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Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill

Started by tyb525, August 06, 2008, 05:52:00 PM

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tyb525

I've been looking at the Granberg Alaskan Small Log Millmon Bailey's. It seems like a good deal, and I already have a big enough saw (20" 036). I would just need to buy the chain.
Does anyone have experience with this, and is it worth it?
I just want to be able to cut small amounts of lumber (a few logs here and there) and I don't have the money for a bandmill.
Any input is appreciated.
LT10G10, Stihl 038 Magnum, many woodworking tools. Currently a farm service applicator, trying to find time to saw!

Kelvin

Sure its fun.  Just don't eyeball those big logs and wish you had a bigger saw.  It can get expensive.  Good for doing this and that.  Do some searching here on setting them up the first cut is critical and it helps to make a good jig to lay it out flat. 
Good luck
Kelvin

treenail

Have owned a 30" granberg rig for over twenty years or so, and if occasional cutting of a few timbers is what is planned, then go for it. Don't use mine much of any these days , since I have a larger bandmill, but the granberg did just fine when that was all that I had to saw with.  It's affordable, and portable.
Norwood Lumbermate 2000 sawmill , Ford 4wd tractor,Grimm/Leader maple sugaring equipment, Ford F-350 12' flatbed truck

tyb525

Sounds like you guys like it, I'm thinking I'll get it. Since I'm a woodworker and plenty of logs & trees, I think it would be worth it.
LT10G10, Stihl 038 Magnum, many woodworking tools. Currently a farm service applicator, trying to find time to saw!

JV

I have a 56" I use to break down big logs that won't fit my mill and to slab.  I was apprehensive at first, but after using it I like it.  You will need to make a good set of rails for the top of the log or use an aluminum extension ladder.  My brother-in-law just picked a used 24" for me.  I'll use it for timber framing, works for cutting tenons.  They won't replace my mill, but they are great for their intended purpose.  I plan to pick up the mini-mill for edging slabs.
John

'05 Wood-mizer LT40HDG28-RA, Lucas 613 Swing Mill, Stihl 170, 260 Pro, 660, 084 w/56" Alaskan Mill, 041 w/Lewis Winch, Case 970 w/Farmi Winch, Case 850 Crawler Loader, Case 90XT Skidloader, Logrite tools

Tom1

tyb525,

I have the Granberg Small Log mill. I've used it with my MS310 and it worked fine on small trees (up to 14"). I tried it on a 32" white oak with a 20" bar, the saw will bog down pretty good with that big of tree. I just use my 310 for felling anymore and now use a MS660 on the small mill. If your not looking to cut large amounts of lumber or big trees it works very well.

Tom
MS660, MS310, Frick 00

hazard

I have been using a 36" mill for 10+yrs at first with a stihl 044 and now a 066.

For the jig I use a 2x2 screwed to a 2x4 for stability.  One for each side.  I use a piece of 1" square tubing in each end.  Each piece has a bunch of holes for nails.  I use big hand clamps to attach the 2x4's to the tubing.  I level the tubing with a 1' level.  Very simple.  I can set up the first cut in a matter of minutes.  Max length of log is 7'.  Have longer logs, buy longer 2x4's

Again very simple.  I have to take pictures one of these days.

Chris

JimMartin9999

Hazard,
A picture is worth a thousand words. I am going to using an Alaskan mill for the first time  in September and would like to get a good start.  What are the one inch square tubing pieces for?  Do you put nail holes in them or in the 2X4´s. Any experience with the Granberg slabbing brackets?  Are they just expensive  one inch tubing?
Jim

John S

I have a 32" granberg and use a Stihl 066 with it.  I also have the vertical attachment for edging.  They work, but it is demanding physically.  The smaller mill is probably fine for smaller logs.  Cut the logs when they are fresh if possible.  I use Bailey's ripping chain and sharpen with a Dremel.  I did not have any luck with the Granberg clamp on jig.
Just today I bit the bullet and bought a LT-15 at the county fair.  Hope to start using it next week.
2018 LT40HDG38 Wide

tyb525

Thanks for the info guys. As far as log size, it probably wont be any bigger than 18". If I get bigger logs I'll just take them to the mill nearby.

Hazard, I'll take your advice and try to build that jig.

