An Enormous Alaskan Chainsaw Mill Upgrade, After Three Years of Full-Time Building.

Instead of switching to a band saw mill, I decided on a huge upgrade to my Alaskan setup. The Stihl 661 with a Granberg 36" mill is a MONSTER compared to my 261 and Small Log Mill.
And thanks to Granberg for sending out a new, 36" mill, winch and rail system!
Check out www.granberg.com/ to see all of the great milling tools they make.
Quick release clamps www.granberg.com/product/quic...
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Because I’ve gotten so many questions about the gear that I use on the channel, here are some of the most important pieces I use every day:
(I do receive a small commission from sales associated with the following links. Any income from these sales goes directly to supporting me in making new videos for this channel!)
**I will not share links to products that I don't use regularly or that I wouldn't buy again.**
36" Granberg Alaskan mill amzn.to/3IXsYNM
Granberg Small Log mill amzn.to/3cdRXvn
Big, Black Log-Peeling Knife - Becker BK9 amzn.to/3oZIeOH
Heater I use in the shower amzn.to/3PUzhU6
My favorite piece of gear: chainsaw helmet amzn.to/3uuW5xB
I’ve tried a lot of work gloves and these are my year-round fav’s amzn.to/3TnH3pu
The trailer I use behind my four wheeler Yutrax amzn.to/3fvO8DK
The noise canceling earbuds that fit under my muffs amzn.to/3QwoS0Z
Small WiFi microscope I use for bugs and mushrooms amzn.to/3yQciT9
Thank you all so much for supporting this crazy endeavor! Without you folks donating to Surviving Ringworm, I wouldn't be able to even consider staying out here in the wilderness a THIRD year making videos. You seriously blow my mind!
/ survivingringworm
(As a thank you for donating $5 or more a month through Patreon, I will carve your name into the picnic table and show it in an upcoming episode.)
If you don't want to donate monthly but still want to support the channel: paypal.me/survivingringworm

[@DanB-ei8br]

You are going to love that saw. Its brother, the 660, went into the woods with me every day for ten years logging and it served me well. In 2018 it became my backup saw when I stepped up to the 661. Huge difference. I don't know if you are aware but the saws that end with the number 1 are Stihl's pro versions. The big difference is the autotune carb and the fact that when you hit the trigger it is at full throttle. For grins and giggles start your saw in a warm cabin and then walk outside in the cold with it and you will hear the rpm's increase a bit. Now 62 years old, a while ago I dropped down to the 28" lightweight bar to cut down on weight. I work a lot of steep hillsides and every ounce tends to take its toll these days. I've plunge cut up to 4' diameter oak logs with the 28" bar and she never let me down. When I have a lot of trees to drop that size I switch back to the 36" bar to save time. My goal each day is to fell, limb, top pull, and section 25 trees a day. At 62 I only hit that mark when conditions are perfect but I'm happy with an average of twenty logs a day. In milling use the shortest size bar you can that makes it through the log because the longer the bar the slower the chain spins. If you really want to have fun, throw your 20" bar and mill some with that. In fact, you made need to hold'r back a bit! LOL. Okay, maybe not quite that good, but Stihl... its a lot of fun.

[@cabinman]

The 1 does not mean pro bro. The older adjustable carbs IMO are better because you can mod the muffler to get more power and adjust the carb to compensate the air-fuel ratio and when the new style carb begins to get a little buildup in the jets you won’t be able to compensate with adjustments so it’s off to a Stihl dealer for parts or repairs.

[@nickmudge8052]

The last number in the saw on stihl is the version of the saw they made the 660 first then the 661 replaced the 660 and so on has nothing to do with it being a pro saw or not

[@DanB-ei8br]

@@nickmudge8052 Agreed Nick, I stand corrected. I just checked the Stihl website and based on the info there you are right Apparently that was a sales pitch that I never I checked out. The 661 Cm however does fall into Stihl's ProSaw category. Either way it's an awesome saw.

