Alaska Sawmill
Using the Alaska Sawmill you can create all of the boards and beams you need to build a remote cabin. One of the most important things is having the proper equipment to make the milling process easier.
You can mill right on the ground, but it is a lot easier if you have a stand to put the log on. And of course, you have to have a big enough chainsaw to run the mill.
Once you have all the materials you need, you have to cut down a tree. If you are lucky, you will find one on the beach that has blown down and haul it over to your milling area.
Then, you cut the tree into logs that are slightly longer than the boards you need. This enables you to make really long boards for rafters or normal 8 to 10 foot length boards for walls, etc.
Then, you have to either build or purchase rails that the mill rides on to make the first cut. It is essential to get it level since your remaining cuts will follow that same line.
When the first cut is complete, remove the rails and set the mill directly on top of the log. The Alaska Sawmill basically holds the chainsaw at a set distance (that you can adjust) from the top of the log that you are milling. This way you can have boards of different thicknesses from 1/2 inch to several inches.
You end up with nice boards cut to the length and thickness you need. If you are able, it is good to let them dry out for awhile. Then, you simply cut the boards with a circular saw to the width you need - 5 1/2 inches, 7 1/2 inches, etc. We used a guide board to create straight edges. Although there are more pictures of Greg cutting the boards into lumber, this was mostly Jennifer's job, so anyone can do it!
So, that’s how you create lumber of any size to build a cabin. To make the larger beams we simply adjusted the mill to a different thickness.
Bandsaw Mill
If you have enough money, you can purchase a bandsaw mill. A bandsaw mill takes a lot of work out of the process. It requires assembly, but you can cut dimensional lumber with very little effort.
View a video of Greg milling with the bandsaw.
