Chainsaw milling tips

Trying to answer some of the questions I've been getting regarding chainsaw milling (getting started, how to, which saw to use etc)
I'll be using my STIHL ms 661c chainsaw with a 36" Rollomatic ES bar and an Alaskan chainsawmill mkIV from Granberg International.
Disclaimer:
I had a lot of issues with the mic and cameras on this video :)

[@dcvariousvids8082]

If you know that you’ll be milling more than 1-2 over width logs, take the felling dogs/spikes off, which will give you an extra 25mm-50mm depending on size of dogs removed.

[@JRchainphdizzy]

The cat in the bag was absolutely the most funny thing I've seen all week.

[@Femalelumberjack]

🤣🤣🤣

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Another tip, if you don't have the winch set up, is to have one end of the log elevated about a foot off of the ground. That way the weight of the saw and gravity reduces some of the fatigue of pushing it through.

[@Femalelumberjack]

That’s a very good tip yes! Thanks for sharing when I forgot to put it in the video.

[@davesfarmforestvideos8395]

You managed to make a great video considering everything went wrong. The part where you get photo bombed by the cat is the best. 😂

[@Femalelumberjack]

Right 🤣🤣 freaked me out

[@wood__and_more]

@@Femalelumberjack Danke für das schöne Video 👌... Kannst Du mir sagen ob Deine Hose (xtreem) auch für den Winter geeignet ist? Liebe Grüße 😊

[@jimpaull731]

When we got our new cat we forgot to take her out of the bag too

[@kristianskov4841]

Gotta make an un-boxing video, then....😄

[@Femalelumberjack]

Lol

[@blleidblleid7280]

Superrrrrr 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 🤗🤗🤗🤗😘😘😘😘

[@andrewmckinley6571]

Timber is gittting so big

[@Femalelumberjack]

Yes she is ❤️

[@andrewcrossley1938]

Love watching your videos as I learn from them. Just for some advice and information, which fuel can have you got? I am thinking that there is dust when cutting would you advise wearing some sort of mask? About the chain, what are your thoughts on a full skip chain and 10° angle and how would a 0° work? I have a Alaskan mill but not used yet but just bought a new saw with 36" bar and waiting for it to arrive this week so the more information I have the better. Thank you for the great videos just love the blunders in this one.

[@Femalelumberjack]

So glad you like my videos! I’m using a STIHL combi can. It’s definitely a good idea to wear a mask when milling. I haven’t tried with a skip chain but do tell me how it goes!

[@marinetrooperlawyer]

Can you do a video on your favorite gloves?

[@jamesaston1345]

Timber looking good too 👍👍

[@Femalelumberjack]

Isn’t she 😍

[@jamesaston1345]

Beautiful pup 👍👍❤️

[@fabzacres-blackcat]

That was something-else with popcorn the cat ... Here’s my Bombay Oliver, I have to watch near the widows because if he gets to worked up I’m afraid he will go right thru ! ..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqqvia2mqbakpNU ..... Have you tried 0 degrees on the top plate when milling ?

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good evening Miss 😊👍 You are truly a very courageous lady 👍😊💪 Have a great week Cheers 😊👍🍻

[@Femalelumberjack]

Good evening

[@BackyardEngineer334]

Your accent is 🥰🥰🥰

[@Femalelumberjack]

😆 I’m so happy you like and not hate it

[@annacraft]

this weekend I had my first try with this (24 inch version) and it did not work really well 😂 it was a bit rushed as I just got the saw and 10 degree chain as well. Anyway: attaching the ladder was the first problem. I screwed boards into both ends to rest the ladder on, but fixing this to the tree did not work out as intended. 2 I only had a wrench with me and it is almost impossible to adjust or reach anything especially with the saw attached to the mill. Will definately bring an impact with a fitting nut and flexible extension next time. 3 the clamping on the bar became loose, throwing the chain and getting the saw stuck mid cut. 4 hight adjustment also came loose (see 1) and of course got the saw stuck again, … Anyway, great day out, lessons learned and will have another go on Wednesday with a cherry tree. 🙋🏻‍♀️Anna

[@loimt]

Liked when Popcorn ran in bag,great video as always:)

[@Femalelumberjack]

It was a crazy moment 😆

[@Femalelumberjack]

And thank you

[@Thetreefella]

Popcorn has moves of a cat,stuck in a bag.😆 that was great!! Love to spend time milling. My ground gal and I have milled right on the job site. Good to see ya ,great video lady!!! Later treepeople💚🌳💚🌳💚🌳👍👊

[@Femalelumberjack]

Milling is great! I would love to do more of it

[@Thetreefella]

@@Femalelumberjack we don't have equipment to haul off and deal with in log form. But I don't mind,as long as the homeowner is fine also, we'll make sawdust!!!!