[@DanB-ei8br]

@@cabinman As I just replied to someone else I stand corrected on the meaning of the "1". I think it was more of a sales pitch thing when I bought the saw. It is however in the Stihls Pro saw line. As far as the other things you mention don't get me wrong, I loved my old 660 and she was tricked out to the point I had more mods in her than she originally cost. She was just getting to the point where she getting old and a bit unreliable and I was looking to upgrade. I'm curious about the build-up issue in the jets of the 661. Do you own this saw and have you had this issue? The reason I ask is I heard that from someone else a couple years ago and I've never experienced it. It's not that I'm feeling left out or something (LOL). It's just that I run the saw hard logging hardwood 3 -4 days a week and the only time it's been in the shop is when it blew a clutch spring. I'm wondering if it is a dirty gas thing or maybe using lower octane fuel issue.

[@cabinman]

@@DanB-ei8br The earlier Stihls started with a zero so the 90 cc was a 066 but it’s all the same as far as power basically and I was trying to point out that the 661 isn’t any better than the 660 or 066. Any carb or fuel injection system is susceptible to buildup and issues but I prefer to have one I can work on without relying on the dealers to gouge me. Yes I’ve had a 660 for about ten years and I have had to clean the carb out.

[@marktheo1563]

Heat is your biggest enemy in any chainsaw cutting,rip or other wise. Saw chain should always be nice & sharp & changed or sharpened before it gets very dull at all. As it dulls it makes more heat,heat warps bar & makes more friction,drag(power loss) & heat. It's a vicious circle. Besides greasing bar sprocket, marine grade bearing grease in bar groove before chain mounting makes a big improvement, must be clean out well each time a new chain is mounted & bar reversed & flipped over for even ware. Bar dressing is a must as needed. Heavier bar oil flow helps too. Having 2 saws to work with so one can cool makes a big difference as well. If you are going to be doing alot of cutting,these tips I throw at you are real game improvements. Never install a sharp chain without cleaning,inspecting & re greasing that bar. Some say it causes dirt to build up, that happens constantly anyway? Difference is with out grease it is a grinder. Much hotter. Born today at 58 yrs old,I've run chainsaws since age 9. For instance,if you sharpen often,you take off less,chain last longer,avoid heat & make time & dont burn bars,chains & yes even clutches & crank bearings. Everything last longer,cuts faster,cooler & easier. If I dont get 100 facecord of firewood out of one chain (short of hitting nails,fence & bolts) I'm disappointed & know I've done something wrong.

[@markgriffin9818]

I loved “if you didn’t bring it with you, don’t even bring it up”! You 2 are quite the comedy team!

[@cabinman]

I’ve run this setup for about 10 years and you’re going to love it. I mill hardwoods and it’s not that fast…what you have there is the speed of a band mill cutting through that softer wood! Since you’re only using that 661 for milling and bucking I would suggest to loosen your chain and get that resistance outta there and let it run more free. Your bar will last longer and it will cut a little faster. When limbing and cutting stuff in the forest yea the tight chain is safer but milling and bucking you’re wasting your bar with all that tension. Give er some slack. Happy cutting

[@cabinman]

Oh also there is the myth that “C” (such as the 180C) stands for Commercial but it doesn’t it stands for Comfort.

[@jamesbrummett6030]

As a guy who chainsaw mills a ton, I have been waiting for this video for 3 years.

[@sevenstepsurvival]

My rib bone is just sticking out of my back, but I rubbed some dirt on it so it’s not a big deal anymore 😅

[@brianyoung4868]

Was gonna check on the news but your notification popped up and reminded me of the surprise. Your headliner won 😆

[@condeerogers5858]

This episode was extra good for me because I love the interaction of you and Tito. And the new saw too. You work very good together. I can't wait for you two to start his cabin. I know you will be involved. That's just the kind of guy you are.

[@daveRiccardi]

Good morning Ryan. Hope you had a good week. Thanks for making it happen.

[@lindapetersen1800]

Ryan you can tell it has power in it !!! Saw it the first time you were with it !!! That is a game changer for you out there !!! Watching the 2 of you makes me think of my son and his friend from 2-now 47 yrs old the way they goes between each other and carry on in life of talking !!! Mother here speaking it is GRAND to see it again !!! BEEN YEARS SINCE I HAD the Time of my life !!! So keep on logging it is a way of life for you and me !!! Have build 2 log cabins in my time !!! Just live in a little old home now !!!

