If you’re looking for an economical way for on-site milling or probably want to turn those extra wood in your yard into usable lumber, then a chainsaw mill is what you need. Whether you’re a professional carpenter or a commercial logger, you’ll want to save money and time to improve your overall productivity.
To achieve this, you will need to buy the best chainsaw mill which makes high-quality cuts of lumber with ease.
There are different brand and makers of chainsaw mill in the industry. Finding the best option out of the numerous models available on the market can be daunting and stressful.
So, we have provided a detailed review to help you find the chainsaw mill that suits your needs. So, before deciding on the one to buy, read through our review to get the full details of each product.
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10 Best Chainsaw Mill Review In 2020
After thoroughly analyzed researches, we have handpicked top ten chainsaw mill for you to choose from. Read on to find out what makes these tools unique and the benefits they have to offer.
1. Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill
Carmyra is one of the leading manufacturers in the woodworking tools industry. They are well-known for designing portable and lightweight chainsaw mill that is easy to move around in job sites.
This model is the best chainsaw mill on the market for professional carpenters and home-made DIYers. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional, portability is one of those crucial features to check for before buying a chainsaw mill.
The Carmyra portable chainsaw mill boasts of high-quality steel and aluminum construction. This heavy-duty construction makes the tool ideal for hard milling works.
It can withstand environmental elements even in harsh and abusive working conditions. Thanks to its durable and rugged construction, the unit will serve you for a very long time.
We loved that the unit comes with a large assembly size, an assembling tool, and a user manual to make the set up much more straightforward. Also, the chainsaw mill is comparable with a nine-foot rail system that delivers accurate cuts regardless of the texture and shape of the log.
Furthermore, the chainsaw mill delivers beams measurements of 0.5” to 13” thick and up to 36” wide. This lumber width and length make it ideal for carrying out small home tasks.
Besides, the tool is really fast, accurate, and it’s comparable with chainsaw bars that are 14 to 36 inches. It doesn’t have dedicated blades for cutting, but it is portable and lightweight for easy transport on the job sites.
Another unique feature of this unit is that it does not require any modifications before it is attached to your chainsaw. You can also use it with any type of with different specifications.
What more? Thanks to its calibrated bar that enables you to easily measure the thickness of the log that you want to slice. Carmyra chainsaw mill is an excellent choice for cutting oak, cedar, and walnut into useable lumber.
However, there are downsides to this model. Firstly, the chainsaw mill sometimes comes with wrong calibration and misaligned bars. Secondly, it might require some jerry-rigging to work right.
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2. Logosol Farmers M8 Chainsaw Mill by WoodlandPro
Here’s an excellent woodworking tool from WoodlandPro. WoodlandPro is not a very popular brand, but this should fool you- the unit is built to give you the best value for money.
Logosol Farmers M8 might be the smaller form of WoodlandPro ‘s huge M8 sawmill series, but it is portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you anywhere.
It is worth noting that this chainsaw mill features a durable steel and aluminum construction to handle heavy-duty applications. This sturdy construction can withstand abusive use with heavy logs in harsh environmental conditions. And if you have a cant hook to handle logs, it will be easier for you to work with this chainsaw mill.
When it comes to durability, you are assured that the unit is nothing less than a reliable and durable chainsaw mill.
We also loved that this sawmill comes with a large assembly size hardware for quick and easy setup. The steel and aluminum construction makes the unit portable. So, you can carry it around the job site easily.
It accommodates chainsaw with bar length from 16” to 24”, which helps to turn your machine into a lumber mill. Logosol Farmer M8 is economically ideal for cutting medium-sized logs into usable lumber.
The chain mill comes with a portable size that makes it versatile; you can place it anywhere your logs are positioned, whether it is in the woods or your backyard. In as much as your chainsaw is powerful and you have all other required gear, then you’re good to go!
Furthermore, the unit has a universal mounting system, although it works perfectly with high horsepower chainsaw. The recommended chainsaw should be 90cc or electric-powered ones to ensure a quick break down of logs and smooth working operation.
What more? Another nice feature is the possession of strong legs to support your logs, which means that you won’t have to waste time constructing a stand to support your beams while mining. It’s a significant advantage when compared to other sawmills on our list.
