New video is out now...

Well it took somewhat longer than expected for reasons, but the new DriveLink video is now out for viewing. Find out more after the jump...

The DriveLink videos are proving to be pretty popular, having now been viewed more than 175,000 times; and I'm pleased to say that I can include a new video on to the list..

This five minute video looks at the split level cut, but I wanted to show more than that. If you're taking your NPTC felling assessment, then you know that you have to get a tree hung-up, and then deal with it. I thought that one of the worst things that could happen is to complete a split level cut... then get it really hung-up. This is perhaps more important now that the new assessment schedules are up and running, you'll be expected to use a winch if you need to.

So guess what's included in this video..?

Send me your comments about the video - I might just make a slightly longer version of this one, to cover winching in more detail; or should I just create a specific winching video for those of you about to undertake your CS32?

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.

- David -

Congratulations to...

Jim Yeeles, who won the Oregon Timber Vice in our recent -crossword competition.

Crossword answers...

So now that the crossword competition has finished (and we do have a winner), I thought you might like the answers! Find out more after the jump...

You can click on the image above and then print out the answer sheet - how did you get on? I've had some favourable comments on the idea of using a crossword as a teaching aid, so if you want to see more then let me know. I've got plans to make another one covering CS31...

If you'd like to use this crossword for yourself, or as a trainer for your learners, then please feel free to copy it as you see fit.

Whad'ya mean you wanna know who the winner is? I'll tell you in the next post...

DriveLink is on Facebook

I've just created a page on Facebook! This has the chainsaw videos easily available through the Links element, and I'll be posting some new stuff on the page in due course...

You can find DriveLink at http://facebook.com/drivelink

Crossword Competition

Fancy winning an Oregon Timber Vice? Well, now you have the chance with DriveLink. Find out more after the jump...

This is your chance to win an Oregon timber vice - real useful out in the woods for getting a more accurately sharpened chain whilst out in the woods (or anywhere where you can find a chuck of wood to stick the prongs in!).

It's new, boxed and waiting for a winner of this competition. So, how do you enter? Download and print off the crossword puzzle shown in the image above (it's A4 sized in real life, when printed).

Complete the crossword puzzle - it's all related to the CS30 NPTC schedule, so if you're not too sure of an answer you should be able to go looking for it.

Print the puzzle off and complete it. Send your copy to me by the start of May (01/05/2010) and I'll choose a winner. Make sure to include your name and address, or at the very least your name and email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!

I can also assure you that I won't be selling your details off to anyone, but I might contact you if there are any exciting developments in the world of DriveLink (however unlikely that is!).

---

If you are a chainsaw trainer and would like to use the crossword with your students, then please feel free to download, copy and use at will.

---

Terms & Conditions: there is just the one prize and no cash alternative! The competition entries must be in by the 1st May 2010. This is a UK only competition.

I should also mention that many of you know that I work for Sparsholt College - this competition has nothing to do with the College! Despite that, competition entries should be sent to:

David Vickers
c/o Sparsholt College
Forestry & Arboriculture
Winchester
Hampshire
SO21 2NF

How Time Flies...

I can't believe it's been so long since my last update - so much has been going on! Find out more after the jump...

The new NPTC assessment schedules are in full force now, and I've personally been busy delivering the new CS30 (chainsaw maintenance and crosscutting), CS31 (small fell) and CS38 (climbing and aerial rescue) courses.

There's not too much difference with the CS30, or the CS31 for that matter, but the CS30 does now include a bit more information on problems with chain components (look out for an post on that soon), and bore cuts (I'm thinking that a video would be good for that?).

The CS31 now includes a little bit more on winching, but the big change is with the CS38 as that now includes spiking up a pole and carrying out pole rescues (and that means both 2-man and 3-man (belay) rescues).

So, I haven't forgotten about you - I've just been really busy, but I still have some plans to write a few more articles and might just also include some small fell material too...

Understanding Oregon Filing Tables

When it comes to sharpening chains for chainsaws, the filing table will provide you with all the information that you need to achieve a sharp chain.

However, different manufacturers mark their chains differently, and not all filing tables are created equally. This short presentation takes a look at how to get the information required to sharpen an Oregon chain.

Find out more after the jump...

The filing table allows us to glean certain pieces of information that we will need to know if we are to correctly sharpen the chain; things like the size of the file, the filing angle, and the depth gauge setting can all be found by using it. Watch the following presentation to learn (or revise) how to use the Oregon filing table.

Understanding Filing Tables

See more presentations by vickersdc | Upload your own PowerPoint presentations