Chainsaw Mill

[JohnyMac]

I am going to buy a chainsaw mill. Just trying to lock up some jobs I can do if the SHTF. After a lot of research I have decided on Alaskan Mill by Grandberg.

I have never used a chainsaw mill before and my questions to the group are,

1) Suggestions or comments on my pick,
2) If you like my pick, should I get the 24" or 30" combo and why?
3) Other thoughts or suggestions.

Thx

[Jackalope]

I've heard good things about the Alaskan mill.  I used a mill about 40 years ago, don't remember the make or model, but it was a PITA to get setup correctly.  Size-wise, I guess it depends upon your needs.

[grizz]

I've never used one but they are very popular up here

[JohnyMac]

I ordered mine yesterday. The 30". Four to five week wait time. I guess some others are thinking the same way I am. 

[wayupnorth]

How about using an electric chain saw for noise discipline after SHTF? During the summer your solar should handle it, and all you would need is bar oil.

[JohnyMac]

The chainsaw minimum is 3.8 hp or 60 cc's because it cuts with the grain not against.  I would have to check that out. Thx for the suggestion.

[wayupnorth]

Good point on the HP, that's a lot of draw, I don't think they come that big. I excited to see how well the mill works for you!

[DMCakhunter]

I used an alaskan mill some years ago for a large oak. Made some nice mantle pieces.
First cut is the most important since that will guide your following cuts.
Nailed an aluminum ladder down and used that to guide the first cut. 2x4’s can work but whatever you use as a guide needs to be straight and extend past the beginning and end of the log.
Was a 30 inch oak and used a husky 394, 36 inch bar and full skip ripping chain. Regular chain will not work. My boards ended up in good shape but needed to be planed on both sides. My experience was with oak on a 23 ft trunk. Took a while to finish the cuts. Maybe didn’t always keep the best tension.
Softer wood should be easier and faster.
Have fun.

[JohnyMac]

Thx DM 

[JohnyMac]

Bottom-line first, I ordered the Alaskan Mill and two ripping chains Sunday. When I first looked into doing this in January, there was a two-week lead time. Sunday, a SEVEN-week lead time. 

Last Thursday I went into the local chainsaw store to buy a 24" bar and ripping chain for my Stihl 272 saw. Found out "they" do not make a 24" bar for that saw. I also found out that my saw was not designed to do the work milling requires. 

To make a long store short, I bought a Husqvarna 372 XP with a 24" bar.



The saw has a 5.5 hp/71 cc engine.

Once the mill arrives, I will post a review.

[Jackalope]

  I'll be interested in your review.  I've got a couple of Husqvarna saws, I think the newest one is st least 20 years old.  I've always had good luck with Husqvarna.  If I remember correctly, Husqvarna or one of their subsidiaries made very nice bolt action rifles.

[grizz]

I have a new new, extra bar, let me know if you're interested and I'll measure it.

[JohnyMac]

Thx Grizz.

I will let ya' all know Jackalope. I like it better than my Stihl as it has a manual choke not the automatic choke like the Stihl.