We only didn’t like that the guide bar was not included in the package. Apart from that, Logosol Farmer M8 chainsaw mill is a great product for the money that delivers enough power to cut log to make lumber.
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3. Granberg G777 Chainsaw Mill
The Granberg is the most popular brand in the chainsaw mills and accessories industry. With over 60 years of experience in designing high-quality woodworking equipment, the US-based company has a strong reputation to maintain.
They are well-known by most saw millers for producing units that are valuable, affordable, reliable, efficient, durable, and long-lasting.
The G777 model is one of its outstanding products for small home projects. It is the ideal option for cutting logs of wood into useable lumber for a hobbyist carpenter or any small commercial logger.
We loved that the unit has a lightweight and compact design that makes it the perfect option for homeowners, woodworkers, and carpenters. Since it is lightweight, it is very easy to transport to/from the job site.
So, if you’re looking for a sawmill that is very portable, lightweight, and simple to use, then this is well suited for you.
It weighs only 1.76 ounces and measures at 24” × 13” × 4”. Also, it can cut logs into lumber measuring between ½’’ and 13’’ thick and 18” wide.
Concerning its durability, it features a sturdy steel construction with aircraft zinc and aluminium-plated finish that can withstand corrosion from heavy-duty use. This model is a must-have if you want something that can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
G777 is designed to fit into more than 50cc chainsaws with 20-inch or smaller bar thickness. This feature makes it universally compatible. It’s assembly is convenient; you won’t need to drill the bar before fitting the chainsaw.
Another interesting feature of this tool is that there's an acrylic safety cover on the bar end that saves the eyes from sawdust and wood chips preventing injuries. Definitely, this feature is very useful for homeowners.
What more? The tool comes with pressure bolts that keep the chainsaw in place during a cutting operation. The only thing to note is its inability to work with bars larger than 20 inches.
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4. Norwood PM14 Chainsaw Mill
If you’re looking for something to turn your chainsaw into a fully functioning Alaskan sawmill, this unit from Norwood will be a wise investment. PM14 model is a portable, practical, and functional tool that makes lumber making an easy task. The convenience and ease of use of this model are incomparable.
The Norwood PM14 was designed to make the whole lumber/beam cutting process accurate and easy. Thanks to its easy hard-push feed system, the cutting operation is safe, quick, and easy. However, you’ll need to get an extension ladder separately, which is worth it.
The first feature that caught our attention is its rugged construction, making it suitable for handling heavy-duty mill requirements. The built also allows you to use it in places with harsh environmental conditions.
The lumber maker comes with components that are easy to connect and disconnect to save time during set up at job sites. This feature also makes it easy to transport and carry around. You should use chainsaws with 50cc or greater to achieve the best cutting results.
We love that the tool comes with a throttle actuator that helps to activate the blade in the operator station of the unit. This sawmill can cut logs up to 14 inches thick, and you will be able to cut beams/lumber up to 8 inches wide.
What more? It comes with Norwood PM14 manual. The manual is a very helpful guide for a new user to know all the information about the product.
Lastly, PM14 model is an excellent sawmill for on-site work; it’s a great tool for turning logs into usable lumber. However, it's quite expensive for the quality. Some end users even complained about the bolt’s quality and paint chips falling off quickly.
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5. MTN Gearsmith Portable Chainsaw Mill
Here, we have this premium quality portable chainsaw mill from MTN Gearsmith. MTN Gearsmith is known for designing a chainsaw mill, which is not only innovative and stylish but also economical.
The tool is very easy to set up, making it ideal for most carpentry jobs and small projects. It is a perfect choice for both the DIYers and woodwork hobbyist. This lumber maker works well with most professional-grade chainsaws.
It is the best option for turning small to medium rough logs into usable lumber. Though it doesn’t come with rails, it is ideal for accurately cutting slabs that are ½ inches to 12 inches thick and up to 24 inches wide.
MTN Gearsmith mill features calibrated bars to make the measurement of the slabs easier, saving your time as well.
The heavy-duty mill features a durable aluminum and steel construction making its bars and other parts strong enough to withstand daily sawmill usages.
This rugged construction makes it a durable and strong unit that can handle environmental elements to a moderate degree. Meaning that you can use the chainsaw mill even in harsh working sites.
