2-Day Chainsaw Safety Class

2-Day Chainsaw Safety Class

  • Ages 18+

Beginners welcome! Learn chainsaw safety and maintenance with hands-on training and instructor guidance.

By Dovetail Partners

Select date and time

Saturday, May 31 · 8am - 4pm CDT

Location

425 Shady Ln

425 Shady Lane Ely, MN 55731

Refund Policy

No Refunds

Agenda

Agenda for 2-Day Chainsaw Safety Class: May 31st & June 1st

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

May 31st - Level 1 Chainsaw Safety and Felling Training

8:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Start Class - Welcome to Level 1


Introductions, what is FSI, what is SAWW Training? Reaction time and fatigue. Why PPE is important and how it works. Industry standards and best practices. Working safely with others, controlling ...

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Cutter tooth and how it works


Cutter tooth and how it works, identifying types of chain, cutters, and their uses Hands-on sharpening demonstration

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

Five Felling Rules


The mechanics of the tree, including understanding the notch, hinge, bore cut, and back cut. How to evaluate trees and cutting area. The five felling rules, directional felling. Bucking, compression...

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Lunch

12:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Cutting Demonstration


Cutting demonstration, analyze the first tree. Bore stump game/practice. Spring pole release, cutting techniques, using wedges, hands-on field training. Felling trees, practicing safety.

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM

Wrap-up


End of day wrap up and questions. Thank you for attending, please drive safely!

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

June 1st - Level 2 Chainsaw Safety and Felling Training

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Arrival / Start Class


Welcome/ introductions/recap

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Basic segments


Limbing techniques Basic wedging vs lean Measuring height of tree Basic segments, intro into how to analyze more advanced trees

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Chainsaw Sharpening


Chainsaw sharpening, saw maintenance, addressing issues with the saw, how to look for damage, repairing, upkeep, getting into groups for maintenance game (classroom)

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Lunch

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Continue field exercises


Measure and mark the height of the tree, demonstrating useful cuts, practice springpoles, Continue field exercises, practice complex cuts, analyzing and felling trees in groups, reading the stump, W...

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Wrap-up and Questions

About this event

When: Saturday May 31, 2025  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM & Sunday  June 1, 2025  8:00 AM – 4:00 PM CDT. Indoor and outdoor instruction.

Where:   Hubachek Wilderness Research Center 425 Shady Lane Ely, MN 55731

FSI Instructors:  Nathan Stanford and Holly Rose

       

Course description:

Students will be introduced to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine powered chainsaws in accordance with OSHA rules and regulations. Field instruction will consist of entry level training of safe use of a chainsaw and proper felling techniques.  Class is specifically for individuals with little or no previous experience in operating a chainsaw. This class will be providing overseen,  hands-on in the field cutting experience. 

Who should attend:  Anyone 18 or older who is interested in wildland fire resiliency and forest restoration on their property.  This is NOT a chainsaw certification class, but the class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence in safely using a chainsaw to work on your own land. 

In classroom materials provided.  Field instruction will be outside, so dress for the weather. Wear long sleeve shirts and  pants and sturdy boots. If you have a chainsaw and Personal Protection Equipment that includes chaps, gloves, helmets and eye protection please bring with you to class.  If not, please let us know when you register and we will be able to provide you with the equipment you will need. 

Cost: $125, which is non-refundable, for classroom and in the field instruction. Snacks will be provided, but bring your own lunch and water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Registration is limited to 15 people, first come, first served. 

A packet of welcome materials and dining and lodging options in the Ely area will be emailed to you after you register. 

Questions? Contact Gloria Erickson at gloria@dovetailinc.org or 218-365-0878.

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$125