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Author Topic: pickaroon  (Read 34125 times)

Offline bandmiller2

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pickaroon
« on: February 09, 2016, 07:42:07 PM »
A pickaroon is a handy tool for pulling logs, slabs, cants est. they can be bought but you can make a dandy with a little work. Worn out picks can be had free or cheap get one with a good handle. With a torch cut one spike off and trim the other shorter and slimmer with a slight hook twords the handle. I've found a pyramid type point is the handiest. The handle can't pull out. Handy tool to pull firewood out of your truck too. Frank C.

Offline backwoods sawyer

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2016, 11:51:15 PM »
a Pickaroon was like an extension of your arm when running what we call the "Singulator" (A cant/flitch unscrambler/drop out transfer) when the cant landed on the evenend rolls a tug with the pick set it to the fence before the cants went through the scanner so the scanner would get accurate length.
We ran 1", 2", 4", and 6" thru a veritable position edger.
When working around metal the tip gets blunted and a poorly ground tip will land you on your butt ;)
The pyramid shape tip with a good hook to it like you describe dose work the best

The other day when unloading Madrone slabs a pair of pickaroons would have been real handy.

Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2017, 04:49:57 AM »

I would not be without my Pickaroon either... I had to finish firewood last year without one because of a broken handle  :(  Getting hard to find handles with the grain oriented right and have a good pommel on the end for grip.  Yeah, yeah.... I know.  You'd think a guy with a sawmill would saw out blanks and have handles already whittled out.   ::)

Being as I am 6'4", it is an extension of my arm.  I purchased mine off EBay a few years back.  Took awhile to find an older forged one that had very little bulk/weight to it AND had a 4"+ hook.  Hook shape is probably the most important key to having one that will hook and release with minimal effort on both counts.  The little "tooth" on the end is where the magic happens... Logrite's hook works, but not like the old ones and that is why I've hesitated buying one of theirs.  :-\  This year at the Paul Bunyan Show I am going to ask if they will build be one custom length with a handle different from their current configuration. 

I've "launched" 16"+ dia. rounds of hardwood from ground to splitter with a fraction of the effort needed vs. picking up from the ground with my hands.  The speed/productivity gained is nothing to sneeze at either.  And unloading the truck/trailer is a breeze with a 36" longer arm.   ;D  This topic reminded me I need to get it rehung on a new handle.


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Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2017, 10:20:38 AM »
I've got a Logrite pickaroon/hookaroon (anybody know the difference?) and use it the most for moving around cutoffs and waste wood in the woodlot.  I also move around and roll saw logs onto the bucket forks I've got for the backhoe.  I basically skid with the damn thing.  It would be much better if it had a flared handle end on it, like the mill special cant hook they sell.  I originally bought it for using when milling for pulling slabs and flitches off but I've never used it for that cause I don't need to.  I don't do firewood anymore so that's out, but I can see where I wish I had one all them years ago!
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Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2017, 11:47:30 AM »

It would be much better if it had a flared handle end on it, like the mill special cant hook they sell. 



Yup, that was my thinking also.  The foam doesn't allow a sliding swing and it is also hard on the hands.  Their hook doesn't release very easily either... to much material to wedge and bind from my trying one a couple years ago.

After making my earlier post, I got to looking on the internet.  Check out the "Fiskars" Hookaroon.  Straight and lightweight handle is a plus, BUT, the pommel is only one sided.  I'll see if I can find one at the PB Show and try it out.  If the hook releases easy and doesn't tweak the wrist upon lifting, I'll probably buy one of those.  The old hand-forged one may become decoration in the shop.   ;)

Also, check out the "Skidderoon".  I can see the advantages in certain situations the ability to bunch the branches would save alot of trips.  But the novelty might wear off quick in application too.




« Last Edit: September 30, 2017, 11:56:55 AM by Cutting Edge Saw Svc. »
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Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2017, 04:18:22 PM »
The Skidderoon is a genius tool.  Not a bad price really, for what you get.  Still, I wish it had a pommel on it and I'm not sure about the hook geometry.
I'd love to try one, and I just might within the next year.  It would make my life easier cleaning up my woodlot. 

The Fiskars hookaroon looks like a nice tool.  I like the shape of the handle.  If you can get your hands on either of these neat tools I'd be obliged for a hard and dirty review.

When is the Paul Bunyon show?  I know you told me once but I forget.  Maybe you should post it here and get some action going?

I feel free here.  It's awesome.  You? 

