Small Alaskan Mill - Small Log - Is it worth it? My first attempts.

My first attempts at an alaskan saw mill. I fully plan on purchasing a larger saw to mill larger timber in the future. However, for now, I wanted to experiment with my smaller husqvarna 440 and see if it was worth my time setting up and milling smaller pieces of hardwood timber to use as hobby wood in my woodshop.
#captainkleeman
#alaskanmill
#husqvarna
always feel free to reach out at [e-mail]
Small Alaskan Mill - Small Log - Is it worth it? My first attempts.

[@Matdog2010]

Not too much out there on how to rip logs kzbin.infoUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 with an electric chain saw for a home made saw mill, so I pieced the Oregon CS1500 with the Timber Tuff Guide. Wanted to go with the Alaskan sawmill type, but the bar on the CS1500 is pretty thin. The clamp for the Alaskan is typically 2" and the CS1500 bar at the base is ~2", so too close for comfort. Regardless, the guide worked well with the chainsaw. Didn't eat up bar chain oil faster than normal. For a 4' by 18" diameter Douglas Fir (about 3 weeks after being felled), it took about 15 minutes to cut through a slab. Chain didn't fall off a single time. I don't think other users were putting enough tension on it. The sharpener is amazingly convenient! Very happy with my purchase.

[@northgeorgia7357]

Screw a ladder or board to the top of the piece you're going to cut and let the guide piece stick out a foot so you have the saw resting on the guide before your chain ever makes contact with the wood you're cutting.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n... welcome to the world of DIY lumber milling! The satisfaction of being able to take wood from tree to finished project is immense. It opens up a whole world of possibilities once you get started. Here’s a short story... I live in a place I call Sassafras Valley. The reason why is because we bought the property during a summer drought. I worked all summer just cutting brush and clearing about 100ft of path wide enough to get my pickup off the road. The trees that I paid attention to were the oaks and hickories. By the time the rains came in the fall... they were pretty beat up and had lost a lot of leaves. We were worried that we wouldn’t have much fall color. First the hickories turned yellow. But, that was short lived because of the summer abuse. We were bummed out... then one afternoon I started noticing the Sassafras foliage. They had begun turning brilliant orange, red and yellow. Just before sunset, I was sitting on my tailgate and the woods started to glow. You know the feeling you got the first time you saw a High Definition TV? That’s exactly the feeling that overcame me as I looked around. The woods had miraculously transformed into an almost surreal calm place that washed away all my anxieties and worries... I was so impressed that I brought my family out the next evening and let them experience it for themselves... we named the place that day. Enough of that waxing nostalgic... as the forest aged, the Sassafras have thinned out. So, I saved several chunks of the bigger trees. And, have milled them into boards and turning blanks... then into small projects for my family... now, knowing what you do about that. How can I buy wood that will replace those memories for me and my family? I guess my answer to your question... “Is it worth it?” would be... depends on what you do with the wood you cut. You might want to set those first cuts aside for a couple of years to season and make some jewelry boxes, keepsake shelves, lamps or candlesticks for someone special!! You won’t get a second chance to remember from whence they came.

[@CaptainKleeman]

William Harris as always you make an excellent point. I do believe that is exactly what I will do with them. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@raymondrussell500]

Great ending. She’s a little doll. Please stay safe and most of all stay healthy!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Raymond Russell I’ll do my best and you do the same!

[@tomcox2579]

Wonderful video. You're a natural teacher! The 3 things you like most are: 1. Having fun doing the task. 2. Learning something new. 3. Building things yourself if you have the stuff around to do it. This is EXACTLY how I think. The final takeaway for me is extremely valuable: I absolutely CAN mill small logs with my Lowe's homeowner Husqvarna 445!

[@JoelHershberger]

The kid cams are always the best. It is so much fun to see it from their perspective. I love it. Thanks for sharing your time with us.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Joel Hershberger you’re absolutely right about that sir. Thanks for watching.

[@freak5837]

Lol, love the ending, smile engaged!

