Saving Money But Not Saving Time! Milling Lumber For The Next Project

In this video, we’re taking on the challenge of milling our own lumber for an upcoming project - and while it’s a great way to save money, we quickly discover that it’s not the quickest option! 🪚🌲
Join us as we walk you through the entire process: from cutting the logs to milling and processing the lumber. We’ll share the tools we use, the time involved, and some tips and tricks we’ve picked up along the way. Whether you're considering milling your own lumber or just curious about the process, this video offers an honest look at the time commitment versus the cost savings.
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[@kevinwiley9696]

We don’t “Suffer” through your videos, Katie!! We LOVE your videos!!! Keep up the GREAT work!!

[@PeterKNoone]

Maybe I'm strange but I love watching you guys mill and process lumber. I share the joy of watching logs get turned into dimensional lumber. Looks like you got a shiny new chop saw! Congrats!

[@ThisOffGridLife]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed. I was worried this video would be a bit boring but I think it turned okay. I ended up rearranging some footage so the new saw introduction will be in the next video 😅

[@private15]

New chop saw and now the planer has died, they use their tools a lot!

[@connieschachel9705]

I am with you, Peter. I find the wood mill fascinating. The whole process from nature-fallen tree to boards to structure to home.

[@TA123999]

@@ThisOffGridLife Greg was massively burned out towards the end of the year, it's not surprising you've slowed everything down a lot

[@samanthawinslett202]

@@ThisOffGridLife did I see a snippet of completed railing? Looks nice

[@jonkosh56]

I'm with the other commenters here.....I have not one problem with watching you two mill and plane the logs, especially when you're figuring out how much you can get out of each log. Thanks for showing us the process.

[@SpaceForce2019]

No such thing as a video that's too long.. I could sit in a lawn chair by a fire sipping adult beverages all day watching you guys working. LMAO Your home is a happy feel good place. Love watching dogs play, goats and chickens. Its all good. Its amazing what you guys have built from that wood mill.

[@danchandler9381]

The quiet scenes that you show at the beginning of each video, accompanied by music, add a lot of the appeal of your channel. Chickens pecking, goats browsing, dogs looking up in an alert posture, flowers in the snow, etc. It all conveys a feeling of tranquility that is somehow reassuring. Also, the song you use in a lot of videos (including this one), that has the whistler is perfect for the intros. It now seems sort of like a theme song for your channel.

[@elizabethpratt8360]

I actually love watching you all mill your own wood, then plane it etc. and get it ready for the next project. Must be super satisfying to know that what you are building comes from your own land and your own hands! Keep it up. Can't wait to see the finished railings on the deck. Will seriously change the look/feel of the outside of the house!

[@mahalathacker6513]

I don’t care how long it takes to do the lumber I will be watching patiently.

[@jps342]

Your using natural resources from your own land to build your own homestead I think that greatly outweighs the time involved in the processing of the timber, It must be really rewarding to knowing the house was build with mostly timber from around and were it now stands, That saw mill has been worth its weight in gold.

[@justiceleague1146]

No suffering and not boring! I love the videos! That what live off grid is like.

[@samanthawinslett202]

Ok Sir Gregg, Please create a T-shirt for your Merchandise which has your big smiling mug on it with the word S K E T C H Y on it please...lol

[@terrynichols7199]

I think people need to appreciate how much work it takes to process wood, especially like you said, not having the more industrial equipment.

[@UFO...741]

I always prefer the longer video you guys do, lot of work for you Katie so thank you. We got a glimpse of the railings in the background (tease). Again thanks for what you both do 😃

[@robertslusser6753]

I thought maybe I had missed something when I saw the railings up on the top porch. But I remember at the beginning of the video there were no railings up there so I wasn't sure. Just a little preview of the coming video. I also enjoy watching you guys milling lumber, it's a lot more satisfying than going to Home Depot and spending an arm and a leg for lumber.

[@Shan-d1z]

Sure would be nice if I could smell the wood as you’re milling it 👃

[@private15]

Hard work and great results is always gratifying. Everyone needs to remember that when they do a good job they can be proud and satisfied. No matter what their job. Great job everyone!