Be sure to keep spreading the word about this place.  You talk to many more people out there than I do, and also are much better at speaking than I am.  I can write alright enough I suppose, but talking in real time is tough.  Well, you know that already, don't ya?  ;D

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Offline bandmiller2

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2017, 07:23:25 AM »
Ox, maybe you could form a pommel out of epoxy putty drill several shallow holes so it has a sure grip. Another handy tool I use is a slice bar to unload chunks from a truck bed. A slice bar is from the coal burning days a long rod with a handle on one end and a right angle point on the other to hook out clinkers from a fire bed. Frank C.

Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2017, 10:52:55 AM »
I had actually thought about something like that.  Maybe a piece of hardwood turned down for a tight fit in the end of the handle, epoxied it, through bolted to help a little.  Maybe even a strong lanyard would help a bit.  I'm surprised I haven't rolled that foam right off the handle.  It's on there pretty good, I'll say that!
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Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2017, 08:24:45 AM »
UPDATE:

Due to my being at the PB Show for business, I was unable to even "shop" for a Fiskars pickeroon.  I asked a nearby Fiskars dealer about one but they didn't bring any to the show.  I had a few people looking elsewhere with no luck either.

By the time I was able to make it to the infield where Logrite was setup (show was over), Kevin and crew was obviously on a mission to get packed up and headed home and already had the doors shut on their trailer.  I wasn't going to bother him with asking about a custom made one.  I had planned to purchase another cant hook too, but again, he was already packed up and had a long trip ahead of him.

Ended up with a new one though !!  "T-ONE" is stamped into the head and was purchased by my wife since I was tied up all day, every day, in Kasco's booth.  The head is similar to my antique hand-forged one and will need some fine tuning with a file.  Hickory handle w/ decent shape and the grain is oriented RIGHT.  The "hook" is a little thicker than my old one but the basic shape is correct and probably is meant for softwoods.  Again, a little tuning with a file and it'll be perfect for hardwoods. 

Price was very good at $38   ;D
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Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #9 on: October 10, 2017, 09:52:21 AM »
A quick search for T ONE returned.........nothing.  Any other hints on how to find one to look at a picture? 

On a separate note - I found a picker/collecter in my UPS guy.  He saw my "collection" of "stuff" out back and one thing led to another and we traded stuff.  I traded off a dune buggy frame I'd built (pipe style frame) and some VW Beetle parts that needs and engine and tranny, and an old Honda Big Red 3 wheeler and some road signs and odds and ends for a Buffalo 43 forge (missing firepot) a bucket of tongs and hammers, two hand crank blowers and a Fisher anvil.  I'll be setting up a separate blacksmith shop in a year or two.  Maybe I'd be able to make the old fashioned type hookaroons for certain folks, one never knows!
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Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #10 on: October 10, 2017, 10:12:11 AM »
This is "close" to what I got.

The "hook" in picture is slightly different.


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Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #11 on: October 10, 2017, 01:34:10 PM »
That one there looks pretty decent overall. 
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Offline bandmiller2

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #12 on: October 10, 2017, 03:46:54 PM »
Richard, looks like a fella could make on of those picaroons from an old axe with a good handle. Very subtle changes make all the difference with tools like these and how handy they are. Frank C.   

Offline jb griffin

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #13 on: October 10, 2017, 06:11:05 PM »
Ox, if you need help with that blacksmithing stuff give me a shout. I been forging for 12 years. Be careful with those cast iron forges as the will crack easy same with the blowers, they didn't use the highest quality stuff to make um.

That fisher anvil is cast iron with a steel face and they made two versions of them over the years,  the first being the Fisher Eagle and later a Fisher Norris that had two holes in the foot.
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Offline jb griffin

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #14 on: October 10, 2017, 06:15:19 PM »
You really need to line that forge with a mix of sand and portland cement, I can remember the ratios.
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Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #15 on: October 10, 2017, 06:53:59 PM »

.... looks like a fella could make on of those picaroons from an old axe with a good handle. ...


I thought about doing that.  I didn't want to ruin an old axe head (wall hanger) and I was unsure how the heat would effect the steel.  Modern axes (cheap ones) that might be worth trying don't have the same quality like the old ones and didn't figure it was worth the cost to experiment. 

I agree, it probably could be done with a quality head.  But I'd feel bad ruining a vintage piece of history.  I like my old iron.   ;)




Very subtle changes make all the difference with tools like these and how handy they are. Frank C.   