[@pattucker612]

Nice little video, cute how your little girl turned the camera on just like daddy

[@h20dad1]

Without going through all of your comments, this suggestion may have already come up. When I used to cut lumber with my chainsaw mill, years ago, I found the biggest relief for my saw was changing from the typical cross cut chain, to a ripping chain. Less stress for the saw and much quicker cut. Just a suggestion for your new saw you will be buying. Not sure now, but years ago they were only a little bit more expensive.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Blu Ice a ripping chain is definitely on my to get list.

[@lorrinraymond8652]

The middle crossbar, on which the black handle is mounted, should be adjusted to ride along the center of the log being milled so that as you are starting and ending your cut it will ride along the log keeping your mill level.

[@ejsocci2630]

Awesome awesome awesome I appreciate watching and how you have done your videos, thanks

[@larrykleeman353]

Enjoy your attempting new things, always learning and adjusting-such is life.

[@michaelmcclure8673]

Captain Kleeman, that why you da man to get it done . 😊😊

[@w2porter656]

I played with one of the mills a while back. The big game changer for me was purchasing rip chains. I got mine from Bailey's. Normal chains are made for cross cuts. These chains have fewer teeth and the angle is around 10 degrees. They are a lot less work on the saws.

[@CaptainKleeman]

w2porter appreciate the tip! Thanks

[@tmacie2]

Nice work! I like your creativeness on the rail system. On longer logs, you can take the horizontal piece and screw it right to the log for your establishing cut. You can build one from aluminum but then have to drill set of holes for differing length logs. 6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other. Turn your oiler all the way up (if its adjustable)on the saw. It will help the chain and bar last a lot longer. For starting a cut, a lot of it is practice. One tip that does help, slide the bar that has the vertical handle so it is about 2/3 of the width of the cut away from the powerhead. The bottom of the bar that this handle is attached to is at the same level as the long rails, this will help you be more stable until the 2nd rail gets on the log. If you are cutting longer slabs, take your wedges and put them in the cut as you travel down the log, this will keep the slab from drooping and binding on the chain.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Travis Macie these are all great suggestions and I’ll be trying them! Thank you!

[@davidhill4711]

Not only did you learn something but we did also. Very cool stuff.

[@CaptainKleeman]

David Hill thank you!

[@gayle4804]

It always learn every day

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Peter! Been around chainsaws my entire life and have to admit I've never tried a hand held rotary sharpener or been exposed to an Alaskan Mill. I am impressed with both! Thanks for sharing your first experience with the mill I think it would be a fun hobby. I'm not much of a woodworker but I sure admire the folks that are!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Neil Koch: Dig-Drive-DIY something I’ve always wanted to try. Excited to see how it works in the long run.

[@chrisgrubisic3554]

I believe you should be pushing the Mill and saw, not pulling it. You have more control and won't be blasted with saw dust. Otherwise nice video and it's great to learn new things and be able to produce some nice boards.

[@scragmanw]

Enjoyed watching you work through a first time use. Great instruction and entertaining.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Bill Ragland thanks!

[@kennethmarlow2731]

Absolutely love the ending of a smart and beautiful young lady

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Your little 'uns are lovely! :-)

[@CaptainKleeman]

Chris Skelhorn indeed!

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

@@CaptainKleeman Please give them a big gentle hug from me! :-)

[@CMDSR]

Great video. Those cedars you have. I’m thinking sauna or maybe a custom made ruff cut cedar dog-o house.

[@notthatguy4515]

Awesome video Thanks

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching!

[@dwaynemorrow6594]

Good video, learning lots as you learn about the mill. Thanks for the content.

[@CaptainKleeman]

dwayne morrow glad your enjoying it and thanks for watching!

[@papaw5405]

If you had a couple of steel wedges you could split those big oak logs through the heart two ways before you start to saw. Then you could cut quarter sawn lumber. That increases its value. And the smaller saw would love cutting through material ¼ the size.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Papaw that’s a pretty good point. Thanks for the tip!

[@neilmackenzie8345]

gotta love the KISS system.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely!

[@kevinegger9646]

Stay behind the saw and push it. Come in at an angle on the corner and slowly pivot it in.

[@josephleister9198]

I like your set up...looks like it worked pretty good over all.

[@rwecks597]

Kids will figure out most things on there own. Liked learning about the Alaskan saw mill. Be safe

[@CaptainKleeman]

Rwecks yes they will!

