Andy Collins

Perfectly understandable reaction. I remember standing at several trade shows looking at these "silly little chippers" thinking what wrong with just getting a proper one. Well, like many, I've been there and done it and had the t-shirt, dragged and dragged, fed big chippers and bigger chippers, chippers on Mogs, chippers on Fastracs, you know what? I'd rather use my little un these days, than pay more people to walk back and forth with twigs. It's not a tool for every job, like a 020t isn't for every part of a job, but it is the right tool at the right time, other times only a big chipper will do.

Went today, caught up with a lot of old friends as usual. Larger number of stands this year, an extra twenty or so I'm led to believe. Big queues for foods and drinks. But I like this show, I like its quirkiness, I also like the fact that it has a huge draw across the spectrum of people in this country, something many shows don't have. Each year it seems to surpass the last. Some quality products there, again catering to all tastes. And for those of you taking the kids, there is activities for them too.

Bang on Stevie, personally I think these little chippers are an essential tool these days. If I started out again I would buy one before a tow behind. It raises revenue faster, gets around the trailer licence for the younger drivers, gets your business up and running.

All the very best for your day, and well done in doing it.

Huck, one of the most sensible, logical and reasoned posts I think I've ever read on this forum.

I have worked from home for a long time. I have used chainsaws for years. I do not interfere with the ways in which others live and I expect the same respect in return. It's always worked for me, never fallen out with any neighbour. I know some people who will report their neighbours for farting on a SundAy, mowing the stripes on the lawn the wrong way, whatever. They are life's losers, just ignore them and leave them to play in their own poo, whatever makes em happy, just don't descend to their level, they are far too good at being idiots and will beat you at being utterly stupid any day.

IMO, and it's only that, the partnership was with your brother and died with him, no one else. His wife is an accountant, I'd say capable of earning far more than you. As others say, proper legal advice is the only correct route. I like the idea of his daughter having a trust fund set up. Tough one to call though, IIRC he has not been long gone, emotions can be very raw at this time, so not the best time to try and resolve it. I really feel for you, and all his family, so sad a loss.

Listen to this man.

Trade the Victorinox for Gerber or Leatherman, proper man tools Stanley flask = yes (if I didn't have one) JetBoil= yes as above storm kettle = yes as above Also decent storm proof turbo lighters, handy for many tasks in foul weather. Real cheap ones burn out the elements too quickly, quality lasts longer. Decent head torches, if you don't already stock them, a boon for call outs and winter evenings.

Most builders around here drive around in decent motors, they have sand, ballast etc delivered directly to site and only have to carry hand tools with them, waste tends to go into skips and muck away trucks. Arbs however tend to carry the by-products of their jobs away from site to a muddy yard. Two completely different trades, with completely different needs.

I shall "Echo" TCDs post. A couple of years ago I started a thread in my quest to find the best long reach trimmer available on the market. And the conclusion was the the Echo, and I haven't been disappointed thus far. A well built machine, good cutting and holds its edge well. The multi position head is handy, the vibes are non-existent, fuel economy is acceptable. My machine is now a couple of years old and is in fine condition. I prefer it to other machines available on the market, and I've tried most, and I also own a Stihl but prefer the Echo.

I think the whole certification system needs a reboot. From the beginning, start again. Back in the early eighties when I did my first courses, instructors didn't just run through a tick box of fells and dish out tickets "like sweeties". They looked for the aptitude of the student. Out of 6 on my course, 4 failed that course, I recall one re-took it and passed, the other three dropped away, left the trade and rightly so. Roll forward to the mid 90s, I took my tickets again, due to period of non use I wanted to ensure I was up to scratch. 6 on the course, 6 passes. Sounds good, well not really. One lad couldn't put the chain on the right way around, despite hours of being shown, and repeat on his general saw use. He got his tickets, regardless of his abilities, in old lingo, he was as thick as two short planks. But the bums on seats training courses have to allow those with learning difficulties the same opportunities as the more able, and the fear of being accused of discrimination is greater than allowing a fail. I felt this was wrong, it lowered the standard to base level, it made IMO the tickets a joke. Judging on some of the latest new bods that I've seen come into the industry, this rubber stamped certification is still alive and well. The industry does not suffer a shortage of certificated operators, it suffers a shortage of technically able operators, time-served with experience to match. I too have had the "invite" to join this new group, a group that actually will not allow the working man to be vocal. I shall not be joining.

Well, as they can't be bothered to send me a catty, I can't be bothered to buy off them, easy.