Yes Sir !!  That's why I shopped around instead of buying one will-nilly.  The old hand forged one worked perfect and the new one will get it's "tooth" re-shaped to more closely resemble it.  Right now it's just to bulky/thick to drive into hardwoods and "bite" the way it should.  Not complaining. 

Like you said, subtle changes make ALL the difference. 


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Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #16 on: October 10, 2017, 07:17:31 PM »
jb - thanks for the info and the offer to help.  I have the later Fisher anvil and while looking around I found an old Buffalo Co magazine and found out which one I had.  At the bottom of each add was "Line with clay".  So just sand and portland cement 50/50?  Cause I can get free clay down in the hemlock swamp.  The spring that runs through it has some decent clay deposits along it.  Whichever is best, in this case cost don't matter.
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Offline 4x4American

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #17 on: October 10, 2017, 07:31:26 PM »
Richard the one you posted in that picture looks just like the stihl one.

I have two logrite hookaroons, one is 36" and one is 30".  I broke a 30" one a few years back and logrite sent me a new one no questions asked.

A friend of myn says his friend who works at the pulpmill said that they use pickaroons alot there and that when the handle breaks they just throw em out...he was gonna try and get some broken ones but that never happened. 
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Offline jb griffin

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #18 on: October 10, 2017, 10:29:54 PM »
Ox, as long as its lined I think you'd be fine with either.
The sand portland mix would more durable I think, clay is the traditional lining but the stuff I used wouldn't stay together and crumbled.
The main thing is that the cast is protected from sharp changes in temp.
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Offline jb griffin

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #19 on: October 10, 2017, 10:44:56 PM »
3 parts sand to 1 part portland as per Frank Turley a great old blacksmith.
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Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #20 on: October 11, 2017, 06:07:20 AM »

Richard the one you posted in that picture looks just like the stihl one.


A friend of myn says his friend who works at the pulpmill said that they use pickaroons alot there and that when the handle breaks they just throw em out...he was gonna try and get some broken ones but that never happened.


Doug,

The Stihl models (pics online) resemble the Fiskars more so than the one shown above... especially the shape of the hook itself.  Neither have the "tooth" at the end of the hook and that is why I was reluctant to purchase a Fiskars without trying first.  The Logrite "worked" but just didn't "catch-n-release" like my good ole hand forged one.  The diameter of the handle w/ the foam was to large too.

Those old-timers knew how to make tools work and work well.  That "tooth" is where the magic happens IMO.

Let me know if you get your hands on one or two of the broken ones, I'd gladly pay the shipping to get 'em here. 

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Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #21 on: October 11, 2017, 09:49:30 AM »
Thanks for the info, jb.
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Offline jb griffin

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #22 on: October 11, 2017, 07:01:07 PM »
I got to use some older pickeroons exactly like Richard is describing with the "tooth" at the point.  Back then I thought it was from abuse but now I see its by design.  And yes they work exceptionally well.

They will go on my "to forge" list along with a host of other stuff including a decent set of skidding tongs.
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Offline 4x4American

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #23 on: October 11, 2017, 07:05:12 PM »
I got to use some older pickeroons exactly like Richard is describing with the "tooth" at the point.  Back then I thought it was from abuse but now I see its by design.  And yes they work exceptionally well.

They will go on my "to forge" list along with a host of other stuff including a decent set of skidding tongs.

I'll buy one off ya ifn u decide to sell your work.

Richard I just said that from memory I didnt compare the two side by side like an engineer would lol!!!

I have lost hope in that deal but you never know what the future holds
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Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #24 on: November 01, 2017, 07:25:04 AM »


Update...

I FINALLY got a chance to use the T-One pickaroon/hookeroon yesterday.  I did leave it in it's virgin form so I could pass along an honest opinion.

The "tooth" will definitely get reshaped.  It may work well in softwoods "as is", but required what I felt was excessive force to get it to "hook" in hardwood (Ash).  This also caused the release to be a bit "sticky".  Much like splitting knotty firewood with an axe.  Not complaining by any means.  At least it has sufficient material available for removal to make it better for my application.  Better to have it and not need it vs. need it and not have it.

The yellow paint with the sand to add grip will stay on the handle for the time being.

The handle itself is SOLID and the head is hung well (read NO epoxy)... a rare thing these days.   :)  I'd be hesitant about buying one online though, since grain direction is paramount, unless the seller hand picked one prior to shipping, which might be a feasible thing to request.

I'll get to try out the revised version in a couple days. 

Regardless, the tool is a huge labor saver and I wouldn't/couldn't be without one.


