Logs to Lumber: Alaskan Chainsaw Milling

A detailed look at the basic steps of chainsaw milling.
Part 1 of 2: Creating the cant.
Part 2: Finishing the job: • Logs to Lumber 2: Cutt...
Info on the plates and rails used in this video.
5/32" x 2" x 2" steel tubing, bought locally.
The end plates are 1/4" x 12" x 5". The notches for the rails are about 1-3/4" deep so that the 2" rails sit a bit proud. These were cut locally by a metal fabricator.
The mill used is a Granberg Alaskan Mk IV Chainsaw Mill, available at:
granberg.com/product-category...
Granberg Affiliation - Updated 2021
This video was made with no affiliation to Granberg, but thanks to your views and support, we are now a Granberg Ambassador! Thank you!

[@glenarriffshipping7772]

I was running this saw for about 2 hours at about a 30-50% duty cycle kzbin.infoUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 and it did a great job. I used the lever for the built in sharpener to clear chip buildup out more than to actually sharpen the chain. It managed to cut some hardwood stumps much larger than it's size without bothering the neighbors with hours of 2 stroke noise.

[@somerandombaldguy5296]

Lost track of the woodcutting and started thinking of the smell of fresh-cut wood in the middle of a nice, clean forest. An awesome bonus to all that work.

[@Rang76er]

Seldom watched a near-19 minute video and felt like only 3 minutes elapsed. Well done, chap!

[@darrylhubbard931]

I've been a rural landowner for quite some time. I always wanted to do something like that, I learned a lot from this video and subscribed. Cheers from Canada

[@holydiver6382]

Agree with Quinn Kent; best first cut rail setup I’ve seen. I’m changing my setup after watching this. EXCELLENT VIDEO!

[@Rubie_the_Black_Widow_Subie]

Tenghen and Granberg sell a similar setup. They're both virtually identical. I have a 9' rail guide and I have intentions of buying another bit to extend it so I can rip 12-13' boards.

[@pdionne03901]

Good idea on how to square the third cut! I was trying to figure out how to easily do it and you figured it out for me. So, now I don't have to reinvent the wheel. Thanks

[@a3a14613]

I'm glad you made that comment, I wouldn't have watched that far and missed it!

[@mustangsuper1973]

The nature is beautiful, with rhythmic chorus of birds chirping, and noise of saw, the most irresistible

[@RCracingFun]

Anyone else thinking "Damn he really trusts those saw horses!?" Good video. Well explained, and I appreciate the "Hot tips!"

[@quinnkent3558]

Best first cut rail system I've seen. Love it. Thanks for the Video.

[@bombadiltreefarms314]

I have had for many years a Jonsered 600+ Mini Sawmill that works great except that it takes up more storage space, even when broken down, than I like to give it. Your video has convinced me to replace it with an Alaskan mill. Thanks for a great video!

[@lureofthenorth]

Any time! Thank you for your vote of confidence! It has worked great for us for sure.

[@summerlakephotog8239]

I knew you had to do something to keep the saw from binding. The little shims work perfectly.😃👏

[@Wedget]

This first cut method is by far the best I have seen, I have used this method since seeing you video and without a doubt the most accurate portable method I have used or seen. Thank you very much brother for sharing this video, 10/10 mate👍👍👍👍👍

[@joshdillingham1598]

I agree this is the best first cut system of the dozens and dozens of videos I have watched. What did you use for the rails and the end brackets to replicate this?

[@kirkkiewitz9066]

Good stuff man, just bought a saw, bars, chains and milling attachment and gonna give this a go on 4 Douglas firs trees I took down. Great advice on the process, thanks!!

[@tomsommer54]

That was so cool. I own 40 acres of forest in Northwest Arkansas with huge Oak and Walnut trees. I can't wait to cut into one.

[@ramachandranchandrab7150]

Gbbvg

[@tomsommer54]

@@ramachandranchandrab7150 What does that mean?

[@longfellow5276]

One of the best things about the Alaskan mill is milling it where it is and not bring it home. No dirt in the log, no mess in the yard.

[@jeremyc.3848]

I've started milling this way and I must say so myself I've produced some of the most beautiful lumber!

