how to mill log with Alaskan chainsaw mill

Flaming Boxelder or Manitoba maple.

This is my whole milling process. Screw a metal ladder on top of the log, if it's not flat, then I cut the bark with something (small saw or axe) where the steps are just to make it sit right. Then set the mill to cut below the ladder. Also keep in mind to set it lower then the screws you out in the ladder to hold it. Once your first cut is done, take the ladder off and set the mill to your desired thickness. Then I just go until the log is done! I made blocks of wood to elevate the log and stabilize it. It's a 6 by 6 pressure treated block of wood with notches in them to hold the log. It helps to not have the log move around too much. If I have multiple logs to mill that day, I take the top off all my logs at the one after the other to not have to change the mill too often.


This is the first time for me to see so much red in a log like this. Usually I see small streaks but not this time! A couple nights ago, I went for a walk with the dog and saw these logs in a neighbor's yard from inside the park beside the fence. I went to ask the neighbor if he was going to keep the logs and they said I could have it. I brought my little cart over, loaded the logs and brought them home. Today, I milled them and it was quite the surprise! This is Boxelder or Manitoba maple. Pretty neat wood! The red in the wood is a chemical produced by the tree to try to fend off infections. Fungal infection for this one. At least the wood is still usable! This is the most red I've seen in a log that I've milled. Pretty crazy looking.

milled with
@granberginternational 24" mill
@stihlcanada #ms661 chainsaw with 28" bar
@OREGONproducts  ripping chain

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