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Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #25 on: November 01, 2017, 08:34:00 AM »
 :)
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Offline HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #26 on: November 23, 2017, 08:53:19 AM »
I carry my pickaroon at night, when I go looking for thieves on my farm. Dog starts going crazy, out we go. Guns are supposedly banned here, so, I won't say how many I have or don't have, but, just think how it would feel to have a pickaroon tip firmly embedded in your calf or thigh muscle or in your knee with me jerking on it.  >:D ;D

 Yes, logrite tools do not disengage easily. I spoke with Kevin at a show one time and he said they have engineered the hooks on their cant hooks to catch a log firmly. I want mine to drop out when needed so I don't get shoved around or a sprained wrist. I did end up with a small broken bone in my lower leg because of this. Hard to get people to listen, sometimes, EH ??

Offline Ox

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #27 on: November 23, 2017, 03:11:06 PM »
If the thieving bastards are on your land up to no good I hope you hook em somewhere that don't heal so well... lol

I'm glad I ain't the only one that thinks of the hookaroon as a weapon.  Helluva club or sticker picker too. 

Happy Thanksgiving!
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Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #28 on: November 24, 2017, 04:31:48 AM »
Attached are pictures of the aforementioned T-One branded picaroon in it virgin shape.

If you're doing softwoods, I'd venture to say the broader tip will control the amount of penetration, in a good way.


Harold - Yep, the Logrite version falls short.  As you shared, potentially dangerous, even in experienced hands. 

The only reason I can think Logrite shaped their hook like they did, was to get a piece hooked on the side vs. the end.  If so, they definitely haven't used one enough to realize the ergonomic benefit.  No matter, Kevin didn't seem real receptive to my input/feedback either.
« Last Edit: November 24, 2017, 04:47:30 AM by Cutting Edge Saw Svc. »
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Offline bandmiller2

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #29 on: November 24, 2017, 06:07:29 AM »
Wile we're talking tools, I get aggravated every time I use a peavey or cant hook, the swinging hook never seems to want to bite large logs. I must have half a dozen, even the worshiped blue ones, and none seem to grab the way I like.  Another thing I would like to try is to put a light spring at the swinging hooks pivot point to help it grab and act like a ratchet. With a spring on the swinging hook you could push the peavey onto the log and drop the handle to get another bite. Have any of you tried this.?? Frank C.

Offline HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #30 on: November 24, 2017, 08:15:06 AM »
I am definitely not the resident expert on all things logging. That said, Bandmiller, I much prefer the loose swinging hook, but, it needs to be shaped correctly to do what you want it to do. A new can't hook is useless to me. I also put the larger logrite hooks on the smaller log cant handle. If you look at the logrite hooks, they are cut on a bevel on the inside of the hook. There is no talon shape to catch or bite, and it won't release because it is too narrow and binds.

 First, the logrite hook is a flat piece of metal. Once engaged in a log, it won't release easily. The " tip/hook" needs to be wide and tapered. A quick twist and the hook should fall out of the log. Also, the tip should be filed to a very slight "talon" shape, so it catches easily but still falls away. The hooks are heat treated so a file will not cut them. All they do is scrape the bark until it happens to fit in a spot and grab. Put your cant hook on a log and watch where in the curve of the hook  contacts the log. It should not touch the log until you engage the hook.

 I watch many guys use a cant hook to try to PUSH the log to turn it.  ::)  You have NO power to push. With a correctly shaped hook, I can roll most logs across the yard without ever touching the metal hook. Once in a great while, I may have to "toe" the hook to get it far enough under the log to get a bigger bite to roll a curved or stobbed log.

 Timing of the swinging hook is everything to getting it to work correctly.

 Also, I have absolutely no use for a peavey. They are for log drives on the rivers which don't happen much anymore. They slide off the logs for not having the metal "Heel" that bites into the log.  It's a "yankee" thing.  >:D >:D ;D ;D No offense intended, just stating the facts and only the facts.  ;)
« Last Edit: November 24, 2017, 08:40:27 AM by HaroldCR »

Offline furu

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #31 on: November 24, 2017, 11:05:40 AM »
I have two of the LR cant hooks and have been rather frustrated at them for what sounds like the very things that have been described. 
They have been much better than the manual methods I previously employed and for that reason I am glad I have them.