[@alienman7866]

How much are those rigs? Minus the saw, I have one.

[@Rubie_the_Black_Widow_Subie]

@@alienman7866 I bought a 9' Tengchen guide rail on Amazon (Almost 100% identical to the Granberg setup) for $100. I plan to purchase a shorter guide and combine it with my 9 so I can rip the 12-13' boards I aim to. The chainsaw mill itself is separate. You can purchase rigs or even handcraft your own.

[@thomasd9424]

Best clip I have seen on the subject matter, you sir have refined the process to a fine art, and made an intelligent and articulate video to booth. My Thanks.

[@Trmmaryland]

I've just purchased a Granberg Mill. I like your very smart way to get that log up on your saw horses very nice

[@bhshakari]

,I just got a 066 in outstanding shape. I specifically got it for milling and am super stoked. Thanks for the great video.

[@lureofthenorth]

Our pleasure, have fun with the new 066!

[@chadrowe8452]

@@lureofthenorth there is no new 066. They are discontinued

[@maihimetekingi2214]

Great video, end plates and square tube make squaring up very easy. Love the simplicity of the setup. Really well done mate.

[@kieranwalsh8037]

Well described, very clear description of doing the work. Thank you!

[@edilbertorolinxshuamanpuer8793]

Bueno quiciera saber como y que agrego a la motosierra para que funciobe asi

[@wagontrack]

Great idea on the rail system going to borrow that for mine... Thanks for the post

[@SamJones1956]

a good job. Thanks for showing and greetings from Austria. I'am a carpenter here in Austria and i like alaska very much. I would like to see it once

[@Kokoras1980]

I loved how you uploaded the trunk on top of the video for you from Western Macedonia Greece Florina and here we have the same and alaska cold rain snow, all good but i'm glad you with your house the sticks your chainsaw stihl nice you have your life.🇬🇷👍🌨️

[@lewerim]

Subscribed in the first minute. Well done with the ramp setup.

[@iisreset]

I was more impressed by the weight those saw horses held!

[@richardlarade8062]

@@iisreset i was thining the same...lol

[@kennycave_oldschool_blues]

Yes sir I agree. Now I know how to set mine up better

[@sparky619841]

Great video. Love the set up of the sawmill. Almost fool proof.

[@harrylake9388]

What a beautiful piece of timber.

[@thuss5162]

Nice use of the Egyptian technical skill set at the beginning! My personal go to method since I'm always working solo. Brute force works if your a brute! So since I'm not on the Brutish side of things I have to go Egyptian quite regular! Work every time

[@splagyetsi3287]

I've had idea like this for a while but have wanted to see what others have done. Your setup could easily be adapted for logs almost anywhere. Great vid.

[@Dr.JustIsWrong]

Yes, an advantage of the Alaskan Mill 😊😊😊

[@walsterdoomit]

Thanks so much. Im heading to WV as midlife crisis. Im gonna buy a setup like that and cut logs. Ive been a contractor since 87 and omg good bye NY. Im pretty sharp as a carpenter but id have never thought of that. Awesome. If i can get some logs delivered I should be able to eat. Bravo. And I have a couple logs on my land Id love to cut for lumber. Bravo. I WILL send pics. Or share a link to my progress.

[@ericharris893]

Walter Kogut New York out!!! Brother Andy can take his brigade back to the Soviet Union

[@hughjazzole2037]

Also look at auctionzip.com for farm auctions that might have aged lumber??

[@elliotw5918]

Hell yeah how's it working out!? I'm about to build a cabinet like this

[@walsterdoomit]

@Paul Cox hey there. Well I bought a place in Bluefield WV. Not nearly as rural as I’d hoped. Very close to Mercer Mall and I460. But I literally have bears walking into my house and ravaging my apple tree 10 feet outside my door. Deer coons fox everything is in my yard. No trees really to work like you did. But the homes built. It just needs finishing. Plumbing’s mostly done. Electric too. Finishing the Sheetrock now and door shopping. Thanks for the reply. Some day I’ll find some trees to play with. 😊

[@walsterdoomit]

If you’ve ever heard of the bridge to nowhere. I can almost see it from my patio. And it’s finally getting done. Constant blasting going on. The highway will be a Mecca for 4 wheelers. I hope you get the chance to visit.

