The exact inventor of the Alaskan Mill is not known, however, it is believed that the man who popularized it and is credited for creating it is Joe Vene. Mr. Vene is described as an enthusiastic outdoorsman, inventor, welder, and craftsman from Western Alaska.
He’s the founding partner of the Granberg International Corporation, which is based in California and manufactures the popular Alaskan Mill.
The Alaskan Mill, also known as an Alaskan chainsaw mill, was likely used informally by loggers in the area before Vene popularized it as a mainstream product. The chainsaw mill allows users to accurately cut timbers and beams from logs held in place by a secure clamp.
It holds each log in place while the user controls the chainsaw to make cuts along the length of the log. This means that homeowners and commercial loggers alike can take a chainsaw and lay out a pattern onto the log designating what parts of the log will make the beam or timber.
The Alaskan Mill has been a go-to tool for anyone who needs to cut logs into lumber quickly and accurately. It is now a well-known tool found in stores and online, and it is even available in various sizes to fit a wide range of chainsaw blades.
What is the chainsaw to use with an Alaskan mill?
When using an Alaskan mill, the best chainsaw to use is one that is at least 60cc or larger. If the mill is 24” or longer, it may be best to use an 80cc or larger chainsaw. Additionally, it is important to use a chainsaw with a bar that is at least 20” in length.
Having a bar that is too short may cause the saw to bog down during use. The chainsaw should also have full-complement bearing on the sprocket nose, meaning a bearing on each side of the sprocket. The chainsaw should also have an adjustable oiler, so the amount of lubrication for the chain can be adjusted depending on the type of wood being cut.
Finally, when using an Alaskan mill, a professional saw chain should be used. This type of saw chain is designed for chainsaw milling and resists stretching and is better at cutting than standard saw chain.
Are chainsaw sawmills any good?
Yes, chainsaw sawmills can be a great way to quickly and efficiently process logs for woodworking projects. They are generally lightweight, easy to set up, and have powerful motors that can cut through logs quickly and leave a smooth finish.
With the right setup and a skilled operator, chainsaw sawmills can produce high-quality results that positively compete with larger, more expensive sawmilling solutions.
Because they rely on a chainsaw as their primary cutting tool, they are capable of working with logs of many different widths and lengths, up to around 30″ in diameter. The chainsaw is also much easier to maneuver than a circular saw, which can make cutting logs with complex shapes easier to accomplish.
Furthermore, chainsaw sawmills are much less expensive than other sawmilling solutions, so they can be a cost-effective choice for smaller woodworking projects.
However, there are some drawbacks to using chainsaw sawmills. They can create a lot of sawdust and require frequent chain sharpening, which can add to the costs of using them. Additionally, it is important to make sure to use them safely, as the chainsaw is powerful and can easily cause injuries if misused.
With the right setup and use, chainsaw sawmills can be an excellent choice for quickly and efficiently sawing logs and producing professional-looking cuts. They are cost-effective and can be easier to set up, transport, and operate than their larger counterparts.
However, it is important to be mindful of the safety concerns and extra costs associated with them in order to get the best results.
How big is an Alaskan mill?
The size of an Alaskan mill varies quite a bit and depends on what type of mill you are using and the specific application. Alaskan mills come in range of sizes and can typically cut timber with a diameter up to 10-20 inches.
Chainsaw mills, that use a chainsaw to cut directly through the timber, tend to be the smallest size mills. Portable bandsaws, that roll along the timber, are typically capable of cutting logs with a diameter up to 24 inches.
The large format Alaskan Mill, a custom-built machine, is capable of cutting logs with a diameter up to 60 inches. However, these large format mills may not be available for purchase and will need to be hand-built or custom made for specific applications.
Regardless of the size of the mill, the most important factor to consider is the type of application it will be used for and the size of the job.
What size saw do I need for a chainsaw mill?
The size saw you need for a chainsaw mill will depend on the size of the logs you plan to mill. Generally, you’ll want to use a saw with at least a 50 cc engine, as this will provide enough power to cut large diameter logs.
However, if you plan to only mill small diameter logs (less than 30 cm), then you may be able to use a saw with a smaller engine (such as 40cc or less). You may also want to consider a higher-end saw with a larger engine (60 cc or more) if you plan to mill large diameter logs (over 30 cm).
So you should consider your budget and needs when purchasing the right saw for your saw mill.
How do you cut first with a chainsaw mill?
