AHPP

In fact you've just convinced me to buy a ring and ring on a short strop that I can use for redirects (retrievable even) and that I can also prussik wrap onto a bigger strop for a second chunking anchor (the pulley being the other). Now that's a thrifty solution for a clean main system and a bonus double rope chunking system. Edited to add: The big strop (with double rings prussik wrapped on) could also be used to equalise a pair of stems for some span type usefulness.

My setup is the same as yours (blue ISC and usually natural crotch redirects) and I've been thinking about investing in more rigging stuff recently too. My thinking is that rings have weight, simplicity and friction in their favour but the bend radius is still much bigger (better) on pulleys. That doesn't seem to matter in the real world though. People are rigging big bits on rings fine. So I'll probably buy rings next rather than another pulley, partially so I have a mix of stuff but also because the weight is attractive for carrying them about for redirects (better than natural crotch for keeping the system slick enough that pieces can be tensioned/lifted).

Even before that, you can tell a lot from how they stoke their pipe.

Yeah, that occurred to me too (standing in the shed, puzzling as to how I’d just wiped four quid off a chain). Some kind of clamshell?

Well that’s not very good is it. Make one better and I’ll buy it.

He was having to make adjustments to get equal lefts and rights, as do I. Joe’s lefts and rights come out equal. What about other people’s?

Do you get equal length cutters left and right when you sharpen from the same side?

I recently got a Granberg Precision Grinder ( https://granberg.com/product/g1012xt-precision-grinder-12v/ ). I'm using diamond stones from chainsawbars. I'm just getting past the stage where I accidentally grind too much chain off but I'm still not as happy as I usually am freehand filing. What tips have people got for getting the best out of it? An example annoyance I have with it is that if you sharpen the right cutters from the left of the bar, you either have to sharpen the left cutters from the left side of the bar or you have to rotate the grinder to the right side of the bar to sharpen the left cutters. Either way changes the cutter length and I have to measure the right cutters and adjust the left to match. Is something wrong, am I doing something wrong or is this just the machine? Likewise stone height from side to side. How do I guarantee the same hook (side plate angle) on both sides of the chain without measuring angles or somehow optically comparing hooks ? Another thing on my mind, do people swap the battery clips around to get the same burr (or lack of) on both sides of the chain? That sort of finnicky stuff. I want the best I can get out of it. Respectfully, please no comments like 'I just file' or 'granbergs are shit lol'.

Are you heating with solar photovoltaic electricity or solar thermal water?

I agree. I’ve got cheap Husqvarna Classic As and cheap Oregon Yukon Cs. All the expensive ones I see people wearing are hanging off them. Mine are still in good nick.

You’ve pretty much got it. It’s a nice idea but the leg of rope going down the back of the tree to get hit with wood or rubbed by rigging ropes usually makes it a non-starter. Even if it was routed pretty well, the nagging doubt would distract me. That’s from a perspective of doing mainly removals. I can see it being a bit more viable on reductions but you’ve still got the lanyard and rescuer issues.

It’s subsidised. That’s not a free market.

Let the market work it out.

Will it go down and up these steps?

Can anyone recommend a company who hires a 25-30m tracked MEWP in Bedfordshire or environs please. I need it on Monday for two to five days, delivered to site near Bedford.

I had a reply penned and then I realised I can’t be arsed. They’re just shit. All the best.

Tell us more about your woodland management job.

Because they cost loads, prove nothing and cause lazy employers to employ substandard workers who put people at risk.

I know what it means. Many people with NPTC certificates are not competent. I've met several of them.

Yes, mate. Madeline McCann is going to turn up alive and well too.

In a wettish bit of Staffordshire. What is it?

No. I specifically avoided them. There’s nothing in what I wrote that he can’t easily google.

Not intended combatively. You come across as someone who appreciates doing things well. I told you how I see things in the hope that you’ll take my advice, have a better life and forever think kindly of me. Good luck with it all. Keep us updated.

What that says to me is that you don’t know the difference between double rope technique and single rope technique (or even that these different things exist). The answer you want: Pulley because it can be used for loads of stuff and is pretty much as good under a hitch as a zig zag. Noteworthily, it’s easier to put a rope wrench above a forgiving hitch and pulley rather than a slick zig zag. The answer you stand to benefit more from: Go and get your money back from your training provider. At best, they’ve failed to give you a broad understanding of tree climbing systems and also failed to teach you the rapidly emerging industry standard. Especially bad considering your age and fitness... And, at worst, your aerial rescue knowledge is unacceptably holey. If you want to make money by climbing trees, get some more (good) training or take the time to teach yourself.

What SRT systems were you taught on your courses?