The following weekend after our BCHM Memorial Day Weekend Camp Out and Work Projects, some of us had signed up for the National Forest's Cross Cut Saw Certification Class.
It's important that all of our volunteers know how to handle saws, wedges and axes safely, while understanding how they work and how fallen trees react and the safest locations to saw a log, so that it doesn't cause anyone any harm.
On our work projects, at least one volunteer must be Cross Cut Saw certified and have a Sawyer Certification card. And that was why we were attending this all day class up in the Pecos.
My son Jax showing how to use a bucking cross cut saw alone.
My son posing with an ax after he cleared the bark off of a log in preparation for sawing.
We all had to take turns demonstrating the correct and safe way to use each tool and technique.
Cutting away the bark with an ax prevents the saw from becoming dull.
One of the techniques using a cross saw is underbucking, basically cutting up from the bottom.
Some of the things we have to observe and discuss about every log or tree to clear, are compression, tension, slope and if there are rocks or foreign objects underneath or beside the log, because they can all affect how the log reacts when cutting it, and can greatly affect the safety of everyone nearby.
Myself and Sandy showing how to get 'er done!
Underbucking.
It's important to learn where to stand or squat, and to know where your body is at all times. It's also important to understand how to position and move the cross cut saw as well as how to use team work to your benefit while sawing. We learned a lot at the this class and it was so much fun!
My son took these photos of me. I looked so serious and focused.
We totally rocked it!
The guys demonstrating good teamwork and skills.
After the sawyer class was over, several of us hiked down to Panchuela Creek to enjoy the flowing water and the beautiful warm day, before driving an hour back home.
My silly son, Jax and friend Sandy beside Panchuela Creek.
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