D Mc
ArboristSite Operative
This appears to have become commonly used not just as an additional positioning technique in trimming but an actual flip line in all out removals.
This usage seems contradictory to me when everything taught about a climbing line directs us toward its protection; i.e., friction saver, cleanliness, don't step on it, etc. Yet of all of our line usages the removal flip line is probably the most abused. Continually scraped against, flipped against, seesawed back and forth against, while being inches from a chain saw bucking down chunks of heavy wood.
What I hear most often as justification to use the climbing line as a second flip line is a quick way out of the tree. In the set ups I have seen, it still requires a couple of steps before descent can be made; and if that is the case, using a false crotch or second flip line for a tie in would make more sense, having your climbing line preset up for such an event.
I have butt-hitched enough big wood to know that anything in close proximity to that block and lowering line can be damaged rapidly. If this goes unnoticed (the lowering line running against your highline/flip line set up) you could be in serious trouble.
D Mc
This usage seems contradictory to me when everything taught about a climbing line directs us toward its protection; i.e., friction saver, cleanliness, don't step on it, etc. Yet of all of our line usages the removal flip line is probably the most abused. Continually scraped against, flipped against, seesawed back and forth against, while being inches from a chain saw bucking down chunks of heavy wood.
What I hear most often as justification to use the climbing line as a second flip line is a quick way out of the tree. In the set ups I have seen, it still requires a couple of steps before descent can be made; and if that is the case, using a false crotch or second flip line for a tie in would make more sense, having your climbing line preset up for such an event.
I have butt-hitched enough big wood to know that anything in close proximity to that block and lowering line can be damaged rapidly. If this goes unnoticed (the lowering line running against your highline/flip line set up) you could be in serious trouble.
D Mc