Granberg Alaskan Mill-Getting the System Down-Martin's Old Off Grid Log Cabin

After cutting some logs I am getting a system down for setting up a stiff ladder as a rail for the first cut. Measuring and setting up the ladder take me some time but then its is clear sailing as I make additional cuts using the nice surface I end up with after the proper prep.

[@alancall5113]

You're the only guy I know that makes work look fun. 😅Keep it coming love the protips

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Home-11]

Progress with a smile! I hope you had a cherry pie 🥧😀 after all the work you put in! It looks like you got a pretty good routine going now. Have a great day Martin! 😁

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Plenty of pie breaks during this milling.

[@harbinger2838]

And a happy grandberg day.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

For sure, may want to copyright that one.

[@harbinger2838]

You make it look easy. @@TheNorthwoodsman1

[@livelife4471]

Well done Martin. The fruits of your labor are piling up. Wood is a wonderful material. I couldn't help but think this as I watched you cut up the log. And it is readily available within a stones throw from the cabin.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

The best part is having it right there on my property.

[@livelife4471]

I hear there is a coffee shop on the property too. Serves pretty good apple and cherry pies!@@TheNorthwoodsman1

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Yes but that shop is such that you owe your soul to the company store after one helping of pie.

[@badcompany3057]

It is said, Patience is a virtue. Friend, you must be a very virtuous person...

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

thanks

[@margarethughes3763]

Good morning Martin. From Uk.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Probably not much of this milling going on over there>

[@robertsimard735]

Good morning Martin. Lot of hard work but puts a smile on your face when you see the pile of boards.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

You got that right!

[@jan6293]

Martin, you are absolutely amazing! You are so talented and hard working. Wow! 💪🏆

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I spend a lot of time at the youtube school of higher learning.

[@toddmartin9857]

😂 good morning martin. I sure would like to come up and lend ya a hand on the guest cabin this spring.. enjoy watching.. .Thanx

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I am starting a list ,, contact at [e-mail]

[@c.rogers____]

So excited can't wait to see the new cabin build

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Sure nice to see these little steps getting done.

[@ritawilson8762]

Martin, I wish you would clear the area around the milling site. I worry about you tripping. Stay safe.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It is all frozen roots and would need a bulldozer to clean it up. I just make sure to have the chain brake on when I move around.

[@BigKevsPlace1]

Martin, you make the planks for the Guest Cabin with love-so there is NO cost involved.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I can see myself sanding them down after they have stabilized so am trying to keep them uniform.

[@BigKevsPlace1]

May be a job you can delegate to one of the volunteers that want to help you with your Guest Cabin.

[@susanlenseth1907]

Martin you are moving right along with the cutting and moving the boards for the floors. Where is Jim your helper? I miss seeing you both togeather. Don't over do things! You Rock. I look forward to all of your videos. Keep them coming. Enjoy your time up there and don't forget to enjoy the nature!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Jim has to have orthoscopic surgery on his knee in Feb. so had to stay home and behave himself. Hopefully by spring he will be back at it, I do take a lot of time for enjoying leisure time around the cabin but it is hard to tell in the videos.

[@bruinsfan8278]

Well Done Marin, i'm impressed, you make working out in the cold look Fun! Thats why your The Boss !!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Cold is relative, it is a mild winter so far so not bad being out there working.

[@peterjenne3552]

I have had my Grunberg 36 mill for about 15 years. The quick lever up grade is definitely worth it...game changer....no wrench needed. How I get my logs up off the ground is I cut a large log into 2, 16" long rounds and stood them on end. I cut a groove into the top of each for the log to rest in. Then I cut a notch into the top edge of each and screwed a 2x4 into notch and other end on ground to make a ramp. Roll logs up ramp and cut standing up...ahhhhh

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I will work on a ramp for the roof boards. Some of the logs I have been cutting are just too big to haul out of the woods.

[@suezaple4950]

Real nice work Martin you sure saved a bundle of money having the tree"s from your property to use and doing the floorboards yourself, nice wood as well love that grain.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Absolutely

[@johnhanes5021]

Tamarack lumber will make a durable and rot resistant cabin. Another fine video Martin, thank you.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks 👍

[@kendrasmith6637]

Wow Martin, you are such a hard worker. You get lots done. I enjoy watching your channel so much. Thx Martin 😊

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

So nice of you

[@5150Bud]

Big Martin is a beast

[@stevegillespie8280]

Martin, it goes without saying, but you're a very talented guy.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks, I do like to do study on these things. So many have gone before that we can learn from.

