$200 Bullet-Proof Alaskan Chainsaw Mill Setup. Build Your Own! #80
I have milled HUNDREDS of logs with this setup that took me only a day to put together. It is truly indestructible and will last a lifetime.
Follow the measurements and add a chainsaw and you will have lumber for many years to come.
My video comparing several different milling chainsaw side-by-side:
• Comparison of Chainsaw...
Link to my earlier How-To-Chainsaw-Mill video:
• Chainsaw Milling- How ...
Where I found this design originally:
• Logs to Lumber: Alaska...
Because I’ve gotten so many questions about the gear that I use on the channel, here are some of the most important pieces I use every day:
(I do receive a small commission from sales associated with the following links. Any income from these sales goes directly to supporting me in making new videos for this channel!)
**I will not share links to products that I don't use regularly or that I wouldn't buy again.**
Granberg Chainsaw Mill amzn.to/3cdRXvn
Inexpensive Chainsaw Grinder/Sharpener amzn.to/38LHfNP
(If it is out of stock, the following looks similar though I can't vouch for it:) amzn.to/3KMGemW
My Favorite Piece of Gear- Chainsaw Helmet amzn.to/3uuW5xB
How I Keep the Mosquitoes Away! amzn.to/3frenvh
Big, Black Log-Peeling Knife - Becker BK9 amzn.to/3oZIeOH
The Trailer I Use Behind My 4 Wheeler- Yutrax amzn.to/3fvO8DK
Bug Net Rooms I Use amzn.to/3uwOK0l
Portable Heaters in My Tent and the Deer Castle amzn.to/3frQ7Jh
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/ survivingringworm
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The issue you're describing with the chains is that you weren't using a ripping chain at the start. Standard chains are cut at 25-30 degree angles which is too aggressive for milling. A ripping chain is cut at 10-15 degrees. A skip tooth ripping chain is the best way to go as it's not aggressive and the skip teeth allow enough space for chips to be properly discharged, allowing your saw to run at a higher constant rpm.
I was just going to add the same comment. Lots of people don't understand the difference between cross-cut and rip-cut.
@@wxfield Thank you both. I've never heard of the difference!
On my 038, I run double skip ripping chain.
Where do you get your skip tooth rip chains
If you look up the parts distributor for Oregon Forestry in your area then you can contact the distributor directly. In Canada it's CPT and Theo Turgeon. @@uncleharley1
I'm 70 years old and every time I thought I had a IDEA someone else already had been there and done that.
That doesn’t mean you didn’t invent it, it just means you can’t take credit for it. Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV What has been will be again, What has been done will be done again; there’s nothing new under the sun.
why is that. Me to.??
I have no intention to mill trees, but your video was worth watching from start to finish. You're a natural teacher with a voice and manner that's easy to watch and listen to. Thanks!
For my mill, so I didn't lose too much of the log, I made a "Ladder Frame" from Uni-Strut (From Menards) and then made Pointed Studs from 1/4"=20 Bolts - sharpened to a point. I lay the ladder frame on the log, with the sharpened bolts mounted on the ladder rungs, pointing down. I just tap them down with and axe or hammer and start milling. I lose around an inch of log on my first slab. Works pretty good and easy/fast to setup. I could draw this up if you, or others, have any interest/questions.
Me too
I thought of that style but is it fast to install and have it parallel to the center point of the log. I'm using the same dual rail system as Mr ringworm and it's very adaptable to non perfectly straight logs.
Pics?
I'm also interested. I had a similar idea but this far only got as far as the ladder unistrut frame, which rests on some ply brackets. My clever plan to cut the unistrut down to make it easier to move the top cut bracket around backfired, since now it keeps trying to sag in the middle
That sounds pretty cool
One of the better milling setup presentation I’ve seen and not over complicated. Thank you.
Once I got a job with a company that gave us free boots each year, and a co-worker suggested extra wide boots, even if they needed to be ordered instead of just bought at the store. Its a big help, comfortable right away. Also, we are required to have safety toe. One job I worked outdoors in the snow, and no matter how warm my legs and feet were, my toes were so cold they were in pain. I got a "composite" toe instead of steel, and they are awesome. Lighter than steel, and toes don't get cold anymore.
