Pruning Saw Extension

[Passin__Through]

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

[profdant139]

2oldman, I agree -- if I see a thick branch that is in my way, I will not hit it. The one I don't see is the problem!

[2oldman]

profdant139 wrote:
So there is a good reason not to permit unlimited hacking by campers. And when a misplaced tree branch damages my trailer, I just have to accept it. It's a hassle, but there it is.

Nobody's advocating unlimited hacking. But when a nasty branch is an impediment to normal RV movements, it needs to go.

There's no way I'm consciously dragging my rig through low-hanging tree branches.

[profdant139]

2oldman, in Washington, you've got a lot of trees. Here in Calif, they are an endangered species -- amybe 20 percent of our scarce trees have died during this drought. So there is a good reason not to permit unlimited hacking by campers. In most of the national forests, you can take downed wood only, unless you have a cutting permit.

And when a misplaced tree branch damages my trailer, I just have to accept it. It's a hassle, but there it is.

[2oldman]

WeBeFulltimers wrote:
I recently got caught pruning some small limbs at a county owned/operated RV park. I thought they were going to put the cuffs on me!

It's nonsense, and one of my pet peeves. You can't trim anything, even obvious blockages to dump stations and campsites. Why many CGs ignore this task is beyond me.

You'd think trees were made of gold.

[Pangaea_Ron]

I thought you were supposed to do it with your AC cover?

[Passin__Through]

beemerphile1 wrote:
Very innovative although that schedule 40 PVC will be very flexible. I have a pole trimmer with an extendable fiberglass handle.

You are quite right about flexibility. I used 1" rather than 3/4" for just that reason, although it is still a concern. As long as I am careful to cut on the pull stroke and not tackle anything larger than say, 1-1/2" in diameter, it should work all right.

Now, you all realize that since I made up this outfit, I will never again have a need to trim any branches.:B

[beemerphile1]

Very innovative although that schedule 40 PVC will be very flexible. I have a pole trimmer with an extendable fiberglass handle.

[profdant139]

Good design!! This device would also come in handy on sketchy forest roads, especially when the roads have just re-opened after winter. There are often dead trees leaning over the roadway -- rather than cutting the whole tree, cut just the branches that are in the way.

I have never had to do that yet -- I have been able to drive slowly past the branches and let them slide along the top of my truck, creating some nice pinstripes in the process. I wonder if the rules about not cutting in a campground would apply to branches obstructing a logging road in a national forest?

[Passin__Through]

WeBeFulltimers wrote:
I recently got caught pruning some small limbs at a county owned/operated RV park. I thought they were going to put the cuffs on me! After the dust settled I was happy that I only got a VERY THOROUGH butt chewing. Won't do that again! :E

Thanks to those of you who expressed concern about cutting branches. I would never do it unless it was my only option I had secured permission to do so.

[Murphsmom]

We Cant Wait wrote:
Be advised you start pruning branches in a State or Federal Park you could be in for a hefty fine no matter the reason for pruning the branches FWIW.

That was my thought. I don't believe I have ever seen anyone cutting/pruning branches in a campsite. It just isn't something we would ever think to do.

[Tvov]

If it looks like you have to cut branches, just ask first. Most likely, the Ranger or Owner will come out to your site and agree with you. Or, they may give you the option to move to another site.

[WeBeFulltimers]

I recently got caught pruning some small limbs at a county owned/operated RV park. I thought they were going to put the cuffs on me! After the dust settled I was happy that I only got a VERY THOROUGH butt chewing. Won't do that again! :E

[We_Cant_Wait]

Be advised you start pruning branches in a State or Federal Park you could be in for a hefty fine no matter the reason for pruning the branches FWIW.

[Halmfamily]

Cool mod. We carry a 16' pole saw in our basement. Has come in handy a couple of times at our state parks.