[@howiecampbellmusic]

My second time watching. Great vid, very easy to understand. For my situation, this type of mill is portable. Thanks for you teaching skills. Congrats on your ambassadorship.

[@lureofthenorth]

Nice to hear you're back for a second view and have found it useful. Thanks for the support!

[@mauroheck1]

I got the same set up. Really like the simple and strong set up for the first cut. Much better then mine. Will have one of those built. Thanks

[@bobrunner06]

What is that guide rail system? Homemade?

[@johnpirie3800]

Nice video mate and the songbird soundtrack is perfect.

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

I loved the part when you said "Tweet, Tweet, Tweet!" Oh wait, that was the insanely loud bird at the beginning haha

[@jim8191]

Smart end cover, well done.

[@richardsmith7061]

Great Video! Love the kitty coming through at 12:00 or so showing off its kill for you. Love it!

[@eldoradowoodcrafthobbies3888]

Wonderful seeing someone young enough to handle big wood with a big saw. Really enjoy watching your content.

[@lureofthenorth]

Thank you, I think I'm nearing the tipping point where I won't get described as young for too much longer, so I appreciate it!

[@kylegriffiths8599]

I’m even younger and can handle even bigger wood 🙃😏

[@lureofthenorth]

Must resist inappropriate joke...

[@smallblockchevy1022]

@@kylegriffiths8599 Yeah but... Don't you ever get splinters? And a better question, how in the hell do you get up in there to get 'em out?

[@truestory907]

Excellent video, Thank You !

[@RTWGraphics]

I just started doing this myself. You have no idea how much time your tricks will save me. Actually, you probably do

[@jasonsejkora4578]

I have never seen so much faith in little 2x4 saw horses

[@waynehansen4366]

I have the saw part just need rails I'm excited to use after watching you thanks

[@Yo-mamashouse]

you can use a ladder

[@laurietinto5211]

watched hundreds of wood milling videos you are the first one I have head suggest using the bark wood for Sidings. here in Scotland when I was a child in the 50s the bark board was widely used for lots of projects. indeed, it was probably the most used lumber of the working class.

[@rickjeffjeff]

I watched 4 and heard it.Lucky I guess....

[@smallblockchevy1022]

Even though bark itself is super whether resistant, the problem with using it for applications where it's exposed to weather is that it causes water retention between itself and the wood it's attached to, causing the wood to rot faster.

[@troyb.4101]

I am surprized those wooden saw horses, even held that much weight.Better metal saw horses, your taking a risk of it collapsing. You have many options to improve the handling of the lumber , over head chain hoist. A centering device to allow the rotation of the logs. The simple set up you have is working great. With some new ideas you could work smarter, safer, and not harder. Your taking too many risk with the idea the weight of the lumber could collapse those saw horses, and it would end up on top of you. The quality of the cuts are great, the viideo is excellant. I learned a lot watching this. Safety is what it's all about, take fewer risk. You have a great concept.

[@lureofthenorth]

Thanks Troy, we're big believers of incremental improvements making a big difference in the long haul. We have generally felt under control handling the logs with the peaveys, but I agree there are opportunities for improvement. Happy sawing!

[@raymondwade9616]

Are you joking? Please tell me you're joking...

[@samradebe1458]

What an eye opening project, keep up the good work Buddy👌👌👌

[@JTBear]

Thanks for the wonderfully informative video! Feeling far more confident about giving one of these a try!!

[@nickeljay767]

Thanks for taking the time during your work to make this video.

[@gerrymcveigh2413]

Thanks for sharing the details with me 🤔😎🍀😁✌️

[@roberthiday3342]

Newbie. Love this video. Really helpful. Thanks.

[@johnlenz9723]

could you send me the drawing of the plates? what you made is better than I have seen. and simple and easy to use. I have watch it several times. love it thanks for shearing it

[@williamruefle5094]

I can't wait to forward this to my 50yr old baby boy... It was really great!!!

