A full-scale sawmill can be efficient, but often theyre far too large and expensive for most people. A chainsaw mill takes all the best features of a sawmill and scales them down into an affordable, portable, but still efficient package Our buyers guide shows you exactly what you need to look for in a chainsaw mill. But, first, well walk you through the best chainsaw mills on the market. Heres how to find the best chainsaw mill for your personal needs.
Here are five of our top-rated chainsaw mills. These chainsaw mills meet (and exceed) a long list of requirements, including durability, ease of use, and performance. Other factors we take into consideration are portability, ease of assembly, versatility, chainsaw fit, and additional features. Whatever your needs and preferences are, you’re sure to find the right chainsaw mill for you.
Here are five of the best chainsaws available right now:
5 Best Chainsaw Mills Reviewed
1. Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill
It doesnt get much better than a Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill. This model is widely considered to be the best overall chainsaw machine on the market. It also offers the best value. The Model # G777 is a lightweight, small-sized chainsaw mill that can fit chainsaws with 51 cm bars or less.
Among the most notable characteristics is the anti-vibration system which helps keep the chainsaw in place for smoother, more efficient cuts. In addition to this overall ease of use, all Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mills are made with CNC-machined steel which ensures theyre all but unbreakable. Theres a reason Granberg has been the go-to chainsaw mill for the past half a decade and that reason is their dedication to quality.
What We Like:
What We Do Not Like:
- You can’t cut until you are a master at it.
2. Farmertec Holzfforma Portable Chainsaw Mill
The Farmertec Holzfforma Portable Chainsaw mill is a great choice for lumber cutting at home and in the woods. This is a great option for larger saws. However, it can be used with any chainsaw that has a bar length of 36 to 91 cm. This model’s compatibility with many bar lengths makes them incredibly versatile. This is a great choice for anyone who wants to combine different models of chainsaws with one chainsaw mill.
Diving deeper into this tools design, youll notice that its constructed entirely from aluminum and steel for a lightweight yet durable finish. The chainsaw mill features a fully adjustable milling height and milling width to increase the devices compatibility with various sizes of lumber. Note that although this Farmertec Chainsaw Mill does work with a variety of different saws, it is most effective and efficient with a larger chainsaw, especially when milling larger pieces of lumber.
What We Like:
- Rugged and Durable
- Compatible with a range of bar lengths
- Fully adjustable
What We Dont Like:
- Heavier than Some Models
3. Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill
Carmyra’s portable chainsaw mill strikes a solid balance of ruggedness and precision. The versatile chainsaw mill can handle the most difficult jobs, even deep in the woods. It cuts with precision unlike any other model. The device is constructed from a mix of stainless steel and aluminum for the utmost in durability as well as a very low overall weight.
You can choose from a range of sizes to fit different models. The Carmyra Chainsaw Mill can be adjusted to cut thicknesses from 1 cm to 33cm. The largest model can handle logs up to 102cm in width. The assembly manual is not very detailed. It does include schematics but fails to include step-by-step instructions.
What We Love:
- Extremely durable
- Fits a variety of chainsaws
- There are many milling thicknesses to choose from
What We Dont Like:
- Difficult to assemble
4. Timber Tuff Chainsaw Mill
The Timber Tuff Chainsaw Mill is an excellent option for milling jobs of all sizes. Although its available in multiple different sizes, the 61 cm version discussed here is perhaps the most versatile. It is the perfect balance between lightweight and efficiency. It is small enough to be carried deep into the woods but strong enough to mill logs upto 61 cm in width.
This Timber Tuff device is notable for its overall durability. Even after years of heavy usage, this chainsaw mill is virtually indestructible. Its ease of use is another important feature. It is easy to attach and remove from your chainsaw. This also makes it very simple to mill lumber. Although this product is durable and works well, there are some components that might be a little fragile (such as the screws), and may need to be replaced.
What We Love:
What We Dont Like:
- Some components are flimsy
5. Norwood PortaMill Chainsaw Mill
The Norwood PortaMill Chainsaw Mill is a little different from the other chainsaw mills on this list. Unlike the other models on this list, this chainsaw mill from Norwood Industries is much larger and slightly less portable. In fact, its more like a portable sawmill than a portable chainsaw mill. This device has more features than the average chainsaw mill. These features make it easier to cut and mill, as well as allowing you to fine tune the details.
The biggest highlight of this model is its milling power. It can also be used to make precise cuts to the desired thickness. The portable chainsaw sawmill functions much like an actual sawmill. The easy-to-use hand-push feed system makes it self-propelled. A variety of safety features are built-in, including a safe throttle operator station.
The Norwood PortaMill Chainsaw Mill is not for everyone, despite its innovative design. Its steep price (more than five times more expensive than other models on our list) mean that its only for those serious about milling lumber.
What We Love:
What We Do Not Like:
- Very expensive
What You Need To Know About Chainsaw Mills
Not all chainsaw mills are created equal. Although they might look the same to the untrained eye, theres actually quite a lot that goes into their construction and design. Construction, durability, compatibility with chainsaws, bar capacity, cutting depth and bar capacity are some of the most important considerations.
I’m going to explain why these factors are important, how to choose the right model for you, and how you can avoid buying a model that doesn’t suit your needs. Heres what you need to know to buy the best chainsaw mill on the first shot.
Chainsaw Mill Benefits
Owning a chainsaw mill has a lot of benefits. Chainsaw mills offer a cost-effective alternative to more expensive sawmills and bandsaw mills. They are compatible with a wide range of chainsaws. This tool will work with any chainsaw you have.
