Port Townsend School of Woodworking
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Chainsaw Safety

 

Chainsaw Safety

Weekend Class, Open to all

Spring 2026
April 18-19

Class size: 10
Cost: $450
Materials:$0

Register

Every woodworker knows where it all starts, but getting started can be intimidating, inaccessible, or downright dangerous. Join us for this weekend workshop in the woods, where we will cover all the steps, safe practices, and professional tips that will help you feel confident in managing your own woodlot, back 40, or small yard with a safe and sharp chainsaw.

In this two-day class, each student will be introduced to the chainsaw and all of its basic parts and controls. We have partnered with Ryen Helzer, the Forest Manager of the Jefferson Land Trust’s Chimacum Ridge Community Forest. As an experienced forest manager, arborist, wildland firefighter, and logger, Ryen will work with the group to go over the basic use of chainsaws with an emphasis on safety and control. Based on Ryen's safety assessment, students may have the opportunity to learn to act as a spotter, work to safely limb trees, and buck logs into manageable pieces. 

Anyone who works with or wants to learn to work with a chainsaw can benefit from this supportive workshop that will emphasize safe working practices. This tool can be intimidating, but gaining tips from a professional will set you up for success. If time allows, we will also get into some basic maintenance and sharpening practices.

Tools

Required

  • Chainsaw - fuel and bar oil (or charged batteries)

  • Helmet - with or without face shield 

  • Hearing protection

  • Eye protection

  • Gloves 

  • Sturdy boots

  • Basic hand sharpening equipment

  • Lunch, water, and snacks

Recommended

  • Chainsaw chaps and other protective equipment

  • Camera, notepad, and writing implement

  • Weather-appropriate gear/clothing  

Prerequisites

Open to all. However, this course is conducted off-trail, in the woods. Folks signing up need to be comfortable and have the physical capacity to work on uneven ground. Ultimately, Ryen will assess students' capacity to work in this environment safely and designate work and tasks accordingly.

 
 

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday at Chimacum Ridge Community Forest on Center Road in Chimacum. Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.
Please also read our Registration Policy. If the course is full, please sign up for the waitlist.

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Ryen Helzer
Ryen Helzer

Community Forest Manager
Chimacum, WA