Traditional Tools Resources
From Paul Dickens, C Level Crosscut Sawyer, who has worked with us in Ramseys Draft Wilderness for years and who trained many of us, both formally and informally, in the use of the crosscut saw and axe.
The links below are materials for crosscut saw and traditional tool training under United States Forest Service (USFS) standards. Other links have practical information on crosscut saw equipment and techniques. Power tools are prohibited in Federally designated Wilderness areas. Traditional hand-powered tools and techniques are essential for maintaining public access and protecting the Wilderness resource.
Persons and organizations using saws for trail maintenance on public lands administered by the USFS must follow the National Crosscut and Chainsaw Policy. The USFS has established sawyer training curriculum and materials to ensure that certified sawyers understand hazardous associated with clearing downed trees from trails and have demonstrated skills to safely lead crews doing this work.
2016 USFS National Saw Policy – webpage with links to important USFS saw policy documents
Sawyer Certification Levels, Five Part Cutting Plan, Complexity – USFS webpage with links to these topics
Trail Management Tools – USFS webpage with reference links to trail design criteria, maintenance criteria and saw policy documents
Crosscut Sawyer Training Curriculum - The current (2006) USFS training manuals for crosscut saws and traditional tools, an update is in development and expected in 2021-2022
Crosscut Saw Evaluation Form – FS-2300-0052a (v02-2018), form used during sawyer certification training
Saws That Sing: A Guide to Using Crosscut Saws – USFS 2004 (revised 2012)
Crosscut Saw Manual – USFS 1977 (revised 2003), Warren Miller’s book on how to restore vintage saws
One Moving Part – The Forest Service Ax Manual – USFS 2019
An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual – USFS 1999
The Crosscut Sawyer (University of Montana On-Line Training, free registration)
Handtools for Trail Work – USFS 2005
Dispatches from the Saw Shack by Paul Dickens
Wedges and an Axe– Dispatch from Saw Shack on the Importance of Wedges for Crosscut Sawyers
Under-bucking Tool – Dispatch from Saw Shack on Use and Fabrication of a Practical Under-Bucking Tool for Crosscut Sawyers
Crosscut Saw Worktrip Leaders in NRRD:
Our primary goal is to work safely with no injuries. We also want to avoid damaging our saws and other tools. Last, we hope to remove downs from trails.
Crosscut Saw Job Hazard Analysis - review this JHA before any crosscut saw work trip, and have participants sign.
Tailgate Safety Form - all participants must sign after the leader gives the safety talk. Email form to Steve Beri at NRRD:
The links below are materials for crosscut saw and traditional tool training under United States Forest Service (USFS) standards. Other links have practical information on crosscut saw equipment and techniques. Power tools are prohibited in Federally designated Wilderness areas. Traditional hand-powered tools and techniques are essential for maintaining public access and protecting the Wilderness resource.
Persons and organizations using saws for trail maintenance on public lands administered by the USFS must follow the National Crosscut and Chainsaw Policy. The USFS has established sawyer training curriculum and materials to ensure that certified sawyers understand hazardous associated with clearing downed trees from trails and have demonstrated skills to safely lead crews doing this work.
2016 USFS National Saw Policy – webpage with links to important USFS saw policy documents
Sawyer Certification Levels, Five Part Cutting Plan, Complexity – USFS webpage with links to these topics
Trail Management Tools – USFS webpage with reference links to trail design criteria, maintenance criteria and saw policy documents
Crosscut Sawyer Training Curriculum - The current (2006) USFS training manuals for crosscut saws and traditional tools, an update is in development and expected in 2021-2022
Crosscut Saw Evaluation Form – FS-2300-0052a (v02-2018), form used during sawyer certification training
Saws That Sing: A Guide to Using Crosscut Saws – USFS 2004 (revised 2012)
Crosscut Saw Manual – USFS 1977 (revised 2003), Warren Miller’s book on how to restore vintage saws
One Moving Part – The Forest Service Ax Manual – USFS 2019
An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual – USFS 1999
The Crosscut Sawyer (University of Montana On-Line Training, free registration)
Handtools for Trail Work – USFS 2005
Dispatches from the Saw Shack by Paul Dickens
Wedges and an Axe– Dispatch from Saw Shack on the Importance of Wedges for Crosscut Sawyers
Under-bucking Tool – Dispatch from Saw Shack on Use and Fabrication of a Practical Under-Bucking Tool for Crosscut Sawyers
Crosscut Saw Worktrip Leaders in NRRD:
Our primary goal is to work safely with no injuries. We also want to avoid damaging our saws and other tools. Last, we hope to remove downs from trails.
Crosscut Saw Job Hazard Analysis - review this JHA before any crosscut saw work trip, and have participants sign.
Tailgate Safety Form - all participants must sign after the leader gives the safety talk. Email form to Steve Beri at NRRD: