Spruce Pirate

If they'd done that it might have been easier, the lock barrel was removed. Found it lying on the ground at the back. Don't know how they did it as there's no marks around it, no dents etc. The last time I tried to do it it took me about an hour! I've gone and ordered myself a big security dead-bolt type thing to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted.

I might add the Land-Rover in question has a secure back, solid door, no rear windows, full height bulkhead separating back from cab, so they weren't just lying there with a coat draped over them.

Unfortunately I agree with you - and I won't. If other people lock stuff up better as a result of this thread then that's a good thing. I live in a nice rural location, crime minimal, yes complacent, yes regret it. What's done's done, I'll bounce back. I know I'm stupid for leaving them in there, but I still think that it is responsibility of people NOT TO STEAL STUFF, not my responsibility to secure it. I make no bones about it, yes I made a daft mistatke but this is not my fault - the fault and the blame lies with the people (I'm being generous and still crediting them with being members of the human race) who stole them. As always there is a plus side - no holidays this year or next (and Chirstmas may be cancelled) but I might get a couple of new saws out of it!

Got out this morning to discover the back of the Land-Rover broken into and 3 saws missing: Stihl MS 660; Husky 560xpg; Husky 346xp. Stolen last night from Arnprior, Stirlingshire. If anyone local gets offered a saw from the list I'd be very pleased to hear from you. Seems quite a specific theft, nothing else was taken so be on the lookout and keep your kit well secured.

Sorry , delay in replying, you must've posted while I was typing. I'm easily distracted, so you'd be surprised how long it can take me to type a few words.

No, but a "V" undercut works well. Similar principle, instead of an ordinary undercut you cut in from both sides, taking out some of the side wood and the undercut to form a, well, V. Then top cut in line with the bottom cuts.

Thanks for the replies. I might give it a bash next time I find a heavy leaner to deal with. Don't think I'll start off on a 6 footer though, maybe something smaller. If its really small stuff do you really need these cuts (double v or CB)? Sharp saw and cut quick should work on really small stuff. If its big enough to worry about it jack-knifing then you should be able to get the saw in to complete the cuts I would hope. These type of cuts should only really be used when direction isn't an issue, ie the trees only going to fall one way anyway, so I wouldn't be worrying about that.

Very heavy leaners I normally double v, or golden triangle, call it what you will, but its always good to learn new things. Easy enough to get the saw pinched taking out the double v and now that I think about it, it makes sense not to gub it as it will pinch on a heavy lean. So, next question, how deep do the side cuts go? A third removed each side? Presumably also quite easy to pinch the saw at the underside of the lean when putting in the side cuts?

OK, thanks. So why wouldn't you put a sink in? Or why would you? Does it make any difference? Side cuts would be parallel to direction of fall, presumably level with each other? The back cut would be at the same height as the side cuts? Does this cut work on any size of timber?

For what its worth the golden triangle is what I'd call a double v. I think Coos Bay is similar, but I've only ever had it described to me. Would need to see it to understand it properly.

Done, comments same as others.

I spoke to the guy at the FC today. Basically he said if it looks like a garden then they'd class it as a garden, if it looks like a wood they'd class it as a wood. He also mentioned OED definition and maintenance being a large part of this, so if trees are maintained in a garden like fashion (private arboretum?) then they'd class it as a garden. Not sure if this helps, it seemed a bit wooly. The links to the cases above seem more concrete than my conversation.

How much noise does a van idling actually make? Unless you're sleeping with the windows open (in the middle of winter ) I can't see that it would disturb anyone. If it's doors slamming and kit being thrown in the back with associated loud clunks and bangs then fair enough he's got a point, but just a van idling - the guy must have bat like hearing.

If you were to (and I don't think you should, but if you did) get a yard and work from there, you would still be entitled to go out a 4.30 in the morning and start your car/van for 10 mins to let it warm up. You would also be fine using the saw to cut your own firewood on the weekend. In my opinion there is no problem with doing either of these things, your neighbour is just a PITA. So long as your not having clients coming around or punting firewood from the front lawn I don't think your "running a business from home". As far as the RA stuff goes, even if you were you needn't show him a copy of it - ask him for a copy of his RA the next time he cuts his grass. Good luck, hope you get it resolved.

What a horrible situation to find yourself in, feel very sorry for you. Was your sister-in-law involved in the business before? You say she's an accountant, did she do the books? If this is the situation do you really want or need to cut her out of the business completely, or could she carry on doing accounts and admin work. I think 50% is a bit much for doing this, unless your business grows well beyond being just yourself, but some sort of agreement could be reached - either a wage or a smaller percentage of profit. I have to agree that impartial advice from a proffessional would be best.

Just did! Always been happy with Dixon-Bate, would reccomend them over non-branded which I have also run.

Finally, I've found the centre seat. It was removed from a 2000 Td5, seat base in good condition, top of the seat back is split right along so the foam is poking out the top. Could be repaired if you're handy that way or covered with a seat cover. If anyone's interested in it let me know.

Don't know if it makes any difference, but is it urban or rural location? Rural location to me would suggest woodland, urban more likely to be garden. Probably has no basis in law, but that's the way it seems to me. I know an ex-woodland officer with the FC. I'll ask him his opinion, see if I can get any ideas how FC would view it.

Did you get a new packet of highlighters for easter? Aforementioned Huskys in Stirlingshrie are for forestry.

Forgot, didn't I! Did you get sorted?

I think I've still got one kicking about in the shed. I'll try and remember to look tomorrow and let you know. Think it's in good condition, price would be very reasonable, don't know about postage costs.

Did a job at the end of last year with traffic management which included a bus stop in the coned off lane. The TM boys just put a bag over it and effectively cancelled it for the duration of the works. I thought they'd have to put up some sort of temporary bus stop, but apparently not. That was the TM company's choice though, not mine - that's why I get the proffessionals in to take care of that side of things, they have the answers to these questions.

In this case, all FISA members appear to have agreed that to work for them chainsaw operators will need to have carried out refresher training by Oct this year. So, simples, if you don't want to do the refresher training don't work for a FISA member, or anyone who works for a FISA member. As far as I'm aware this will apply to arb, forestry, fencing, anyone who operates a chainsaw. If you only do domestic arb and garden work then it is still only and HSE recommendation that you do refresher. So, the risk is yours. If you don't do it and you never have any contact with HSE you're fine. If you don't do it and HSE come knocking for whatever reason you have to justify why you haven't done it. As said before, there is more than one way to demonstrate refresher training and it can be carried out in house. FISA is different, they will insist that it is a refresher course that they recognise, so can't be done in house unless you have an approved instructor working for you. I've said before, the big problem with the FISA model is who is paying for it and the content of the approved courses.

Yeah, but its really white with orange. And Huskys are pure, unadulterated, orange (I'm ignoring new silver bits and older white bits).

Nice motors them. Lot of space in back, especially with seats down, comfortable, not too bad on fuel, very capable off-road, good bit of get up and go, plenty towing capacity. Good choice. Land-rover haters will list a load of faults or potential faults, but even the newest of them is now 9 years old so a few faults can be expected. If its basically sound then any faults can be fixed.