A fairly strong bout of straight-line winds came through the neighborhood
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/ Near bottom a link to wind-blown damage.

The large yellow house is 2 doors south of me. There was a nice maple that
did most of the damage to the front and a really healthy looking pine that
just blew down. We were lucky that we had no damage. All we did was pick up
the pieces in our yard that blew over from the damaged houses.

I did stop by one neighbor the next day and ask if he needed any help. He
thanked me but everything was under control for him. I went to the large
yellow house twice to ask if they needed help but no one was home. I
believe they are staying with friends.
Now the question. I would like some of the wood from the trees that blew
down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture going over and asking.
Any suggestions on how to approach and what to say? I would certainly turn
a couple of nice bowls as a Thank You and drop them off.

Kevin, I would tell them I see your problem, and I am willing to help
remove the tree for some of the wood because I have a lathe and sure
could use it. If it is the kind of wood you would like to have all of
it tell them you will make them a bowl from the tree for the tree.
Glenn Hodges
Nashville, GA

"Kevin" wrote in message
...

Now the question. I would like some of the wood from the trees that blew
down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture going over and
asking.
Any suggestions on how to approach and what to say? I would certainly
turn
a couple of nice bowls as a Thank You and drop them off.



Always a good start. I increase the immediate quid pro quo with strangers
by offering to exchange two for one firewood. Lots of people burn wood
around here, so it's sweet at both ends.

Kevin, A COC's downer and I hope it doesn't apply to your area, but in
S. Fl the first thing would be to assure them that they aren't
responsible for injuries to yourself or helpers. Sorry to hear about
your bad weather. People here think about moving to avoid hurricanes and
wildfires, but then there are fuel bills, tornados, noreasters,
earthquakes, etc. etc. etc.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter



http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings

Hi Kevin

Just be candid and forthright, tell them you would like the wood for
your turning hobby, and are willing to clean up the tree for that for
them, and yes as Arch suggest make sure they know that you take all
responsibilities for any and all mishaps etc to you and any helpers.

You can always still offer if needed or willing, to make a bowl or
other turning from the wood for them.

Most people like to know the why and understand the reason for you
asking to clean up the tree, and even if they have a use for that wood
are willing to let you have some of it.

That would probably be my way of approaching it.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

In article , Kevin
wrote:

Now the question. I would like some of the wood from the trees that blew
down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture going over and asking.
Any suggestions on how to approach and what to say? I would certainly turn
a couple of nice bowls as a Thank You and drop them off.

I just go to the door and ask if I may have some. I got some very nice
box elder burl a few years ago that way, and when a neighbor lost an
elm limb I rang the bell and asked if they wanted me to bring the
chainsaw over and take care of it for them.

If you don't ask, you get nothing. If you do, the worst they can say is
"no."

I also post an ad on our local for sale groups once or twice a year
offering to take down small to medium trees in exchange for the wood.
I've got some really nice fruit wood that way.

djb

"Dave Balderstone" wrote: (clip) I would like some of the wood from the
trees that blew down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture going
over and asking. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It's not only how you ask, but how you feel while asking. There are subtle
parts of non-verbal communication that will affect how you are received.
Sometimes it is a matter of timing, or posture, or the expression on your
face. The fact that you would feel like a vulture may be your inner self
telling you that the timing is wrong. It also depends on how your neighbor
perceives you. If you have always been on friendly terms, smiling and
waving as you pass. and looking over each other's pets or plants at vacation
time, there is not going to be a problem. OTOH, if you have always acted
like strangers. and in the middle of their trouble you appear and ask for
wood, well, you see what I mean.

I have never had any problems with the ;"Hey, can I have some pieces of
your firewood and I will make you some bowls?" approach. The responce
is help yourself, because we are just going to burn it. I once had a
lady break into tears when I gave her a bowl from her tree. It was an
exceptional bowl, and the tree was precious to her.
robo hippy

In article ,
Leo Lichtman wrote:

"Dave Balderstone" wrote: (clip) I would like some of the wood from the
trees that blew down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture going
over and asking. (clip)

I did not write that. Please quote correctly.

"Dave Balderstone" wrote: Leo Lichtman
wrote:

"Dave Balderstone" wrote: (clip) I would like some of the wood from the
trees that blew down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture
going
over and asking. (clip)

I did not write that. Please quote correctly.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sorry, Dave. I meant to quote Kevin, the OP.

"robo hippy" wrote:

I have never had any problems with the ;"Hey, can I have some pieces
of your firewood and I will make you some bowls?" approach. The
responce is help yourself, because we are just going to burn it. I
once had a lady break into tears when I gave her a bowl from her tree.
It was an exceptional bowl, and the tree was precious to her.
robo hippy


What evryone else said and to add to RH's comments make sure thay know that
it Will Not go up the chimney and that they Will Have something handmade to
remember the tree.

In article , Leo
Lichtman wrote:

Sorry, Dave. I meant to quote Kevin, the OP.

No worries.

Not sure I would want to remember a tree that fell on my house.
If it fell in the yard or street, that would be different.
I hate strong winds. Lots o' big trees around.

"Lobby Dosser" wrote in message
news:bdE_f.1851$7Z6.1217@trnddc06...
"robo hippy" wrote:

I have never had any problems with the ;"Hey, can I have some pieces
of your firewood and I will make you some bowls?" approach. The
responce is help yourself, because we are just going to burn it. I
once had a lady break into tears when I gave her a bowl from her tree.
It was an exceptional bowl, and the tree was precious to her.
robo hippy


What evryone else said and to add to RH's comments make sure thay know
that
it Will Not go up the chimney and that they Will Have something handmade
to
remember the tree.

