Everyday Woodworking
Season 3, Episode 1
12-31-22
History of the Alaskan Chainsaw Mill
WELCOME
Hey everyone. I’m Ricky with Everyday Woodworking, your Podcast Home for tips, tricks and information on how to make the most of your woodworking time and money, every day.
INTRO
Well welcome, everyone. Thanks a bunch for coming and hanging out with me today.
This is our first episode of Season 3, and of 2023. So Happy New Year to you and thank you for supporting us and making a Season 3 possible.
The idea of milling my own lumber has always been a romantic idea. And it’s funny, because I’m a woodworker, people are always asking me if I can come cut a tree down for them, or if I can come get one out of their yard.
But you know how expensive those big WoodMizer bandsaw mills can be! I just can’t afford $10,000 for “a new toy”, you know?
But if I could do some back yard lumber milling for say, $200-300…now that’s something I could do. And that’s exactly what were going to talk about today.
Introducing: The Alaskan Chainsaw Mill
Most of you probably know about the Alaskan Chainsaw Mill. Basically, it’s a jig that you mount your chainsaw to, then use a straightedge to mill up a log into some pretty sweet, rough cut boards.
But what you may not know, is the History of the Alaskan Chainsaw Mill. I didn’t, until last week. So I thought I’d share it with y’all here today.
GRANBERG AND HOW IT BEGAN
After WWII, veteran and contract logger Elof Granberg was tired of the inaccuracy of the freehand chainsaw sharpeners on the market, and he knew that there had to be a better solution.
Turns out he was right, and in 1954 Elof invented the File-n-Joint, the first ever bar mounted chain sharpener.
He also invented and introduced the first 12-volt portable chainsaw sharpener; the first adjustable and portable saw chain breaker/mender and the first chainsaw hedge trimmer attachment.
Shortly thereafter, in the 1960s, Will Malloff had invented a bar-mounted chainsaw “walk about mill”, nicknamed the “Alaskan”. Elof bought the rights to it and started re-working it into a more simple and streamline design.
The rest is history, and Granberg has become synonymous with the Alaskan Mill, and they’re THE industry leader, without debate.
Today, the Granberg Alaskan MKIV is the industry standard for chainsaw mills and is sold all over the world.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
That’s the question of the day. How does this thing work? Because I want to know so I can decide if I’m ordering one or not.
Let’s start with what it is.
The Definition - A chainsaw mill is a type of sawmill incorporating a chainsaw, that is used by one or two operators to mill logs into lumber for use in furniture, construction and other uses. It is different from bandsaw or circular saw mills, which are typically larger, heavier and permanent or semi-permanent in their location. The chainsaw mill is portable. You take the mill to your logs, instead of bringing the logs to the mill.
The Process - The mill attachment consists of a pair of guide rails which are attached to the bar of the chainsaw. The rails ride for the first cut on a plank or (more commonly) on a metal ladder which is screwed to the log. Afterwards the previously cut surface of the log is used to guide the chainsaw blade through the log at a consistent depth so that planks of a chosen thickness are cut.
The distance between the rails and the bar determines this thickness and it can be adjusted by moving the rails along a post at each end of the mill attachment.
That sounds so easy, man. I think I’m sold.
I’ve got a chainsaw. I’ve got an aluminum ladder. All I need is the mill!
WHERE DO YOU BUY AN ALASKAN SAWMILL?
In short just about any hardware store, home improvement center or online retailer. For most of us buying online, that would be Amazon.
I’m going to include some affiliate links in our show notes so you can click and head over. They help us, and no, they don’t cost you anything.
Also, depending on the size you need, a mill is going to run you anywhere from $139 up to $390. That’s without any accessories, extra guide rails, sharpener, etc.
Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill MKIV 48 Inch G778-48 - https://amzn.to/3WTSqI8
Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill MKIV 36 Inch G778-36 - https://amzn.to/3WXjztD
Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill, MKIV 30 Inch G778-30 - https://amzn.to/3CfSqdM
Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill, MKIV 24 Inch G778-24 - https://amzn.to/3GcqBnP
Granberg Chainsaw Sharpener, G106B File-N-Joint Bar Mounted System - https://amzn.to/3Q77zDE
Granberg G1012XT Precision Grinder/Sharpener (12V) - https://amzn.to/3jzq3R0
Timber Tuff TMS-24, 24" Saw Mill - https://amzn.to/3WFDFJ5
MAKERS
One last thing. We’ve talked about Granberg being the alpha male of the chainsaw mill industry. But who else makes them?
Well, plenty of people. In addition to Granberg there’s:
Norwood - https://www.norwoodsawmills.com/
LogoSol - https://www.logosol.com/
FarmerTech - https://www.farmertec.com/
Carmyra
Timber Tuff - http://www.timbertufftools.com/
Hadden
Also check out this article by The Spruce on The Best Chainsaw Mills Of 2022. Well worth a look. - https://www.thespruce.com/best-chainsaw-mills-4172474
WRAP UP
Was that cool or what? Chainsaw Mills. Man that’s the epitome of DIY isn’t it. Real mountain man stuff.
I hope this was helpful for you. And if you’re thinking about grabbing a chainsaw mill of your own, I hope this gives you some good info.
Basically, get a reputable product with a great warranty, built sturdy, and compatible with your saw. You do those things, how can you go wrong?
CONCLUSION
One last thing…if you enjoyed this episode, please take a second and leave us a great review. It makes such a difference for us…especially if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
But, wherever you’re listening, we would still love it if you subscribed and became a regular listener.
Also, if you’re watching us on YouTube, then obviously we try to post a video of each Podcast Episode on our Apple Valley Farm (our woodworking business) YouTube Channel. Definitely like, comment and subscribe to us there as well.
And finally, if you’d like to learn even more about us, you can check out the show notes over at www.applevalleyfarmga.com where you can also find things like our store, downloadable woodworking projects and lots, lots more.
Alright, my friends! That’s it. Have a great day. Thanks again. And I’ll see you next time…right here, on Everyday Woodworking.
USEFUL LINKS
Chainsaw Lumber Making by Will Malloff - https://amzn.to/3G6Ed3P
Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill MKIV 48 Inch G778-48 - https://amzn.to/3WTSqI8
Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill MKIV 36 Inch G778-36 - https://amzn.to/3WXjztD
Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill, MKIV 30 Inch G778-30 - https://amzn.to/3CfSqdM
Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill, MKIV 24 Inch G778-24 - https://amzn.to/3GcqBnP
Granberg Chainsaw Sharpener, G106B File-N-Joint Bar Mounted System - https://amzn.to/3Q77zDE
Granberg G1012XT Precision Grinder/Sharpener (12V) - https://amzn.to/3jzq3R0
REFERENCE
https://www.granberg.com/
http://www.madsens1.com/sa_mill_works.htm
https://www.granberg.com/history-future-chainsaw-mills-granberg-internationals-erik-granberg/
https://themakinglife.com/granberg-alaskan-chainsaw-mill/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainsaw_mill