[@SIMONSBDS]

Thanks for all the information

[@steveschofield8076]

Hi Patrick, thankyou for that information. Its everything I need to fab my own plates. Even though I have an old log cabin, I'm not as comfortable in the cold as you obviously are. Thanks again and take good care of yourself out there. Cheers Steve, ottawa canada

[@ianpitts8582]

could you share dimensions please

[@steveschofield8076]

@@ianpitts8582 hi Ian, as I recall , the rails are 2" square stock @13 ft. Long and the 2 end plates are 1/4 inch sheet stock. I didn't recall seeing any more detail than that but as for fabricating the end plates, im sure its fairly straight forward. I havnt fab-ed mine just yet. Good luck

[@SJForestProducts]

Awesome video. This video is the reason I purchased a chainsaw mill and I copied your rail supports :) They work great! One suggestion I had from a viewer on one of my videos using the supports is to weld a nut on the flange where the rail goes through the plate and then use a bolt to clamp the rail in place. I have had some issues with the rail vibrating and moving some while sawing. Thanks for the video! Subbed!

[@JamesKelly89]

How did you go about finding square tubing? I can't seem to find any more than a few feet long, so maybe I'm just looking in all the wrong places.

[@bobv8219]

Man you could really use a good table saw. I think that bird is trying to get your attention. Very nicly done I'm impressed. Thanks for sharing. ✌out

[@walsterdoomit]

what if you had no power for a table saw? A good saw for that is 220 60 amps, or 3 phase. If not they bind and kill you. Like Eric Lewis I was looking for the like right away. The lady helper doesnt hurt, Good help like that is hard to find in the woods. ;)

[@erlycuyler]

Bird got the cats attention. Lol.

[@zdravkovnuk3739]

@@erlycuyler 11

[@mtraven23]

just borrowed a friends mill, about to start milling my first logs tomorrow. Your overview was quite helpful in learning the basics!

[@mtraven23]

@@abc20914 thanks for the advise. I got sick of filing chains and I'm a machinist , so I've built a pretty nice sharpening machine, no files needed, gives a factor grind a run for its money. as for the chain, no its not technically a ripping chain. But it is skiptooth and since its been with me, I've changed from the existing 30deg grind, to a 15 degree. I know some people go as low as 10, and I might still just to try it. But 15 seems to be a good compromise of feed pressure & durability. I'm guessing by 90, degrees, you meant 0? That seems really extreme to me, as does completely removing the depth guides. Whats the advantage of going from where I'm at, to the extremes you outlines? I'm pretty new to this, so I'm all ears. Keep in mind, I'm working will borrowed equipment, though I'm sure he too would welcome any improvements that could be made.

[@mtraven23]

@@abc20914 haha..thats a bit of a loaded question right now, I'm in the midst of figuring that out. So far, the logs I know have been maple, elm & willow. Another one I am trying to ID might be Mulberry or Sassafras, not sure though. oh and I just found out the person whose equipment this is, has a previously used chain that he had dis guarded after hitting some metal. I'm gonna try to get that from him & play around with some stuff. You notice any difference in finish / quality of cut with different sharpening angles?

[@mtraven23]

@@abc20914 I'll check it out, thank for all the advise.

[@Kokoras1980]

From florina Greece 🇬🇷 Western Macedonia 👍 bravo friend 👏 good job

[@KeleFPV]

First 60 seconds = total beasts! Awesome teamwork.

[@jimmydill6428]

I like how the saw 4-strokes when idling. ; - )

[@dennisyoung4631]

Helps with cooling, I think. Have heard it’s best to richen out the mix, and run a bit more oil. Is this true? Asking for a two-stroke emergency generator, which will run at a load for up to an hour at a time. Have Maxima K2 oil, and plan to run about 28 to 1.

[@customknife1]

Shared this video on Facebook. The first comment noted that this looks like a lot of work. Hard work for sure. Plus, a lot of pride. Well done.

[@lureofthenorth]

Thanks Rick, we appreciate your continued support! Yes, a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding!

[@michaelhutton7462]

Yeh most people now a days afraid of hard work....

[@joshuaheart2764]

Your cat is a Bobcat! This is one of the better vids. No nonsense. Like the way you squared it up. I like most ppl want to know how/where do we get the "set up?

