Taupotreeman

I've never had a customer sign my quote forms. They are a pretty simple set up; one copy goes to the cutomer and one copy stays in the book. The customer accepts the work and the price on the quote form. All you need in addition on the form is your personal terms and conditions e.g. payment within x amount of time, interest and late payment charges if payment is not made on time, cancellation fees etc. The more you cover your backside in writing the easier it is if you have to go to small claims or the UK equivalent. I believe that the customer doesn't actually have to sign the quote form anyway, just as long as they accept the quote in principal. If you can get them to sign all the better but as i say, I've never had an issue once I show them what is written on the form and what they have agreed to the argument stops there.

Used heaps in NZ for tables, Bars, worktops and benches, outdoor furniture etc.

I've just found that on a new rope the VT does twist the rope. I've also found it un-nerving that the VT doesn't always grab when you want it to. This is the first time I've used a VT with a hitch climber and I find that I always have to dress it before putting all my weight into the knot as it doesn't always grab first time. I'm switching to the SJ in the new yeyar along with hoping to have a play on the rope wrench so should be good to see how they compare.

And split while green unless you don't value your back, bones and teeth

"it takes too long for it to dry so it ends up being burned still slightly green" It's like any wood, it needs to be seasoned so just spend the extra time to dry it properly. If you burn it green then you can only blame yourself. "here it is definitely the oil" The oil/vapour still needs an ignition source. The oil itself does not cause the fire.

If it's of any help; they say that it takes two weeks to form a habit. Two weeks to form the habit of smoking , drinking etc. Work on this principle and it takes two weeks to form the habit of NOT smoking. Set yourself the target, day by day, of getting to the two weeks. I know it doesn't help when you're craving but believe me (at least in my case) after two weeks those cravings are disappearing fast.

It makes wondeful firewood. I can't get my hands on enough of the stuff. Burns very hot and very long depending on the species and you won't see the stuff hanging around after being felled around these parts. The vapour given off is what fuels the fires. What causes them is usually some little scrote with a match who thinks it's fun to set fire to stuff, back burning gone wrong or a careless individual with a stray butt end, spark etc. The vapours are highly combustable but you'll find the same with certain species of conifer. Put a hot dry wind behind it and it's all on for young and old. The Gum that I burn doesn't spit and thinking about it I've never had any Gum spit. Are you sure that it is thoroughly dry? This stuff can take a couple of years to completely dry out. Even if it does spit, like others have suggested use a fireguard. The wood really is one of the best firewoods you'll find.

Haven't followed this entire thread and not sure if we are still talking about beggars or those that are looking for easy cash at petrol stations. While I have no issue handing over loose change for a homeless guy, regardless if he's going to spend it on booze etc, those at the petrol stations usually have access to funds (usually our tax funds via the governments handouts) quite readily. Many are making a killing from doing the rounds at the petrol stations along with benefit money and anything else they can do but very little of it involves working for a living. There was a spate of it here in NZ and most of those involved were of a certain race and socioeconimic group. I won't tar everyone with the same brush but unfortunately conclusions were drawn.

ask the doctor for zyban father in law took this never looked back its been 9 years I'll second that but you have to WANT to give up. I told myself for years that I was going to kick the habit when really I enjoyed my monring smoke too much. Eventually I just decided that this time I'd had enough and that I did want to quit. I got the Zyban from the kwak and from there on in it was pretty easy.

I'm completely at home on a set of spikes. Up, down, round and about

Yup, I'll take a couple of those at least. I'm sure there will be a couple of other kiwis in the market for one as well. Just let us know as soon as they are available. Looks like you might need to get a good stock in though judging by the reaction to them so far.

Had a quick look through the same thread on Treebuzz, can't believe how bad the flaming is there. It's out of control. Some very personal attacks. Fair play to Mr Bullman nipping it in the bud here. I tried to read the thread on Treebuzz just to see what all the fuss was about. Yeesh, I gave up in the end. Pity some people on there couldn't keep it polite.

Can't understand this. I wouldn't buy Willow for firewood and I don't bother collecting it myself as I can afford to be picky but if you leave it out for collection for free people turn their noses up. Surely ANY firewood is good wood if it's free?

Guilty too. Just saw general chat and thought that was for all non arb related stuff.

Braces for me but because I find that a belt digs in or gets squished into my guts when I'm wearing a climbing harness. Keeps my pants up better too rather than spending all day with them round my ankles.

I think the early photos are more my cup of tea. An opportunity to actually see and experience the majesty of the trees. It's something I've wanted to do since I was a kid so I'd prefer to spend what little time I have taking a steady walk rather than the more touristy things, if that makes sense.

That's a fairly hefty lump of wood to be shifting by hand. Where is that by the way?

To be fair I really don't give a monkeys about the weather. For all I care it can hose it down the whole time I'm there; I still intend to enjoy every second of it. The to do list definately includes Alcatraz and a boat trip out on the bay. I'm also keen to go whale watching (why in San Francisco and not just down the road in Kaikoura I don't know) and the trip up to the redwoods is now also on the list. As far as the cheesy drive trip; not sure this is really my cup of tea and I'll have spent long enough in a New Orleans jazz bar somewhere that I'll be keen for some fresh air and a bit of a walk by the time SF rolls around. As far as Yosemite is concerned; I was really keen in the beginning but the more I see of the area the more it looks like one massive tourist trap. It does look stunning but I'm not sure that I really want to be mixed in with a heap of other tourists. In addition most people recommend spending a few days in Yosemite and as we have already booked and paid for a hotel in SF I'll probably miss it this time around in exchange for heading up to the redwoods and plan better for the next trip ( which I aim to include Canada and Alaska in). Carlos, don't worry, I think we are taking three cameras and a couple of memory cards so should be at least a couple of decent photos out of it come rain, hail, snow or whatever. Oh, and no kids. There's no way I could afford this trip if I had kids

This is a regular occurence in NZ. People try the same trick car after car after car at the same petrol station. Then they'll take off to the next fuel station and try the same thing there. It's usually just $10 but if 10 people all give $10 then it's easy money for them.

That's exactly what I mean. The car company has already but the make, model etc on the car for you. I can read it, I don't need to read it again on a number plate. And, just for the record, I bought my missus a private plate a few years ago. Cost me $700 and I had her nickname put on it. Like I said in a previous post; you can have pretty much what you like rather than trying to get certain letters and numbers to sort of make a name or something like they do in the UK.

The ones that crack me up most in NZ are the people that, for example, have an Audi S5 and then they get a number plate that says AUDIS5. I just don't see the point in that whatsoever.

Is it just the nanny state UK that this applies to guys? No such rule here, just go out and arm yourself with whatever size saw you deem fit.

Haha, nice weather to be sitting on the beach bro. Have a good one and may the beer run freely.

Temporary Visas all done on line Adam. Pretty straight forward as long as you haven't got any dodgy convictions. Took me about five minutes although they can still refuse you entry at customs. It's called a visa waiver program and is done through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Cost $14 US so cheap as chips.

That's a whole lot of awesome information thanks md. Anything you can pm my way would be much appreciated. I'll also start doing some research on the route etc and then wing it when I get to San Fran. Car hire I figure I should be able to get sorted at the hotel.