[@DustyC75080]

Really enjoy watching you do…well, whatever you do. Partial to feeding the birds, I must say. Stay safe, keepin’ on keepin’ on.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks 👍We will get back to the cabin and its birds but I do want to document the new cabin build as we go along.

[@marianfrances4959]

An exciting part of your big plan. Those planks are awesome!! 👍😎🇨🇦🌲🎖

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Yes they are!

[@jksmountaindream]

Oh My Gosh.... All I see is, Work Work Work!!! Better you than me :)

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

After all the cutting it is starting to transition from play to work.

[@janking2762]

It’s fun, fun, fun!

[@jksmountaindream]

@@janking2762 hmmm not bent over and slowly pushing a chainsaw. Building and creating will be fun.

[@nightingaleofsorrow9349]

Great job Martin! Man do you have the energy! I’m lucky if I can crawl around the woods for a couple 3 hours without a nap. But then I realize others can’t do what I do so I keep plugging away. 🌲🦌🐿️🪵

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

You and me both! I take plenty of breaks and days off but the videos can make it look like I never stop.

[@michaelpence468]

Really nice! Looking forward to seeing how you put these down in the cabin. Those are sure sturdy planks!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

They are! I cut some a few years ago to lay down in the old cabin that were 1.5 inches and they have done well. These 2.25 are from the same trees so should work out well tool I can see bringing in a sander years down the road in a dull moment and sanding the planks and getting a nice finish on them.

[@robertgeorge6249]

Give Martin a 👍Please , it helps so that his videos are suggested to others who might like them , thanks 🙏 Regards , Grandfather 😊

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks for that

[@robertgeorge6249]

You're kindly welcome 🙏

[@65895555]

Martin, you mentioned in one of your comments you might sand down some planks. May I suggest just get a battery operated planer. I have been cutting logs with my Granberg for years and a portable planer makes leveling up planks a pice of pie.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I have a generator available but also Milwaukee batteries so either will work for me.

[@toddkozakiewicz8770]

More detail of sawmill as promised. Those planks are priceless. Think I may get a Granberg for my small projects. Thank you Martin.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I knew this would answer a lot of questions.

[@melshea2276]

Happy Sunday Martin!😊

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It is, thanks

[@moegardner1]

This is going to be an exciting project to follow. Looking forward to seeing more of the build , and Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks, you too!

[@mohicanjoe2079]

You are one motivated human being martin...happy new year sir

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks

[@nonap5225]

What beautiful boards you have made. I am so looking forward to that cabin build. My husband who is 81 has made a portable sawmill 5 years ago out of what I call junk that he had on the place. It cut beautiful boards also. I even helped him with it. Now our son helps him. We needed that sawmill years ago when we were younger. He did all of this since he retired from the railroad. He is such a handyman and has always been that way. Now our son is learning a lot from his dad and is getting into doing things that surprise me. Take care and always be safe. God bless you and Vonnie in all y’all do. From deep southeast Mississippi.

[@BigKevsPlace1]

81 and still putzing around? God bless him!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I think he and I just really enjoy the work.

[@tomdale1313]

"FULL STEAM AHEAD" not only do you have the bull by the horns Martin, your planning executes well...thxs for sharing

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It did take a few logs to figure out what worked the best in my situation. I was going to raise them all higher to do the cuts but that was more work than it was worth.

[@richardwells6930]

Great video from New Brunswick Canada

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That is a new place to get a comment from.

[@Rooster0529]

A portable saw mill would be nice for this work but what a pain to get it in to the cabin. Slow and steady wins the race!!! I’ve said it before but I will repeat it, morning coffee is so much better with Martin. Thank you Sir. Give my regards to Vonnie.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Will do. So true on just keeping on with the task. I wanted to get the logs up on stumps to cut but it was not worth all the hassle so I work low until the log half can be raised up easily.

[@edwarddiekhoff859]

Looks like Martin got a new hat and coat for Christmas.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

No, nothing new. I have a lot of wool flannel and the Toro hat came with the Snowdog a few years ago. Nice for bad hair days.

[@randypyatt5649]

Looking good on your cuts

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Oh thank you!

