Albedo

Just addressing the other end of things. I long ago got fed up with the knot (usually a fishermans) holding my snaphook on (prefer to carabiner) getting stuck in forks and having to go get it. To this end, I learned to splice (from samson website or other) and spliced my strop to my snaphook. My snaphook is sort of teardrop shaped, so combined with the splice, its guaranteed never to get stuck. Any one else have any thoughts, on this end of all your very advanced and stylish strop mechanisms? (like the bag idea) Will post a picture when I replace my lost camera, as I don't like the new snaphooks on the market and can't find one like mine, to rig up as a spare.

Well done morten, that's positive action for ya:thumbup1: It would have been good if he'd said - ICH GLAUBE NICHT, DIESE!!!!

I haven't voted as my main reason isn't in the options. Reason: They don't monitor / guarantee / assess - a tree work standard. They are an H&S led organisation.

I wondered where you were lately Tony. I feel for ya mate. I hope you can take some consalation from doing the right thing. That feeling you will have at the moment will get less painfull with time. Best regards, Paul (I take animals seriously, I like them more than people)

This is the one my research is honing in on, or its successor the G11. G11 is 450 at jessops, but 380 online shop somewhere. G10 is same camera in many ways, will be cheaper, but is rated the DB's Glad to have it confirmed from experience sean

Heres one for you to look at david. Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 -£249 If you google brand name + review you'll get a good idea of its pros and cons I'm just off to jessops now to get a bit of hands on research done

Good idea, or just another thread for now to save a major derailment here

I'm researching cameras at the mo david. I'm gonna chuck a bit of money at it tho. Looking at - Panasonic Lumix LX3 (very good for macro) but about 350 squids, Canon G10 G11 - more pricey, Canon S90 These are between a pocket type thing and SLR - hybrids with small size but SLR functions. I'll keep you informed of how my finding out goes and bear you in mind as I do more looking into it

:biggrin:Thanks for that rupe, I was looking for an out, from big debate too but the one I wrote didn't sound right so I deleted it. I'll settle for dry logs too

I don't think osmosis is the right process as that involves solutions of different concentrations, thru a semi permeable membrane. but I think your'e right that the analysis of freeze drying only goes so far.

The wicki thing also requires heat, did you have a little electric fire or summat by the pile stevie:biggrin:

Freeze-drying (also known as lyophilization or cryodesiccation) is a dehydration process typically used to preserve a perishable material or make the material more convenient for transport. Freeze-drying works by freezing the material and then reducing the surrounding pressure and adding enough heat to allow the frozen water in the material to sublime directly from the solid phase to the gas phase. The above from wicki suggests that pressure may also be involved. Low pressure, weather wise, is gonna help the water move from the log to the atmosphere

I don’t know . but its an interesting exercise Logs have dried fast. no rain, lots of frost, hmmm??? If the frost means that atmospheric moisture is deposited as frost on various surfaces, then the air would be drier than normal or low in humidity. If water inside the logs wants to evaporate from the ends of the logs, it must be able to do so more easily into dry air than wet air. So I conclude, that the answer is yes. Based on no proof whatsoever, just my own thoughts. went away to write this in word and rupe posted but will chuck it in anyway

I think a lot will depend on what the applicant wants out of AAAC. As a 1 man band I don’t want, commercial or LA tendering clout or to get tied in knots by compliance with H&S I want The AA logo on my adverts and on my van as a work standard guarantee. Some have already argued that joe public doesn’t know the word ARB so this will have limited value, I think, the AA logo has a tree in the picture and it sounds official so they’ll get the idea. And I want it quite cheaply, How about a “sub” type system of X small amount a week. I’m sure its possible to devise a system which will deliver a standard of work guarantee, and find a way to police it. TO’s do site visits sometimes and may find it to be in their interest to get on board with the AA on this I’m worried that when combined with H&S compliance, the system will crash and burn. For example, if I never have a rescue climber on site this may exclude me from compliance with any system that is devised no matter how simple. The H&S thing could also put the costs thru the roof. Is there any way that Quality of work and H&S compliance can be seperated in any scheme, yet to be devised? I wonder Paul if you could come up with a minimum (cut to the bone) H&S compliance list so that this scary beast can be quantified? sorry more work for you

Hi paul, that was me with the cherry tree (in arb or not to arb), nice little job in the sun. Took my time over it and got a couple more jobs out of it from passing neighbours etc. And yes mostly by silky as you asked:thumbup1: By blunt silkie too, I keep mine blunt as the sharp ones frighten me. Don't blame you getting confused over who said what at the moment. I think your'e doing an amazing job of answering this innitial onslaught from us lot, I'm sure it will settle to a more day to day comfortable level soon. I like andy's idea of graded entry, regarding your response to that. How about one standard of tree work for all levels, and all the H&S C**P graded from 1 to 1 million