To achieve the best cutting results, you have to use the unit with the recommended chainsaws of 50cc or more. It doesn’t require hole drilling on the bars before you connect it to your chainsaw.
Thanks to its lightweight and portable design, it is the perfect choice for cutting logs in the deep forest. It comes comfortable handle with rubberized casing to make it easy to push the mill through the log during operation.
There are two downsides to this mill; firstly, its calibrations are sometimes inaccurate. Secondly, you might need to acquire multiple chainsaws or bars for different projects.
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6. Zchoutrade Portable Chainsaw Mill
Our sixth pick is the portable chainsaw mill from the Zchoutrade. The sawmill was specially manufactured for both beginners and professional carpenters because it is easy to use and possesses quality features.
In terms of its durability, the tool features premium quality steel and aluminum construction which makes it durable and strong enough to withstand high demanding milling tasks.
This rugged construction can also handle heavy-duty tasks in harsh environmental conditions.
It comes with a compact size, weighing 15 pounds to make it portable. Its stylish construction design gives it a sleek and classic look and also adds aesthetic value.
We loved that the unit's components are easy to disassemble and assemble, making its set-up a breeze.
Another eye-catching feature is that you don’t need to drill the bar before attaching your chainsaw mill. All you need to do is just attach it directly. This feature will help save you some time during the set up.
It fits with chainsaw bars up to 36 inches in width. It can also cut rough logs into usable slabs in thicknesses ranging from 0.5 inches to 23 inches.
This affordable chainsaw mill is ideal for cutting a variety of wood including walnut, oak teak, and cedar. It is also easier to use when you purchase a ripping chain with this product.
The good thing is that the unit weighs lesser than most heavy-duty sawmills available on the market and also comes with a concise instruction manual. What more? It features an easy adjustment which makes it suitable for beginners and for hobbies.
There are two downsides to this chainsaw mill; firstly, its calibrations are inaccurate. Secondly, it might be difficult to adjust and keep it centered sometimes.
Overall, Zchoutrade Portable Chainsaw Mill is a must-have for any woodworking store that wants to deliver accurate logs cutting.
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7. Granberg Alaskan G778-24 Chainsaw Mill
Here’s another fantastic chainsaw mill from the trusted and reliable Granberg International. The Alaskan G778-24 is the smaller version of Granberg's sawmills that was designed to meet the needs of people who want a premium quality and mobile sawmill within budget.
Granberg is not new in the industry of woodworking tools. As a matter of fact, they are one of the leading brands that is known for its strong, durable, efficient, and cost-effective products.
G778-24 is one of the most popular models of this prominent brand. It is one of the most reliable and finest sawmills available on the market. The unit is an ideal model for larger logs and heavy-duty jobs that require a large amount of lumber.
This unit comes with a sturdy steel and aluminum construction which makes it durable and rugged enough to handle heavy-duty all-day tasks. The two materials used for the construction will resist corrosion and any environment elements they are exposed to.
Apart from these, the frame of the mill is sturdy enough for converting multiple logs of cedar, teak, oak, and walnut into premium quality lumber.
You can easily attach chainsaw directly to this tool without having to drill hole on its bar. This unique feature makes its set up reliable and convenient. You can easily cut logs to get a smooth and levelled lumber with this mill.
In terms of portability, it comes in small weight and size, making it portable enough to be used in any section of the forest where the trees are dropping.
We loved that the unit comes with an anti-vibration system located on the frame, which is an uncommon feature in all the other models on our list.
Furthermore, it has a 24 inches long rail that helps to guide along with your chainsaw blade attachments. This design will help you cut rough logs to smooth, straight, and clean lumber with less effort and trouble.
Another interesting feature of this unit is the rubberized handle located at the centre of the mill. This handle helps you have control over your chainsaw, making it ideal for producing a smooth and straight cut.
The heavy-duty sawmill is capable of cutting wood/lumber into pieces that are ½ inches to 13 inches thick and up to 24 inches wide. This cutting edge is useful for both DIYers and professional carpenters.
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8. Timber Tuff TMS-36 Chainsaw Mill
This one is a durable, portable, and budget-friendly sawmill from Timber Tuff. According to its quality, it is the most affordable option you could come across on the market.
