The speaker is demonstrating how to mill a log into usable lumber. They begin by preparing the log, cleaning it with a wire brush, and positioning it on sawhorses to make it easier to manage. The speaker then uses a chainsaw to make the first cut, creating a flat surface to use as a reference point for the rest of the milling process.
The speaker explains that the first three cuts take up about 50% of the time, and once these cuts are made, the rest of the process goes quickly. They use a miter saw to make the cuts, and explain how to determine the width of the boards they want to produce.
The speaker also discusses how to center the boards in the log to get the greatest number of high-quality boards. They show how to make the cuts, using a combination of measuring, marking, and sawing to produce the desired boards.
Throughout the process, the speaker provides tips and explanations for various techniques, such as how to handle the weight of the log, how to use shims to keep the cut open, and how to process the boards after they are cut.
Overall, the speaker is demonstrating a step-by-step process for milling a log into usable lumber, and providing helpful tips and explanations along the way.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The person is demonstrating how to mill a log using a chainsaw.
2. The log is placed on sawhorses to make it easier to manage and to get a comfortable working height.
3. The person uses a wire brush to clean the log of gravel and debris.
4. The person measures the log to determine the center and to check for taper.
5. The log has a taper of only 1/4 inch, making it easier to mill.
6. The person uses a level to ensure the rails are in the same plane.
7. The person makes the first cut, which will be the top of the cant (a flat piece of wood).
8. The person uses a big saw because rip cuts take more power than cross cuts.
9. The person sets the saw to 5.5 inches to ensure clearance under the steel plate.
10. The person leaves the saw idling for a few moments after finishing the cut to cool down.
11. The person walks the saw away from the sawdust to prevent clogging the air filter.
12. The person does not mill the fourth side of the log, leaving it as waste.
13. The person looks for boards that are 14.5 inches wide, which is the maximum width their miter saw can comfortably cut.
14. The person uses a square to ensure the cut is square to the first cut.
15. The person makes a one-inch cut to get closer to the intended line.
16. The person can roll the log 180 degrees to get the square and rails, but chooses to bring the mill up to the flat surface instead.
17. The person uses shims to hold the cut open, placing them under the weight to prevent the cut from closing.
18. The person makes the bottom cut, producing a 14.5 inch wide cant.
19. The person will roll the cant and start cutting 13.5 inch boards off of it.
20. The person notes that 14.5 inches is about as wide as they want to deal with on a regular basis.