BASIC CHAINSAW USE & SAFETY FOR BEGINNERS. This course is designed to introduce the safe handling of the chainsaw. This internationally recognized training program will boost your confidence with using a chainsaw in the woods or on the firewood pile. While this training has shown to increase the efficiency, production and safety of working with a chainsaw, it does not eliminate all hazards.

NOTE: This course is taught by the same excellent instructors from Northeast Woodland Training who teach all the Game of Logging chainsaw training courses we offer. It's an excellent preparation for Level 1 for beginning chainsaw users, though you don't have to take it in order to take Level 1. Because there is some overlap in information between this course and Level 1, the instructors do not recommend taking the two courses in rapid succession. Instead, they recommend practicing the skills you learn in the Basic course for a few months before taking Level 1.

Course Fee: $250.00 + Humanitix fees (all booking fee profits donated to charity)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This hands-on full-day course will include:

Basic saw maintenance
Starting the saw
Daily engine and bar maintenance
Chain sharpening – learn when to sharpen or change the chain
Basic bucking and limbing techniques (The instructor will fell the trees. All participants will get hands-on time practicing cutting downed logs.)
Practice cutting “cookies”
Challenge cutting through log but leaving bark, emphasizing control.

Safety principles covered will be:

Understanding the reactive forces that need to be controlled by the operator.
Push, Pull, Kick back.
Safe and proper body mechanics to minimize the risk of slips, trips, and falls when operating a saw.
Possible review of electric chainsaws, if group interest.

***Workshop participants will not be felling trees. This course is designed to prepare a beginner saw user with the fundamentals of chain safety and maintenance.

Designed for the first-time saw user, this course is an excellent foundation for those interested in attending future Game of Logging Level 1 – 4 trainings.

If you decide to continue on with Level 1 after taking the Basic training, our instructors recommend that you leave a few months of time between them (don't take them in rapid succession). There is some necessary overlap of information between the two courses. If you leave time between the courses (for example, take Basic training in the spring and Level 1 in the fall), this overlap will be a helpful refresher, rather than seeming redundant.

WHAT TO BRING

You can use the instructor's chainsaw, so you do not have to bring one. But if you own a saw, bring it. At the very least, you can show to the instructor for feedback, and you may be able to use it for your cutting practice.
Hardhat with eye and ear protection (everyone must have their own hardhat--borrow one from a friend if you don't have one)
Chaps ( Though you need to bring these, the instructors strongly encourage you NOT to buy a pair just to attend the workshop, since they'll be telling you about the pros and cons of different styles. Try to borrow a pair from a friend or neighbor.)
Sturdy boots
Folding chair for morning tailgate talk
Gloves (optional)
Clothes appropriate to a full day in the woods--THIS IS A RAIN/SNOW OR SHINE COURSE! (If it's really cold, hand- and toe-warmers are great to have)
Lunch and beverages
Drug- and alcohol-free body
Positive attitude. Remember that you will be in a course with up to 9 other participants, all of whom will take turns with chainsaw practice. You will learn a great deal by watching and listening closely to other participants' chainsaw handling.
There are no bathroom facilities, so be prepared to take care of business in the woods, following Leave No Trace practices.

LOCATION: 732 James Rd. Lincoln, VT 05443.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Please note our refund policy! You may cancel your registration up to two weeks prior to the workshop date and receive a full refund, less a $40 administrative fee. Cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the workshop will only be eligible for refund if we have someone on the waitlist who can fill your space, in which case you will receive a full refund, less a $40 administrative fee.

Game of Logging courses are held rain or shine. In the exceptionally rare event that a workshop is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions, participants will receive a full refund on their registration (less the Humanitix booking fee).

Contact the host of Basic Chainsaw Use and Safety, September 22, 2026