The 7 Best Chainsaw Mills of 2021

What to Look for in a Chainsaw Mill

Chainsaw Compatibility

Most chainsaw mills are universal, but there are exceptions; some brands of chainsaw mill are only compatible with specific brands of chainsaws, so before buying, make certain that the mill you are considering works with the chainsaw you intend to use with it.

Cutting Capacity

Most chainsaw mills are adjustable in width. However, keep in mind that you can’t expand the chainsaw mill further than the size of your chainsaw’s bar. Also remember that the chainsaw mill’s guide rails take up some of the width—anywhere from 2 to 8 inches depending on the mill—so you’ll actually be limited to smaller logs than the stated cutting capacity. The majority of chainsaw mills have bar lengths between 14 inches and 36 inches, but there are heavy-duty mills that extend much further in length.

Cutting Depth

Typically, the cutting depth of a chainsaw mill is adjustable, but that range varies from brand to brand. As a general rule, a versatile chainsaw mill has a cutting depth of ½-inch to 12 inches. If you expect to be cutting very large logs, however, there are chainsaw mills with cutting depths of 13 inches or more.

FAQs

What’s the best size chainsaw to use with a chainsaw mill?

Milling lumber is a slow, tough job, so you’ll need a chainsaw with enough power to handle it. Generally, that means a gas chainsaw, not an electric tool. For the most robust performance, you’ll want a chainsaw with at least a 50cc engine, although more is better, particularly if you plan on tackling large logs. And while the required length of your chainsaw bar depends on the size of trees you’ll be milling, as a general rule, the absolute minimum is 20 inches, but a 24-inch bar gives you a lot more flexibility in the field.

How does a chainsaw mill work?

Chainsaw mills come in various configurations, but all involve a steel frame with straight guide rails that attaches to the bar of your chainsaw. Larger or more complex chainsaw mills include a ladder-like bracket, called a slabbing rail, that sits atop the log being milled, but if not, you’ll have to purchase the bracket separately, or make your own; many people use an actual ladder.

The operator starts by securing the slabbing rail to the top of the log with screws, then attaches the chainsaw mill to the chainsaw bar, and slowly and carefully cuts down the length of the log, using the slabbing rails as a guide to keep the cut straight. This removes the outer, rounded layer of the log. Once that’s accomplished, you can set the slabbing rails aside, as you’ll use the top of the log as a guide for subsequent cuts.

How long does it take to cut planks with a chainsaw mill?

Milling logs with a chainsaw mill isn’t a quick job. While the length of time it takes depends on the power of your chainsaw, your own skill level, and the size of the log you are cutting, as a rough guideline, it will take anywhere between 10 and 25 minutes to make each full cut.

What is a ripping chain?

The regular chain on your chainsaw is designed for cutting across the grain of the wood; that is, for cutting a tree down. However, when milling logs, you are cutting with the grain lengthwise to turn a log into straight planks. For the best results, you need to replace your regular chainsaw chain with a ripping chain, which is modified to cut with the grain. The teeth on a ripping chain are angled differently from a regular chain in order to achieve a smoother cut. Ripping chains maintain their sharpness longer than regular chains, and are more resistant to damage, but also require a slower work speed than your regular chainsaw chain.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of chainsaw mills, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback.