New Chainsaw Mill - Milling Lumber, Building a Workstation for the Mill

Lumber prices are still very high, and we have a lot we want to build. With this new chainsaw mill we now have a low cost system to produce beautiful lumber for building projects at our offgrid homestead! We set up the mill, build an inexpensive bracket and guide system and build a portable workstation with a loading ramp from lumber we milled ourselves! Producing our own lumber was a lot of fun and very satisfying, I cant wait to start using it for building projects at camp!
Welcome to Traplines and Inlines, this channel focuses on my dog and I on our remote Off the Grid Homestead in Northern Canada. I make videos on off grid homesteading and building, trapping, chickens, mechanical projects, and hunting and fishing.
I went offgrid and started building my cabin over two years ago, while I was still in highschool. Since then I have built many things at the homestead and have had the priviledge of learning many things along the way.
The homestead is designed to be relatively low maintenance and with extremely minimal expenses. All of my electricity comes from solar power, heat from woodstoves, and I haul all my water so I dont have any monthly costs associated with my homestead.
I love the lifestyle, especially because it gives me the absolute freedom to do whatever I please. I plan on continuing to tackle awesome projects and work at building and fixing many more things, and I cant wait to share them with you on the channel.
Thanks for watching!

[@TraplinesandInlines]

Hey friends I hope everyone is doing just great and that you enjoy the video. I am seeking assistance in regards to treating the milled lumber against wood insects. I have been seeing a ton of old house borers (i think this is what they are called) around my mill. Dont see damage on the wood but am wondering how i should go about protecting the lumber from infestation of all sorts and thought I would ask you guys what you would recommend doing. Thank you

[@InquisitiveBaldMan]

Borax will stop mould and insects. Just mix with water and spray it on. Im sure youll find some videos about it on here... BTW i think i got the idea off a channel called "Surviving Ringworm" he lives off grid with his alaskan mill, does all sort of projects, you might get some ideas.

[@Jakerz007]

Borax and water in a spray bottle

[@Jimmy-nv7mn]

Borax and water, spray it on

[@russellwatters5891]

TimBor or Bora Care, commercially sold. I use it for house treatments to protect against beetles and termites here in Florida. Good luck!

[@matthewharvey8755]

@@russellwatters5891 that's what I was going to say.

[@anthonygreen1105]

Hey bud, just thought I'd mention a guy I've been watching for a couple years that has been milling a lot of lumber up in Michigan. His channel is called Ringworm and he's just a nut that's out in the woods having fun. But that being said he knows a lot about milling and the best chainsaw blades for milling. He's done a video on just which blades work best for what your doing. You might want to check him out. Good luck and happy milling.

[@ronland1821]

Yes he is definitely great at it.

[@RumfordSledhead]

He is a lucky guy to have all that cedar. It's a lot easier to mill than real hardwoods too.

[@brucecoron928]

Because I absolutely love cedar his property would be like winning the lotto!!!! It's funny though how after awhile watching his videos you start thinking of the cedar like it's just a piece of old pine lol....

[@RumfordSledhead]

@@brucecoron928 I'm sure it's got it's plus'/cons, probably a bit buggy in a cedar swamp.

[@benmiller6451]

Ol Ringworm is a super cool and realistic fella,

[@albertahuntingproductions]

Get your self a rip chain for that bar, you will be glad you did

[@davidandrzejewski9127]

Two things. First your out in the boondocks, you need to buy a good tourniquet. They don't cost that much. Cut and artery and your going to sleep quick. Keep it on your belt all times your using a chainsaw. Second you need a rip chainsaw blade that blade cuts faster and produces a board without waves. Looks good.

[@jackpoirier5023]

How’d you like me to send you a quality winch? I enjoy your channel and would like to pay it forward. Key thing to remember is to stop and kiss the chain with a file every time you fill your tank. Good going Kyle.

[@victornowlin9092]

Good on ya Jack. He might use it on the meat pole to

[@rockethound69]

My GOODNESS you're Canadian! Fantastic video young man!!

