Andy Collins

Wings are good off road all the time, but fast wearing on road. I'm still on Mud runners on the rear, best ever tire off road, and road legal E rated on the front, from ATV City. They are wearing well, outlasting all the others about three times over they are Innova Racer and handle superbly in all road conditions, off road they don't cut up lawns etc if you need to turn tight. I thought I'd lose traction with road tires up front, but the difference is negligible, and I've towed trees out of lakes, pulled chippers through deep mud etc with them on.

Going by your spelling, I'd hazard a guess you're getting over excited again Pete

In a way I agree, but also disagree. It's not the skills, or the abilities of the individual here that's an issue, but the negative mindset, and I think that's why people encouraged Mike to look at the Fox-Meisters thread. If crawling to work on your belly is all you have left, then that is what you need to do. Yes, Mike is in a different boat, he is looking for a break in a very competitive market, with a lot loaded against him. But to be able to see this and address it, with a better outlook, he will stand a better chance.

Yes, I reported an issue to ORegon about their Fiordlands, I recieved a new pair of Waipouas, see above . I sent an email, with photos to support my case, I was polite , accurate and honest. So feedback is important to them, I'm sure they don't all follow Arbtalk to see what we think of them and their products. Just stating "your trousers are rubbish" doesn't tell them anything.

Hi Donk, I have a pair of Waipouas that I got when my Fiordlands deciided to fall apart. I've now had em a couple of years and they haven't torn yet. I'm not the lightest on my feet, like a bull in a china shop when it comes to getting through thorn and bramble, so I don't understand how they could fall apart.

Welcome Russell, and what a positive sounding post in this time of doom and gloom. Others moan there is no work, they can't do this or that, you should straight to the top of the pile in your search. Good luck

I've just done a search of companies on your doorstep, not exactly heaving, but there is a tree company in your area, a fencing company, and a couple of gardening companies. I don't know how big or how busy they are, but they are out there. Many of us on here have been through tough times of one sort or another, we know exactly where you are coming from. Nothing gets handed out on a plate to any of us. Even when you think everything is going well, something chucks a spanner in the works and things can and do go wrong. When things get tough, all we can do is get tougher and deal with it

All I'm hearing is negatives from you. You need to grow some confidence from within. Now I don't know you, and I don't know your history, but there must be some good points that make you attractive to employers. Show us these, and I'm sure you will be able to build on it.

People just don't get it. They don't believe that their judgement is impaired at all. The law should clearly state, no alcohol in the blood stream if you want to drive. That video is shocking, yet should be shown at prime time viewing. This message must get through to people somehow.

I've known of this rumour, but I don't hold any store by it. And I'm the luckiest bloke alive so it must be bull

Why are you looking to work for someone else? I think IIRC that you are not a young un, but mature? Why not source work that you know you can do in your area. Ok it may not be all tree felling, or climbing work, but even if its raking leaves or mulching borders, it's all work. A good friend of mine is a jobbing gardener, he has been since he left school and he just turned 60. I turned up at a job not long before Xmas and went to his shed at the property for a brew. He literally burst into tears, he had just lost his driving licence due to glaucoma. He didn't know how he could get to work, how he would keep his clients. He was miserable. With a couple of calls to CAB and the local Job Centre + I had him sorted with a taxi to and from his sites, he has to pay some and the government pick up the rest of the tab. There are ways around everything, never say never. Xmas period is always tough for everyone, many shut down for a fortnight, winding down prior to this. Many properties are flooded out this year, they aren't going to be too worried about their treesa and hedges when they are sorting that out.

I found raising the Dutch oven a couple of notches off the heat reduces the hardness of the bottom of the loaf, it trial and error, and depends on fuel, how big the fire isl and so on. Nice one though

Nice one Adam and Alex

I've popped a little in to the pot

What an amazing figure so far

Elwapo, you say people didn't read your post properly. You stuck a saw into your arm, fair enough it was only a few pin pricks and drops of blood this time. So you learned from your experience that if you "follow through" you can catch yourself with your saw, and this led you to change what? Nothing. I don't think I'm being overly dramatic to any that due to learning nothing, your confidence will increase, you take even bigger risks and really cut yourself or your rope. There are far too many "accidents" occur in the workplace that are avoidable, I'd hate to see you become a statistic because no one pointed out the flaw in your work practise. We are only trying to help.

I think given the fact that we are supposedly to lose the Ash, Oak is under threat, Elms have all but gone, Larch is under attack, etc etc we need to cherish each and every tree that we have left on this island, well cherish it until we import the next disease from the continent.

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/climbers-talk/37710-when-silky-meets-bridge-ever-wondered.html I think there's another example Pete McTree shot and posted, but I can't find that one

Another thought re: "following through" your cut onto your arm. Always know and be aware of what is behind the wood you're cutting. A Silky will sever a climbing line in a fraction of a second, you may suffer more than loss of a drop of blood.

ATB back at you Mr Fox

I've used a Sawpod for years. Any good? Well it's personal preference like any thing else. I'd say it's good because the saw sheath is always in the same place, not swinging wildly on a harness behind you, others will moan that ropes snag on the saw handles and pull the saw out of the sheath, that's down to rope management, not a flaw with the 'pod itself.

Why would anyone cut towards flesh with a blade, any blade? Treat it (hopefully) as you would treat a chainsaw, with respect and some sense.

What people should remember is that all we wish for is the forum to run smoothly with no aggravation. This is for everyone's benefit, not our own, though without aggro we can all relax and enjoy it a whole lot more.

Where I have inadvertently handled a fouled rope, or ladder, I make a point of asking for bowl of hot water soap and a towel to wash my hands, after kicking off and being in a thoroughly bad mood of course.

Phaps she does a lot of work on her back