[@johncucuzza6892]

There is a sprocket at the end of the chainsaw bar if you pinch it it will make your chainsaw work harder, so the end clamp you probably need to move it in to the bar getting it off of that’ sprocket.

[@jerrydyke2291]

Great video Captain Kleeman!👍😁 I'm sure you'll eventually figure it out! Thanks

[@CaptainKleeman]

jerry dyke thanks!

[@lennelonge2626]

Good job taking your time and figuring out setting up the mill! The only thing I can add is I put a 2 by 4 on each side of a huge log to set the mill on, it will help start your cut and keep it straight. 💪🐂🇨🇱

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lenne Longe thank you and thanks for tip.

[@beebob1279]

My Stijl 029 super with an 18 inch bar mulled over 900 board foot of black cherry this past summer. The mill is easy to put together and easy to use.

[@dirtediggin]

That's a pretty neat setup. It will be interesting to see it used some more.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Dirt E Diggin thank you Sir!

[@tbix1963]

Great video, looking forward to seeing your eventual method. I’m only a arm chair miller but on of the common methods I’ve seen uses a flat 2x8 across the top such that any variation in the previous cut doesn’t telegraph into the next. A 2x4 screwed lengthwise at 90 deg would stabilize the 2x8 to keep it flat. The L shaped end profile of 10x4 allows you to screw it to the Leading edge and cut a 2” plank. Stay safe, wishing you and your family the best.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Tom Bixby thank you sir! Hope everything is going great on your end

[@Jerry0153A]

I've used this 12 volt sharpener for many years. I did take off the guide as it can be cumbersome after a while because your grinding bits get smaller diameter each time you use one. So with a little experience you can free hand sharpen your chain.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Came over from a Dirt Perfect channel. I just bought an Alaskan mill and getting ready to try it out tomorrow

[@CaptainKleeman]

Awesome! What saw are you running?

[@RockhillfarmYT]

@@CaptainKleeman currently a stihl ms 391 with a 25” bar Looking at a 500i

[@truthserum8326]

Like Chris said below, you need to push not pull when cutting. That assembly sheet appeared vague so it's likely easy to get assembly wrong. It appears you might get by with remounting the middle handle assembly. Also, be sure to lift slightly on your saw and use shims often.

[@ZafodB3]

I made my slabbing rails out of 2x4 Studs that I squared and planed I simply screw it to the top of the log and it does a nice job on that first cut. Your frame for the slabbing rail is a great idea for smaller stuff. I purchased a rip cut chain from Granberg, I think the angle on this chain is 10°. It is far better than using a standard, crosscut, blade but also dulls quickly too.

[@Bad_Fireman]

Thanks Peter

[@dougyurecko6500]

How about a old roof ladder for the bed section of the mill. Or a old extension ladder for top and bottom. I'm sure you could find one laying around.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Doug Yurecko I think I may reach out to the shop and see if they have any failed annuals they would sell. Definitely worth looking into.

[@kennymysak2079]

The mill will come in handy for your honey dew list that your beautiful wife is working on and beable able to use some of the lumber on the tugboat cabin as well. Looks like she was having fun with the camera. Keep up the great videos

[@zacharycullen3677]

I built one to fit my 660 stihl, built it to fit a 36" bar for cutting slabs to make live edge benches and tables. Works great and it's fun. Amazing what you can cut out of some old junk log that would otherwise be destined for the wood stove.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Zachary Cullen I agree with ya there. Can’t wait to see what I can come up with isn’t he future. You have any pics of your work?

[@zacharycullen3677]

@@CaptainKleeman I do. In fact I just cut some maple slabs today, had to free hand them with a 36" bar, huge log but there's some really cool slabs there. Just my wintertime hobby, I'm a full time firefighter and I run a excavation business so as soon as spring hits in flat out.

[@stashwaxroller1740]

Very cool tool ! once you get your metal frame made , put some wheels and a hitch on it so you can pull it to the woods with your tractor. Old boat trailer frame might work good. Thanks for sharing

[@CaptainKleeman]

stashwax roller that’s a good idea!