[@Dan-ch2ch]

After finding your channel and binge watching your first 2 1/2 years I look forward to Saturday mornings and watching you get after it......I appreciate the entertainment! Its a very cool lifestyle you lead. Be safe, Have Fun!

[@ruthscott5166]

Congrats on the new mill. I really like the big cookies you cut - they would make great side tables or a two-shelf table :D Do take care and let yourself heal.

[@theveganbug2674]

Ryan man! Thats the 50 minutes i look forward the whole week. Cant thank you enough man.

[@Timsgaming1982]

So glad to see you’re doing a little better this week. Yet again you have made another great video even though you are still injured. Stay safe out there my friend and enjoy your new mill. Can’t wait to see what all you build with it.

[@steventaylor681]

I've owned Granberg mills (and sold them, as well as Stihl, Husky, Echo, and others) for years but have now moved on to a bandsaw mill. There are advantages, and disadvantages, to both types. For where you are and what you're doing, I think you've got the 'right stuff'.

[@beneriksson8218]

I use a old 288g husky for logging and now I got it on a mill and it's awesome I love that saw

[@CBPM]

Look into a Lucas Mill. Look at the smaller versions. You should be able to do everything you need to do and get it where you need to on that 4 wheeler trailer of yours. Check it out. We're getting one later this year, can't wait.

[@CrustyAbsconder]

If you had never built those silly steps in front of your cabin, you would never have fallen down. But since they are there, you might as well build a hand-rail or some way to carry heavy things up and down the steps easier.

[@richwicklund9001]

For small logs, take the 661 power head and put it on your smaller bar and mill. I own a 261, 361, and 661 and run interchangeable bars on all of them. My 661 with a 20 inch bar runs scary fast through a small log.

[@thomasmckay9878]

Great to see friends having an awesome time with horsepower!

[@jeffhutjens]

God, but that must be soft wood ! I'm in awe of your patience to use a 250. I have two of those 660s and a big husky, but have yet to try my mill. 242 Threadlocker on all the saw parts is a great idea. I lost so many bar nuts especially. I threw out all the nuts that came with my mill and replaced them all with nylock. Just seeing snow brings back bad memories for me :)

[@johnhubble5373]

Thnx for another great / funny Video. But, Ryan, I’m originally from Waterford, Michigan. I had 10 Acres in Luzerne, Michigan. Anyway, ⛔️ Beware of the Porcupines ⚠️ They can go at a cabin or structure when they get hungry and you aren’t around for a few days or more. They eat at the siding to try to get the salt from the wood. I’ve actually had them eat all the way through a shed and an out house. Eventually the holes were a foot or so across. Had to repair and get 1/4” screening to go around the bottom 3 feet of all my out buildings. I Caught the them in the woods with my shot gun but he ran like a fat man. His wife was ahead waiting. I had imagined her saying “Hurry Walter”! Hurry “ ! That was it, I couldn’t shoot him. Especially in front of Henrietta. So, since I sold the property, I wonder if the out house and shed even exists any more. : j

[@robertpaulis439]

The center bar on the mill should be center of the log being cut, turn the mill by pivoting out on your end cut for clean results and set up your logs with a slight slope, forward and to the saw side, for ease of cutting. Gravity assist. You may also experiment with a slicing cut vs right angle approach. 2-3" lead will be less strain on the saw as well.

[@cliffmorgan31]

Maybe Granberg will bless you with more milling chains for all the visibility you provide for their products…?

[@samklistoff2474]

You are going to really enjoy the edging mill when you get one. It's a must have when making 4 x and 6x material

[@truthserum8326]

Dang, ...that hurts, ...did it once myself carrying a backpack full of tools across an icy flat roof. Fractured 2 ribs. I was going to suggest adding a handrail when you were doing the steps but I figured you were too busy with projects to add another. Might need to consider doing that now?

[@DrGonzosCondiments]

congratulations on the upgrade and it appears that you're feeling a bit better. take care and see you next week.