Before you start cutting with a chainsaw mill, it is important to make sure you are taking necessary safety precautions. First, you should be wearing protective gloves and eye protection. Make sure your chainsaw is in good working condition, with a sharp chain and correct amount of tension.
If you need to sharpen the chain, do that before you start cutting.
Next, choose a straight and level surface on which to set up your mill. Place the mill on this surface and adjust the support leg so that the bar is level with the surface. Make sure the bar is aligned parallel to the surface to be boarded and the rail is properly adjusted.
Once your chainsaw mill is set up, you can begin cutting. Start with an easy cut on a short piece of wood to get used to the technique. To begin cutting, make sure the saw is level and steady as you pull it along the top of the wood.
As you cut, you will use the chainsaw to guide you. Be sure to adjust the leveler or support arm as needed so that you will have a straight cut.
When you are done cutting, make sure to inspect your saw to make sure you did not get any dirt or debris in the blades. Always be sure to clean your saw after each use for prolonging its life. With safer practices and regular maintenance, you can ensure the longevity of your chainsaw mill.
Can you mill with a 50cc chainsaw?
No, you cannot mill with a 50 cc chainsaw. Chainsaws are designed for cutting trees and logs, not for milling. Milling requires a specialized milling machine, which features a rotating cutting head that can accurately cut shapes in large pieces of material, such as wood.
Chainsaws are not designed for the accuracy and level of detail needed for milling and cutting shapes. Chainsaws are also not powerful enough to handle material of the size and thickness used in milling.
What is the chainsaw for ripping?
A chainsaw for ripping refers to a type of saw specifically designed to make long, straight cuts into wood. The chainsaw features large, widely spaced teeth on a rotating chain, giving it the ability to rapidly cut through large pieces of wood in one pass.
The cutting process also produces a clean and smooth finish that is often far superior to that of a handsaw. This makes the chainsaw well-suited for jobs such as removing trees, cutting logs for timber and milling lumber for carpentry work.
The chainsaw can often work faster than a handsaw, allowing experienced users to complete projects more quickly and efficiently. It is an excellent tool for those who need to make quick and accurate cuts with minimal effort.
Do chainsaw mills work well?
Yes, chainsaw mills can work quite well if used in the right way. While they can be difficult to set up properly, once they are they can be used to create accurate cuts. Chainsaw mills can be used to create lumber out of logs in sizes from small to large.
With a quality chainsaw mill, lumber can be cut quickly and accurately without too much effort. The key to making a chainsaw mill work well is to ensure you have a quality saw, an appropriate chainsaw bar length to the size logs you wish to cut, and a sturdy sawhorse or stand.
Having all of these in place ensures that your chainsaw mill will work as efficiently as possible.
How do you measure a chainsaw bar for a new chain?
Measuring the bar of a chainsaw for a new chain is actually quite easy. First, you need to measure the length of the bar from the tip of the nose down to the edge of the lug that is closest to the engine.
This length should be clearly visible on the bar itself. Once you have this length, you can purchase a chain that is the correct length for your chainsaw. Additionally, you need to make sure that the pitch of the chain matches the gauge of the bar, as this will affect how the chain sits on the bar.
Lastly, you need to ensure that the parts of the chain are compatible with the drive links on the bar itself. This includes ensuring that the drive links are not too long or too wide to fit through the bar groove.
Once you’ve confirmed you have the right parts, you can install the new chain on the chainsaw.
Is buying a saw mill worth it?
That depends on your specific needs. Buying a saw mill could be an excellent investment for a business that needs to produce large amounts of lumber for construction, furniture, or other similar projects.
On the other hand, those who typically only need small amounts of lumber may not find it financially or logistically viable to purchase a saw mill. Other factors to consider include the cost of the saw mill, the availability of raw materials, and whether you have the skills and equipment necessary to operate a saw mill.
If you’re still unsure, it may be a good idea to test run a saw mill in order to get a better idea of the practicality of owning one before making a final decision.
Is saw milling profitable?
Whether sawmilling is profitable or not depends on a number of factors, including the size and location of the sawmill, the type and quantity of lumber it produces, the availability of timber sources, labor costs, the demand for lumber and the cost of the sawmilling equipment and maintenance.
If a sawmill can produce quality lumber at competitive prices and have access to a reliable timber source, the sawmilling business can be profitable. It also requires a large initial investment for the sawing equipment and skilled labor to operate it, so there must be enough cash flow to cover those costs as well.
Additionally, the sawmill must be located in an area with a steady demand for lumber, as this can impact profitability. Ultimately, sawmilling can be a very profitable business if all these factors come together in the right way.