[@humboldthunterfishfool4817]

Wow dude. You turned something simple into a nightmare for a newbie👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Put this thing in the trash the next day. Not worth the time or effort.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Very cool little mill. Makes some nice boards 👍🏻

[@CaptainKleeman]

Full Tilt Grading hope so! Ready to get caught up on you’re current project, going to be a good one!

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

Captain Kleeman it has been in the works for 6 years and I got shut down 2 times before because they didn’t get all the approvals. There is more going on in that 30x15 area than you could imagine. It’s a tricky one Captain!

[@ardtessa]

Interesting stuff Mike, even if I'll probably never have an Alaskan mill for my saw.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Ard and Tessa never say never!

[@f250ford2004]

Always like learning how to use new tools

[@CaptainKleeman]

Tony Peters absolutely!

[@justinweier4099]

A for effort. But a few things that make getting into chainsaw milling a lot easier (from the perspective of someone who just started themselves). There is no replacement for displacement. 50cc is generally considered the minimum for milling. 70cc or more is a better place to start. Use a ripping chain. If you can't find a ripping chain for your current bar; then you'll need to get a dedicated bar for the chain sizes available. Even just for "gaining experience" using a cross-cut chain is going to introduce unnecessary frustration. Keep your top rail for the first cut simple. You had a cool idea for the rail setup, and I'm sure it could work. But realistically the less effort needed to setup up and make the first cut the better. A couple 2x4s and a couple pieces of angle iron is what we used. And it only took 10 minutes to set up AND make the first cut on our logs with that setup. Cheap wedges also make a huge difference. A 6 pack from amazon was maybe $10? I bought a couple sets and wedging the log as we worked our way along made things go quick (about 5 minutes to cut a 5/4 slab from a 20" wide by 7 1/2 foot long black walnut log). Anyway, keep up the good work!

[@kingtrumpet123]

get a ripping chain, put the piece of wood up higher on sawhorses, logs, etc to a comfortable height, and angle your sawmill at like a 45 degree to start your cut as you get a lot of the guiderail on the log, I also just use a 2X8 as my initial guiderail, screw it right to the log (no wobble then, like in your guide stand you made that is not attached to your piece of log, just make sure your first cut is deep enough to pass under your screws, get wedges to hold the cut open on bigger logs, place the wedges every 2 feet or so in your cut, that keeps the bar from pinching , that should help. and SHE IS ADORABLE !!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for the tips!

[@kingtrumpet123]

yes, your welcome, my friend Todd, uses a guiderail like yours, and claims it works well with larger logs ((much like a regular sawmill would)) -I'm 56, and have a tractor to lift my logs up, the ground is too far away for me to use a set up like yours, LOL, HEY, whatever works !!! have a great day

[@donnairn3419]

The handle will help guide it at the start have the handle set so it is running on the wood. Also a wedge to hold the cut open is useful

[@CaptainKleeman]

Don Nairn I think I see what you’re saying. Appreciate the tips!

[@AliAhmadi-hq9pj]

Thanks

[@joycefuller9177]

Learning....that is what she was doing. She may be your videographer one day.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Instructions Step one: assemble mill Step two: mill wood I do believe that green wood is easier to mill than dry. I’ve never used an electric chain sharpener, I’ve always used a file. I heard the electric sharpeners kinda harden the chains and make it hard to hand file later. I’ve never tried so I’m not sure, just what I heard.

[@corycourneyea6802]

That is a pretty smart set up for get the first cut done. What about a 16 in level mounted by your middle handle. I have some red cedar I really want to try that on. Good luck.

[@terrynoyes9859]

Like your videos I come in at a 45 cuts smooth for me and I sit the stuff I cut out on blocks so I don't have to bend over so much .

[@mrmikeyd2]

MY experience with an "Alaskan sawmill"???🤔🤔🤔 I'm a southern boy, I ain't never been further north than Indiana! 😃😃😃 But, YOU are doing one hell of a job, Captain!

[@CaptainKleeman]

mrmikeyd hahaha. Thanks sir!

[@IndianaDoug]

Not missin much past Indiana brother😆

[@casycasy5199]

look into using u struts to build the frame.they have many fittings to build with they are very strong.they have holes in them for easy adjustments

[@CaptainKleeman]

casy casy I’ll check that out. Thanks for the tip!

