36" Alaskan Saw Mill - first go at it.

First go with a new 36" Alaskan Saw Mill.
Using a re-built Husqvarna 2100 with a 26" bar and ripping chain.
First log is the top of a smaller douglas fir - cutting 2x6's. Also tried the top 20' of a Western Red Cedar (used a ladder for the guide-rail on the cedar). Everything went very smooth, including the husq. 2100. I'll play around with the guide rail system as this is important for a nice and straight first cut. It also helps to have a system that is quick and simple. I'm thinking a couple of 20' aluminum box tubes would
work great connected to angle iron screwed into the ends of the log. We'll see...

Next up will be a 42" bar for cutting the lower end of the cedar. The bottom 10' is just too big for a 36" mill but will make great cedar shakes.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• first
• attempt
• alaskan
• mill
• 36
• husqvarna
• 2100
• cedar
• douglas
• fir
• planks
• west
• coast
• british
• columbia
• okeover
• inlet
• desolation
• sound
• powell
• river
• sea
• kayak

[007hs]

this is a proper cowboy right here. wasting your time with that toy

[prseakayak]

@007hs

The next round used a 42" bar for a big fir. Also tried a different slabbing bracket. Check out the vid

titled "Slabbing Fir with 36" Alaskan Sawmill" on youtube channel prseakayak.

[capeferrelometal]

Either brand will serve you well. I use a 281xp, 394xp and 3120xp, but have used an 066 and it worked just as well. I just have a preference for Husky.

If you don't have a peavey for moving logs around, get one. It will make the job a lot easier, and pay for itself soon. I'm currently milling Sitka spruce I cut on our property for flooring, using the Malloff quarter sawing method...hard work, but goes quickly and I love doing it.

[prseakayak]

@capeferrelometal Thanks for sharing your thoughts on saw type. I'm leaning towards Husky just because

I already have the two bars - and chain. I wonder what Sitka spruce is like for flooring? Is it hard enough? For me, I think the best use of my milled wood will be post and beam work. I built a little shed and roofed it with cedar shakes I split using a fro. Next project will be a wood shed. I also have some big slabs I'll use for tables. It is hard work - but better than going to the gym!

[MrBallistics]

what model husky?

[prseakayak]

@MrBallistics I'm using an old 2100XP - rebuilt from 4 saws. It does the job, but now that I've had a chance to play with the mill, I'm considering buying a new saw. Not sure if I'll go with Husky or Stihl... I have 2 bars for my Husky: 26" & 42" - so makes sense to stick with Husky. On the other hand, I've read/heard lots of good things with the Stihls. Any thoughts?

[peteacher52]

A good video. It's your back, mate, so you'd be the best judge of whether it would be any advantage to build a rig or bench to raise your work to waist level. Grapples can be had to roll logs of that size up an incline and onto the bench.

[prseakayak]

@MessIahmake thanks for the advice. I've been playing around with different options for the first cut. My other milling video (see prseakayak channel) shows a different option. I also have a couple of bars that attach to either end of the log - with 2x6's running along for the first cut.

[wilsocn]

And thats why its awesome to live in the country. They just frown on this sort of thing in the city and burbs.

[capeferrelometal]

The spruce will be softer than a hardwood of course, but I've walked on a number of spruce floors, and it's beautiful, and has great character. And, we have a lot of it, so I'm doing some thinning in the process. I prefer Husky because that is what I know best, and I like the feel of them better, but both saws are great, have pros and cons, and loyal followings. See if you can pick up a copy of Will Malloff's Chainsaw Lumbermaking at a library- great book. And yes, a great workout!

[MrBallistics]

@prseakayak Thats a great saw! Why would you want to replace it if it still runs? You wont find anything with much more power. Search for "air injection demonstration" on youtube, check out the difference between how the stihl and husky handle dust. With the amount of sawdust involved in milling, I think you made the right choice! Parts are easier to find, saws MUCH cheaper, my 365s and 395xp have never failed me! If it aint broke why fix it (or replace it)! Husqvarna all the way!