Thanks to Peter Drouin for his help

[Brucer]

I use the poly with buckles to band up my slab bundles (for sale as firewood). It's amazing how much abuse it can take. I don't ship out much lumber or timbers but the few times I have the poly strapping made things much, much easier.

[customsawyer]

I got the banding a while back and it sure makes things nice.

[justallan1]

What size strapping are you guys using? On 8' I've made full units, but on 16' I'll only be able to make 1/2 units because of weight. Any recommendations are appreciated.

Allan

[terrifictimbersllc]

I've used orange Kubinec 3/4 poly strapping with buckles and a very simple tensioning bar, when the customer needs strapping done.  Industrial results. Got these strapping supplies here, Bailey's sells them too....
http://www.ptipackaging.com/packaging-supplies/strapping-supplies/woven-strapping-tools/kubinec-tension-bar.html



 

[WDH]

Nicely prepared slabs. 

[PineNut]

I use the poly straps and buckles. Since the straps and buckles can be reused I will band anything that is to my advantage. I stick and band slabs for firewood.

[hackberry jake]

We use the crimp sleeves at work. We use a pair of channel locks to squeeze the sleeve in place and then come back with the crimpers. Much easier than trying to hold it in place.

[landscraper]

What size strapping are you guys using? On 8' I've made full units, but on 16' I'll only be able to make 1/2 units because of weight. Any recommendations are appreciated.

Allan

1/2" & 3/4" poly, I bought some from Uline, some from a local pack&ship store who ordered it in for me.

I use the 1/2" for odds and ends, stake bundles, small mixed orders, I use the 3/4" for the full hacks of material.  I use a combo hand ratchet/band cutter that tensions and cuts off the loose end.  I think it will tension and cut up to 1" wide strap.

[Brucer]

I use the 3/4" strapping. I tell me firewood customers if they cut the strapping next to the buckle, I can re-use the strap and the buckle. Most of them bring back the used straps when they come for another load. That's the big advantage (for me) of using buckles -- I can keep re-using them.

I started off with the simple lever tensioner. Once it became obvious that this was the best way to bundle my slabs, I bought a ratchet tensioner so I could get the bundles tighter.