Chainsaw classes?

[RAW]

How do I find a "Game of Logging" class in my area?
Or what's the best bet for getting some chainsaw certification in my area (Georgia)?

Thanks

[Pullinchips]

i think the game of logging has a web site type it into a search engine and see.

-nate

[beenthere]

A "Game of Logging" II class is being presented Dec. 2 near Black Earth, WI  (15 mi west of Madison).

http://www.naturenet.com/alnc/public.html#Workshops

I've signed up, and expect to pick up some pointers.

Any others? 

[johncinquo]

So howd the class go?

[Steven A.]

I'm happy some one asked that question. I'd never even thought of going to a class but it makes a lot of sense.  I found game of logging and from there found http://www.fistausa.org/.
Forest Industry Safety and Training Alliance, Inc. is a nationally recognized, non-profit safety training and education organization for the forest industry.

They are going to contact my local Woodland Owners association and see about putting on a class.

I work with machines of many types in my business but the most dangerous is the chainsaw that I use only for hobby work in my spare time and its a tool I never had any training of any type to use.
One chainsaw accident could keep me from running my business for a looooong time.

I'm looking forward to going to school.

This forum is great, I've learned a lot.
Thanks!

[beenthere]

The level II class I attended went well. There were 8 "students", 5 of which had the level I class a few weeks earlier. 2 of those 5 hadn't picked up a saw between the two classes.  Three were young ladies.
The class was taught by a fellow in the business of chainsaw safety and on the "Game of Logging" Board with the originator Sorin Erickson from Sweden.
I learned some things that I will now do differently, and learned (some already knew) a few things that I may or may not do differently.
The instructions were very well presented, and although sponsored by Husqvarna, the instruction wasn't brand oriented. Fair to all brands, IMO (7 of the 8 showed up with Stihl saws, and one repeater was smart and brought a Husky  ).
Method of tree felling taught was a face cut with direction well planned. After the face cut, plunge cut through and then forward to make the hinge (hinge length 80% of diameter and formed with the face cut, and hinge width 10% of diameter formed after the plunge cut). Stay plunged in the cut to saw back to the holding strap. Pull out and review the escape route, any danger limbs or trees, fall line, fall zone clear, etc. Then cut the holding strap and escape.  All done without moving position with respect to the tree (on right side of tree facing the fall line). Use of wedges taught, as well as techniques to know the height of the tree, and figure out the amount of lift needed to raise a leaning tree the right distance to get it to fall opposite it's lean. Each student cut their own tree and received good instruction and was graded for points. Loss of points could happen if taking more than two steps with chain brake off, drop starting the saw, or starting the saw with the chain brake off (I had to really watch myself because I had my saw for two years and had never used the chain brake).  I will more often now. 
That's a brief rundown of the class.
It was well worth it, and I would recommend it for new chainsaw users to get started safely, and felt it was worth my time and money to get some good reminders for my safety.

[Steven A.]

Thanks *been there*. An excellent overview of the class.
I'm now even more interested in taking the course.  Its good to know my time will not be wasted.
Was the level I class as worthwhile or would it be too basic for someone who has used a saw for many years?

[Ultimate buzz]

Steven, I have also taken the level 1 and level 2 game of logging classes up here in central Wisconsin.They were taught by
             Ken Lallemont and I would highly recommend  them . Although I have roughly 25 years experience with  chainsaws,
             I picked up a lot of  pointers from a  professional loggers perspective. The link is www.gameoflogging.com  If you
             go under "training" , there is a breakdown of what is covered  at each level/class. If you want to find out availability
             and location , go under "training organizations" and you will find out if anything is available in your area
                      Primarily, as far as out in the field, in level 1 ,Ken taught the basics of  the correct way to make the different
             "face" cuts, the correct hinge cut , bore cuts ,using wedges etc for optimal  directional felling . He really stresses
             safety in all  phases of the cutting/felling process. Hopefully this is of some help.

[Steven A.]

Thanks for the additional information.  The people in Rhinelander are trying to put together a program in my area and will let me know when its going to be.
I'm looking forward to it.

Steve

[beenthere]

U B
Ken Lallemont was our 'instructor' as well, and your impression was the same as mine. Good instructor.

He's from the Phillips, WI area.

[rebocardo]

> or starting the saw with the chain brake off

Guilty of that on my Husky, down right dangerous on the little Stihl sometimes.

[sawguy21]

I have never liked starting a saw on high idle with the brake on although it certainly would be safer. A little hard on the clutch and drum though.

[Steven A.]

I'm wondering what they require for PPE at the wi. classes.
I'll have chaps and hardhat/eye/ear protection.
Are steel toed boots required?

Anything else I've forgotten?

[beenthere]

For our class, you have it covered well.
Chaps, hard hat, ear protection, and eye protection were the basics we needed. They covered those that didn't have these things. I didn't once hear about a first-aid kit, but it was covered in the handout material. Shoes and gloves were optional.
I didn't have a liner for my hardhat, and wished I had remembered it. The day was cold (20° F and 25 mph wind) and we stood around a lot watching and listening as each student cut their tree and had all the points discussed well. 6 hours for 8 students, most of it standing.  The instructor (Ken) was smart here. He would limb up a tree to show us how he would do it, and in the meantime get warmed up. Wish I'd a thought of that instead of watching until the last tree was to be cut by me. Duh! :

I also have trouble mental-resistance starting the saw on high idle with the brake on. One of the things I will either get used to doing, or violate. 

[Steven A.]

Thanks BT.

Steve.

[SawTroll]

> or starting the saw with the chain brake off

Guilty of that on my Husky, down right dangerous on the little Stihl sometimes.

I allways do that, on the saws that I am accustomed to - no probs at all...... ;D ;D

The PPE I use is protective trousers and boots, no need for anything else in our woods......