[@arikadenikpurwani5161]

Hello 👋 greetings from an Indonesian female woodcutter🇮🇩

[@Slickheadhunter]

Have you ever had problems with your gas spout getting stuck open? I have one just like it and it seems to be a problem. Perhaps the fuel outside of the States is different and doesn’t cause it to happen!?

[@espenklingsheim978]

On cooling down. The 661 can handle milling well, «cooling off» should be done ideling in the upright possision. Don’t shut it of right after an demaning cut. Event after all cuts are done, let it idle for a minute. I sometimes mill logs after jobs, and the alaskan mill is a great little mill for that. But plan to put your tools on the oppsite side of the log where you spray sawdust, stuff gets burried.

[@eroshtik6997]

very useful video Like your youtube channel 👍👊👍👊

[@Femalelumberjack]

Thanks! I’m glad you like my content 😊

[@eroshtik6997]

@@Femalelumberjack You are My favorite

[@adelarsen9776]

Long live Denmark and Danish culture. Long live Tulip Bacon, Bilka Pork Roast and Jacobsen Dark Lager :-) I use a 660 but not for milling :-)

[@Femalelumberjack]

It would be great for milling though

[@ishure8849]

You might have to purchase some chain saw pants you don't want a derailment when slabbing I've been doing it since 95👍.

[@autorizeduser9876]

Very good information thank you

[@Femalelumberjack]

You’re welcome

[@michaelsnell4034]

I have a 650 with a 42' bar. I added a winch to cut more easily. I also learned to add up pressure as the powerhead is very heavy and twist tends to multiply on subsequent cuts.

[@Femalelumberjack]

Great advice

[@tonyr6190]

Hi female lumber Jack great channel, someone is hack my name and are putting on people's websites I just wanted you to no its not me my wife is dying from cancer , whoever is doing this to me is 1 low person

[@danielaltmeyer4985]

The best Saws are Husqwarna 😉👍

[@longfellow5276]

Booo! Stihl all the way😂

[@levent8208]

Nice video, commenting for the algorithm, you have a really nice name and a million dollar smile. From Canada.

[@stefank264]

I hope that Stihl is paying you a lot of money for doing all you do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@eliasknorr7808]

Hello. Great video. I'm running a self build Alaskan mill with a 500i and 92 cm cutting length with a 3/8 lp chain and bar and it works very well. I didn't notice a difference in the quality of the cut when I stop in the cut. Does anyone here made the same experience. Greetings from Germany.

[@em4703]

In big wood you won't. Anything smaller than 20" and you'll see the spot where you stopped. It's irrelevant to me as surface finish can take care of it. Love for Romania, stay safe

[@koyafarm7826]

I struggled milling on my 500i, tree was dead a long time. burnt my ball bearing inside. Lucky my guy fixed it for a 6pack of beer. I ordered a spare clutch kit and just keep it in the glove box for the inevitable. It’s not a good feeling when you think you might have broken your baby.. especially in todays world of waiting time on parts..

[@timothy4037]

What brand is your oil/gas can? What is the average price for one

[@georgecharokee4570]

I knew this Vlog was Gonna Be Goood💯 👍🏾👏🏾😁‼️‼️‼️ Thanks for Leaving the Footage of Popcorn running through the Vlog, that was FUNNY😅😂, the Reaction On Your Face tho was like WTH😅😂😁. Luckily You Heard and Saw the Commotion, If Not, That would have SCARED -THE -HELL 😨 Out of Me 😬‼️‼️‼️ The Alaskan Mill you have there Looks Kinda Pricey combined with the MS661. As You Mentioned, If You are Gonna be Doing Lots of Milling, a Small Saw Mill would be a Better Option. Awesome Milling Tips there Sweet 🌹Lady, Always Love 💘 Seeing / Hearing Your Expertise and Professional Analysis in the Arborist Industry. Me / Myself, I'm a Non Professional and Land Owner but I Call Myself a Residential lumberjack Tho😁😁. Keep Doing What You Do, Loving ❤ It. Always Stay Safe, Sweet 🌹and Blessed🙏🏾, Much Love💖 and Continued Success 💯👍🏾👏🏾‼️‼️‼️