[@williameddy7217]

Super Fun Video, Congratulations on the new Saw and Mill , that's super cool of Granberg to send you all that gear. Get better soon so you can mill the devil out of things.

[@tramosy9742]

Thank for your videos, i really enjoy and learn, i just start milling some wood with chainsaw for my projects around my house, ill be following your to learn more.

[@PenguDood]

I couldn't afford the OG Stihl saw, but after some research, came across Holzforma Farmertech and got myself the same size as the 661. We had a few trees felled last year for safety around the house and I cannot wait for spring to mill them up. I've loved watching your videos on milling and the amazing things you've made with an ACM.

[@robertphillips93]

Great fun guys, thanks! If you're looking for a Tito-proof pry bar, check out an item once known under patent as the Burke bar. With a bit forged from a hardened and tempered steel and a handle of rectangular tubular mild steel, it's made for concrete and demolition work. Something like that would take one look at Tito's approaching hulk, and quietly smile!

[@kroOutdoors]

Love that saw. Great video. Been using my 661 for a couple years. Worth the upgrade. I have a few shitty videos of milling with mine. Made some beams and other stuff. Keep up the good work. Fun having Tito in the video for your sarcastic commentary.

[@kennacraftjr.6513]

I have an old 070 cast iron chainsaw. Its heavy, Manual oiler, 42 inch blade. It sounds like an old YZ80 dirt bike when you fire it up.

[@Bythirteen]

A little over a year ago, I discovered your channel while researching chainsaw mills and I subscribed back then. I bought the 661 w/the 36" Alaskan Mill originally and have used it pretty extensively. Eventually I bought a 62" Forester bar paired with 60" Alaskan mill upgrade kit with helper handle and oiler and, although it struggles a little bit on real big chunks, the 661 can really hold it's weight and do some ridiculous work slabbing ~54" wide. Congrats on the upgrade!!

[@Bythirteen]

oh! make sure you research the 'oil feed hack' for that 661 so it stays properly lubricated during milling operations.

[@X2YZ106]

Good luck with the mill/saw. I was considering the same setup. I was grimacing when you were picking stuff up, Ryan. Take care of yourself and heal. ☘️

[@dennisbeaver5958]

Another great couple of days in the woods. That new saw and mill look terrific!

[@peterparsons7141]

Using advice that was given to me when I started years ago, that is to say when I need a piece of equipment that I’ve never had experience with, ex. A chainsaw. I will acquire something, and not spend a lot of money. After using it as much as possible, often to the point of completing using the tool up, but learning what I like or don’t,how to maintain, how to operate, feature I want or don’t,, I have enough info to purchase the correct tool. I saw a guy who bought the cheapest saw in the world, and completely used it until it was exhausted. He keep that thing going long past it’s life, and got so much use out of a $120 saw. He probable still has it, but he now has two more really top quality saw exactly to his specific needs. Today you can buy an nice entry level saw for reasonable $, and it may be the only saw you ever need, but just going out and acquiring the biggest most $$$ any equipment is the wrong approach.

[@johnnyr19026]

Congrats. Enjoying your weekly updates. Take care of that Rib. Staying Tuned.

[@scottfritz2231]

You have given yourself more versatility. You don't have to run just the 36" bar on the 661. You can go down to a 28" and the mill tip holder should be adjustable into whatever length bar you want down from the 36". If don't need that much length. You have the power for any of it.

[@clintonroushff7068]

I wondered about using a smaller bar and how the mill will work.

[@scottfritz2231]

I might be wrong but I believe that bigger mill that he got is adjustable to different length bars.

[@ExpediteTravels]

Very cool addition always love watching your videos. You and Tito are a hoot.

[@peterdebad1]

New tool day. Mmmmm... Fresh wood. A great upgrade. Thanks for sharing with us. Continue to heal well. Peace!!

[@jmar5787]

Good morning, Ryan I'm surprised no sawmill companies have reached out to you for a portable one to demonstrate. That Stihl 661 is a great upgrade!! The issue with big logs is being able to move them with your setup you can mill right there with a sawmill you need to be able to move them....

