Using An Alaskan Mill

When it comes to great tools for outdoors people, woodworkers, builders and avid DIYers, not much beats an Alaskan mill. It is a great way to turn trees on your property into lumber you can use on your building projects and you can also use it to make some money creating lumber for others as well. Whether it is on your main property or on a remote site where your cabin sits, a sawmill is a great tool, very versatile and having your own mill is also saving you time and money. Here is how to approach the cutting.

Cut one
First of all, you need to prepare the log by setting the Alaskan mill rails. There are especially important for the first cut because the top of your log is rounded and not even so the rails give you a smooth and flat surface to guide the mill on the cut. Slabbing rails should extend out longer than the end of the log so at the start and end of the cut, there is support for the log. Most rails are from two long 2x6s or 2x4s and then the brackets are metal and nailed on. Make sure you think about the log’s taper when you are setting the rails. It is important to take your time and pay attention to all the important details as the first cut sets up the second and third cuts. You can put in small wedges behind the saw in the kerf when you start the cut if you want to keep it from collapsing. After your first cut, the rails are removed.

Cut Two
For the second cut, you are using the surface you created on the first cut to guide and support the process rather than the Alaskan mill rails. If the log is being turned into beams or lumber then this cut begins at the bottom. This creates another flat surface running parallel to the first. If the log is being used for partially finished lumber then this cut can start just under the first at your preferred depth. Woodworkers who are making material for making things like instruments or furniture will usually make partially finished lumber. It is often seasoned before then cutting into boards. It gives them better control over the final product and its quality.

Cut three
If you are using your Alaskan mill to generate finished lumber then at this stage you are ready to make cut three. This means turning the log to 90 degrees and then putting up the rails again on top of the log. Make sure the rails are squared using a set square and then start the third cut. When complete remove the rails and you should have an almost square log with three flat sides. If you want the planks this wide you can be guided by the cut just made. Just be sure to set the depth and it can now be cut into your desired boards.