I'm not sure why this video came up on my feed but it was absolutely facinating. I live on 10 acres in SC and I had not thought of using a chainsaw mill before. Now, many projects are very doable. Thanks!
Sooo very helpful, thank you! I'm a 62 yr old female felling all my trees,and am ready to start milling and have watched hours of jumbled and incomplete. Keep doing what your doing !! Pamela Brewer Choctaw AR
I’ll definitely have to come back to this in spring. I despise working in the cold like you. Have yet to add a winch and am using the biggest cheapest Chinese chainsaw I could afford. Definitely takes alot of time but appreciate your tips here. So thanks. This is what we are here for
Milling yourself saves you a ton of $$$. Dude your lucky most of us can't do that or have the resources. Thank you for the content.
"I never had an original thought in my life" 🤣 Subscribed right there and I dont even own a chainsaw.
I just bought 10 acres (and the small Granberg log mill) in Washington state. I have had SO much fun out there. Working on a picnic table now. Finished my alder sawhorses about 5 days ago. I love your videos man. I think they helped me finally pull the trigger. Thank you, brother
Where in Washington? 5 months 5 acres i imagine you spent alot. Heck i have a woodmizer i might sell it to you ;)
I just bought a chainsaw, but Ringworm is definitely an inspiration. Right now, it's for firewood, but this is very interesting too.
@@Yettiattack Western Washington, South Puget Sound. How much for the Woodmizer? : )
@@natemorlock2379 11k 30 blades new guide rollers/belts to addition the ones that are on. An a saw carriage cover.
Algorithm brought me here. This is a satisfying thing to watch. With all the fir trees we have, this would be awesome to have.
My first video on your channel. I have a few words I would like to share with you that I imagine are not very typical, since log milling is not my usual haunt on YT. 1: I very much appreciate what I judge to be your sincere and honest wisdom you are sharing regarding your experience. Even the self deprecating remarks. Maybe even especially the self deprecating remarks. All too often people feel compelled to share their wisdom, as if it the acme of accumulated wisdom for their topic. While obviously falling far short of the target they were aiming at. Watching someone engage in such thorough and well said candor about their experience was enough to make me continue watching a video I typically have little interest in engaging with. 2: I also appreciate your willingness to just plant your ass in an area, and make the most out of what you have, the best way you can, with the tools and knowledge you have available to you. There is much to be said about not only an honest days work, but also for that very same work slowly pulling you towards enjoying the wine of satisfaction that the vineyard you are tending to has produced. It is a vanishing ethic. One which I very much miss being surrounded by. Good luck in your labors, man. I look forward to vicariously sharing in your successes and failures, as I plan on subscribing to your channel on those above merits alone. Thanks.
The quality of your video has been enhanced by candor, experienced knowledge, and artistic patience, covering the full spectrum of possibilities; such as proper chain maintenance. Thank you!❤
It’s like learning saw milling from Jack Johnson. Halaka ukulele, I’m sawing on the daily Milling all these pine trees, making all these nice things
1st time here. I really enjoyed it. Finally, you suffered over a year before got it right, now you enjoy it. It reminds me of my baking habit. I started making our bread and some pastry years ago. Now I am able to bring good stuff out by any circumstances. If someone asked me how to do it right, I would say it is easy. You have to screw it up few hundred times, and you got it.😊
knocked out my first three boards today using this setup, thanks for the inspo
I like this guy’s dry humor. 😆👌🏼
Well worth it! What an amazing set up, this is the first time I have watched your channel. Very impressive! Loved all the details you covered. Great job
Great tutorial on the hows and whys of your mill setup, Thanx for sharing. You answered questions I didn't even have!!! Stay safe.
I really like your chainsaw milling setup. It does the job, you enjoy doing it, what would be a problem. Thanks for going over all of it. Lots of questions answered. Thumbs Up!
Excellent rundown of your setup. You did a good job of explaining this in full layman's terms. I'm gonna try. Thanks again!