[@chrisfindlay5963]

All the very best to you for 2025. The timber was so beautiful after planing, that as you said, must be so gratifying to think this was once a tree growing in a forest, then it was blown over and would have rotted on the ground. Instead is beautiful construction timber that I will forever have on my home. I hope you can keep your homesteading moving forward as you have planned this year, it will be your first without full-time jobs which must be challenging.

[@Ronn443]

Katy we can always count on you and Greg getting a quality vid out for us.

[@OGDAVE1358]

I love that you mill your own wood. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[@Nello353]

It makes a lot of sense for you to mill your own wood, especially because you have access to the trees on your property. The no nonsense , kind of a plain Jane unit serves you very well. Happy new year and may you enjoy an abundance of good health, happiness and prosperity

[@sarahschlosser1203]

Never gets old watching you take a tree and turn it into usable lumber

[@stephenkennedy9205]

Actually I quite enjoy watching you mill and work the wood (missed the bathing suit milling today) There is nothing quite like the looks and smell of freshly milled cedar. God Bless from your Canadian Friend.

[@sandratweedale2579]

Happy to see all the sweet critters💝💞. Best wishes for all the exciting new projects. You two are my absolute hands down faves on YT. You’re both the sweetest and most sincere people! Loves ya 👵🥰🤗. Ottawa

[@cdnmrspolitics]

The first time in this vid where you used the planer, the chickens running toward their coop was pretty cute. I like watching the process of milling, planing etc. It's part of it all. Great video & music yet again. It's so strange to see no snow, we are getting walloped over here (Montreal) Picture a huge grin. Cheers! Peace out.

[@garrydeimert7397]

Guys, so glad you have shiny new chop saw, you needed one. I’m surprised your planer has done so well, you do give it a hammering for a diy machine and your table saw is even more impressive how long its lasted, fix that planer and carry on guys, loving you from the UK.

[@ThisOffGridLife]

Lol, Katie is getting me a new table saw for my birthday for sure!

[@hombredeacero3131]

Short videos long videos I enjoy them all. Your area is so beautiful especially during winter.

[@xopherzenitram]

There was certainly nothing sketchy about moving that log from your truck to the forklift... you clearly had a plan and executed it perfectly. The milling of that lovely cedar was really satisfying!

[@Patricia-j7c2c]

I also love to watch your videos. Doesn’t matter what it is , it’s very educational & interesting ❤

[@ld5714]

Hi Katie and Greg, it's nice to see you again. Nice job editing the video. I always enjoy the random shots of all the animals and of course the stars ... Steve and the dogs. It was nice seeing the workshop being used and it serves the purpose very well. You must be so glad you have that space now. Don't ever feel bad about a lengthy video or it's content IMO. That's what homesteading is all about - hard work, working together on the days projects and building out your vision. You two do an excellent job of that and strike a good and healthy balance of work activity and time for enjoyment and relaxing. I always look forward to and enjoy your videos and spending a little time with you guys. I hope you can get the planer repaired easily. If you do decide to replace, you should consider getting the parts to repair the other one to have as a backup, givent the amount of use it actually gets. Just my 2¢ 😉 Have a blessed week and I'll see you on the next one. Larry, Central Valley, Ca.

[@vidamurphy5530]

I love watching you all and I always wish I could have done that, never met the right person. I know your family’s are proud of you. 😊

[@spankyham9607]

The lumber you guys make is far better than what big box hardware stores carry. Not warped, twisted. Nice and straight.

[@stroys7061]

I’ve been a subscriber for a few years and really enjoyed watching your journey both making your off grid life style work and all the production work involved in sharing your experience. You’ve gotten better at both. I know you get a lot of tips, tricks, and critiques from folks, some good some not. So take this for what it’s worth to you. As I was watching this episode I was thinking it would be fun to come there in a camper and stay for a week or two and help out. I’m 75 and have lived on a farm and worked in factories etc., but I wouldn’t be a good candidate for a lot of reasons I won’t bore you with. But a young person or couple thinking about trying what you’re doing could help you a lot, learn a lot, and maybe decide if they want to try it themselves. Again, both the production side of making the channel and/ or learning the off grid life style. You both work so hard I think you’d be a good influence on young people. That’s my 2 cents.

