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If you can hold a saw, you can be a chain saw artist. This was the message of William Westenhaver and Ronald Hovde, authors of Fun and Profitable Chain Saw Carving (1978), the first book on the subject—and it’s still true.
To learn chain saw safety and carving techniques, take a class. Schools around the country offer instruction on basic to advanced carving techniques as well as safety, and some even provide a saw! Chain saw carving courses range from 1 to 7 days and cost from a few hundred dollars to about $2,000.
Appalachian Arts Studio
Ridgway, Pennsylvania
814-772-0400 • www.appalachian-arts.com
Students learn about safety, tools, and finishes and take home at least one finished piece.
February Ridgway Rendezvous
www.chainsawrendezvous.org
Started in 1999 by the Boni family, the annual February Ridgway Rendezvous draws upward of 200 carvers and 20,000 onlookers to 10 days of workshops and demonstrations.
George Kenny School of Chain Saw Carving
Allyn, Washington
360-710-5250 • www.bearinabox.com
Three-day, small-group classes and individualized instruction are available.
Wisconsin School of Chain Saw Carving
Hayward, Wisconsin
715-634-8877 • www.chainsawcarvingschool.com
Founder Brian Johnson aims to make students as proficient with a carving saw as they are with a knife and fork.
Read more about chain saw carving in our article, “Chips Off the Old Blocks” in The 2010 Old Farmer’s Almanac.