I stumbled on this channel while searching on building atv bridges. So I first watched episode #39. I normally make my atv bridges out of regular lumber so this methodology got me interested enough to look into your channel. I must say after one week of binge watching all of your content, I finally got through all of your episodes. I look forward to watching your new content as you continue to produce it.
Right tools for the right job. Great class!
One more f , if not the best video you've done. Immensely enjoyable and you've answered a lot of the questions I've had about chainsaw milling.
I used to think you were nuts but now I realize your true genius
Thanks for the effort and tons of information, Ryan. My first search to alaskan chainsaw mill and you appeared. Your videos are so easy going and nicely unexcited😀Thanks from Southern-Germany to the Michigan forests
I never had an original thought in my life either. Ambition solves all kinds of problems...
I just found your channel. First video I've watched. I'm glad you demonstrated the use of your winch come-along. Thank you for sharing!
Thumbs up brother, So many great tips and content. Great to learn from your trial and error and pass on the knowledge so others can avoid problems. Solid setup, clear speaking and good audio,, not rambling, tons of great info packed into the video. Too many KZhead videos try to stretch out something and go on an on. You ROCK bro, keep up the great work and it's always great to see people who enjoy the great outdoors.✅✅✅
I don’t know how I ever came across this video, but I’m sure glad I did. What a great video. So glad you decided to just ramble on instead of just giving the specs of making this mill. There’s a lot of knowledge packed into it! I’m definitely a follower now! 😊
Excellent video. I'll probably never use a chainsaw mill but I now feel I can confidently baffle them with my bullshit down at the local tavern.
So much good info in this vid. I've run into all of these issues milling & this vid can really assist anyone looking to do so.
Thank you for a really useful and inspiring lesson in practical wood milling. I think the bar system is really versatile and practical. It is really enjoyable being out “wood landing”, is’int it! Greetings from the Emerald Isle.
Great information. I have my Chainsaw mill equipment coming and I was just planning to use an extension ladder as my guide for the first cut, however After seeing this I will replicate your setup instead. Thank you!
Great video. Answered lots of questions I had about the process. Even created snow diagrams to help explain concepts.
Great Video and great presentation. No frills, just the facts. Thank you. Looking forward to more quality content like this.
This is the first video I've seen from you. Extremely informative, straight to the point w/ no BS. I really appreciate the time you spent on this video, I learned some invaluable info. Subbed, greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 👍 🍻
Same as the other two. Want a bandsaw mill, but may try this first. I have oak. Saw another video where two guys used what looked like an aluminum ladder for their bars. Were doing long lengths, wide cuts, 48 inch chain bar. They didn't give any how to's. Yours....very informative. Thanks. Subscribed.
That was a awesome informative milling video!!! You answered most of my questions! I seen a few others but yours is the best out there!!
I'm really impressed with your thought process and how you've over come your mistakes. They seem to not bother you, just motivates you into doing it another, and probably a better way. Kudos to you for taking on something that many many people would not even consider. I also agree with you about the high cost of lumber, it's ridiculous. Enjoy your videos very much my friend. Steve
What an enjoyable and extremely helpful adventure you guided me on. Thank you so much. This is the one video that has now convinced me that I can do this, and surely enjoy the journey much like you have. You covered the details and concerns I had perfectly. Cheers... 8^)
First time viewer, therefore I’M GLAD you demonstrated using the winch👏👏👍. Also, my first time reviewing a chainsaw mill, and was extremely impressed with all the information, filming, editing, etc. you put into it. I am an instant fan and have to check your other videos.👍👍👍
...This is the 1st video of yours that ive come across, and it couldnt have been a more perfect subject! I needed to be introduced to this simple way of milling my own lumber, this is amazing. Many project ideas have been hindered due to the high cost of materials, and now I can mill them myself, thank you so so much for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks for taking the time to document your process, very much appreciated.
Excellent content and subject material. I subscribed today. Looking forward to future projects this season.
appreciate your natural humility...
Diy milling makes more sense than now than ever, cedar has got to be a very user friendly wood. Good setup.