[@1NationMediaUS]

I bought a $98 Zozen and milled 10 - 6x6's for my moms dock on a hidden lake at 9000 ft in the Rockies. I bought it because the 6x6 x8s are $54 each, I saved her $540. But after the 10th 6x6, the Zozen Mill took a header. So moral is, BUY A GRANBERG! Here's the thing though. The satisfaction that you gain from milling something on your own has value. Its quite the feeling when youve accomplished what mnost wouldnt dream of. The mill cost me 98 bucks. It got me $540 worth of lumber, and! i got to pick the trees. Fat spruce, heavy wood, treated them myself, no toxins in the lake. Boom! mission accomplished. Good times! Oh and I used a 50cc Huskvarna 550 Xp. I recommend a ripping chain an anything 70cc, its faster and no bog. BUT!!! OIL OIL OIL makes it go much faster. SO I took one of those 10-speed bike water bottle water things and attatched an old IV i had from Kelation therapy i had to do years ago, with a drip I could control. It had a steady drip to the chain and went through much easier.

[@billjones5178]

Great video, old retired forester , portable sawmill operator here, welder , fabricator! Think - your ramp & log platform is superior , what I if your top rails were fastened to the platform over top your log. Use a cuff. To allow raising $ lowering rails, pin in place Cut, flip log, lower top rail say 2 inches to cut other side, even have a square side jam to do that 90 degree cut. I bet u could fabricate this easily on your platform, be unique, & make a unique video! I will follow you progress! Bill in Indiana

[@rockethound69]

Holy smokes Bill! that's a great idea!

[@grundymallory1480]

Great video bud .

[@NitaKerns]

I cant even put into words how much I look forward to your videos. 😊 I dont see myself doing most of the stuff you do, but I sure love watching it!! Can't wait to see what you build with the lumber!! 🤘👍

[@tennwalt]

As an old one-armed chainsaw mill operator (I moved up to a bandsaw mill last year) I've found it just as cheap to buy a 2000lb 12v remote control winch for around $80 from Harbor Freight. You can operate it from your ATV or 12v lighter on your truck. I use half a section of a 24' aluminum ladder for my guide-rail and it always produced nice boards. Hope you have as much enjoyment making your own lumber as I have in my 67 years of living free. Love your channel and been with ya since the get-go!

[@l.m.2404]

Drilling holes up the 2 rails and putting in stop blocks to prevent rollback would help too.

[@freak_ish4348]

Hey bud, good job building that. I usually mill with a 372XP, nice to see a 455 at work. As a tip from a fellow Canadian, I started using a narrower stihl chain. I also use skip chain and filed it similar to a Granberg milling chain. Think there is a video or 2 kicking around here. Speed of cut was night and day! Easier on the saw too. Give it a go and see for yourself.

[@rcwatt9997]

I started out with a 455 Rancher and very quickly realized I needed a much bigger saw. Went with a 395XP & I also use a skip tooth ripping chain. I am usually sawing 30" plus doug fir though. I just use half of my extension ladder for a starting rail. If I would have known back then what the cost of lumber was going to do, I would have probably just spent that money on a band saw mill.

[@ejsocci2630]

Awesome awesome thanks for sharing

[@ejsocci2630]

Awesome awesome, I love it 👊🏻

[@melodyhopponen7504]

That's Awesome

[@themightyvillage]

Great job! Just love your videos. ✅

[@jerryflores1213]

All i want to say is love your videos the way u talk the hard worker ur great job bud peace from new Mexico

[@Sepia36912]

You are amazing.

[@willolson8084]

Cant wait for the cabin build

[@josegarrido8876]

Very simple. I see a Traplines video I hit like! Great stuff, keep it continue!!!

[@birchwhitehd]

You need some ripping chain, will cut a lot better than the normal crosscut chain the saw comes with…. Ripping chain cuts a lot faster too….. always “ full chisel “ chain too

[@tedcottenden22]

Bro, you got skills. ‘Nuff said.

[@daamundrud]

Pine Tar and Linseed oil to treat your lumber, you will get great colors out of the wood grain as well with the poplar

[@smoochmcguire5291]

Great video thanks again

[@paddycaseygsxr]

Watching from the uk 🇬🇧

[@margaretwilkinson9140]

your pretty awesome kid!