[@bay9876]

With the curious goats and playful dogs, it's a nice way to start the day. Also It helps of you know what has to be done ahead of time. Katie's strong arming and handling those large timbers makes her almost a power lifter. They're very heavy. Keeping this up at this rate and winter will be over before you know it.

[@larryskeggs9497]

You guys should get a roller stand for your planer to keep the wood level until it’s completely through

[@bobtucker8875]

As always guys great content 😁. I truly enjoy watching U guys make the lumber that builds you're home. I my self enjoy working with wood,an U two take it to the next level. Tks 4 sharing 🙏.

[@louis220558]

It's so nice to see the end result of thst logs plained and stsined 💪👏👏👏

[@barryhass3884]

Long content of you two is awesome!! Keep it up if you can 😊

[@samanthawinslett202]

Awe soooo sweet Katie you are so loved by Gregg! I'm sure you love him too, but I love seeing a man show PDA for his lovely lady❤

[@raymondfolsom5859]

I saw your railings! Looks good. Another enjoyable Saturday afternoon watching you create.

[@shermdog6969]

Make a little nail board to set the posts on to stain so you can do all the sides instead of waiting for 3 sides to dry. Works pretty good. 😊

[@geoff738]

As the song says at 19:20 “you got momentum” very apt, with you two as you never stop.

[@elzaannandale6229]

Happy new year to you guys I hope you will continue sharing your life with us. Milling and staining is part of that. Love all your videos ❤

[@DeirdreHickey-nx8nt]

I love this video. It shows how much hard work you have to do to mill all the wood you need to do just one project. I think you are both amazing. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@carolfaberpeake857]

Wow!! Definitely hot tub after all that cutting planing and staining!!’ Great job 🎉🎉🎉❤🎉🎉

[@Glen-r2j]

I guess you didn't notice Katie but If you watch at timestamp 2:43 to 3:00, while you were loading the scrap wood onto your tractor, there was a large lizard hanging on the top piece of wood. The top left side (your right side facing front of tractor) of that long plank of wood. I hope he made it after you put the other wood on top of it. I found this video far from boring. With your editing skills and using various incerts of your animal antics this video went along quite ...... smoothly. It never lost my short term attention spans. Well done you two. No worries at all. Very enjoyable. Me southern AZ. (USA)

[@samanthawinslett202]

The sound of the crackling fire LOVED IT! SOUND OF MILLS OR SANDERS not so much. But I do enjoy watching you mill but with music.... So excited to see the railing for your upstairs patio. I agree turkeys "who needs them, are they for the freezer? I'd rather have peacocks & peahens then turkeys! I think its so adorable that Katie likes her silky chickens. Can you share just a little more on them.

[@glendaprewitt9708]

We love watching your videos. Especially Steve!!! It’s amazing what you guys can do with a tree. Thanks for your videos!!!!

[@grantcurrin4934]

Awesome way to start the year🎉

[@2-bar-one]

Your video's are never to long most of them are not long enough. As always have a great day

[@scottensley9964]

As usual, love your content. Can't wait to see the finished upper railing system.

[@Tony-ei9mh]

Looks like a new saw. May be time for a new planner. Keep moving forward you will get there. Have a great day and be safe with the sketchy stuff.

[@jackywest5865]

Hello Katy and Greg, love to see your vids. Even the time you need to process how to do the job. You’re great guys! We love the ling vids, so we can see your wonderful and beautiful life. We love the the forrest

[@MrMooneclips]

hi there i found something you maybe want to look into and that is called " newtry rebar tie gun " in short, it is a machine that ties rebar togheter whit 3 steel wires, it ties/ cut and all that fun stuff, the only thing you need to do is to make sure it have power and wire and then you can tie the rebar togheter in no time and whit that then you dont need to manually tie the rebar togheter and be out in the cold and loose time and that could save you alot off headache also. i thought that it could be great to have one if you are doing rebar stuff for cement/ concrete and if you are doing fence inclosure and stuff like that. have a great day! :)

[@jamesphilbrook5567]

Just keep on doing what you’re doing and you’ll see what happens!! Love watching all of your videos!