That's some nice lumber right there, and all cut with a chainsaw. Bravo.
Impressive simplicity of less is way more!
Thank you! Gray coverage!
This is the first video of yours I've seen and it was great! I'm just purchasing my first chainsaw mill and the information and tips you provided were awesome. Thanks for making these videos, cheers and be safe bro!
Great video. I’ve done a little bit of milling on a homemade chainsaw mill… what helped me a lot was gravity. One side of the log is always 6-12” lower than the other. Thanks for the tips.
Thank you for going in depth on this. I've had my mill for a while now and haven't used it. I would have made a few mistakes right away had I not watched this, thank you.
Excellent video. I've been milling for about 11 years, always used an extension ladder for the initial cut. Been looking at this setup with the plates for a while now. I think you just sold me on that idea. Thanks buddy. You covered a lot of good points on milling in this video. Things I also found out through trial and error. It sure is fun though. MS 460, 32" bar, Alaskan Mark III.
Great video! Built this same setup a few years ago and have milled lots of walnut. Used some surplus 1-7/8" strut for the bars and tilted my log table to make it a little easer cutting. PS. My old 1980 Homelite XL12 just keeps going.
Great video. Great channel. Gotta say, you are a natural in front of the camera and a stellar editor.
Thanks YT, for suggesting a video about a guy thanking you for suggesting a video...but seriously thanks for the video, I have logs and this looks perfect.
Like your chainsaw mill. I can see how satisfying it would be running it all day. Plus the beautiful boards are perfect for all sorts of projects. Keep your chain sharp and some wedges handy and just cut cut cut baby. Thanks for a great video. Be safe out there. It only takes i second of day dreaming and bang your cut. Be safe and pay attention to your work and surroundings.
excellent sound quality on your video. And Thank you for not playing music in the background. Great informational video.
I remodel cabins and this setup would be perfect. Thanks for the info and expertise
So I have been dragging my feet on building my saw mill happened across your video and I have to say the information was great definitely answered the question that kept me from building my mill. Started building it after seeing it and going tomorrow to get final supplies. No more spending money on wood. The selection at hardwood stores are less than to be desired anyway. Finally going to be able to finish projects I was waiting on because the bank account was low. Thanks I will check out more of your videos keep up the good work. 👍
First time viewer but now because of this video a new subscriber! Awesome video I really enjoyed it... you did a great job of explaining how the mill works. I’m extremely impressed with all the information and knowledge you packed into this video. I appreciate all the work you put in... it’s a lot of work that goes into the filming and editing. Looking forward to more of you informative video’s.
Bad ass! I owned two Lucas mills for about 20 years. Sold them to a neighbor. Just felled a 40” DBH sugar pine and I May end up blowing the dust off of and using the Alaska mill for the first time in many years. Good inspiration from you.
Great video, you do an excellent job explaining your process. Thanks.
Thank you. This is one of the best best KZhead videos I've ever watched. This was like a Master Level Course on chainsaw milling. I really feel like I learned a lot and will avoid a lot of trial and error once I purchase a mill. Now I will go back and watch your other videos. Keep up the good work.
Same...
It’s guys like you!!🙏💪 Keen observation, never having had an original thought. It’s all good. No one has had one, because they originate from somewhere other than ourselves. Hope you got your setup going. Michigan is a beautiful place with wonderful people. Cheers!!
I'm a complete noob, about to embark on using trees to build furniture and ultimately a log structure. Feeling overwhelmed yet inspired after watching your video. NEW SUBSCRIBER 🎉
"I've never had an original thought in my entire life." I came to that realisation in my late teens, and it was reaffirmed in my twenties when someone told me "You're lucky if in your entire life, you have one single original thought.", which made me feel a little bit better about it, but not a whole lot.
It's best not to let others identify who you are. That's your job. Btw, those people were rude and had zero good intentions.
@@leannkennedy6568 No they weren't. And they were correct.
@@jimmyb1451 ok, sorry to interfere. Have a great day!!
Great job of explaining the details that a no experience guy like me would need to know. Wisdom born of pain. We'll done. Good luck. Have a great life out there!