[@davidsanders9764]

Dude, you are a one man show. You do it all! It is very interesting watching you work, solving problems, staying focused and getting the work done. Even in my heyday as a younger man I do not think I could of done what you have done. I really enjoy your videos. Informative and just as important, very entertaining. Wish you the best! Luv your dogs. Keep them coming. David in Texas.

[@rycksorg571]

Great video. Thanks!

[@mbjdno779]

Kick ass, love the growth in knowledge

[@dougsmith548]

What you need is a longer cable to go around your log then back up to your winch. Then what happens is as you pull the cable in it encircles the log and the log rolls up your ramp. Stay safe have fun God bless 🇨🇦✌️

[@InquisitiveBaldMan]

Yeah weld a lug on the skidder. It will actually make it twice as easy to winch too as having the double length of cable has the same effect as pulleys.

[@ncphenom2309]

He knows. He says it in the video

[@btwarner2124]

Boom! Another video from our guy. Be safe buds.

[@WoolysWorld]

Great job, I'm on this journey right now

[@jonplante7589]

Very cool set up!

[@matthewharvey8755]

The best thing to happen to me in 33 years(besides my great family) was getting a band sawmill. I even decided to build a room here beside it... I live at my sawmill lol. Almost don't even want a cabin to live in anymore tbh

[@scottsmith4710]

Another great video buddy.👍

[@eddiehuff7366]

Sending peace and love your way again sir. I too supplement bar oil especially when cutting oak and maple around here in East Tennessee. Really nice lumber you've made. 👌

[@moose6400]

Love your channel from quebec keep it up

[@matthewharvey8755]

Ringworm Outdoors has a lot of useful info and cool content. He does everything with his chainsaw

[@carolineroy9026]

We need more young men like you in this world! Lumber looks great 👍🏻 Nice video 🪵 Thank you :)

[@larryporter5035]

Great to cya, ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT!!

[@Billestlà]

Great work!!

[@stewtube1240]

Great job !!!

[@laurajones2032]

Beauty

[@deborahratcliff8179]

I am 66 and just bought a chainsaw mill for myself. You're video helped answered a lot of questions I had about putting it together and way to use it. A family member has downed trees in their woods from a storm. Can't see just letting them rot. Thanks for the information 👍.

[@russellwhite8890]

I like the fact that you’re working up off the ground and that you’re stacking lumber on your trailer rather than just throwing it on the ground and picking it up again later. Ha

[@robinmyman]

That sounds like fun…you’ll be able to take full credit for every shape and form of the timber in your new buildings.

[@jerryjohns7358]

Nice work. Great video.

[@deancall495]

Love watching people learn and produce and grow . You are the perfect example !

[@reallyfastbiker4077]

Good job buddy, from a fellow chainsaw miller from BC.

[@stevetaylor9770]

Cheers. Get a ripping chain...you will cry with joy.

[@saner6888]

Smart move, with prices as they are you’re saving big cash! I’m loving what your doing👍

[@jdram58]

i THINK UR DOING GREAT you will figure it out the more logs you cut the more you will learn what works best for you there are people who wish they had the logs or materials you have to work with and yet you have good creativity pretty impressive milling station log hauler and a little hard to understand but I can see you are clever and smart about a lot of things mechanical and about leverage for working with heavy materials.

[@rickgilles9009]

Recommend looking at the larger Stih 661l or Husky 372 Chinese knockoff saws for milling with a skiptooth chain. Many good reviews on them and less than $400 usd, Keep your existing Husky for felling and blocking. Keep up the good work Kyle.

[@TheJust22az]

I still marvel at your skill level for being so young. You must have some great mentors in your life. Looking forward to the new projects your going to tackle.

[@randyhiggins9635]

After you start your cut drive a wedge into the end to help keep your bar from being pinched and getting hot. You are also laying on the log at times causing more friction.....square up all 4 side before cutting into boards will help too. fun times !

[@AaronHendu]

right on!