Timber Tuff might be new in the industry of woodworking tools, but they dedicated to providing high-quality chainsaw mill that is affordable, durable and efficient. Their customer service is one of the best, as they value their customers with high esteem.
TMS-36 is the newest and most popular model from Timber Tuff. It was made with ease of use, portability, efficiency, and durability in mind.
The unit features an aircraft stainless steel and aluminum construction which makes it rugged and sturdy enough to withstand the abusive use that comes during operation.
This heavy-duty tool is the best chainsaw mill for the money, and it's perfect for all-weather use since it is resistant to corrosion when exposed to abusive environmental conditions.
Additionally, TMS-36 comes with chainsaw mill attachments that deliver a quick and easy installation.
You won't necessarily need to drill the bars to attach the chainsaw since it can be attached directly. This feature makes it convenient to switch out your chainsaw easily when required.
What more? The tool will help you convert rough logs into planks of accurate lumber of 0.2 inches to 11.80 inches thick and up to 36 inches wide.
It weighs 14.33 pounds and measures 35.5 inches long by 12.6 inches wide. These measurements make it light and portable to carry around the woods.
Another interesting feature that caught our eyes was its rubberized and easy-to-grip handle that helps you cut through your beam conveniently.
Whether you’re a hobbyist carpenter, woodworker or homework, Timber Tuff TMS-36 is a must-have for you if you want to turn your chainsaw into a portable mill.
The only thing we didn’t think was ideal was the vibration that the sawmill undergoes during operation. Apart from that, this unit is strongly recommended, and it won’t let you down.
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8. Freelancer FR002 Chainsaw Mill
If you’re looking for a high-performance unit in an affordable and practical package, then this one is from you. It is perfect for both hobbyists and experienced users.
The first thing we noticed was its sturdy steel construction with a powder coating on the outside which makes it durable and strong to withstand regular heavy usage.
Powder coating is known to increase the sturdiness of a material. In this case, it helps to ensure that the mill is not damaged when exposed to environmental elements.
The sturdy construction also helps the mill to cut accurate lumber without tripping.
FR002 is a quality tool for converting small to medium logs into accurate and valuable lumber. It is suitable for cutting logs with a thickness up to 12 inches and cutting width up to 36 inches. However, it doesn't come with rails.
We liked the fact that the unit's design delivers some extra degree of control which helps you control both the ‘solo’ mill and chainsaw simultaneously.
There are also well visible calibrations on its bar for accurate measurement of the lumber's thickness.
We loved that the chainsaw mill is versatile, that is, there are no restrictions to the chainsaw length you can attach with it. This makes it so versatile. It can work with almost all chainsaws starting from the 4kW and above.
The FR002 is lightweight and portable, weighing just 7.72 pounds. Its design makes it easy to carry from one milling site too another without any hassle.
We noticed two flaws in the unit; firstly, you might face some problem while using it with some chainsaws.
Secondly, it doesn’t have rails to reduce the vibration that occurs during the cutting process. So, you might need to practice more to achieve accurate cuts, especially on rough logs.
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10. Vbenlem Chainsaw Mill
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with high-end performance, then this Vbenlem chainsaw mill won’t let you down.
It is another option for turning your logs into usable lumber. Vbenlem has designed this chainsaw mill to meet the needs of people with smaller chainsaws.
This versatile and efficient tool offers bar depth between 18 inches to 48 inches. You can attach it directly to your chainsaw to the bar with just a few turns of the wrench.
The mill offers you an outstanding adjustment in width and height. Its bracket makes the adjustment easier and more accurate.
We loved that the unit creates less vibration to help you make fewer errors when cutting into the beams. It also provides a flat surface for the sawmill for extra stability.
Additionally, this tool is made of high-quality aluminum and galvanized steel construction.
This commercial-grade construction gives it a sleek and classic look while makes it portable at the same time. Of course, the mill is sturdy and robust enough to handle wear and tear of heavy use.
Vbenlem chainsaw mill is easy to use, and its installation is simple. You don’t need to have technical skills to operate the tool.
For quick and easy installation, all necessary assembling hardware are included in the package.
