Block + Tackle

[softbankhawks]

Well, technically I'm not 100% sure if this is truely a block and tackle, but I have been using it for the past six months alot and I kinda fell in love with the simplicity of it. I tried it with a capstan when rigging an oak and it was just OK (I have a GRCS), so I use it mainly for trees like the one you are about to see. It has smoothed out some fiddly work and got the job done quicker and cleaner than climbing and piecing.

The willow was fairly awkward with 7ft of brambles to be cut away, numerous metal relics lying around, a constant smell of dog crap from next door, a wasps nest and each side was lined with fencing and sheds. Basically it HAD to go right.

There are a few short clips...sideways I'm afraid.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gXr4pVP__c]YouTube - 02072009168[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH671aIdNFM]YouTube - 02072009169[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdrX-R_dj-M]YouTube - 02072009170[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRCz49b7gAM]YouTube - 02072009171[/ame]

 

Good God it was hot today:ohmy:

[Marc]

Fiddle blocks are a great tool, Barton do some nice ones at a good price from your local chandelry.

 

How do you install the pull line?

[softbankhawks]

I looked at the sailing shops but for what I can get in MBS this set-up was far cheaper. There were three leads. I climbed.

[gibbon]

Why not just set up your rigging pulleys on the pull line?

[Marc]

What block are you using and did you have to climb to make the cuts?

 

Those barton blocks are plenty strong you'd be hard pushed to break one even with 4 guys on the rope.

[softbankhawks]

Sure, why not. I like the speed of re-adjustment when you need extra pull. We used three lengths of the B+T to get this over.

[Marc]

Why not just set up your rigging pulleys on the pull line?

 

The blocks are tidier and more compact, you can leave the system set-up in a bag for many different applications and quick use. They also have a rope brake to aid you when pulling over heavy leaning stems.

Yes you can use rigging pulleys, but for the small intial outlay the fiddle blocks are worth it.

[gibbon]

Thanks for that. We use the rigging blocks often to do just that. I can see the benefit of having a small light weight set up to hand though.

[softbankhawks]

They sure are strong but that wasnt my point, it was a pound for lb thing. I climbed for two and this was the third.