[@coryofalltrades3568]

you can put wedges behind your cut to support the board you have already cut, you will need to do this for sure when milling larger pieces of timber.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Cory of all Trades thanks for the tip!

[@adammayle294]

Start @ 45° angle is what they recommend to start cutting it at so u have both bars as soon as possible.

[@BlueDually4x4]

Yeah that end clip was pretty funny. Smaller boards are good for smaller projects, even at the truss plant I work at we still get bunks of short material. Couple of those shorter boards glued together, sanded and stained nice with short legs would make for really nice end tables or night stands. Might be a little thick for something like that but with practice you likely will get nicer cuts. Its the only way you get better at anything, just practice. I noticed some other people mentioned looking for a chain more suited to longer cuts and that was really my suggestion to your set up. The ladder might be a good way to go for your guide rails, especially if the fire department has to get rid of them every so often. Though you may have to cut some rungs out to make sure it isn't usable as a ladder. It's worth asking about, worse they will say is no.

[@CaptainKleeman]

BlueDually4x4 those seem to be the two biggest things, a ripping chain and using an old aluminum ladder. I definitely appreciate your feedback as always. And always taking the time to leave a comment!

[@jamescoughlin4186]

From your shavings, it looks like you are using a crosscut chain. You should be using a rip chain. Oregon chain sells Grandberg rip chains.

[@rydaug79]

Just trying to get into chainsaw milling. What I (think I) have learned learned so far is the bar in the middle of the mill with the handle above it can be adjusted to guide it in to start and help keep it level. Also turn the handle grip around the other way. In the picture on the manual showed it the way you have it (to pull). I saw in Granberg video they it the other way (to push). I haven't even used a chainsaw mill yet so don't anyone do anything I say without doing some research yourself.

[@danieldeanmasterfinisher4715]

Ps…Always adjust and set cut level closet to the saw first, this will help you achieve a more level cut. Bring your start guide back about a foot so the sawmill can set level on the guide before you start. The first cut is the most important There is a sharp learning curve No pun intended….

[@richardhedrick5601]

Looks good so fare

[@CaptainKleeman]

Richard Hedrick thanks.

[@jamesrahn2065]

Curious if setting up your jig and workpiece at a slight angle so it helps your saw mill go thru wood with gravity

[@markkenes4848]

You need the big one with the band saw. And that electric sharpener is the beez kneez !!! That's what I use on my chains. And I got the same saw dude !!!!!! Great saw. Need more vids Cpt.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Spydr 1 or Mark 1 Ild love to have a big band saw mill one day.

[@jaquigreenlees]

Bandsaw mills are the ones for more commercial use, since the kerf of the blade gives more wood than the chain saw blade does. Long term, one could be an investment that can coffee can fund more stuff fairly easily.

[@jaquigreenlees]

@@CaptainKleeman Size of log most commonly milled is what should determine your mill size with one. When it comes to looking at buying one, is it important that something this complex have local support ( dealership )? That will push the price up if so. The value in one is the custom cut lumber you can make, which means the ground mounted extendable rails options will give you more options for cuts. The trailered mills are only good for the lengths up to the trailer. Which features do you want? included hydraulic log loader, log roller, debark blade ( protect mill blade from rocks ) all add to the cost. You can't upgrade to one with the hydraulics by adding the hydraulics, it's buy a whole new mill to upgrade. So figuring out that you will want and coffee can fund until you can get it is likely the better option as far as that goes. Most of the bandsaw mill manufacturers have a blade sharpener available, a much cheaper option than sending them off to get sharpened ( and another source of income since you can sharpen any bandsaw blade for the regular mills. ) Logger Wade's stuff is a whole 'nother level and not compatible with the stuff your more likely to get.

[@Jay78801]

Try elevating one end off the log and let gravity help feed. Lots of tips on the arborist forum

[@CaptainKleeman]

j nance I’ll have to check out that forum. Thanks for the tip!