John S, I will probably get an edger also. I bought Bailey's ripping chain the same time I bought the mill.
LT10G10, Stihl 038 Magnum, many woodworking tools. Currently a farm service applicator, trying to find time to saw!

hazard

I have a chunk of elm in my driveway that I am going to use for bowls.  I will hook the rig up to that and take a picture of what I do.

Chris

thecfarm

John S,I suppose the LT 15 is a new one.What size motor did you get?
Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

tyb525

hazard, I also have a red elm log sitting around, it's gonna be the first log I cut I think.
LT10G10, Stihl 038 Magnum, many woodworking tools. Currently a farm service applicator, trying to find time to saw!

hazard

So here you go.  I have probably milled 30 logs with this setup.  I started out with the granberg rails and there system.  I did not like how limiting the jig was.  The log always had to be at a certain length.

Here I am leveling the square tubing.  I do not have any set distance I put the tubing down on the log.  I leave enough room so I can place the 2x4's on each end.  Also do not put the 2x4's down below the log of the mill will hit the log.


Here I placed the 2x4's on the tubing and clamped them in.


2x4 with 2x2 for clamping


Set the mill depth for 5 1/2".  If you go less you will hit the clamps with the chain.  You can still get a board out of the first cut slab.  I personally cut everything at 1 1/8" so if this isn't absolutely perfect it doesn't matter.

Like I said very simple.

Chris

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SwingOak

I bought a 24" Granberg mill this spring. I used it with my Husky 262XP with a 24" bar for milling some walnut. I can say that even with a sharp ripping chain it goes through a tank of gas each pass through a 20" log, and it does bog down a lot.

So, I've got a loaner 084 AV, I just need to get a 28" or 30" bar for the mill to run full width.

Regarding set up, the instructions that come with the Granberg mill are very good, but I also recommend you visit their website and watch the videos. If a picture says 1000 words, then video explains what those words mean...

hazard


beenthere

Nice pics, and thanks for posting them.
Do you have one with the saw in place and after a cut was made?

That would help me?   :) :)
south central Wisconsin
It may be that my sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others

JV

This help?

Ready to saw




Almost done


John

'05 Wood-mizer LT40HDG28-RA, Lucas 613 Swing Mill, Stihl 170, 260 Pro, 660, 084 w/56" Alaskan Mill, 041 w/Lewis Winch, Case 970 w/Farmi Winch, Case 850 Crawler Loader, Case 90XT Skidloader, Logrite tools

hazard

Something I forgot to add it that I have an extra cross piece that I bought for the mill.  I place this over the 2x4 for support.  Also once the cut is so far in I will put a wedge in the end so the blade doesn't pinch.

JV  How long does it take for you to make that cut.  For me it would be like 10 minutes.

Chris

tyb525

Thanks hazard and JV for posting those pictures. That really helped me figure it out.
LT10G10, Stihl 038 Magnum, many woodworking tools. Currently a farm service applicator, trying to find time to saw!

JV

Chris

0n a 40" plus 8 footer it probably takes 10 minutes, plus a quart of gas mix.  Especially if it was a white oak that had been down for 4-5 years.  I run the carb a little rich for lubrication.  Sometimes it takes over 10" if the operator runs out of steam.   :D  I'm probaby going to raise my slabbing rates at the current price of gas.   :(

Top off




3 1/2" slab 40" wide and 100" long


John

'05 Wood-mizer LT40HDG28-RA, Lucas 613 Swing Mill, Stihl 170, 260 Pro, 660, 084 w/56" Alaskan Mill, 041 w/Lewis Winch, Case 970 w/Farmi Winch, Case 850 Crawler Loader, Case 90XT Skidloader, Logrite tools

hazard

I don't know if I could ever saw logs for money.  It is so time consuming and energy draining on me.

Nice slab

Chris

tyb525

Another question guys. I was thinking today that I don't really want to use my main saw for milling also. But I do have 2 homelite 360's (about 20 years old) that are missng parts, but there are all the parts to make one complete saw.
Is a Homelite 360 usable as a milling saw? Is it comparable to a (stihl) 036?
LT10G10, Stihl 038 Magnum, many woodworking tools. Currently a farm service applicator, trying to find time to saw!

sawguy21

I don't believe the old 360 would have the stamina for milling but it might be worth a try.
old age and treachery will always overcome youth and enthusiasm

tyb525

I'll try it, if it doesn't work out I'll try my 026, or go back to the 036.
LT10G10, Stihl 038 Magnum, many woodworking tools. Currently a farm service applicator, trying to find time to saw!

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