Love watching a sharp chain cut through any log.
This is my first time to your channel. Great content and information. My son and I cut a lot of wood for heating and we have been wanting to do some milling as well. Thanks for sharing!!
Oh man, you got me! This video ROCKS! I was really thinking I “need” a bandsaw mill for my projects but I am going to go this route. MANY THANKS for ALL that you shared!
I thought about a band mill too. Until like he said how do I move the logs to the mill. I was only doing logs on my property that's not even an acre.
@@beebob1279 look, one can choose to buy only the bare minimum, cheaper tools and then do everything the most difficult and slow way on the cheap... so one may think. Or one can choose to equip themselves properly, which saves time, which saves money, which allows one to continue to invest more $ into their equipment making the entire operation easier and more productive, while providing an opportunity to make a little side cash w/ said equipment. I ran an Alaskan for the big logs only; over 32" wide. it's been gathering dust since that first year. I now butterfly large logs vertically, standing in top. Sure, there's such more to it, but that's the gist. Honestly can't stand the Alaskan mill. so much effort and so slow. My old mentor always said, "work smart, not hard." It'd be more cost effective to hire a portable band saw to mill up your logs, rather than spend all that time using an alaskan mill. So, I own a manual push band saw (Timbery M280 with a 25HP engine, it was under $10,000) and ran the operation on the cheap before I got serious and invested in a skid steer and set up the operation as it should be; milling shed to mill outta the sun, a lumber shed, storage shed for skid steer and operation tools. I just could not do that with an alaskan mill w/o losing my mind. the hard way: I would either buy a dump truck load of logs or fall trees on the property. Either way, I had a log storage, hence my need t excavate a "and" for the operation. . I use to drag my logs w/ the truck, from log pile to mill. I installed two 4x6's w/ tapered end to create a log loading ramp, Running a single carriage bolt thru each one which was connected to the angle iron tabs I welded onto bottom of the band saw rails. I used a boat winch ($15 used) to roll logs up the ramps and onto mill. I did this for several years, it worked. AND... It eventually drained me, b/c of all the time it took just to move and load one log, then load up the lumber slabs and move and stack them, by hand. I learned by doing it the hard way. Looking back, I now cringe. easy way: I then bought an old skid steer. I shopped for a machine that I could use for many other things. I found a used machine with 4 attachments that I could use to work my land; back hoe, auger, forks, bucket... and I bought a used grapple bucket. The entire operation changed at this point. Not only have I excavated a new log milling area/pad on my hillside sloped property, I have excavated a road down to the lower forty, cut trees down there, hauled the logs up the road, and used the grapple bucket to load all the slash into the dump trailer (which I also make money w/ by hauling customer's slash/trash! There is NOTHING like the feeling of rolling up to the dump with a huge dumper load of slash or trash; dumping and rolling out within 5minutes). I have built 5 huge retaining walls with 200+ massive boulders (3-4 diameter). I use the auger to dig fence holes, for milled fence posts, both for myself and customers. It's all a tax write off now, b/c I bought all of it under my LLC. I guess my point; it may serve one to think a few years down the road, what one might consider doing elsewhere on the property or with your land/home, rather than just thinking of the immediate project at hand. The band saw changed my life. and then it changed again once I got the skid steer. I now have the equipment to do all kinds of things I would not have dreamed of... including snow plowing my property and a few neighbors (making more money off the skid steer and knowing I can always move any amount of snow that drops here; typically 10-15' per winter) it might sound more complicated, but it has been a progressive journey for me. I'm still remodeling the old cabin, using my band saw and wood/work shop (which I also built using my milled lumber). With the wood shop equip. and I can make T&G, and mill anything for my needs. This year the back deck get refurbished with a roof over the entire deck. I pay for hardware only. I use the skid steer to move lumber to that area. I set beams with it. Looking around the compound I can point to all kinds of projects that I could not have done without a machine. I just think it's silly to choose a cheaper tool that work slowly, is far less accurate and has no value towards making money on the side. But hey, we all enjoy doing things the way WE like to do things For some of us, we have fun regardless. I have always thought to keep in mind there might be an easier way that will offer more.