[@lureofthenorth]

Any metal supplier/ fabricator should be able to provide. Specs are in the video description!

[@craigslitzer4857]

2:23 I didn't read through all the comments to see if someone already mentioned it, but fats will dissolve tree sap. If you want to un-glue your tape measure, slather some cheap vegetable oil on it, or if it's more convenient some of your bar oil.

[@user-pi5lb4hj1b]

Растительное масло высыхает, становится липким. Наверное, лучше машинное или лампадное...

[@FlushtheSystem]

14:10 The money shot. Thanks great video

[@johndarcey]

Fantastic video. Very insightful. Thanks mate.

[@AviewFromUnder]

Sounds like my old 066 love that saw!

[@timwilkinson2797]

I Love the Singing Birds in the back ground !!! There all but gone in the UK now ! From whhen i was a kid back in the 60s ..... So sad

[@misterritter9854]

It's probably because I recently watched some videos on them, but I was looking at all that saw dust and thinking you could get a lot of loads in a sawdust stove out of that. Trying to think of how to collect it all. Maybe if you had a tarp down to keep it separated from dirt etc.

[@rogerlintner6970]

Woodworking

[@rogerlintner6970]

Woodworkingcarveing

[@manyrodriguez3941]

@@rogerlintner6970 d

[@gettuff2]

Screw your live edge boards to the side of the cant and edge them. Great stuff. Good to see.

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

I bought my mukluks pattern and hide from you guys a while back...they turned out great ..double soles bison and moose and I made them larger to accommodate the beaver fur liner...lol great vid Thanks

[@pintumeher1316]

WOOD BUTCHER

[@lureofthenorth]

Had a few questions about the end plates and rails, so here you go! 5/32" x 2" x 2" steel tubing, bought locally. The end plates are 1/4" x 12" x 5". The notches for the rails are about 1-3/4" deep so that the 2" rails sit a bit proud. These were cut locally by a metal fabricator. Consider getting "offset" end plates of different heights (eg. 1 at 5", 1 at 10") if you are going to be cutting heavily tapered logs, like butt logs with lots of flare.

[@kboclghana]

Lure of North: Please share your contact detail. I have good proposal for supply of variety Softwood in Round Logs and Cants supplies to Asian Region. Mine is: [phone] (Cell) and [phone] (Whatsapp) while Email: [e-mail] Thanks and stay in touch please. Najam KB Overseas Co Ltd Ghana (West Africa) Karachi, Pakistan

[@hawkeyeshawkeyes7468]

Really nice set up. I just started milling smaller logs.How long are your rails?

[@lureofthenorth]

@@hawkeyeshawkeyes7468 I think they're about 14'6" to mill up to 14' logs. I may not have shown in the video, but little stopper bolts in the end prevent the rails from sliding out of the plates if milling on an incline.

[@lureofthenorth]

@Smokey Bear The boards went right from the mill up onto the building with no additional processing required. Aside from a negative outlook, what made you think the boards weren't accurate?

[@eldoradowoodcrafthobbies3888]

I have found much success putting a half inch or 3/8 inch cable between two trees and then using cheap Walmart come alongs to move very large logs into my work area.

[@buckmarkboysporting3539]

Great video ! Really helpful. Did you make the plates you use for your first cut or are they bought?

[@ronaldwilkins6056]

That's a very nice setup and great presentation.

[@Vancouver_Island_Guy]

Beautiful work dude 🤙

[@brenteriksson565]

Love the rail support brackets. Any chance you can share the rough dimensions and guage of steel used ?

[@Dr.JustIsWrong]

Gauging by thumb ratio (@ 4:54) and 'grunt factor' (@ 5:15) I'm guessing 2" x 2" x 1/8 _(0.125")_ wall, x 12 ~ 15 feet.

[@tylerroddick3877]

@@Dr.JustIsWrong surviving ringworms newest video gives a guide to make them, he has had them for years!

[@Dr.JustIsWrong]

@@tylerroddick3877 don't you just get a mommy ringworm, and a daddy ringworm, and give them some ringworm booze? That's how I'd make 'em..

[@saldefranco1724]

Do they sell those metal brackets for the rails somewhere or you make those?