[@booboo7750able]

Nothing more refreshing then watching hard working Men!!! Having Fun!

[@russellclement2058]

Those spanners ( wrench ) have been around for many years , when rotary grass mowers first made in Australia in around 1957-58 those spanners came with every one , one end is for the Plug , the other end is for the blade bolts and of course a screw driver,

[@crossan008]

I absolutely love my 661. I run a 32” bar and 30” Granberg. I get 25” of cut with the dogs on. Pairs perfectly with the 261

[@alaskanshannon2683]

41:40 Pretty much. You've just stepped up to the mill I've had for years, but I use a Stihl Farm Boss w/ a 20" bar. (Trees just don't get much bigger than 20" up here.) Small and light means you can get it into a Piper Cub or other small bush plane on floats, fly out to your property and build your cabin.

[@dennisrobbins5451]

I was going to ask why you couldn't just use a shorter bar set up with the new saw. Then I read the comments. Someone already suggested that. Happy milling days are ahead. So keep right on building. Love the creativity on your channel.

[@brotherlantern5066]

39:34 “It’s so cool that S thought.” “Yeah. It stands for hope.” Lol, nicely timed Superman quote there bud.

[@brucewitcpalek5120]

I’ll tell you what I’m glad of🤔 and that is that you were kind of sponsored and given a new mill, which I think you totally deserve !! Anyway, I guessed that you were getting a bandsaw mill so I was on the right idea !! I am anxious to see what you think of all this in a month from now because one thing you are🤔 is totally honest in my opinion. Thanks for another great video U2 crazy man. 😉🙃😝✌🏼😎🥇🥇🥇

[@howtobuildadream]

Yahoo! Excited for my Saturday morning ritual! 🎉😂👍😁😎

[@greggmcclelland8430]

I bought your exact mill setup for the small mill. Works great. Then I bought the granberg ripping chains. hopefully they work well.

[@diydarkmatter]

lol its funny in the video where you asked us to guess what the tool was i guessed lumber mill but i dint think a bigger Alaskan chain saw mill lol . but hey this is awesome i dont know how many times i heard you say i would like to use that tree but its a little bigger then my mill will cut . no more of that . and just think how much wood will be saved in bigger tree slabs . its a very nice new tool mr Ryan . going to make life easier for you for sure . and you could always use the old saw mill to cut the first slab depending on how the new rail system works . that way you can just pull out the saw at the end and go right to the newer bigger saw . i can see it now ten years from now . when the ring worm saw mill is open and your using state of the art saw mills the old saw mill will be hanging on a wall and you will say and to think it all started will this little mill ha ha ha . the good ole days . well thats one version of what could happen . the more likely version is you buying another 100 acres of land and building a house for maybe you and Sarah maybe having ten or so kids . and tea toe living right down the trail with his wife and ten kids . lol . bless ya guys work safe get well first .

[@tsuchang1]

Thanks again for a fun entertaining video. I really appreciate that you keep your videos smut free. REALLY appreciate it.

[@jaket9739]

So much easier watching then doing! I've milled a few times in the woods, in the winter, always forgetting some tool, ground is uneven, the tree falls just off enough, something's in the way, etc. Sounds like you've had a much better experience with the 50CC saw and mill combination then I did. With milling in mind I paid up and purchased a professional grade Husqvarna 50CC chainsaw along with this Grandberg mill. I did some firewood processing and used it to mill about a half dozen times over a couple years, ended up burning the saw out, very disappointed! After that I figured I needed the bigger 90CC chainsaw, but with the financial loss on the first 50CC chainsaw, I bought the "Blue 660" knock off. I had low expectations, but a few years later I will say I'm super impressed and would highly recommend the "Blue 660" paired with this Grandberg mill. I'm not a big fan of buying knock off stuff, but getting the 90CC delivered to the door with a 36 inch bar and chain, still about $200 cheaper then the 50CC. I've milled hardwoods at the Max the chainsaw mill would allow, about 32 inches wide, it's done the job impressively! There are some cheap plastic parts that broke almost right away, but the heart of it, the engine has the power and continues to run great!