[@Femalelumberjack]

Glad you liked the video! Oh yes I was definitely thinking WTF is going on 🤣🤣 so happy I got it on camera cause it was crazy times lol. She did get out of the bag right after though. Thanks for your comment

[@StrayWolfForge]

Great info, and I like your cohost.

[@Femalelumberjack]

Thank you

[@mihaelaclaudiap..2]

You made me smile! i have issues when creating videos so often as well! But I never give up until I make it! :)) You are a fighter like me! I like you, great personality! True woman! xxx

[@Femalelumberjack]

Thank you!

[@messybench]

My daughter won't help me around power tools. Felixia is awesome.

[@dmalloy96]

Looks like a really nice mill didn’t know they made them with a winch like that thanks for sharing

[@Femalelumberjack]

The winch is awesome

[@zucar9hamid]

Hai there, can u give me the link where can i order the stihl xtrem chainsaw pants.thanks

[@Femalelumberjack]

I know you can get them at honeybrothers

[@zucar9hamid]

Thanks a lot

[@wargamingbros299]

Greetings From Germany

[@Femalelumberjack]

Hi from Denmark

[@INSTERMENTAL]

lmao did you just say avoid bark then proceed to cut it all off. ohno

[@guntherpetutschnig2705]

I have big mill system from logosol and timmerjigg

[@AbeAlexander]

At 3:36 the captions say a chainsaw is not meant for knitting. True!

[@terryhebb7967]

Enjoyed your video ty for the helpful tips !

[@Femalelumberjack]

So glad you liked it!

[@andreawhalen4142]

lol, the cat is a trip.

[@Femalelumberjack]

Yup 😆

[@stephenjohnferneyhough504]

Good video again well done

[@Femalelumberjack]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@NortheastAdventure87]

I love to watch your video ❤️❤️❤️

[@danielclare2344]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣popcorn made my week 🤣🤣🤣poor cat .. great video ad usual 👍big hello from Ireland

[@Femalelumberjack]

Hahaha I was so confused. She got out right after though

[@mf6532]

Oh yes the 661, on my long wish list.

[@Alexhulk]

Hihihihi very good dog!!!

[@KuhFladenFREEEIFEL]

Could my MS500 do Pine?

[@CowboyAxe]

So how has your saw held up?

[@jeremyjenks]

Popcorn and a movie!

[@hogman2524]

That cat in the bag was SO funny, !! you can't make stuff like that up :)

[@Femalelumberjack]

Lol it was insane

[@stefanotugulu1982]

Ciao Felixia un saluto dalla Sardegna

[@reinaldof.deoliveira3025]

Eu gostei!

[@chuckuu9294]

Love watching you get things done. Awesome video.

[@messybench]

If possible get the log at a comfortable height to save your knees and back.

[@Femalelumberjack]

True but most people don’t have machines to lift the log

[@koyafarm7826]

Hi! Can anyone confirm that canola oil is ok for milling only? The 881 uses a tonne of oil, and if the tip of the bar is sticking out of the wood already I was wondering if everyone is forking out all that $$$ for premium bar oil.

[@stanleycope6525]

If its messed up or not just love to see that smile and listen to that voice Awesome aaaa cute video

[@Femalelumberjack]

Thank you!

[@inderjeetsingh2831]

I want yr chain saw😋😜

[@buckwheat3129]

Did that just happen Lol Thanks for posting. Love your videos I see a mill in my future Keep posting

[@ryanwhitlow9987]

When your milling I have found that the exhaust and dust are a problem so I where a respirator so your not inhaling all that stuff.