[@YellowScubadiver]

Well done

[@mattthatsme8799]

quick off the cuff idea.....check the junk lots for treadmills! big wide belts and rollers! Not to mention electric motors you could solar power maybe? or check local restaurants for old cutting bords AKA Delrin to make sliders for the ramp

[@izaksmith538]

Don’t know if this has been mentioned but “wax” the ends of those puppies and stack them semi-proper with stickers every so often (depending on overall board length) and they won’t move around too much on you. I’ve heard guys just paint them thick with a latex on the ends and it works just as good. No twist, no curl, just straight shooters.

[@thebackwardstrapper]

First project and already paid for the Saw mill and the chain saw with that much lumber cut! Great job. Always impressing us with your youth and talents!

[@dougsmith548]

May I also suggest a hand planer. I think it would be beneficial when you come time to do your building. Stay safe. Have fun and God bless. 🇨🇦✌️

[@stevenpaisley7209]

Used diesel oil with a little gas for thiner makes a great wood preservative also keeps the bugs out .drys in over a few days

[@unchained20000000]

Ok boyz! Shits bout to start getting serious, this ol Canadian is gonna start building his wilderness homes boyz. This is THE NEW SHIT! as Marylan Manson would say.

[@hoddy6905]

I use a removable counterweight on the tip end of the mill, then rig a rope from the saw around the far end of the log and back to the tip end of the mill, start your cut as usual, once mill is stable, attach counterweight and rope, lock throttle on and move to the far end of the log and step inside the rope loop so that its around your butt then lean back pulling the saw towards you as you move backward. This keeps you a log length away from the dust and fumes and you get a better cut as you're not fighting the saw. I use this method running a 48 inch bar on big logs, it's simple and costs nothing. You can even read a book while you're milling 🤣

[@johnfetzer9637]

I am proud of you... neat sawmill. I would advise getting a pro chainsaw that will be faster speed wise and will not take as long to go thru a log... depends on how much you want to spend and save. (you could build your own house with your own lumber!!!!)

[@barrydeacon3551]

Man are you excited about your New Project: Very good move getting into the lumber mill! Your so full of life: great ideas coming together👍 Keep it up! Mill is looking good 👍 B Deacon Manitoba Canada 🇨🇦

[@SuperCinemaCraft]

Perfect timing! I was itching for another Update! Deadly!

[@evanthecbrguy9113]

Looking great ! Good work on quitting the darts and trying to help your health. I would also consider wearing a respirator when grinding/ welding . Those wheels create a mean dust and flux core isn’t the most clean welding fumes out there . I like the 3m pink pancakes 2097 so they fit under your hood. Looking forward to next vid !

[@Detail8585]

Another great video as always. Your enthusiasm is hard to beat, keep up the great work!

[@sallyb3]

Right on,

[@artemis261]

You are in inspiration to all young men. Ya don't need to feel lost. Beauty.

[@davidmagiskan2686]

36:53 Deadly 👌

[@Dstew57A]

Go look at Northern Seclusion…he has done some incredible things with wood..his Dad’s cabin is really an art piece

[@frankkelly6016]

Just awesome my friend ! I have a great suggestion for you , invest in a real rip chain for your saw. Trust me, after 40yrs. in my cabin Thant I built exactly the way your doing it , getting a rip chain will be the difference in your body dying or not ! lol Also, you really should buy the steel rails. They save you ALOT OF TIME & trouble ! Doing it the way your doing it is just fine. When you save up for the rip chain & rails like I did due to finances also, I was so happy & relieved to find out how much time I actually saved when milling my lumber ! You are definitely doing AWESOME ! Keep it up my young friend you are an inspiration to a lot of young people ! Also, you give this old fat guy a little hope for the future generations coming up !

[@benscoles5085]

Hello, a quick hint if you have not already learned it. to load the log easier on your workstation, run a small chain, or cable anchored to your log mover, down the center between your ramps, roll the log on top of the end of the chain. pull your winch cable out, and hook to the cable over the top side of the log, that way when you turn the winch, it will roll the log up the ramps rather than try to slide it up the ramps,

[@cWatts-zv3oo]

A man that can do that kind of accurate angular jointery with a chainsaw deserves respect! I could watch this guy all day!

[@MidwesternTrapper]

This video is pretty damn right on my friend! I love what your doing with the bushcamp and I cannot wait to see this dream log home your going to build, I already know it’s going to be DEADLY!!!