[@charlene5461]

Good morning Martin and Happy New Year to you and Vonnie! I see it won't be long til the build of the new cabin. Have an awesomely blessed day!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Nice to be getting all these things ready for assembly.

[@deannaclayton6934]

Nice solid floor boards!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

They are!

[@berniesauger3401]

Great job Martin!🇨🇦🇩🇪

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks

[@ReasontoLiveAdventures]

All I can say is,”those are some good looking boards. Definitely inspiring me-to get one of those bracket systems. I recently bought a 28ft Warner ladder to repair the barn here. I think it would be ideal to use with that chainsaw system.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Go for it!

[@victorfortin542]

Nice looking lumber, stay safe out there.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks, will do!

[@vernareed2692]

Watching this video where you're cutting planks I'm thinking those planks and the logs, that cabin will last at least a hundred years!! Probably way longer if someone like Martin and his friends have it! To think the present cabin is well over a hundred years best i understand. Amazing!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Keep the water away and it should be there a very long time.

[@stevesheldon2429]

Good job, looks like a lot of work for 1 man. You must have a lot of patience.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Patience and a lot of coffee breaks.

[@stevesheldon2429]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 That explains it.

[@jacksanders7018]

Thanks for showing the mill setup up close, great video, stay safe.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Once I got a system figured out I thought it would answer a lot of questions to show it in detail.

[@bowlmeoverva]

This sounds like work, I better make some coffee.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That is how I roll in real time.

[@hiluxmad]

Hello Martin, when you finish the cut let the saw idle it stops the cylinder heat soaking into the coil. It's more important in the newer auto tune saws . Did you see log cabin looms video on ballanceing the grandberg with lead weights.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

A good point on the cooling time. In the cold I had the saw did not seem to be overheated at all but I will let it run after this. I do have a winch to hook up but things were working well so I did not hook it up. I can see where weights might be needed if using the winch to keep the mill flat to the wood.

[@hiluxmad]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 ok keep up the good work

[@user-sy6yb9ne3c]

Hello Martin and Happy New Year ! You are an inspiration. I started watching your videos a few years back when i started the process of replacing my hips and knees. I have a cabin in upstate NY and enjoy so much of the same things you do. I enjoy your can do attitude so much. I wanted to connect with you to see about helping out with your cabin build if you’re still looking for volunteers. Look forward to your next video.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Wow, thank you Yes, I am open to help coming in to assist. I had another from New York that said he was coming unless that was you. contact me at [e-mail]

[@KyBrancaccio]

put some spacers between those boards brother! nice dry winter air will help

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Got that taken care of a few days ago. I took up a lot of uniform thickness board pieces from home.

[@ryan_80]

Hi Martin. Love your videos and work ethic! From my experience with the Alaskan Mill, having your saw at 45degree angle away from you (or at least at an angle) while sawing, you will find the saw will cut a bit faster. At least in my mind anyway. I did not notice much of a difference in speed between chisel and ripping chains. I only noticed a difference on the surface (smoothness). Just keep whatever chain you choose filed after every 2-3 boards. Keep up the great work!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I have played with the angle too and found that it speeds things up. Some of my cuts started wide that I could not get much of an angle until further down the taper. I wondered about the speed of cut with the different chains. Sure like the surface with the ripping chain.

[@frankcsomor4105]

Keep up the good job!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Plenty more to cut but time to get back to cabin life too.

[@lesterwicklein717]

great job! Awesome!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Thanks for the visit

[@davidferguson9213]

Thank You!!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

No problem

[@littlehillsidehomestead6362]

Excellent progress! Fun too!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It sure is!

[@user-mm3nn1dz8c]

Thanks for the great video.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Glad you liked it!

[@chamilton9182]

Wow Martin, you really don't know that you are not 34 anymore do you. Watching you work made my knees hurt and I'm a bit younger than you. I wish Granberg would set you up with a quick release at the very least. A rail system would be even better. Great vid as always and thanks for sharing. God Bless and Happy New Year to you and Vonnie.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Wow, thanks

[@bosse641]

Love wood. God is amazing.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Love it!

[@bc8968]

After purchase of Granberg mill, I bought a large chainsaw , then a ripping chain, then bought a sawmill. Thought my time was worth more with the limited years(at 76) that I have left. The fuel, loss of log(saw kerf) we’re also reasons for the sawmill.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I mostly need this for this cabin project and then minor jobs later so probably no sawmill for me. I do like being able to cut up a large log right in the woods.

