constantine
ArboristSite Operative
Great tips here!
I agree, this thread deserves to be a sticky!
The best lighter I have found for the woods is the Brunton Helios. It uses butane, and will light every time, even in the wind. They go for about $40 online, but when you need to use it, the cost is not important.
In the summer I carry a machete. The 24" is great for clearing around a tree which is choked in vines, etc. They are very lightweight, cut like crazy, and are cheap. Be sure to get a canvas sheath. The old Collins brand is the best I've found. They have a label on the blade with an arm holding a hammer coming up through a crown. Used to be made in CT, now in Guatemala. Nobody in Central America leaves home without one. File sharp will do.
I carry my spare chains in tupperware containers. At home, I shapen the chain, clean it in kerosene, blow it out with compressed air, and soak the sharp chain in bar oil, then let it drain off before packing in the container. I mark the lids of the containers with the size of the chain, use one container for each size.
For gloves, I like the Sealskins in winter. These are close fitting, have Gore Tex inside to keep hands dry, and have rubber nubbly things on the palms and fingers. No slip, even when wet.
Inside the vehicle, I have a piece of plywood with screw-eyes in it. Saws sit on the plywood, then I lash 'em down with rubber bungee cords. No rolling around and getting beat up.
Just my $0.02.
I agree, this thread deserves to be a sticky!
The best lighter I have found for the woods is the Brunton Helios. It uses butane, and will light every time, even in the wind. They go for about $40 online, but when you need to use it, the cost is not important.
In the summer I carry a machete. The 24" is great for clearing around a tree which is choked in vines, etc. They are very lightweight, cut like crazy, and are cheap. Be sure to get a canvas sheath. The old Collins brand is the best I've found. They have a label on the blade with an arm holding a hammer coming up through a crown. Used to be made in CT, now in Guatemala. Nobody in Central America leaves home without one. File sharp will do.
I carry my spare chains in tupperware containers. At home, I shapen the chain, clean it in kerosene, blow it out with compressed air, and soak the sharp chain in bar oil, then let it drain off before packing in the container. I mark the lids of the containers with the size of the chain, use one container for each size.
For gloves, I like the Sealskins in winter. These are close fitting, have Gore Tex inside to keep hands dry, and have rubber nubbly things on the palms and fingers. No slip, even when wet.
Inside the vehicle, I have a piece of plywood with screw-eyes in it. Saws sit on the plywood, then I lash 'em down with rubber bungee cords. No rolling around and getting beat up.
Just my $0.02.
We have two areas that we keep our 15 saws. On shelves, which means they are serviced and ready to use except for fuel and oil, and on the floor, which reminds me to service them.