Big bowl of porridge, followed by toasted doorsteps of white bread with lumps of butter and spread with honey. 10am white bread rolls, plain. Salt crisps, unripe banana Lunch: white bread rolls, salt crisps another banana 3pm salt crisps, banana (now ripe) Supper: sausage chips beans (tonight) banana and Evap milk Most work days the daytime fodder remains very similar, evening meals vary in excitement.

I can't even get them to send a catalogue out, been on their mailing lists for decades, get all the rubbish emails, yet no catalogue.

I had an ash in a similar situation, con area and the garden wall leaned out. Initially from my pics you couldn't tell what the real problem was. I had some neighbours move their cars into camera shot, chose some careful camera angling to make the lean of the wall look as bad as possible, and included them in the notification. Got the required fell without hassles.

Mate, I never got ill in my working life, I paid into insurance for 16 year that I've been self employed. Around summer 2011 I was saving costs and closed some policies down, I kept personal sickness and personal accident cover. By the end of the year I was in deep doo-doo, lying in hospital in real trouble. I spent nine weeks in there, I'm still recovering from the ops and only able to work part time. I'm lucky on two counts. 1) I lived. 2) I had kept enough cover to pay the bills, took all the stress out of things when I was at my worst, I could concentrate on getting well again. I'm not preaching for the sake of it, I would encourage anyone to protect their income in case the worst happens.

Take it from someone who knows, you can't afford to not listen to the advice. You should have personal injury and sickness insurances, to cover the inevitable failure of your health. If you rush back to work too soon, you will herniate again, not might. Wear support belts to lessen the stress on your hernia now, work smarter.

Well, once again Rich Rule maintained his winning form, the only competitor to get a t-shirt (20 or more), matching me with 21. I did achieve a 22 late yesterday, but unwitnessed so not verified. I liked this "Forestry Village" idea at this show, if this idea was used at the AA Show I think it would be a winner, hats off to Chalky and all his team for their efforts every year, brilliant set up. combined with the usual country show things this is a winner for a total family event, unlike the usual trade shows. Good to put the names to a few more faces from the forum, and see some of the old reprobates again as well. Cheers for your help over the weekend Adam

I didn't take any, trying to keep things going on the stand is enough. Only had one score over 20 (21 in fact...me!! ) yesterday, which was surprising as the AT Big gun of Rich Rule is there to hot up the competition () Adam Bourne puts up a consistently good battle, with sudden death throw offs resulting in some comical and extremely long "Walks of Shame" to retrieve the axes. I think Adam has a picture of Steve taking a crafty toss at some point, but the main mans heart just doesn't seem to be in it yet this season, maybe the winter lay off has taken the edge off his Axe. Dan (The Man) Curtis put up a spirited battle, but his weariness from the climbing events took their toll on his performance, hopefully the overnight session in the campsite will pick him up. Daring camera angles while Steve was throwing should be interesting to see later? Eh Dan? The competition is seriously missing the Hucks single-handed technique, Lofty Lofthouses competitive edge, and Stevie Blairs ever-present bubbly personality, and Mark Bolams Northern grit, maybe some new contenders will enter the fray, step up to the mark, and boost our contributions to the Children's Trust. Oh, and we have some really cool Treeshirtz on sale there too. And if you're any good, score 20 or more, you can actually win one.

Hard to gauge really, we are sort of off to one side tucked away in the trees for safety. It is a country Game Show first and foremost, rather than industry specific. We have had some keen competitors, but large spells of inactivity as well. I think tomorrow should be the better day, being a Sunday. I really must applaud the organisers of all the Forestry events there, Chalky, Tony etc, they have worked their socks off to make this a true spectator sport for this event.

there ya go.

Thanks to all of you who supported us today, at the Axe Throwing as well as the rest of the comp. if you're coming along tomorrow, look us up in the Forestry village area, myself Adam Bourne, Steve Bullman Are manning the stand, other members are about throughout the day to catch up with and shoot the breeze with, as well as purchasing the latest Treeshirtz products. The main Cutters and Climbers comps are in full swing, and is entertaining for the onlooker to watch.

We do have "gtgs", usually in the guise of rec climbs, bbqs, or meet up at shows. For charity, we hold the axe throwing comps, amongst other stuff. You just need to follow the forum really to keep up to speed.

Yes that was Summer 2013, rain today and getting colder with frosts again. Packing the summer clothing away ready for the sunny day next year.