Selecting The Proper Increment Borer

Finding the right increment borer can be a simple matter of the size and type of trees to be sampled. Bit length, thread style, and core diameter are the key features to keep in mind when choosing a borer.

The proper bit length depends on the diameter of trees to be sampled. Bit length should be equal to approximately ½ the diameter of the tree.

Increment borers are available in either two- or three-thread designs. Which design you choose depends largely on the type of trees to be sampled. Two-thread borer bits are more suitable for harder wood. They turn slower and generate more strength during a turn. This results in deeper penetration with each turn.

Three-thread borer bits grab the wood faster, and turn more easily. However, threading is not the only factor influencing the ease and speed of taking tree cores. Wood type, friction, and the capabilities of the user all help determine whether the core sample will be taken easily.

Diameter of a core is determined by the inside diameter of the thread end of the bit. The most common sizes are 4.3 mm, 5.0 mm, and 5.15 mm, depending on the manufacturer. The larger diameters are most often used for measuring the fiber length of wood and for quantitative analysis when larger samples are required.

Once the proper increment borer has been selected, a few maintenance tips will help ensure a long life for the borer. Tree sap and moisture can etch, pit, or otherwise damage the borer making it ineffective, so borers should always be cleaned prior to storage.

Use WD-40 or any light oil and a tissue or cloth to clean borer bits. If rust becomes a problem, fine steel wool may be substituted for the tissue or cloth. After cleaning, beeswax may be applied to the borer threads and shank for ease of operation and to help protect the tip. All parts should be dry prior to storage. If small nicks develop in the tip of the borer that cannot be removed with steel wool, they can often be repaired by the manufacturer.

How to Choose The Right Personal Flotation Device!

Boating accident studies reveal that most drowning deaths occur when individuals are not wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). The importance of PFDs has been further supported by a significant decrease in drowning fatalities since the U.S. Coast Guard approved the highly popular Type III general flotation aid as an acceptable PFD.

While all PFDs have limitations, most can successfully prevent a drowning death if they meet basic criteria such as:

• The PFD must be readily available


• The PFD functions to keep the wearer's head out of water


• The PFD must be durable and reliable enough to perform when needed

PFDs are classified into 5 different types. These divisions are based on use and overall protection provided.

Type I PFDs / Off-Shore Life Jackets—These are the best overall PFDs, and should be used in the open ocean, rough seas, remote waters and where rescue may be slow in coming.

Type II PFDs / Near-Shore Buoyant Vests—Type II vests are for general boating activities, and can be used in calm inland waters, or where there is a good chance of fast rescue.

Type III PFDs / Flotation Aids— A common flotation vest, a Type III PFD is for general boating in specialized recreational activities, and are marked accordingly.

Type IV PFDs / Throwable Devices—Unlike the previous vests, these PFDs are designed to be thrown to someone stranded in the water. Typical Type IV devices are Ring Buoys. Also available are Flotation Cushions.

Type V PFDs / Special Use Devices—While these devices apear similar to other types, they are specalized for such uses as work vests, man-overboard rescue devices, law enforcement flotation devices and whitewater vests.

Untimately, the safest PFD is one a person is willing to wear at all times.

For more information on Personal Flotation Devices and water safety, see the U. S. Coast Guard website.
http://www.uscg.mil/