Blocks/pulleys

[bootboy]

What are the best values for big lowering blocks? I'm not looking for anything fancy, thus, I'm finding the sherril tree steel block appealing but I was wondering if someone was aware of a better value with similar capabilities.

 

[kdslocum]

what kinda big? what are you using if for? all purpose?

 

[Iustinian]

Sherill has good ones, obviously, but if you're wanting to get as cheap as you can without sacrificing quality, I think Wespur sells the big CMI block that locks at the top with the screw set up. Its not quite as fast as the ISC blocks though. Those are for big wood.

For smaller limbs, Sherill and Wespur both have the little steel pulley rated for 6600 lbs I think; the cheek plates dont lock, and I think it's limited to 13mm ropes.

Either big or small though, the way to get the most efficiency is using the adjustable loopie and whoopie slings they sell, instead of the single eye slings -- that way you don't have to spend all that time tying timber hitches and cow hitches; you can just slide it to the length you need and girth hitch it.

 

[bootboy]

Im just starting out and live and work in Utah so the wood isn't huge. I plan to run 13 mm line, maybe doubled for the "big stuff". Thus far I've gotten away with using climbing pulleys and doubled over climb spec webbing, but I'm looking for the real deal. I'm trying to phase out all the rock climbing gear I've used thus far. I'll take a look at wespur for sure, thanks. Anyone also know where I can get good poly wedges? I'm finding steel a bit heavy to use at height.

Thanks for the help

- the newb

 

[Iustinian]

Im just starting out and live and work in Utah so the wood isn't huge. I plan to run 13 mm line, maybe doubled for the "big stuff". Thus far I've gotten away with using climbing pulleys and doubled over climb spec webbing, but I'm looking for the real deal. I'm trying to phase out all the rock climbing gear I've used thus far. I'll take a look at wespur for sure, thanks. Anyone also know where I can get good poly wedges? I'm finding steel a bit heavy to use at height.

Thanks for the help

- the newb

HARD HEAD felling wedges are by far the best -- you can get them from Treestuff.com. They are plastic, but have a "machined steel insert" on the end, so they drive in easily, and last ALOT longer than regular poly wedges but are still very light.

 

[deevo]

What are the best values for big lowering blocks? I'm not looking for anything fancy, thus, I'm finding the sherril tree steel block appealing but I was wondering if someone was aware of a better value with similar capabilities.

Get the 3/4 CMI, very good blocks, DMM are awesome but are almost double the price. Don't buy anything cheap. CMI, ISC, DMM stick with them! They will serve you well

 

[himiler]

HARD HEAD felling wedges are by far the best -- you can get them from Treestuff.com. They are plastic, but have a "machined steel insert" on the end, so they drive in easily, and last ALOT longer than regular poly wedges but are still very light.

I know this is an old thread but I have to respond to the wedge issue. Some time ago I got hold of a bunch of oak boards and decided to cut wedges out of them. After a tub full I decided to stop. The wedges work as good as or better than any plastic I've used plus when I wear em out no big deal. I still have 3/4 of the wedges to go so they're durable and the price was FREE! Just be extremely careful on the table saw since you are cutting at odd angles.
Steve

 

[Customcuts]

I got a 5/8ths cmi stainless on sell for around 100bucks combined with a tenex,loopie,whoopie sling is a great way to go, very affordable piece of mind. I plan on getting another one and an isc one as well. All in due time, but for now it gets the job done.

 

[littlejoetqt]

I know this is an old thread but I have to respond to the wedge issue. Some time ago I got hold of a bunch of oak boards and decided to cut wedges out of them. After a tub full I decided to stop. The wedges work as good as or better than any plastic I've used plus when I wear em out no big deal. I still have 3/4 of the wedges to go so they're durable and the price was FREE! Just be extremely careful on the table saw since you are cutting at odd angles.
Steve

Dogwood makes a really tough wedge, as well. I've been known to make one in the woods in a pinch, tougher than anything I've found green. The boss buys us Timber Savage wedges, they drive well but I seldom use them.