[@kozmicgary1287]

😅

[@mongolioose]

Thank you for sharing, I am very grateful

[@shenanigansIRA]

Great video and amazing to see your girl helping. You don’t see that often

[@jacquelineramsay7940]

OH Really?

[@shenanigansIRA]

Yes, really

[@stephenrobb9309]

did you make the end brackets or buy them? If they are purchased, where from/what are they called? Thanks for the video.

[@jrschroeder4165]

Stephen Robb was wondering the same thing

[@angkit216]

Bro love your way of doing it. I’m doing that someday in my future farm. Good job. Question what stihl model is that ?

[@GATOR-ef3wv]

I don’t know what he is running... but you will want run something north of 60cc’s. A friend runs a Stihl ms261. Not the cheapest saw in the world. I have only begun to dabble in milling. I have done a few smaller Logs with my Husqvarna 240, which is only 40cc. I’m pushing it to the limit, but it’s fun. This fall I am looking at upgrading. You got to start somewhere! Hopefully this is helpful.

[@joshmartin5036]

I run a ms 661 and it works great.

[@johnbanner9491]

I use a Stihl 382, plenty of power in the still 380 series

[@rolandkovacs6716]

I've been doing this as a hobby for a couple of years. I use a MS460 with a 32" bar. Works great.

[@rawfodog5182]

It looks like an 88

[@CliffManis]

Love to see your videos, and thanks... Cliff

[@kevsowell]

i really like your rail system, going to have to copy that

[@skooterbob]

Is that saw/brackets&bars set-up your design or is it available somewhere (to buy or get plans)? Good video, clever.

[@tommibluesky7025]

I'd be interested in this as well...

[@lureofthenorth]

Its a Granberg "Alaskan Mill". The rails are plates were just something bought locally from a metal fabricator

[@apuuvah]

The dog is doing his/her work too, keeping an eye on things...

[@billhazard4946]

Great video, found your info on rails a ND brackets 👍👍

[@reillystsb]

I do the same thing I let the saw idle for cool down. I ordered the hand crank And longer rails for my mill from Bailey's It's Ben 5 months back order I'm still waiting Great tip with the square

[@Deadeye901]

The cat that walks by had a mouse in it's mouth. !!!! LOL Good Kitty

[@greenboysavage]

last guy that commented was an ecofreak need to get rid of these people

[@stanpeters8893]

Great videos, But I thought that precious bird took most of your thunder away, what kind of bird is that???

[@KenNickels]

Prima donna bird. :-)

[@whitey211]

Sounds like a red-eyed vireo, but there's lots of birds with a call similar to that and I'm not great at IDing from calls and I don't know where he is.

[@bryan5129]

great work love what yous have done

[@ChrisGilliamOffGrid]

Very nice, hope to get one next year.

[@MrPuterwiz]

By the sounds of that bird you cut her tree down lol

[@steveburgess9709]

😂

[@iainbrown4945]

by the sounds of that saw he needs to be wearing some hearing protection

[@trex283]

Can you please tell us what type of saw, bar length, chain and chainsaw holder you use? I would like to do the same thing. Thanks!

[@troysgt]

He is using a sawmill from granberg.com the saw is STIHL, I suspect 660 or 880 magnum.

[@troysgt]

Awesome video, very helpful.

[@jonathanwalker6521]

Great show,

[@ronlewis2707]

What type of saw sir

[@gregbrown9271]

Nice video that sparrow was wearing on me

[@aubrey6942]

Greg Brown The birds have to go

[@gregbrown9271]

@@aubrey6942 lol 👍

[@michaelhutton7462]

I would of shot the damn bird.... I get tired of a aggravating assbird

[@tinkmarshino]

had to back track to give you a thumbs up.. go so into watching the milling I forgot..

[@frankapplegate4852]

Enjoyed your presentation. On to #2 video.

[@PeterNordBushcraft]

I meant minute :40 seconds in

[@gentlebear21713]

Where did you get your end brackets?

[@watda011]

Read the description

[@theinternets7516]

That was genius getting that log onto those saw horses.

[@johnwhite192]

Hey ill take ones with bark lol very educational video. Thanks for sharing