What’s more? The chainsaw mill is widely applicable; all you need is a powerful chainsaw to cut rough logs into an accurate and beautiful slab at home or in the woods. It is ideal for carpenters, professional woodworkers, and homeowners.
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What to Look for Before Buying?
Chainsaw mills are arguably an economical way to convert your rough logs/timbers into accurate lumber. But you might want to ask yourself, how do I choose the right chainsaw mill for this purpose?
Well, our detailed buying guide will show you some factors you need to consider before purchasing your preferred chainsaw mill.
Portability
The portability of the mill is an important factor to consider. However, you can buy something more permanent if you'll be working on one site.
But if you will be moving between different site locations, it is advisable to go for something portable and lightweight. Chainsaw mill shouldn’t weigh you down, that’s why we’ve handpicked the ones with lightweight and portable designs for you.
Bar Capacity
The second thing to consider is the bar fittings of your preferred chainsaw mill. Certainly, it varies from one model to another.
You should make sure the saw bar fittings of the preferred chainsaw mill are compatible with your chainsaw. Considering that chainsaw bars are not extendable in any way; you must purchase a chainsaw mill with bar fittings that’ll match your chainsaw size.
You might need to buy a new chainsaw mill if you ended up with bar fittings that are smaller or bigger than the size of your chainsaw.
Durability and Construction
Honestly, durability is one of the most important things people look for when buying a chainsaw mill. Having been designed for cutting of rough logs and heavy-duty milling in harsh, abusive conditions with environmental elements like water, a chainsaw mill needs to be rugged, sturdy, and resilient.
You should go for a chainsaw mill that is well-constructed with the composition of steel, aluminum or even the combination of the two.
Steel is more durable than aluminum but heavier while aluminum is lightweight, making the mill more portable.
Chainsaw Fit
You should know that not all chainsaws are compatible with every chainsaw mill. Some models may have the chainsaw attached to the bar directly while others require that you drill through the bar to attach the chainsaw.
Make sure your chainsaw is compatible with your preferred chainsaw mill so that you won’t end up purchasing another one entirely.
Also, if you’re planning on cutting dense wood or rough logs, your chainsaw engine must have at least 50cc of displacement volume to have adequate power to make smooth and accurate cuts.
Cutting Depth
Lastly, the cutting depth is another factor to consider before making a chainsaw mill purchase. It determines the board thickness that your chainsaw mill can cut.
Most models come with an adjustable cutting depth to cut different board thicknesses. The cutting depth limit normally ranges from ½ inches to 12 inches in thickness, although some high-end models can cut even cut up to 13 inches deep.
Suggested Reading: Best Chainsaw Sharpener Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have some questions to ask about the chainsaw mills on our list. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to some frequently asked questions.
However, if your question is not answered included here, feel free to contact us as we are ready to help.
1. How many cc do I need to run a chainsaw mill?
Generally, you will need at least 50cc to run an average chainsaw mill smoothly. Easy milling depends on how powerful your chainsaw is. It is advised that you check if your saw has adequate power to handle your projects.
2. Why is my chainsaw cutting to the left?
Well, the major cause is uneven cutting teeth. When your saw is cutting to the left side, it means that the right teeth on the chain are quite long, and vice versa. To solve this, you need to sharpen the side with longer teeth. Learn how to use a chainsaw here!
3. What chainsaw size can I use with a chainsaw mill?
The size of chainsaw you instead to use with a sawmill will depend totally on the dimensions of the logs you want to mill. The sawmills are mainly available in different sizes: 24-inch, 30-inch, 48-inch, and 56-inch.
Most importantly, you should note that when you attach your chainsaw to the sawmill, you'll lose about 2 to 4-inches of width. For instance, to make lumber of 24-inch with accurate cuts, you will have to acquire a 30-inch mill.
4. When do I need to use a ripping chain?
If you need a parallel cutting of log to the wood grain, then a ripping chain is recommended.
5. Can I use larger mills with small chainsaw bars?
Yes, you can. Most sawmills are adjustable to accommodate small chainsaw bars.
6. What is a Saw Kerf?
It is the thickness size that a saw can cut through lumber.
Closing Thoughts
We hope our review of the best chainsaw mill with buying guide was helpful for you in making a smart buying decision. All the models selected on our list are incredibly durable, reliable and would never disappoint you.
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