2 saws attached.

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1 Why on earth would you ever have two chainsaws hanging from your saddle?

2 If you have a saddle with a bridge and ring(or something similar for attachment) the load is on the ring and climbing line, hence the reason for putting the saw there. If you need pics to visualize, I'll provide.

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running 2 saws on a california live oak...ms 200 rear handle for chunking down big branch, then lower to groundie...used ms 150 for rest of tree prune...ms 150 little heavier than a hand saw..lol

 

[MattyD]

Wow Merle Awesome picture!!! That's a biggin. Many times you may have 2 saws and need to hang one up in a tree at certain points for the bigger cuts. I deffinatly need to try some harness suspenders, Any Suggestions Merle??
You have what you need on your belt Don't we All

 

[bonner1040]

I bought a really nice pair for $20 at home depot. I just got the 'good' tool belt suspenders. It is a neoprene like thing.