Logs to Lumber: Alaskan Chainsaw Milling

A detailed look at the basic steps of chainsaw milling.
Part 1 of 2: Creating the cant.

Info on the plates and rails used in this video.

5/32" x 2" x 2" steel tubing, bought locally.
The end plates are 1/4" x 12" x 5". The notches for the rails are about 1-3/4" deep so that the 2" rails sit a bit proud. These were cut locally by a metal fabricator.

The mill used is a Granberg Alaskan Mk IV Chainsaw Mill, available at:

Granberg Affiliation - Updated 2021
This video was made with no affiliation to Granberg, but thanks to your views and support, we are now a Granberg Ambassador! Thank you!

[RCracingFun]

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

[Ranger]

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

[somerandombaldguy]

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

[mustangsuper]

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

[darrylhubbard]

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

[holydiver]

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

[Wedget]

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

[jeremyc.]

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

[bombadiltreefarms]

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

[tomsommer]

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

[longfellow]

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

[pdionne]

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

[troyb.]

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

[thomasd]

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

[kiaya]

Good video mate and thanks. Spray the first 3ft of your tape measure with spray lube now and again to prevent the tape measure from getting all gummed up like that.

[walsterdoomit]

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

[richardsmith]

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

[summerlakephotog]

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

[quinnkent]

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

[RTWGraphics]

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