Basic Chainsaw Use: BC-1

The goal of this course is to properly educate students on chainsaws and their use in the field. By the end of the course, students should be able to perform basic chainsaw operations (bucking, limbing, basic felling), troubleshoot basic mechanical chainsaw issues, and provide proper care and upkeep for equipment. We will cover general chainsaw operation hazards and procedures, as well as those that are specific to the work performed by students in the field (storm work, hazard trees, etc.)

February 24-25th 
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Athens, GA
CEUS applied for

Agenda

Day 1: 

Classroom -NUF Headquarters at 1002 Winterville Rd.

• PPE Review,
• Chainsaw review
• Tool Use and Maintenance,
• Cut Theory
•  Felling Theory
•  Hazard Trees and Situations. 

In the field

• Maintenance
• Sharpening
• Saw Operation/ Safety. 

Day 2: Williams Farm - Athens Land trust at 235 Northside Dr. Athens, GA
In the field - in Groups

• Review of Day 1
• Bucking,
• Limbing
• Tree Felling and processing.

Requirements:

Students are responsible for bringing their own equipment and PPE for the course.

• Students must be able to demonstrate basic skills: Proper PPE use, Proper and safe tool use; basic felling, bucking and limbing for full completion of this course and to receive a Certificate of Training and Patch.
• Physical ability to hold and work with an appropriately sized chainsaw. Able to perform a full day of work in the field. 

Gear List:

PPE

• Helmet
• Eye protection ( Z87 rated) 
• Hearing protection 
• Chaps 

  (The GAA has a limited number of protective legwear for use. If you do not have chaps or protective legwear, please reach out to discuss options.).

• Glovess
• Boots 

• Chainsaw & bar (16” minimum) (The GAA will have a limited number of saws available to use. If you do not have your own saw, please reach out to discuss options). 
• Gas and Oil for personal use 
• Ax and felling wedges (2-4) 

• Scrench or clutch cover wrench 
•  Round sharpening file that matches your specific chain
•  Flat File 
• Extra Chain loop 
• Plumb Bob (optional) 
• Lumber Crayon (optional) 
•  Inclement Weather Gear (we will cut in the rain, without lightening) 
•  Lunch and snacks for the day(s) 
• Pen and paper for any notes you’d like to take in the classroom portion. 

Nat Walker – Sawyer, Educator, and Consultant

With 17 years of experience running saws, Nat Walker is a seasoned Contract Faller,

Climber, and Consultant, as well as a Contract Educator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. A former Wildland Firefighter Sawyer, Nat has spent much of his professional career in the field, honing his craft and working with chainsaws across various challenging environments.

Recognizing a significant gap in accessible, high-quality training for sawyers, Nat is committed to changing the landscape of chainsaw safety and education. Drawing from years of hands-on experience and participation in field-specific training courses, Nat is dedicated to creating a comprehensive education system that empowers individuals to enhance their skills and prioritize safety.

Through his work, Nat strives to make expert chainsaw training accessible to anyone eager to improve their craft, helping to build a safer and more skilled community of sawyers.