[@blainstenberg2806]

The cat was awesome

[@gorandjerasimoski5970]

🔥SIII ❤️

[@gaetanbolduc8417]

This was a new subject for me. You were very good despite all the trouble you had. Hope you have been able to help your cat! He was in a hurry to get rid of the bag 😂🤣🤣

[@bernddreisbach4537]

Sehr gute Tipps wie man es richtig macht, vor allem die säge betreffend! Dort werden oft Fehler gemacht wie zum Beispiel der falsche Winkel an der Kette oder zu schwache Leistung! Großartig! Weiter so!

[@Femalelumberjack]

Dankeschön

[@piotrknapczyk700]

Jeśli chodzi o cene i szybkość ciecia to lepiej kupić tani chiński trak taśmowy.

[@brucearney9536]

Timber really enjoying all those saw chips ! I use a 576 Husqvarna with a 10 degree angle , it does make for a better cut . Thank you !

[@Femalelumberjack]

Yes she loves being a part of my work

[@RI-td3gv]

Yes, the ripping chain makes a nice finish

[@nikond90]

great video

[@billyshumate853]

Great video as always. Good advice take your time and use the right chain. Timber and Popcorn ain't a bit spoiled are they 😂😂. Take care and have a blessed week and I'll see you on your next video 😘😘

[@Femalelumberjack]

Not spoiled at all 😆

[@billyshumate853]

@@Femalelumberjack Yeah right you can't fool me 😍😍

[@dennisrobinette7397]

Lmao popcorn

[@rolandmarcos6840]

🤣🤣🤣

[@justm2040]

OMG! Popcorn had me LMAO. I have cats and they just know when to help break the tension. Keep the videos coming.

[@Femalelumberjack]

I was like WTF is happening and then she came flying 🤣

[@Femalelumberjack]

So happy the camera was on cause it was insane

[@inderjeetsingh2831]

😍

[@СергейЮргин-щ5о]

Бедный котик!!! А прическа сегодня хорошая!!! Плохо что собачку не кормите, грызет щепки...

[@ismailozmen5289]

😎😎💪💪👏👏👏😍👌😍❤

[@oleksandrbobuski]

А Назароботки у Данію можна приїхати.сам строитель.Саша Украина.

[@robbiehogg1294]

Great video as usual 👌 good tips 👍 👌

[@Femalelumberjack]

Thank you! Glad you like it

[@Arsen8880]

👍😘

[@aarons3203]

Thanks Felixia! Great video!

[@Femalelumberjack]

Glad you liked it

[@oleksandrbobuski]

Я люблю Компанію Штіль у меня Бензопила Мойка и Косилка Штіль Украина 👍.

[@imrehegedus5708]

Szia szép cicád,és kutyusod van😊💖Vissza térve a videóra,tetszett nagyon,puszi neked!😘🌸🌷

[@workshoptazz7893]

Wooo Hooo! you go Popcorn. 😹

[@Femalelumberjack]

🤣🤣

[@FabFunty]

How did you get the sawdust off the dog 🤣

[@Femalelumberjack]

She just rolled in sand instead 🤣

[@dantheman9852]

Great video would have liked to have seen some milling lol but good info.

[@norcaltimberfaller1943]

Very good video Femalelumberjack. I am wondering about the chain you are using for chain saw milling. Are you using full skip or full comp chain? I personally like full comp because it cuts smoother and chatters less. Your thoughts?

[@em4703]

Doesn't really matter for milling. You cut slow anyway, so chips slowing you down aren't an issue as it is with cross cutting with bars over 32", since all you're spewing out is dust. Maybe after 50" size wood it's worth switching to skip chain for performance as the dust gets a bit packed. I personally would run skip anyway since it's less sharpening teeth.

[@ussgear]

Sensory overload in this video! 😍 so much beauty! Great video! When you are milling, does the type of tree determine any of the multiple factors going on in your process, in determining what to use and/or what not to use as far as your equipment, Oak vs Elder.... or Maple vs Pine, etc? and what about how and when you mill? Winter vs Summer?

[@robruen4567]

Never work with children or animals - W.C. Fields as Popcorn and Timber try to steal the show.

[@Femalelumberjack]

They’re welcome to steal my show

[@arbolorian]

yoooo! great to meet you the other day at the ETW! hope all went good!

[@Femalelumberjack]

Great to meet you too! Yes it went well and I’m certified 👌 How was your weekend?

