I signed up for a one day introduction to chainsaw course at the Woodland Enterprise Centre at Flimwell via Woodnet. It's aimed at private users wanting some instruction and was a very worthwhile day.
It covered surprisingly little practical work because there was a great deal of emphasis placed on maintaining the saw and importantly how to sharpen the chain. Forcing a blunt chain is likely to put you in unnecessarily awkward situations.
It also covered safety clothing to ensure you understand the importance of the right gear.
Our only chance to use our newly sharpened saws was simply a little cross cutting. To really cover felling as well requires more than just a day and you need to be looking at a one week course culminating in a qualification. Really the time and cost of completing a week's course is likely to put most people off so this one day session is a good way on to get some rudimentary training.
They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing but I disagree in this case. I think the course reinforced a healthy respect for the saw and I feel better prepared for it. I may go on and do further training now I can see it's value.
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