@@dgodrummer8110 You type a lot. spending 10,000 for a band mill isn't so smart for 800 board feet of cherry.
@@beebob1279 ok then, have fun.
@@dgodrummer8110 I'm done and it was a challenge. But I have it and it's air drying. Planning on making some flooring with it, cabinets, and a few for gun stock while I build flintlock rifles. The rest? Not sure what to do with it. I'll store it until I need it
Those plates you made. You need to market that idea. Those are amazingly useful. The best milling endplates I've seen, for sure
Just stumbled onto this channel. Great content for outdoors people.. Thanks!
Another excellent video!! I really appreciate how in depth you went and all your advice from experience! I'm hoping to finally get started milling this spring, and your insight is very valuable.
I have the same saw and I'm going to attempt to make some lumber myself. With your videos I ain't scared :) Thank you for all the invaluable information
i love your shows. you crack me up and i learn stuff from every show. ive been living in the Au Sable State Forest for 26 years in a trailer but now i have so many ash trees on the ground it would be a crime not to start making lumber. thanx fer the help.
With a new pup coming soon, you will want to insulate the floor for them. Erik Grankvist used nothing but his wood shavings and sawdust for his floor. Decent R value and its F - R Double EE. You are making tons of sawdust. Your pup will thank you if you use it to keep their tush warm 🐶
I've just found your channel & wow, thanks. This is a great instructional video, many thanks.
Thanks 🙏 you’re a great guy helping others .
I copied your rail and bracket setup a while back. Worked great. I did make a wider set of plates to use when milling some 30” diameter oak. 36” Granberg mill and a Holzfforma 660 pro saw with 36” bar. I think the pate and rail setup can’t be beat for heavy duty and speed of setup.
Some years ago, my brother and I milled a huge pile of cedar logs, that averaged about ten inches, with a borrowed 52" commercially-made bandsaw mill. Neither one of us had ever done this before, but we figured it out pretty fast. I ended up having to machine new roller guide blocks for it, as the original ones were cracked - and picked up quite a bit of knowledge on the setup and use of a bandsaw mill; however, this looks way easier - especially since you can move the chainsaw mill to the logs.
First time i watched your channel. I like the chainsaw mill. I been thinking about one for a little while now. Got trees down in the yard. Hate to waste them. And like you i do not want to pay those prices. I have not been watching you forever but i will watch your channel now. Keep up the good work
Used to mill logs for my gold mine back in 2006-2010 I miss those days. Doug firs where my main trees and loved every minute of it.
@19:20 :) The honesty and timid ego feeling, was gut splitting for me:) Excellent content, thank you for all the effort!! Cheers from Swan Creek, Toledo~
Wonderful information. Thank you sir. Gives me ideas for doing small yard and garden projects.
Very nice setup you have there I have never seen one so nicely built and also easy to use
Thanks. Very informative and really well done. I love watching your videos.
That's some really nice looking lumber!
If you follow your cuts with wedges every two to three feet, opposite sides behind the saw, your cuts will be pinch free and smoother. Chain is not the problem as long as it is a rip chain. A slight angle in the cut, like slicing cheese, works good too.
Subbed to both of you off the value of this one video alone! (Not really, been binging the content) This is pure gold.
Great video, thanks for the tips. Going to start my milling journey with your teachings and wonder if ill ever leave the woods also lol
man im never ever going to mill logs into lumber lol . but its fun watching you do it lol . work safe buddy
Thank you so much for this information; I just came across your channel and it's gold dust. Take care and thanks
Great job explaining. I feel like an expert now
New to your channel. Great help. Thanks for posting the videos. I have a lot of your stuff to catch up with. Happy New Year.
I’ve been watching for years now and I really don’t understand why your only at 43k subs. Great entertainment, keep it up.
Thanks for sharing, I appreciate your videos. These helpful hints save a lot of time for us beginners.
Thank you for your info and the foresight Thank one of the comments on ripping chain I’ll be doing oak maple. Been back and forth on type of chain Much appreciated