I won't tell anyone if you don't, your secret is safe with me:biggrin:

Who's excited, not me? Anyway I stand corrected nick, ta very much. While I'm here paul, I can see how I was completely wrong about my first point re above paragraph 3, although the wording leaves a lot to be desired. However the more I re-read the last sentence, it does give the impression that the AA is inspecting the work of it's AAACs and by extension offering some kind of industry body, guarantee of said work. On a forum like this there will always be people who disagree, which is a good thing, thats how we all learn, or agree to differ. However, does this not amount to a false claim, or the impression of one due to wording. Must go reduce a little cherry tree now, to my own exacting standards, your'e welcome to come have a look if you want - see how its done:biggrin:

Thanks for the explanation Paul, makes sense, but as you say, the wording might be reconsidered. yours still flabergasted, but a slightly happier bunny - Paul Brash By the way your misspelt (not sure how many s's) director is Mr Thorman not Thurman, if its ED's dad.

The recent arrival of a voice from the AA has increased my interest in said organisation, previously I had written it off as it doesn’t represent me. Also a call to my local office when I set up on my own resulted in an admisssion that the AA has little to do with one man bands like me. Anyway I just looked at their website and this is what it says at the head of the approved contractors list “Approved Contractors List 2010 The work undertaken by the Contractors includes advice on maintenance requirements, planting, tree pruning, cable bracing, pest and disease control and the felling of trees in difficult positions. The companies listed have been approved by the Council of the Association as complying with, and practicing to, the standard required by the Association. The companies have been examined for safe working practices and technical competence consistent with British Standard 3998: Recommendations for Tree Work, 1989. The Arboricultural Association expects very high standards which restrict the number of successful applicants. Because of the irrevocable nature of all operations concerning tree care these standards are carefully maintained by inspection of the recommended Contractors”. I am amazed and angered by the contents of paragraph three. It blatantly states that it is the AA’s” very high standards which restrict the number of applicants”. It is saying that the reason I am not a AAAC is because I am afraid of their standards. It also states that it maintains these standards OF TREE WORK – “By Inspection”. I may be mistaken, but I thought it had been recognised by AAteckie that no such inspections of AAAC’s take place. I’m flabergasted by this, not a happy bunny at all!!!!! This backs up what Andy Clark has been saying big time!!!!! As if that wasn't enough, Youv'e also misspelt the name of one of your Trustee/ Directors Paul, on the about us page (90% sure anyway)

Same outfit again: [email protected] luke @snowcam.co.uk

I've been googling away and thats the best I could find too. Chamonix number 0033(0)4 50 53 01 01 thats snowcam.com

I don't get it. Are you an NGO dedicated to the saving of trees As suggested by your stated aims, Who are we? We are a small organization operating in the heart of the UK that is dedicated to the care and protection of trees. Livingwithtrees.co.uk was recently set up to give out free information on the meaning and importance of trees, the correct care of trees, planting, tree anatomy, and tree preservation orders. What are our aims? By creating this website, we aim to inspire and encourage others to: Love and protect trees. Learn about tree diseases and fungi Submit their own fascinating pictures of trees See trees not just for being ‘a tree’, but the single most important living thing on the planet. Redress the balance of trees. Care for trees in the correct way. Get into the arboricultural industry and work with trees for a living. Tell others about the importance of trees. Or are you a tree nursery selling trees as suggested by the wide range of trees for sale in your shop. Nothing wrong with doing both but a bit misleading as I thought you were the former untill I looked in your shop expecting to see only, those very cool T shirts

I normally do big stuff with another local outfit, but I think it might be worth swapping phone numbers, as there's quite often something big, big that rears its ugly head, and makes me shake in me boots. never say never:biggrin:

My customers might find your rig a bit frightening skyhuck. Were very fond of our block paving round here:biggrin: also the phrase hammer to crack a walnut springs to mind:biggrin:

we are now debating stuff in firewood and this thread, I've forgotten what this thread is about now. By all means you can have my conscience jobs. I wondered where you were in the northwest. I thought I'd answered the felling one for this scenario. For felling healthy trees generally my conscience might apply depending on the situation. Its doing client led, bad treework, where there is still some tree left standing that I take a stance on. This might also depend on where the tree is - which I'm sure could be argued is hypocritical.