A chainsaw mill is lightweight and portable. They are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for taking out in the field. The lumber can be milled right at the spot you cut it. There is no need to transport unmilled lumber back home. The best chainsaw mills can be used by only one or two people. To operate a chainsaw mill, you don’t need to have a team. You can simply attach the mill to your chainsaw, and you’re good to go.
Granberg International claims that chainsaw mills, despite being small and light in weight, are extremely efficient. The best models accurately mill wood with straight cuts to your desired thickness. A chainsaw mill can be adjusted to your exact specifications. Youre not stuck with a single thickness. You can choose the thickness you prefer for your milled lumber depending on your project.
Chainsaw Mill Negatives
Like any type of tool, these do have a few negative aspects. First up, a chainsaw mill is basically a hand tool. This means that they take a lot of strength, stamina, and overall effort to use. Over a long period of time, this work can be brutally hard on your body. The only other real negative is that they are less efficient than full-fledged bandsaw mills or sawmills.
Theres no denying that these more robust, comprehensive sawmills are more efficient at milling lumber and take far less human effort. However, a quality chainsaw mill is usually between and while a sawmill can easily run you or more.Wood Web states that unless youre running a full-scale lumber milling operation, a chainsaw mill is the better option.
A Chainsaw Mill Is Not Required By Everyone
There are many uses for a chainsaw mill. Chief among these applications is to mill logs into lumber. These will help you make reasonably level cuts to your desired thickness.Madsens Shop & Supply states that anyone who plans to mill lumber on a regular basis will benefit from buying.
A chainsaw mill can be used by those who only mill lumber occasionally. However, it is better to visit an actual sawmill if you need to do this on a regular basis. These tools are ideal for anyone who plans to mill lumber regularly.
Chainsaw Mill Buying Guide
Dont invest in a tool without first doing your research. Understanding the key features and characteristics will allow you to choose the right model for your needs.
Here are the most important factors to remember:
- Compatibility Make sure the mill you select is compatible with your model of chainsaw and bar length.
- Construction The best chainsaw mills have durable construction, typically from steel, aluminum, or a mixture of both.
- Bar Capacity You must select a chainsaw mill with a large enough bar capacity to fit around the diameter of the logs you plan to cut.
- Cutting Depth While cutting depth can be adjusted, it is important to consider the depth setting for a new chainsaw when purchasing a machine. This will determine the maximum thickness of your lumber.
- Weight Lightweight models can be more easily carried than heavier models, but they are less stable and more difficult to use.
- Number of Users Most chainsaw mills can be used by a single user. Some larger models, however, require two users.
- Brand reputation Not only is a chainsaw mill manufactured by a reputable brand likely higher quality, but they typically come with the best warranties as well.
Best Chainsaw Mill Brands
Take even just a cursory glance at chainsaw mills online or in a store and youll notice there are dozens of brands available.
While most companies produce high-quality products there are a few that make inferior equipment.
This short list will help you find reputable chainsaw mill manufacturers.
Granberg
Granberg, short for Granberg International, is the number one name in the world of chainsaw mills. Granberg International was founded in the Pacific Northwest forests and is still family-owned and operated 60 years later. They are committed to making American-made chainsaws and accessories of the highest quality.
Granberg sells a wide range of chainsaw mills to fit a variety of chainsaw models and sizes. They are all simple and yet extremely accurate. They offer a lifetime guarantee on most of their products.
Norwood Industries
This brand, also known as Norwood Sawmills, is a big deal in the world of sawmills, chainsaw mills, and related accessories. Their portable sawmills, portable chainsaw sawmills, and other models are just a few of the many they produce.
Norwood makes all of its products in North America. Their patented designs, highly durable chainsaw mills and 2-year warranties for most products are what make them stand out.
Timber Tuff
Timber Tuff Tools is another leader in top-quality chainsaw tools and accessories, including some of the worlds best chainsaw mills. Timber Tuff’s chainsaw mills were created by BAC Industries. Their chainsaw mills can be used for a variety of purposes and are reliable, precise, and easy to use. They work well for small or large jobs.
FAQ
Here are answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about chainsaw mills:
What type of chainsaw should I use?
A: Most chainsaw models can be used with a compatible chainsaw mill. Your best bet is to buy a chainsaw first and then buy a chainsaw mill that matches its bar dimensions.
What size do I need?
A: There are many sizes of chainsaw mills. A chainsaw mill should match the size of your chainsaw. Note that smaller models are more portable, although larger models are sometimes needed for bigger jobs.
How can I maintain and care for my chainsaw machine?
A: Chainsaw mill care and maintenance is simple. To ensure that the machine continues to work well for many years, keep it clean. To prevent further damage, repair any damaged parts immediately.
How long will my chainsaw mill last?
A: No matter the manufacturer, your chainsaw mill should last at least a decade. The very best models will last for a lifetime with proper care, maintenance, and storage.
How do I store a chainsaw mill?
A: Store your chainsaw mill in a dry location. Because of their robust design, they can withstand large temperature variations, so an unheated shed will do, although a temperature-controlled garage is best.
Take A Bow
Anyone looking for a quality chainsaw mill can choose from any of the five models listed above. That said, the Granberg Chainsaw Mill is the best of the best. Not only is it durable and high-performing, but its also the best bang for your buck.
Granberg’s particular model is for chainsaws with bars measuring between 41 cm to 51 cm. If your chainsaw is outside of these dimensions, Granberg has many other models that fit both smaller and larger chainsaw bars.
The Norwood PortaMill Chainsaw Sawmill is a great choice for those who are serious about milling logs and can afford it. It’s more portable than a traditional chainsaw mill, but it also costs five times as much as the other models.