[@marktheo1563]

You have to shock those logs with a sledge hammer on the sides & end grain to get them to left go of the frost in the earth. I'm a sthil nut. So yes I have many. I think the ms661 was probably over kill for most of what you do? I have 2 - ms461 that I feel would have done you fine. I also have 2 - older 038 mags that run 16" - 32" bar with no apparent different in speed or power no matter what hardwoods I'm cutting. It's not always the dog in the fight ,but the fight in the dog. Some models of saws are remarkable in the sthil line up, all seem to be worth the money,dependable & durable. ! At 58 yrs old today, as far as saws,not,starting, running,no power,constantly breaking,wearing out & just head aches & problems in general slowing you down when your up against the weather window most of the time. Trust me on this. It better say sthil on the side of it or I dont have any need or use for it. No I dont sell,promote or work for sthil saws,I was always self employed in the wood industry where you were paid by ton,board foot, facecord ect. No hourly wage where you could lean on a tree & milk it. Wet lands in winter environments alot of times. You dont have time in your weather window to screw with anything less than a sthil. Trust me! If your saw fails & it rains,snows,warms & thaws ,floods or freezes because you missed a down saw day, you might not get conditions suitable to ever get back in there for years & years until it dries or freezes enough again. Maybe loosing all the work you've done up to that point! The wood might rot before you get another opportunity. I'm I guy who has lived it,done it very successfully with light wieght equipment & most have no idea how I did so much. A damn good start is go with sthil.

[@dccheek7495]

Man the new saw and mill Is gonna be awesome for you ! That is really nice .

[@rexhavoc2982]

You might try using the 20 inch bar and chain on the new saw. Now you have 3 more horses to feed. The Band Mill is still your best idea, just get a log dolly for behind the Honda. Save your back, time and lumber. " You should see what I saw"

[@robertparks8841]

Always ready for Saturday morning. Thank you for sharing. Bless you

[@browndawg9745]

Happy for you on the new saw. Looks great but, I cringed each time you had to lift a board or cut using the heavier set up. Broken rib had to hurt! Kudos to your buddy, Tito.

[@larryflor1696]

Ryan, looks like you're healing rather quickly, with the help of two great people. Love the new "heavy" tool, as you mentioned when you broke open the big planer. It'll be a game changer when milling those large aspen and pine. It does seem to be a bit awkward for a felling saw, but as a dedicated milling saw for larger trees, it'll be a beast.

[@bmunday]

Banger Vid! Lotsa good infor on that mill saw.

[@milesff7]

I already had a 461, and bought a granberg to play around with. Once I really started milling, I understood I needed more saw. I went with the 661, as my mill was a 36” setup, and haven’t looked back. Such a great saw.

[@TimberTrainer]

The 661 is a great saw for those projects. Skiptooth, full chisel chain works well if you can keep it out of the dirt. It's a little rougher finish than proper milling chain, but fast and simple. It's nice to not swap out chain between felling and milling.

[@shottyshoshco]

I have an Alaskan mill still in the box. I have ms462c that I think I can mill with. I started a firewood business less than a year ago and get huge wood from the tree services I partner with. Can't wait to start milling up some back walnut. However, I know nothing about milling so I will be watching carefully to see what I can learn before I start milling. Love your videos, thank you for making them.

[@tacticalskiffs8134]

There is nothing to it. Set up level with two pieces of plywood at the ends, put a board or ladder over them and run the saw down. I started in the 80s, and it was fine from day one. If one is milling for oneself, one can get way more wood than one will use in a decade in a few afternoons, if the logs are right. I recommend Will Malloff's book, there are copies on the net, and while it was out of print for a long time, I think it may have been reissued. He has a good setup with a winch, but I keep it simple as the little milling I do drowns me in wood as it is. He also has a good method for milling any length you want with a short board. My one trick with marginal wood diameters, is to run the first cut through the pith, That way, you waste wood that is normally waste anyway. Works up to about 20 inches. If you absolutely wanted to maximize the quarter sawn wood, that might not be the best way... Another good practice is to to make as few cuts as possible. For furniture, and with a shop bandsaw, it makes sense to work with larger cuts, 2" boards are wide enough for legs, and such, yet can be resawn into planks as well. They can also be cut to yield quarters for frames. But the main point it to think though post processing and cut as few boards as you can move easily, yet with little waste from heavy kerfs.