[@frankpettinato2324]

Awestruck! 🥉🥉🥉🥉🥉🔥🔥🔥🔥🎯

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Working well.

[@jbthor9032]

I have trouble with levels. When I'm checking something for level and I'm looking at it. It's hard for me to believe what the level is telling me. I wear prescription glasses. Sometimes, I think the level is lying to me. What do you say, Martin? Maybe my glasses are crooked 🤔 I like watching you do it, Martin.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It does not look right sometimes but I just have to believe it is telling the truth. I carry two compasses for the same reason.

[@jbthor9032]

Gotcha 👍

[@5150Bud]

Check your level by flipping your level and see if the reading is consistent. I had one that was off in one direction but good in the other. Sent it to the dump

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Bud? Did you just say your levels are off???Nice to see that you are coming to terms with it.

[@remingtonwingmaster6929]

Nice system Martin....cheap saws need not apply for this job. I have still have an old Jonsered SP49 that would be under-powered for this type of work but was a good 49cc saw back in the day for medium duty work.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Right on

[@adeeponionbreath]

Ripping good time!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Can I use that is a future title?

[@adeeponionbreath]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 fine! No release required.

[@user-zf1qi7cd8b]

You may need to change the title of your channel to TheNorthwoodscrafter 1 after all this. I am amazed.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I am trying not to overdo this woodcutting in the videos but do want to have a good documentation of the cabin build from start to finish.

[@user-zf1qi7cd8b]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1 I never knew what all went into using some of these sawmills. Theres sure a lot more to it then i could ever imagine. Very interesting.

[@loda9510]

Morning: You are creating a tremendous about of work. Looking good - will you keep the live edge for the roof or trim that off at a later time?

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I will trim all these boards with a Granberg upright edging mill. For the roof boards I will not be as particular and may leave a few dips along the edges to maintain a wider board.

[@larryjacobs5713]

Just had knee surgery. No way I could work on my knees. Have a brand new grajburg never been out of the box.

[@craiglittle7367]

Sell it. What size? Where do you live.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Working on my knees was easier than hoisting those logs up on props.

[@johnhart4872]

I enjoy your videos very much , Martin ( Vonnie's, too). I'm curious as to why you've chosen 2 1/4 " as the thickness for your floor boards? Keep up the good work & be safe!

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Good question! Tamarack can be a wicked wood to work with and will warp and twist easily. I had some workbench planks I sawed up 15 years ago at 3 inches and they have behaved so I went with the 2.25 for the floor. It will be solid and offer some R value. Plenty of trees to cut up so it is no problem on wood supply.

[@johnhart4872]

Thank you!@@TheNorthwoodsman1

[@user-mp6if3kw2c]

Good morning there your help er

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Appreciate it

[@rickeymcelyea8175]

Martin Norwood makes a chainsaw mil that you stand up and push

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I will look it up but pretty sissified with the Granberg. I just cant get these 1500 pound logs up on stumps for easier cutting.

[@steveblanchard2712]

Looking good, but the chainsaw needs sharpening. Gonna be a nice cabin.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I am keeping it sharp but with cutting across 15 inches of wood it is slow going.

[@chrishelms1967]

Are you planning to cut the boards length wise at some point to make them more uniform?? Or are you thinking about making a more unique floor by fitting them more as is ???

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I have a Granberg edging mill that works works with the chainsaw vertical and sliding along a v channel attached to a long 2x6. I will cut just enough off to square the sides and them lay them down alternating narrow to wide ends to maximize the covering width with each board. I did this in part of the old cabin floor a few years ago to test out what tamarack would do in that environment and it has weathered well not warped.

[@craignash4736]

Atta Boy We can getter down but not as fast or not as long as. lol Craig. Pa

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Always tweaking that set=up. Just got back form sawing up 700 square feet of roof boards.

[@upperpine]

1) ripping chain, 2) personal protection equipment (PPE)

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I did use the Granberg Ripping chain.

[@harlanmclain1719]

You don't stick them boards they will take a twist on yeah 💯 god bless

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Got the sticks in last week before I left from the lates trip.

[@skline1398]

Why are you making the floor boards so thick?

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Tamarack warps a lots so hoping the thicker planks will stay flatter over time. A little more R value too. It will also make for a very solid floor. AND its free wood!