[@Crewsy]

Just an observation since I’ve never used an Alaskan Mill. The bar your handle is attached to is at the same level as the outer frame so when starting you need to apply pressure to keep that bar flat on the wood. Same for ending the cut. Using the top rail system means you have to adjust the mill frame for every single piece you cut. If you want 1” boards you don’t want to adjust the frame every time. I’m sure you will give up on that frame as you gain experience. A flat piece of 2x10 screwed to the log with wedges to level end to end will give you your first cut. It can be longer to give you a level start. Just don’t cut through your screws. 😉

[@TheDavidarlen]

I have heard the chinese copies of the big Husky and Sthill saws are pretty good possibly look into that search the net for info

[@CaptainKleeman]

David seaquist a few people have made that suggestions. May have to check it out!

[@robertpowell7672]

Hi Cap'n. This is all new to me, very interesting. My rookie thoughts are that the log needs to be held better, not just wedged up on the floor.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Robert Powell I think you’re right about that.

[@erikgiggey4783]

experience has value even if the wood might not. keep at it it takes practice to get good at most things cough not taking out mirrors, those 12volt sharpeners are really nice for in the field sharpening especially once the bar length gets bigger and bigger. hand filing a 50 inch bar is a bit tiring, i had to do it once because i forgot to grab the 12 volt grinder and i wasnt the one running the saw but the one responsible for grabbing everything we needed, the boss got a good lunch break and laugh out of it, i got sore hands and wrists :(

[@CaptainKleeman]

Erik Giggey lessons learned! Haha. Good story to look back on.

[@jameshicks4831]

Here is something to help you mind set about your finished piece of wood. Get a small 20oz bottle of water and pour it on your finish cut piece is will give you a gloss on the wood and hopefully give you some Ideal of what you want to make out of that piece. It all ways helps me. I hope that helps

[@CaptainKleeman]

james hicks thanks for the tip!

[@bvfdfire1]

you going to have another little videographer on your hands! hey! can that be my big word for the day? you will get that mill figured out, everything has a learning curve....... excellent idea using the small stock to learn! you figure the quirks out, and they are harder to stabilize than than the larger logs, as you already know, the set up is the most time consuming, the process itself is pretty quick and painless, and the saw upgrade will definitely be a MAJOR help....... I bet that there some extension ladders or roof ladders that have failed annuals that could be bought for scrap or maybe even gotten really cheap..... they would make great sawmill beds, and can usually be gotten around here when testing companies do the annuals......... few years ago, we had a 36' extension fail annual, talk about a BIG ouch! replace that puppy! Sorry I got long winded........ had to tend to a few setbacks in my recovery, but I'm turning around, feeling some better each day and determined to recover! Stay safe friend and LOVE the videos as always!!!!!!, care package got delayed a few days but it is forthcoming!! keith

[@CaptainKleeman]

bvfdfire1 that’s a great idea about failed annuals. I may reach out to the shop and see what they have. Glad to hear you’re making progress as well!

[@terryreynolds1366]

Just keep sawing and you will get it JUST BE SAFE CAPTAIN THANKS KEEP DIRT PERFECT STRAIGHT IF YOU CAN

[@red1478]

You're supposed to bring in your handlebar so it fits flat over on top of the wood so you can level it out a lot easier. for smaller pieces of wood. and, just it for the size for anything bigger.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@bunyipdan]

Secure your log....preparation for first cut the key Use aluminium extension ladder for top rail (secure to log and wedge to reduce any flex) Line up the adjustable handle bar on the mill to be centered over cut face.....this bar allows you to keep your reference alignment on the lead in to your cut (@23:45 handle rail needed to be ~3" closer to power head so it rested over center of cut) Especially when running along a cut face let your mill bar guide slide along (it will want to pull the saw into the cut....let it), dont wrestle the saw just concentrate on keeping cut stable aligned and smooth = best cut face Wedge your cut Reduce you tooth cut angle to 5-10 degrees to reduce saw marks in cut (skip chain works best for milling) The mill frame is made from standard aluminium extrusion used for road sign framing - find some and cut to length to suit bar Use 1-2-3 style engineiring standard blocks to set bar height to standard slab thickness Use simple winch set up when milling larger/longer logs For larger projects/saws also look into fitting auxillary bar tip oiler Eye/face/ear pro might be a better investment than chaps (....not that chaps arent a good idea But definetly eyes and ears!) I remove the safety bar and dogs from chainsaw when milling to give max bar clearance Just some suggestions, enjoy

[@robertlytle2473]

See" surviving right worms " videos on how he uses his Alaskan saw mill.