[@dannykimble7671]

Love your explanation of stuff without the bull shit, keep it up brilliant.

[@ericslater9666]

Used a 660 with a 53-inch mill for a 4ft diameter oak log. That powerhead loves big wood.

[@billestla]

Another great video. Love the 611!

[@douggibson9084]

That's a Monster Ryan 😅. Good for you Guys. Have fun with it.

[@charleshutchings9355]

Awesome! Congratulations! I see more production in your daylight hours.

[@Pencakplayer]

I love my 661 and my 271. I bought the 661 to mill with but havn't gotten round to that bit yet, still using it to process logs and firewood.

[@babbuzzifirewood]

Just got the same chainsaw for bucking and milling and Im loving it 💪🪚🪵🪓🔥

[@lukevannek9259]

Swap to the 18/20” bar and the smaller mill onto the 661 power head.👌 Granberg also do an awesome little ripping mill.

[@dave-yeahthatsme3925]

very happy for you, great purchase!

[@FlyingAceAV8B]

My little 18” craftsman has served me well for 3 years and I’ve literally cleared an acre of my property with it (mostly cedar, some oak). It fires right up every time and for the price I paid, I’ve been impressed with the abuse it has taken. With that said, I look forward to getting a big saw like this so I can do some milling with it.

[@ncprospectors]

Great saw upgrade. Well ...I have officially watched ALL of your videos from the beginning to the end. You have great talent for what you do. Not just now but your whole life. Love you...Tito....and Sara. 👍👍✌️😎❤️ Patreon supporter.

[@lukefenton8366]

After running your old set up for so long your gonna be just as giddy every time you break this beauty. Congrats and great choice! Keep up on the healing!

[@SasquatchBunyan]

Nice additions. Also, you don’t have to use a 36” bar on the new saw. You could go smaller and have other options. Yup.

[@peteinmowaab]

Came here to say this. Throw that bigger saw on the small mill 🤷‍♂️

[@shortsweettoo]

Great chain saw. That's wonderful Ryan, because now you can make a log cabin. You know its inevitable, lol. Can't wait. Glad you are on the mend.

[@anywhy30]

Making some amazing lumber,doing a great job guys, heal up. Be well.

[@carlosvangrinder3754]

New tool day is always an awesome day. Welcome to power fun.

[@Flowergurl2000]

All that good sawdust, compost pile heaven.

[@shephusted2714]

this was an eye opener - ripper new saw makes a big difference!

[@jimmyhoffa7935]

Love the new saw. Hope those ribs are feeling better.

[@allenenabnit7078]

I think it would be a good idea to get like two more of those cross bars in there, that way you won’t have to keep moving the one and should make it more sturdy. Been waiting to see this new tool I had a few ideas on what it was but this is probably the best choice for now

[@iffykidmn8170]

what would happen if starting the cut on a diagonal until fully onto the log and transition to parallel?

[@jonathonkennedy9321]

Im glad you got into a bigger saw. I love my 661

[@RobertJLessard]

I was thinking a 660 for my next saw but after trying one I got unreasonably tired. I might just keep making due with my 260 and stick to smaller logs. The 260 with an 18 inch lite bar is such a nimble tool. I'd love a bandsaw mill but then you need a machine to move the logs so it's much more money than just buying the mill.

[@MBFavazza]

Fun toy. Sending some healing prayers. Looking forward to seeing you build more cool stuff with the new chainsaw. Take care and rest that rib.

[@robert_suburban_gardener]

I wonder if you could get another "on/off" bar for the "new toy". Seems like if you had two it would be a lot more versatile. Great video, keep healing.

