Pruning Saw Extension
At a campsite recently I was unable to access the tank dump area due to some overhanging branches from a tree. I carry a folding "camping/pruning" saw but had neither the desire nor the agility to climb twelve or so feet up the tree to cut the offending branches. I was able to dump my tanks at an Interstate Highway rest area enroute home.
During the drive home I came up with an idea for extending the reach of my folding saw. Some months ago I had made a 3-piece "gauge pole" out of 1" PVC pipe and fittings that when screwed together is exactly the height of the highest point of my 5th-wheel trailer. There are 2 "handle" pieces, approximately 7 feet and 6 feet long, and a t-shape top piece.
Not wanting to use duct tape to join the saw with the pole, I cut a single, longitudinal, parallel-sided slot 7/8" wide (to accommodate the saw handle) and 4-1/2" long in a 7" long scrap piece of 1" sch. 40 PVC pipe . I attached the handle to the slotted pipe with six #6 sheetmetal screws, 3/4" long. A 1" slip x 1" female pipe thread PVC connector was then glued to the unslotted end of the pipe to complete the job. Now, I just need to unlimber my gauge pole, select the handle piece(s) needed, screw on the saw and remove any pesky branches.
I really enjoy reading how you good folks come up with innovative ways of solving problems and I hope some other folks may benefit from this little exercise.
End view of slotted pipe
Saw ready to attach to handle
Saw joined to slotted pipe, blade not quite closed
Saw attached to one section of gauge pole handle
Interior view of slotted pipe showing rearmost attachment screws
During the drive home I came up with an idea for extending the reach of my folding saw. Some months ago I had made a 3-piece "gauge pole" out of 1" PVC pipe and fittings that when screwed together is exactly the height of the highest point of my 5th-wheel trailer. There are 2 "handle" pieces, approximately 7 feet and 6 feet long, and a t-shape top piece.
Not wanting to use duct tape to join the saw with the pole, I cut a single, longitudinal, parallel-sided slot 7/8" wide (to accommodate the saw handle) and 4-1/2" long in a 7" long scrap piece of 1" sch. 40 PVC pipe . I attached the handle to the slotted pipe with six #6 sheetmetal screws, 3/4" long. A 1" slip x 1" female pipe thread PVC connector was then glued to the unslotted end of the pipe to complete the job. Now, I just need to unlimber my gauge pole, select the handle piece(s) needed, screw on the saw and remove any pesky branches.
I really enjoy reading how you good folks come up with innovative ways of solving problems and I hope some other folks may benefit from this little exercise.
End view of slotted pipe
Saw ready to attach to handle
Saw joined to slotted pipe, blade not quite closed
Saw attached to one section of gauge pole handle
Interior view of slotted pipe showing rearmost attachment screws