[@dafrmami]

I have herd about them but they are rare. They do exist because I just finish watching one of his videos . The talented JACK OF ALL TRADES!!!

[@FatherVinyard88]

She's deadly mint bud.

[@db.mc2]

Thank you Kyle 👋 appreciate you , hope you're doing well my friend, stay safe and take care 🙏 ✌️

[@stevenadams1931]

Thank you so much for your videos. You are my favorite channel on here to watch and I learn so much. I'm moving soon to start my homestead on my 10.5 acre property already purchased and am going start building as you have next year. 👍 your awesome 👍

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I have used different chainsaw mills. Vertical milling is way easier and safer than horizontal. Easier on the saw too.

[@NitaKerns]

Make gravity do the hard work!

[@saleenmustang9793]

I forget who I was watching on KZbin that could probably give you alot of pointers and incite on the whole log cabin build. Two people come to mind that I have watched on KZbin. But I can't think of their names or channels I'll definitely get back to you on them when I find them. Not a bad rig for the first time around building it with your first time mill. I love that feeling when a plan comes together and and the feeling when you do it all yourself with your own blood,sweat,good honest days work. Princess auto lmfao🤣🤣🤣 sounds like a place where only fairys go no offense unto you though. Great job man can't wait to see more

[@billjones5178]

Measure up & down from log center to get entry & exit end for your cut. Prevents tapered can’t, avoids surface knot variations, better grain on lumber!

[@genefowler948]

Get your self some ripping chain grandburg sells some of the best big difference in the cut and faster.

[@poochie49]

You know with your knowledge and skills you should easily be able to build a horizontal bandsaw mill. Much more efficient than a chainsaw mill. You have all the tools necessary. Tons of YT videos with ideas on how to build one. I built one myself and I have very little skills when it comes to building. But at 73 I did it. You can too.

[@russellwatters5891]

The lumber you're cutting is great, the little sawmill is working pretty good for you. I'm seeing a larger mill in your future though, you won't settle for the slow process of this one for long. Love what you're doing ❤️

[@lyleloomis3493]

Maybe buy a winch that you would put on atv and mount it on your log horse in place of the boat winch. Hook up to battery and use to pull logs up on bench . And maybe sink a post on a end of bench and mount a boat winch to mill so you can hook to post to help pull saw threw log so you’re not pushing the saw but pulling the saw thru.

[@bw3932]

Congratulations Bud you are now a sawyer, nice set up for sure . The only advice I have with poplar is either nail her quick or strap it quick. I think getting it dry is the only preventative there is ,bugs need moisture in the wood . After it dries it gets very hard , this was a great episode thanks. If you can't get it under a roof then old tin on top seemed to hold a cooler temp for slower drying.

[@rickybeaugie668]

Young man You know How to make an old Canadian Hillbilly feller proud to be Canadian!!! Keep up with The Good work it does pay off.

[@l3eaver]

McLovin those ringworm brackets

[@rjacks2616]

Flip the handle around on the mill attachment. It’s will be easier on your back. As for the oil you can turn up your oiler for the bar. It should be located on the bottom of the saw. I just adjust mine until I use just as much as it take for the gas to run out. Or you could refill more often. Periodically pull the bar off and clean the groove out with a knife.

[@shaybooutdoors7769]

Man I'm excited about seeing what u build with your OWN milled lumber I know that's gotta be a good feeling. I see a full size mill coming!😆

[@sticks1986]

Between you and zip ties n bias plies it's all the entertainment anybody needs keep the videos coming hahahah

[@Jeepinjosh82]

That could double as a spot to load your 4wheeler into your truck if it’s tall enough, other than that it turned out awesome nice work!

[@campervanbug7658]

What a great little tool👍

[@richardsaar4434]

You got the right stuff

[@rogerbaker4185]

i guess we all want you to build a new cabin up on the flat it will be a deadly one hurry up .

[@unchained20000000]

You know what you can do. Buy some cheap roller blades at thrift stores and mount the wheels on the skid ramp so as to easily roll the logs up the ramp, hey.

[@leeburke4060]

good to see ya.