[@jeanadamsick9854]

GOOD DAY MARTIN. HOW MANY BOARDS NEEDED FOR, THE MAIN FLOOR OF THE CABIN?? Do take care. Fl.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I have enough (22) and it should cover 17 feet inside the cabin and 4-5 on the porch.

[@jeanadamsick9854]

COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! @@TheNorthwoodsman1

[@joer5627]

Tell me that snow dog isn’t some of the best money you’ve spent in a long time.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I feel that way more after each I I take it for a walk.

[@luckyjim51]

How dry it the wood you're cutting? Are you going to alternate your floor boards and keeping some taper? They look good.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

That's the plan! I will alternate them with the taper to cover more area. I did it in the old cabin as a text a few years ago and can see that it will work out fine. Not sure as I do not have a moisture tester. Even the logs that have been peeled and air dried for a few years are plenty moist yet.

[@tonycorvair]

May I ask where you get your ripping chains I'm gonna buy a mill and I was just curious where you get yours thank you God bless

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I can get the Granberg Ripping chain directly from them. Sheldon Forestry supply is where I get most of my chainsaw supplies. Best prices and excellent service. www.shforestrysupplies.com/brand/granberg?p=10

[@tonycorvair]

Thank you so much sir, God bless

[@nikburton9264]

Are you going to mill flat tops/bottoms on your building logs? Or will you notch the ends, or ? I helped an friend build a cabin and he flattened the logs and put 1/2? Rigid foam insulation between. It's a stout little place. Snug. BTW I can walk with a cane pretty good now. I turned a bowl out of the end of that darn barn beam.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I am going to notch the logs and try to leave a small gap that I will fill with a caulk after the cabin is done.

[@bobwallace6812]

Martin, how come your hands don’t get cold, there is snow on the ground, looks like you would get cold ?.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

It always amazes folks that I can work with no gloves in the cold. I must have good circulation and and tend to get too warm so the blood getting pushed out to my hands keeps them toasty.

[@5150Bud]

@@TheNorthwoodsman1you’re a beast Mister Big Martin. A true American northwoods beast.

[@paulatwinb2815]

I'm signing up... chief cook and bottlewasher

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Get your favorite foods in now for the fall cabin raising cook.

[@drc1883]

wondering why your floorboards need to be so thick. wouldn't five quarter do just as well?

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

tamarack tends to twist a lot and some thick ones in a workbench from years ago still look flat so I stayed with the thick. I have plenty of logs to cut up and the extra R value will work too.

[@emilyneal7888]

Getting it done one board at a time. It like eating an elephant I guess.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Good point on the project. I am a little full of elephant after finishing the 22nd floor plank this week.

[@daleolson3506]

Tamarack spalls so bad I wouldn’t waste the effort.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I hear that a lot but then others say not so much. I have planks cut for work benches at the cabin from the same batch of 60 -70 year old trees and they look OK. A few years ago I cut some up as a test and replaced half the floor in the old cabin and they are doing fine. When you say spall what exactly is that? I went 2.25 inches thick in hopes of them being more stable too.

[@craiglittle7367]

Martin. Your chain is too loose and you put your tip in the dirt.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I try to keep and eye on that.

[@jeffwagner8068]

Need to sharpen the chain you are throwing dust and not chips.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

This is a whole new cutting process. The filed angle on the chain is 10 degrees instead of 30. Also less teeth and special cleaner teeth between the regular cutters that are 10 degrees. Ripping chain like this is made by numerous companies. I am using a ripping chain made my Granberg that is well thought of in my research.

[@user-uv4bn3kv1u]

Your work station is dangerously cluttered with trip hazards, horizontal roots that need removed, tools, wedges, and the little saw laying with the bar and chain upright instead of on its side. If you would cut 3 sides of the log flat your floor boards would be finished when you slabbed them. Save time, energy, and then you could sharpen your dust blower. Chips not dust.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

I would need a bull dozer to clean some of these cutting places. Do you get chips from your mill?

[@out-landishintheokanagan270]

Awesome! I'm new. I'm up to #70 of the cabin series from the beginning.

[@TheNorthwoodsman1]

Now, do not burn your eyes out. As they get longer it will take quite a while.

[@out-landishintheokanagan270]

Luckily I have a job where I sit & drink coffee all day & can watch videos. Working security in a downtown building.