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Try and separate yourselves from the majority of tree workers. Most guys couldnt explain a vector, or even tell you the force multiplier in a simple basal tie.
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In my experience most tree workers know these forces, but often cannot put a name to them. Experience tells a climber that the branch union is stronger closer to the trunk than out the limb a ways. There is a innate understanding of bending moment even if it cannot be quantified. That is just one example.
Often when explained forces and the corresponding names are easily grasped, because to a climber it "just makes sense"
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"an understanding of the forces a climbing system puts on a tree is vital and must be understood before leaving the ground by every climber, every climb."
That seems awful lofty dont you think? We Buzzers and other forum participants are the obvious minority, but what makes us the lucky ones is having guys like you two to learn from.
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Not so lofty. On written forums it is important to say what you mean and mean what you say and to make that abundantly clear. Precise word choice, proper punctuation and succinctly stated points are all a part of this process. Even if the idea is it is easier to brake a pencil in half cross grain than pull it apart longwise or the opposite to compress it.
Of course I am going out of my way to use an eclectic vernacular , because your use of the term "lofty" made me chuckle a bit. As a result of a closely held, long running joke, I am going out of my way to poke at you. It is all truly in jest and I sincerely hope you are chuckling as you read this lengthy tome bedangled with big words, expanded vocabulary and sophistry!
While my writing is often construed as lofty, you must admit, when read there is usually little doubt as to my subject/point/ whatever. I as stated above a hope a laugh or two as well.
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"we can calculate rope strength, hitch holding capacity, friction at tie in points, harnes strength and on and on. What we must estimate to the best of our ability is tree strength and stability and how it will react to what we wish to do as climbers, pruners and/or riggers."
-I think most guys think, 'its bigger than my wrist?' = good to go.
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Not a bad rule of thumb, by the way, for much of North America
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One of the biggest hurdles we face is figuring out how to educate people that, as a majority dont really want to be educated. Further, when you give uneducated people facts, rules of thumbs, and simple formulas; sometimes you are giving them just enough to think they understand the complex factors when in reality they have been given only enough rope to hang themselves.
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I disagree. Most tree workers want to learn to expand their knowledge. This is not to say all are that way, but the great majority welcome learning and improvement.
The art and skill of taking complex ideas, formulas or lofty sophistry and presenting them simply in a engaging fashion that can be remembered and applied is the difference between good training and poor. It should be the main focus of arboricultural trainers and constantly refined and expanded upon.
The best technician in the world is no good as a teacher less he or she can convey what they know clearly, in an understandable fashion.
Tony