[@moochythecat3435]

My local Habitat for Humanity store has a large number of wood slabs on sale for not a lot of money...

[@tmacie2]

I see that wood has bug holes. Some people might not like that, but to me, they are great character. If you are wanting to make something nice like a shelf for such, you can take 5-minute epoxy (or the longer cure stuff) mix it with a little black graphite and fill the holes with a syringe. It gives a really cool look.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Travis Macie I’ll look into that. Thanks for suggestion

[@charliebrady3751]

@@CaptainKleeman Coffee grounds can be used in place of graphite.

[@warrenklingensmith1241]

Do you have a joiner and a thickness planer.

[@thomasdesmond2248]

Kleenman in order to see those incremental marks easier. Rub black shoe polish on it. Let dry then rub off excess. God bless

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thomas Desmond thanks for suggestion!

[@stuartlafrancis1371]

Kids are great from a grandpa. with 16 grands

[@rockeerockey6941]

The electric Oregon sharpener isn't considerably faster than a vice & a file! I've had them all. Nice vid Cap'n keep them coming! Are there any Ameteur (ham) radio operators on the barges! Might be interesting to look into! As I said before, it's time for STIHL to step up and send you a test unit! A big Farm Boss I'd think would be a good fit!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Rockey Rockey im not sure if there are any ham operators or not. Would be slot of work moving the equipment around, the ya rent always on the same boat for back to back trips. Would be cool though!

[@wolflahti412]

Using a chain ground for crosscutting with make your saw work a lot harder and dull the chain a lot faster. Buy or grind yourself a milling (rip) chain to make your life a lot easier.

[@MrTIMETODIE1]

Great video.....do all your learning on video so we can learn with you

[@CaptainKleeman]

Patrick kelly that’s the plan!

[@austindenney1384]

Which mill is the one you are using

[@neilmackenzie8345]

your pull handle can be moved over so it sits on the log till the cross bar rests on the logs

[@criticalevent]

to start and finish the cut, screw a couple of longer steel bars onto the work piece.

[@glennhall8429]

A good secondhand 084 or 088 stihl for the mill they will just plug away all day

[@CaptainKleeman]

Glenn Hall that was about the siZe I was looking at. Thanks for the feedback!

[@jsmythib]

One more crossbar with a leading edge would help in starting the cut. Do those slotted aluminum tracks for the frame have a name? :)

[@dustyroads834]

Try using a very shallow angle on your saw teeth. Almost 90* from the bar. Rips much better that way.

[@michaelrobbins6694]

Umm. That's specified as an Alaska mill. Transport it into the middle of nowhere and get the job done. Great job Captain Kleeman!

[@CaptainKleeman]

michael robbins that’s the idea! Just trying to iron out the bugs before I starting dragging her around. 😂. Thanks!

[@garyhalteman6764]

Dremel make a cordless rechargeable tool like that works great in the woods

[@CaptainKleeman]

Gary Halteman I’ll take a look at it!

[@Feub69]

I have the tool for dremel with cord, it work great too.

[@stedder8436]

Nice video bud

[@CaptainKleeman]

Steven Tedder thanks!

[@garyhalteman6764]

When you sharpen your saw make sure you check your raker cross cut saw has small theeth and a rip saw has course teeth so your raker should be more aggressive than cutting across the log.by the way i love your videos

[@CaptainKleeman]

Gary Halteman awesome tip on taking the raker down a little more. Thanks!

[@sibosifraiscompagny]

Did you use it multiple time after? If yes does it worth to buy it or the quality doesnot there? Buy a better quality? Also the time spend, gaz cost, chain, life of the chainsaw?

[@thederrick1966]

have the same sharpner… it does ok in a pinch but i will get a bench top chain sharpner next … it might be operator instead of machine also lol

[@CaptainKleeman]

thederrick1966 I think it is definitely handy to have both styles.

[@dougyurecko6500]

What model saw are you thinking about getting

[@CaptainKleeman]

Doug Yurecko based on the research I’ve done it looks like I need something over 70cc. Still saving up some more money first though.