[@peterweikel7123]

The 661 has been a long time firewood processor for me along with my 362 and a couple others. Recently I was given a chainsaw mill to try and the 661 was the obvious choice of saws. I am excited to give it a try. I just need to get some wood dropped that I can get to

[@bjornek2]

On smaller logs, use the saw with an angled cut (i.e 45 degrees or so). That way you get potentially full with capacity usage on every log you mill. The new saw (and chain) obviously can handle it. An added bonus is that small logs will mill significantly faster at an angle than with a 90 degree cut. Maybe, with an angled cut, the saw will actually pull itself through the log, to some extent.

[@leonhart2452]

Do you mean lifting one end of the log up higher than the other or mount the rails then turn the log to 45°?

[@bjornek2]

@@leonhart2452 no, that is not what I meant. As of now, he has the chain at a 90 degrees cut. If he, for instance, instead have it at 45 degrees, it means that the contact will be ~1.4 times longer (provided that the log is narrow enough for that). Think of it as having the blade still horisontal but the tip is rotated forward. The tip it's leading the cut.

[@bjornek2]

Think of it as how u normally use a hand saw. At least I normally use it at an angle, not exactly 90 degrees. The tip of the blade is normally lowered and the back is lifted slightly (or vice versa).

[@bjornek2]

I just remembered that in this video we can see Tito do exactly this at some point. Not that much angled but still.

[@billbryan1390]

Well another Saturday and another great video you and Tito are a great team good friends are what makes life's journey worth the trip. Thanks again for a very entertaining video, I love your work !!

[@jdram58]

I say maybe use the new saw with the old mill and ull still see improvements as far as powering through logs with less sharpening of chains or try experimenting with the smaller chain bars and old chains I can see a lot of experimental ways n methods in your future which means what more variety in your day or work day Im still looking at pully systems that make things easier even if all you got is an atv to increase the tork n power of the equipment you have on hand maybe build a hand type crane or pulley system to your trailer when ur working in the woods remotely n using this knowledge to save your back. like addinga bigger wench handle or adjustable one to your log lifter thus making it easier to lift or move even larger logs more easily. I see it like a boat lift what makes it easier is a larger wheel on your boat lift and various pulleys to make lifting and lowering boats much easier in and out of the water only logs are your boats. Ive even seen home made scissor jacks made out of wood like an adjustable work table or bench to make it easier to work on projects in a small shop. My neighbor has a design for an adjustable picnic tablem and why not have several picnic tables on your property who says you only need just one and what about building decks or small mudroom or addition for your muddy clothes and boots for your cabins an unheated part of your cabin. They were quite common on trailers during the oil boom to keep the house cleaner from boots n work clothes and tools. Hey Im an idea guy to n try n keep myself busy some how at least in my mind.

[@ChainsawChuckSmallwood]

SO AWESOME!!!! Been waiting for you to get a big saw!:)

[@LifeontheMoose]

Congrats on the new rig!

[@dennisdye2330]

Awesome! I decided against the 881 because of some design issues and bought this saw in November and run up to a 62” bar. I was kinda regretting it until today when I saw yours. Now I’m like 🎉! Had to be the right decision.. Happy milling to you and Tito.

[@stevesmith-eq9fv]

I just started milling,thanks for the informative vid. I will have to drop some bucks for a bigger saw😅

[@47869bd]

You're right, that saw is a beast! I have a 52" bar set up on my mill and I'm as giddy as a little kid with a new toy 😁

[@ryanwalker388]

That is a good all arounder saw for working large trees. Obviously there is a 880 which is the real big dog. We only use that one for felling some pretty large trees here in Cali. I really like the size and power of the 61. I think it will be amazing for milling the trees you are working with.

[@itsamiakount7129]

i recently started using paste wax. if you dont already it may save some time and strain on your body. my Ryobi plane, router, circular and blades.just seem to run better when not fighting frictions.

[@fire7side]

Pretty interesting. I just ordered a 372xp Husqvarna which I got a really good deal on and I might get an Alaskan mill for it. Just for odd projects, nothing major. I think it's 70cc. Also use it for large trees I need to cut down once in a while. Couldn't pass it up for the price so I'll have to see. Got it on ebay.

[@hollandduck79]

hello from the Netherlands . thanks for the video Ryan . Sincerely Hollandduck