Milling Basics

[Husky187]

I too am looking to start milling with a 394 coming my way. Is that mk IV Alaskan setup @heritageguy20051 ?

 

[mdavlee]

You may have to lower the rakers more than normal chain to feed good. I like the mill to feed itself with me just holding the trigger and maybe a hand on the mill to keep it from vibrating as bad.

 

[heritageguy20051]

I too am looking to start milling with a 394 coming my way. Is that mk IV Alaskan setup @heritageguy20051 ?

Yes it is. Granberg 48". I'm very happy with it. I mainly do live edge slabs so I ordered the bigger mill from the start. Also, if I need to go bigger later, I can just order longer rails and tube.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[heritageguy20051]

You may have to lower the rakers more than normal chain to feed good. I like the mill to feed itself with me just holding the trigger and maybe a hand on the mill to keep it from vibrating as bad.

Good info. I need to work on a better setup to mill downhill. Let gravity do more work and me less.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[mdavlee]

For sure. I stack half rounds and blocks to make it downhill. It sucks starting a cut at chest level but it's almost no work on the way down.

 

[Wolverine]

Have an area set aside for the planks and lots of stickers. It’s easy to go ape chit milling but if not stored correctly to dry, you end up with a mess. I use a 2x6 or 8 for a first cut guide on smaller stuff and the aluminum ladder for bigger logs. Another thing to consider is a respirator. Heard of some guys using leaf blowers to help with fines and it works great, just a hassle to lug more stuff around. I listened to Mikes advice and use square filed full chisel full skip. Works great.

 

[XP_Slinger]

For me, this is just a hobby so I keep it simple. Lots of great info available in these forums. We all tend to over-think sometimes. A good mill, strong saw and sharp chain will get you going in no time.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

Milling will be for my own little projects. At the moment I’m into making ax handles so I want to mill slabs so they can dry. I’m sure once I get going more uses will arise for slabs that I produce. Nothing like being self sufficient, great feeling.

 

[RI Chevy]

Is anyone using the HLSupply mill? Or is the latest Granberg IV worth spending a little more?

 

[XP_Slinger]

Is anyone using the HLSupply mill? Or is the latest Granberg IV worth spending a little more?

I’ve heard the HLSupply mill works pretty well. I’m still undecided on which one I’m going to buy too. I was going to make my own but the relatively low cost of purchasing makes it a no brainer for me

 

[Husky187]

Have an area set aside for the planks and lots of stickers. It’s easy to go ape chit milling but if not stored correctly to dry, you end up with a mess. I use a 2x6 or 8 for a first cut guide on smaller stuff and the aluminum ladder for bigger logs. Another thing to consider is a respirator. Heard of some guys using leaf blowers to help with fines and it works great, just a hassle to lug more stuff around. I listened to Mikes advice and use square filed full chisel full skip. Works great.

What angle are you square filing at? I’m wondering about the square, vs full chisel vs ripping chain debate as well. I do a have an FG2 that has yielded great results for my full chisel.

 

[heritageguy20051]

Is anyone using the HLSupply mill? Or is the latest Granberg IV worth spending a little more?

I'm happy with the quality of the Granberg. Good build, good material, nice scale etched into the arms for adjusting depth. Don't know anything about the other brand.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[heritageguy20051]

Milling will be for my own little projects. At the moment I’m into making ax handles so I want to mill slabs so they can dry. I’m sure once I get going more uses will arise for slabs that I produce. Nothing like being self sufficient, great feeling.

I know. I've been following your handle thread. Very nice and informative! That'll give you good milling practice. Your posts made me want to go buy some axes and give it a whirl! Looking forward to more of your projects.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[RI Chevy]

X2!

 

[RI Chevy]

I'm happy with the quality of the Granberg. Good build, good material, nice scale etched into the arms for adjusting depth. Don't know anything about the other brand.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

Cool. Thanks for the info

 

[XP_Slinger]

I know. I've been following your handle thread. Very nice and informative! That'll give you good milling practice. Your posts made me want to go buy some axes and give it a whirl! Looking forward to more of your projects.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

Glad you’re enjoying the handle stuff. I forgot you had posted in there a few times. Go get an antique ax and try it! I’d love to see someone else’s technique for making them.

 

[heritageguy20051]

Glad you’re enjoying the handle stuff. I forgot you had posted in there a few times. Go get an antique ax and try it! I’d love to see someone else’s technique for making them.

I'd love to. I'll be looking to find one and give it a shot. You did a great job explaining the whole process and great pics too. Makes it very easy to follow.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[RI Chevy]

It's one of my favorite threads. Lol

 

[XP_Slinger]

It's one of my favorite threads. Lol

Just hope the wedges don’t fall out of my handles, you know, being a husky guy and all.

 

[RI Chevy]

LOL. You got Hooskie axes?
Too funny.
I got a Hooskie saw. Lol

 

[XP_Slinger]

LOL. You got Hooskie axes?
Too funny.
I got a Hooskie saw. Lol

You’re welcome lol!