SWOAM - Capital Area Chapter
Chainsaw Training Class

   
Contact: Call David Jenney at (207) 923-3483, or write to dgjenney@gmail.com, to register.

Location: Vassalboro, Cross Hill Road - see map at bottom
 
9 a.m. Sunday, August 23rd, 2009          

The Capital Area chapter will conduct a Level 2 chainsaw training class Sunday, August 23rd (or Sunday, August 30th, in the event of rain). The class will take place at David Jenney's woodlot in Vassalboro and start at 9:00am. It is expected the class will run until about 3:00pm.

This class is a follow-up on the basic chainsaw class and is similar to the game of logging level 2 training. It is expected that all participants will have already taken a level 1 or similar training prior to attending this training. Based on feedback from prior classes we will be organizing this class a bit differently then in the past. The beginning of the class will go over protective personal equipment prior to entering the woods. You will be checked to see if you have the proper personal protective equipment with you. There will then be a brief discussion of safety. We will then go out into the woods. Based on the number of people who participate the start of the work in the woods may include tree felling. However, in an effort to give people a chance to work on limbing, bucking and spring pole techniques, Mike or Dave may fell the trees first so that everyone can get a chance to work on limbing, bucking and spring poles. This will take care of the morning part of the class.

The afternoon session will focus on maximizing the performance of your chainsaw. Topics that will be covered include basic chainsaw maintenance, carburetor adjustment and filing techniques.

The class costs $50 for SWOAM members and $75 for non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. A minimum of 7 attendees will be necessary for the class to take place. A maximum of 12 people will be allowed.

Mike Maines, Certified Logging Professional (CLP) since 1994 and Licensed Professional Forester will be teaching this class in Vassalboro at David Jenney's woodlot. You will need to bring your chainsaw along with personal protective equipment (head, eye, ear protection), steel toe boots, chaps - or safety pants. If you do not bring the required personal protective equipment you will not be able to participate, and every participant must sign a release form.

Please bring the following for the class:

1.) Protective head gear. This should include protection for head, ears, and face. Here is an example of proper head gear:

2.) Chaps of chainsaw pants: Here are a couple of examples:

and pants:

 

3.) Foot protection - chainsaw boots, at a minimum boots with a steel toe, Here is an example:

 

 

You should also bring food and water for lunch. In addition, please dress for the weather as you will be outside all day. Also, based on the weather there may be black flies, or other insects, so you may want to bring your favorite means of providing some bug protection and also sunscreen in case we have sun.

You should bring your chainsaw as part of the class will go over maintaining your saw, however, you don't have to bring a saw, as Mike will be providing saws to work with. Most likley parking will be across the road from my woodlot, but I need to confirm with my neighbor - Harvey Boatman is that is going to be okay. It may partially depend on the condition of his field. If not, parking will be along the side of the road.