[@charleneschmidt1920]

I agree with Peter. I find it interesting to watch and learn a little bit of milling. Knowledge is powerful. I love to learn new things I've never done nor probably will ever use. So much work for you both but, I look at the savings and quality you are getting from doing your own milling. Not everyone has a chance to do their own wood work from scratch. ❤

[@lauraquigley6403]

Hi Katie & Greg. I Loved the foggy view at the beginning! What a beautiful piece of wood & great job Greg getting it off the truck🙏🙏🙏Blessings

[@suelotts7177]

You two certainly have a vision. You are a pro a with saw mill! Love your plan

[@joelujan2978]

Hard working couples, congrats ur homesteading is really paying off for all the hard work. Looking great for both of you. Keep it up Greg and Katie.

[@Lonewolf-b1n]

Great job. Greg on milling and katie on professionally finishing wood for railings. Lol. Greg so lucky to have Katie to give you helpful tips and reminders😊😊😊😊As usual life shows no mercey on when it intervenes. Hope planner issue quickly fixed. Keep on trucking !!!!😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@bobflores]

4x4x8' cedar posts are $50 US down here so you guys saved a bunch by having the cedar logs on your property and your labor. We did get a sneak peek at the finished railing on the upper deck in a few shots. The planer's infeed probably stripped some gears. Should be able open it up and take a look. Thanks for the video.

[@jangross3501]

Like watching you mill & process the lumber … love all your videos no matter what the content is !

[@russellwatters5891]

Really appreciate the sawmill videos! Taking the raw logs and adding another dimension to ya'lls house. Really special to be able to say that. Love ya'll ❤️

[@robertlusnia506]

The house looks amazing, coming along nicely

[@charmainedekok2268]

Watching from South Africa ❤

[@jamesmccrary3468]

Great job you too always enjoy all of your videos. Be safe.

[@jamesmccrary3468]

Greg that could be a belt on the planer

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I believe in the cost, time, and labor pyramid when building. Going towards one means the others go up.

[@billkrueger7549]

Yup ! I was in construction, so I just sit here and add up the $$$$ you save and the quality you get. Add to that the entertainment slipped in now and again, with the critters and all I need is popcorn. Just keep doing what your doing and Enjoy, I'll be here watching.

[@oscartheg6674]

First off really nice fire thank you for sharing that and the live edge on the 4 x 4 it just adds personality to the bored. I for one want to thank you for sharing the milling process that is interesting, I liked it.

[@kd2eat]

I agree with some of the other comments. I find watching the milling to be very relaxing and meditative. I had a headache this afternoon, so I just relaxed, sat back and zoned out watching. lol

[@hipichicfazio7758]

I don't care what y'all are working on. I just enjoy your videos and seeing all your beautiful projects! I never knew what went into milling but now i want my own mill haha

[@briannagorman3119]

I love your choice of music in your introduction

[@glendajune9140]

Well done Katie & Greg! Almost made it,until plainer broke. Love how y’all persevere with each project,until completion. See ya next time.💯👍🏾😀🫶🏾💜✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@christabotes3430]

Hello its hard work to lumber your own wood. I enjoy yoyr video today i like when you mill wood. You save alot of money. Love you two ❤❤❤❤ GOD BLESS 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@bobhale8325]

Maybe you don't save time, but you use time effectively and create beauty and practical items for your time PLUS you give us great videos in that time. So to me it is a win-win situation.

[@tomcrockettsr.6981]

Watching you 2 work together is relaxing for me. Your cohesiveness is incredible. Best wishes. Keep it up.