Having said that: they both frustrate the devil out of me.   90% of the time the hook will not engage in the bark of the log without very specific hook placement.  When I got them I had this concept that I could roll a log or two of us could roll a log (one at each end) by rolling it and then re-setting in a ratchet like manner and re-engaging with a forward motion the cant hook again. 

NOT EVEN CLOSE

As I said 90% of the time I have to take the hook and place it in the bark in a deep furrow or even very frequently kicking the hook with my boot to push the hook into the wood to get a good bite or it just skates on the bark.  I thought maybe my logs were larger in size than they were designed for but when I checked the specs (8" - 32" diameter log) they should work just fine.  It is a very laborious procedure to roll a log even a very small distance.  I will confess the smaller logs under 16" they do a pretty good job but over that the hooks just don't bite properly.  I think it is the shape/design of the hook not just the point but the arc of the entire hook.  I know they are built by a company back east and they probably use eastern hardwoods for their test logs but they don't work that well on Douglas fir and big leaf maple and western red cedar.
More arc to the hook would be better I think.
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Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #32 on: November 24, 2017, 05:26:26 PM »
Below are pics of the modified picaroon/hookeroon.

I can say this without hesitation... This is a working tool and well worth the investment.  I would not have any problem recommending it to someone either.  The new tip shape has been through a little over 4 full cords of hardwood.  I would guess it is steel similar to "Hardox" because if it was any less of a material, it would be bent/twisted beyond recognition.

The modified tip has handled hardwood rounds up to 20" dia x 22" +/- and the pics were taken today.  Rounds were literally slung up and onto the wood-splitter.  Tip disengages relatively easily and even hooks  rounds on the side well too. 

The abrasive/non-slip paint has now lost it's "edge" through use... which is a good thing.  There is still plenty of "bite" to add friction, but allows a nice "sliding swing" through a gloved hand also.  I'll be leaving it on... I've grown to like it actually.

I call it a WIN !! 

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Offline furu

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #33 on: November 24, 2017, 06:03:09 PM »
Nice job.  Now you did that modification with which pickaroon manufacturer?
Integrity is not just doing the right thing.
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Integrity is doing the right thing when no one else will ever even know.

Offline HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #34 on: November 24, 2017, 06:32:05 PM »
Yep, that is roughly that "talon" eagle claw talon shape I was describing earlier.  If more people would try this slight mod, I really believe we will get a lot of positive feedback on this thread.

Offline bandmiller2

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #35 on: November 24, 2017, 07:08:28 PM »
Hal, I much prefer a cant hook which is what I use on the circular mill. My homebuilt band mill uses heavy duty street sign posts for bunks the ones with the holes every inch. The point of the peavey fits in the holes and is handy for snugging logs agents the backstops. You would get a chuckle my peavey has a Louisville slugger bat for a handle, its worked well for many years. Frank C.

Offline Cutting Edge Saw Svc.

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #36 on: November 24, 2017, 07:42:22 PM »
Nice job.  Now you did that modification with which pickaroon manufacturer?

furu,

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Link to Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/JH-CONTRACTING-INC-36-Pickaroon/dp/B00I4AK1X4


Harold,

Yep, the "tooth" as I call it, it how the magic happens.  It can't "bite" without a "tooth".   ;D

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Offline 4x4American

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #37 on: November 25, 2017, 08:43:13 PM »
I like a PV for centering a log into postion on the sawmill...when you get it to the loader arms and find that it needs to slide back a bit to hit the roller toeboard, you jam the tip of the PV into the ground under the log and pry the log backwardly.  On the mobile dimension mill, bossman had bunks with dogs and the slides for the dogs had little holes in them and we would stick the tip of the pv into the hole and use it to push the log forward.  It's also nice to stab the pv into the ground so you dont gotta bend over to get it.

Cant hooks are much better for rolling logs, but I think a pv is better for manipulating one.   :o

A friend of mine killed a porcupine with a logrite hookaroon one time.  It worked well...I imagine they would be great for popping the thieves tires on his getaway vehicle too.

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Offline HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader

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Re: pickaroon
« Reply #38 on: November 26, 2017, 05:16:07 AM »
When I was taught how to run my 1st mill, the older gebtleman taught me how to move logs so easily I cut the tip off the PV I was gifted. I took the drain oil from the Power unit and mixed it with a little diesel fuel. Use a scrub brush and just sling a little bit on the metal bunks and you can slide a 1000 pound log around by hand. That is NO exageration.

 On the homebuilt bandmill I used the 2 plane clamp to move logs and cants.

 Just never had a use for a PV. They just slip and slide something I just cant stand.