[@arbolorian]

@@Femalelumberjack got all god but have to retake the oral test. so 20 minutes and I'll be certified. Congrats to the cert!

[@Femalelumberjack]

That’s great! Congrats

[@tomandrene]

I love it...have Popcorn do that again.

[@Femalelumberjack]

Hahaha poor thing

[@tomandrene]

@@Femalelumberjack :) Cat traps come in two flavors…One…an open box in the middle of the room or anywhere for that matter and two…an open bag. Now put a paper handle on that bag and you get Popcorn thinkin’ what the heck did I just get myself into? You comforted the little fur ball didn’t you? Girls like to do that kind a thing.

[@jonnscott4858]

@ Femalelumberjack curious to know how often do you replace your Chainsaw with a newer model or run it till it chokes sort of Gal? IK only guys do this, my bad

[@Femalelumberjack]

Well I’ve only been using saws since 2017 so I haven’t really needed to replace any 😉

[@gordonmelrose4828]

Love your videos :)

[@Femalelumberjack]

So glad you enjoy them

[@oleksandrbobuski]

Xello Ukraine STIHL

[@ishure8849]

G'day FMLJ,I purchased my Alaskan mill in 1995 it's a dual power head model with a max cut of 45 inches.i put a pair of 066 magnums on it I switched it from .404 to 3/8 chain 10 degree ripping chain Stihl said the 3/8 wouldn't take it especially in the Aussie hardest of all wood my argument was that surely a narrower chain would reduce the load especially in end ripping their concern was stretch and possibly link failure well it was all good but bloody hard work for ten years until I purchased my Lucas Mill now it hangs up in the shed retired but it payed for the Lucas Mill which isn't work it almost makes it enjoyable 👍🇦🇺Ishman.PS on a twin only one filter requires regular cleaning .

[@koyafarm7826]

I hope I can get enough satisfaction milling with an 881 to leave the words Lucas mill out of my vocabulary. I have Ali of Aussie hardwood as well. You should post a video of your Lucas mill in action. How much did you end up spending on it?

[@ishure8849]

G'day Koya farm, the Alaskan slabbing Mill is an excellent entry level unit they're hard work in the hardest wood, it doesn't matter when you're young, you can also add the mini Mill which allows you to cut dimensional timber I'd go with a short bar on a Stihl ms460 or equivalent. The Lucas Mill 10/30 plus the slabbing attachment was under 20K , I supply them with logs for field days and they look after me with accessories. We've looked into uploading videos but they would only be for the purpose of promoting our business 👍🇦🇺.

[@Syncop8rNZ]

I wish you had left the cat part in as it happened, that was hilarious! I know it's trendy, but I'm not a fan of looking through one camera when you're talking to another.

[@Femalelumberjack]

As I said 2 cameras died therefore I had no choice

[@raydurni1175]

Nicely done.

[@Femalelumberjack]

Thank you

[@kongkjetil]

liked and commented for the algorithm :)

[@Femalelumberjack]

You, good sir are a hero! ❤️

[@太郎杣]

環境がうらやましい😆😆😆

[@pavelhabryneuski631]

👍

[@Femalelumberjack]

thanks

[@justinmorris5916]

I’m use to the older style saws. Seems like the adjustment screw for oil flow on the new saws doesn’t turn as much. Guess that’s just the way the new saws are

[@Femalelumberjack]

No it’s not a screw that you can turn several times

[@justinmorris5916]

@@Femalelumberjack Well it’s just seems to me like it’s off or on. Not much room for adjustment

[@Femalelumberjack]

I know what you mean

[@om617yota8]

@@justinmorris5916 Some new saws, you need to push the screw in to access more of the adjustment range.

[@alexmarch7636]

Happy birthday

[@Femalelumberjack]

Eh thanks.. my birthday is in March but better soon than lat I guess 😊

[@jasonmcpherson05]

What is the brand of the combo can you are using? I have the Husqvarna brand. Had to order it from the UK. here (USA) gas cans have to be red so the Husky can is the wrong color...

[@Femalelumberjack]

It’s a STIHL combi can but it’s orange

[@landscapingspecialist]

I’m sure you are excited to try out the MS881 you just got in. Can’t wait to see how it works out for you. Nice to see you again Felixia 🪵🪓😍💐