[@richardrojas6306]

To see Katie playing with Steven is so cute. He loves his surrogate mother. If you use your equipment all the time, it's understandable that it will eventually break. If you get a good price on a planer, you might consider now a long term investment. With a new one, comes a warranty package with new cutters. Yes, milling is a priority for you guys. With all those nearby trees, some that fall and ones you cut, you can pick from a good selection. There has been true enjoyment i going through a process before you mill a log. Looking forward to the next video. Hugs from Santa Barbara 🫶🤗😘🙏🍷🌹👋🐐

[@StevenPBowden]

I could watch your videos all day,the longer the better for me.Better than the TV..

[@davidcummings9388]

Nice when you show us some affection toward each other.

[@thecastros9104]

I'll never do any of the things you guys have and will do. But when I go to bed, I wander off dreaming about making an overhang to protect the mill,and one over the sauna and on and on! Then things go bad and I wake up in the morning. Keep the videos coming!

[@DebDeBoop]

Those posts for the railing are really NICE WOOD! You are so fortunate to be able to mill these yourself!

[@DimensionalHorse]

Love the longer videos no matter what u r doing!! Sketchy Greg & Beautiful Katie!!! Thank u for sharing ur busy lives!!! 💜🕯😊

[@BethS55]

I find the saw mill work relaxing, and im amazed after plaining n stain, how beautiful the wood really is!

[@Gareyindaloops]

You got your wish Katie......it snowed.....then it melted.....perfect. If you remember last year about this time it was about -25ish so this much better to work in. We never "suffer" watching your videos. You show us what can be done if you really want it.

[@StevenBryant-l4h]

I know how hard the milling lumber is and the planing and the building. Having recently finished our second house and garage with the majority of home grown and processed wood.

[@JackRead-y2r]

I like the longer videos !

[@TracySvendsen]

My father was a logger in Humboldt and Trinity County. I love my memories of the process .Watching Greg carry his lumber to a finished product makes my day. Thank you. Ps he was a faller until he was 62. And lived 24 moré years àfter retirement. Who can say that. Bye.

[@conniewright8080]

I enjoy watching the two of you----Greg has a lot of humor----we sit on the edge of our chair watching sketchy Greg----most of the video's I watch are people from Canada----we are neighbors/allies

[@jodiewhipple9815]

Yay for a new miter saw!!!

[@DavidHolbert]

Greg & Katie, thanks for allowing me to share time with your projects. When I go to Lowe's or Home Depot and "BUY" those corkscrews they call quality dimensional lumber, I am envious of everything you take off your mill. Your quality lumber is far and above anything I can buy, so don't take what you have lightly!

[@krazzystallion61]

I love the long videos and the music as well. Ty

[@Stakman1]

I thought the shot of the lawn chairs at the start of the video was kind of ironic, as clearly the two of you rarely sit down! 😂😁😉. Thanks for sharing!

[@Miss.Libby.]

Such a beautiful bounty of timber. A job well done guys. Not far to the finish line now. 👏🏻🇦🇺

[@jeanettehammons2318]

I love the milling process!

[@Ann10999]

I got through it with ya , and didn’t suffer at all 😜the wood is beautiful, and glad your able to save lots of money , cause those 4x4 alone are very expensive 😊❤️

[@RobertSeliger]

Take all the time you need doing a great job

[@johnogan2386]

Cedarwood up there for the railing and all that stuff is going to be fantastic

[@reneroess153]

Bonjour Katie et Greg merci pour une nouvelle vidéo je vous adore et la musique de fond merci ❤😂👍🦮🐐

[@Ray-xv7rh]

Do lots of milling wood.. it helps all production 😊

[@normacoplin4102]

I don't "suffer through it"....I really enjoy watching you mill the wood! It's satisfying! 😊

[@carolg.prevette5483]

Actually I love watching you process the wood- just thinking how smart you are saving so much on that expensive wood! ❤

[@paulyelton3478]

glad to see you both happy and well

[@andredionne7769]

beau travaille tes vidéo sont juste correct comme sa ces pas trop long ces parfait comme sa continuer votre bon travaille du QUÉBEC j adore👍👍🖐

[@andredionne7769]

❤❤

[@jimfisher6942]

Good day to you guys