In article bdE_f.1851$7Z6.1217@trnddc06,
Lobby Dosser wrote:

What evryone else said and to add to RH's comments make sure thay know that
it Will Not go up the chimney and that they Will Have something handmade to
remember the tree.

And make every effort possible to follow through with your offer! I have
run into several people with a tree down or wood available who have
related that so'n'so said he'd bring them a bowl last year when they
took down some other tree but that was the last they heard of him. You
will do no future turners any favors and will have to live with the
guilt if you don't do as your promised.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Tips fer Turnin': Place a sign, easily seen as you switch on your lathe, warning you to remove any and all rings from your fingers. Called degloving, extended hardware can grab your ring and rip it off your finger. A pic for the strong of stomach: www.itim.nsw.gov.au/go/objectid/2A3AC703-1321-1C29-70B067DC88E16BFC/index.cfm

Besides, rings can easily mar the surface of a turning as you check for finished smoothness.

"Wayne K" wrote:

Not sure I would want to remember a tree that fell on my house.
If it fell in the yard or street, that would be different.
I hate strong winds. Lots o' big trees around.


He could make wooden skeet for you. G

"Wayne K" wrote in message
...
Not sure I would want to remember a tree that fell on my house.
If it fell in the yard or street, that would be different.
I hate strong winds. Lots o' big trees around.


Trees have been long-time friends for many people. Gave an elm salad bowl
to the 85-year old woman next farm north that had been made from one of her
trees, and she loved it. Missed the shade, but loved the bowl.

Made a bunch from one of a trio of old poplars growing north of my garden,
only to have a visit from the gentleman who had lived here during the
depression - and planted the poplars.

Good memories too.

I got my 'comeuppance' with a critique from a neighbor's 6 year old.
Guess they learn honest manners in first grade, nowadays. When I
brought over a decent bowl turned from some mango her dad had given me,
out of the mouth of babes: "well anyway, it's the thought that counts".
Tends to keep a person humble.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter



http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings

In article ,
(Arch) wrote:

...neighbor's 6 year old... "well anyway, it's the thought that counts".
Tends to keep a person humble.

I can just hear it! LOL

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Tips fer Turnin': Place a sign, easily seen as you switch on your lathe, warning you to remove any and all rings from your fingers. Called degloving, extended hardware can grab your ring and rip it off your finger. A pic for the strong of stomach: www.itim.nsw.gov.au/go/objectid/2A3AC703-1321-1C29-70B067DC88E16BFC/index.cfm

Besides, rings can easily mar the surface of a turning as you check for finished smoothness.

"Arch" wrote in message
...
I got my 'comeuppance' with a critique from a neighbor's 6 year old.
Guess they learn honest manners in first grade, nowadays. When I
brought over a decent bowl turned from some mango her dad had given me,
out of the mouth of babes: "well anyway, it's the thought that counts".
Tends to keep a person humble.


Out of the mouth of my "babe," here. Susan can make four hour's work into
firewood with a look....

(Arch) wrote:

I got my 'comeuppance' with a critique from a neighbor's 6 year old.
Guess they learn honest manners in first grade, nowadays. When I
brought over a decent bowl turned from some mango her dad had given me,
out of the mouth of babes: "well anyway, it's the thought that counts".
Tends to keep a person humble.


LOL!

Oh, it's hard to be humble ...

But sounds like you've got all the help you need. ;o)

How about politely asking what they plan to do with the wood. Then ask if
they would mind if you took a few pieces. Just simply explain your
interest. I have found most people quite willing to part with some, even if
they were planning to use most of it as fire wood. At some point in the
future, if you want to, present them with a nice bowl or set of
candlesticks etc and tell them it's a souvineer of theri earlier adventure.

On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 15:00:18 -0400, "Kevin" wrote:

Now the question. I would like some of the wood from the trees that blew
down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture going over and asking.
Any suggestions on how to approach and what to say? I would certainly turn
a couple of nice bowls as a Thank You and drop them off.

My evening jog took me past the house with the large tree (maple). The
owner had just pulled in and was on the phone talking to the bldg.
contractor. I didn't have time to do more than introduce myself and we both
agreed to speak some more later. Another neighbor (fellow flatwood worker
who showed me a nice piece of African Blackwood- dang that is some heavy
wood) mentioned that he had spoken to neighbor #1 and heard that it was
gonna cost about $4 - $5k to remove the tree. Now the tree has been
uprooted vcompletely and is lying on its side. The quote seemed a bit
excessive. I really doubt I will have much trouble getting permission to
score a bit of the windfall. Thanks for all the suggestions.


"Kevin" wrote in message
...
A fairly strong bout of straight-line winds came through the neighborhood
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/ Near bottom a link to wind-blown
damage.

The large yellow house is 2 doors south of me. There was a nice maple
that
did most of the damage to the front and a really healthy looking pine that
just blew down. We were lucky that we had no damage. All we did was pick
up
the pieces in our yard that blew over from the damaged houses.

I did stop by one neighbor the next day and ask if he needed any help. He
thanked me but everything was under control for him. I went to the large
yellow house twice to ask if they needed help but no one was home. I
believe they are staying with friends.
Now the question. I would like some of the wood from the trees that blew
down for my lathe work but feel a bit like a vulture going over and
asking.
Any suggestions on how to approach and what to say? I would certainly
turn
a couple of nice bowls as a Thank You and drop them off.