BEST CHAINSAW MILL
What is a chainsaw mill?
A chainsaw mill is an excellent way for a woodworker or other amateur to turn logs into lumber without the need for a full-on sawmill. Chainsaw mills attach to your chainsaw and allow you to drag it through the wood, cutting consistent planks and beams for use in woodworking or even for selling.
Our Pick
BUDGET PICK
HIGH-END PICK
Why do I need a chainsaw mill?
Chainsaw mills are also sometimes known as Alaskan Mills are an efficient way to turn logs into planks in your own home. The range of options is huge, from very small, cheap devices that can work with smaller branches, to large almost commercial-sized options that work with whole trees. A chainsaw mill is a great way to cut up large bits of wood into usable parts.
METHODOLOGY
When working with chainsaws, you need to make sure you buy quality products in order to ensure you stay safe. The primary goals of our list were, firstly to ensure all the models discussed were of the highest quality, and, secondly, to give a range of different options for different usage types. In order to do so, we considered the following factors: size of wood cut, construction quality, materials used, warranty, and ease of use.
We then used this to create a top-five list, containing our number one pick, as well as the best budget and luxury options. At the end of this guide is an Expert Buyers’ Guide, which contains the key questions you should be asking before you make a purchase.
Our #1 Pick
ALASKAN Granberg Chain Saw Mill, Model# G777
In a relatively high-quality field, this was a clear winner. The Alaskan model is a sleeker model, albeit one with as much power of some of the bigger offerings. The best thing about this was the way that it makes cutting so straightforward. The mill has adjustable settings, meaning that you have a great deal of flexibility in creating beams or lumber. If you want a way to repurpose your existing chainsaw, or simply get even more use out of it, you don’t need to look much further than this model.
- Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 4 inches
- Warranty: Needs to be requested
What We Like:
- The mill just feels like it’s high quality. The beams and lumber you produce are even and solid.
- Moreover, with the adjustable settings, you can cut as small as ½ inch thick all the way through to 13 inches thick and 17 inches wide - which should cover all of your lumber needs.
- It is designed to fit chain saws with bars 20 inches or less, meaning it operates on all but the largest models.
PROs
- Lightweight. The mill is easy enough to maneuver and can access nearly all timber.
- Simple. This attaches to the saw without a drilling bar, making life much easier.
CONs
- Accuracy. It can be difficult to get an accurate cut the first time you use it.
- Experience required. This model isn’t really designed for the novice - this is not a good model if you’re not comfortable with either a chainsaw or a mill.
Budget Pick
Timber Tuff TMW-56 Lumber Cutting Guide
Buying a chainsaw mill doesn’t have to break the bank. Although most of the models on offer cost north of $100, it doesn’t mean that they all do, nor that you won’t be able to get high-quality options. The Timber Tuff model costs less than $25 and yet is made of seriously strong stuff. It doesn’t have the same range as other models, but it’s an extremely good addition to any woodworking arsenal. If you want to try out a chainsaw mill, this is a great option to test the water without investing too much.
- Dimensions: 8 x 8.25 x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 3.61 pounds
- Warranty: Needs to be requested
What We Like:
- We like that - despite being the ‘budget’ option - this model still gives a wide range of options.
- You can cut boards from anywhere between 2 and 6 inches - a very respectable range.
- Also at 8" x 8.25" x 2.75" overall, this is really easy to transport.
- The low price doesn’t mean a drop in quality, as it’s also constructed of heavy-duty steel to withstand heavy use and wear.
PROs
- Easy to assemble. This one is so easy to put together that even a first-time user should have no problems.
- Finish. Another high-quality part of this build is the durable powder-coat finish, which resists corrosion, giving you a long-lasting product.
CONs
- Sturdiness. This doesn’t always feel like the sturdiest model you can buy.
- Sheering. This could have a higher quality sheer.
High-End Pick
GRANBERG Alaskan Mark-IV Chainsaw Mill
Most of the time our luxury pick is the one that has the most power or the biggest heft. However, the Granberg Chainsaw Mill is relatively unique in that it not only offers more power but also more precision. It thus combines power and accuracy in one attractive model. On top of that, it’s also extremely easy to use – sidestepping the usual problem with luxury models of complexity. All in all, if you have the budget to spend on this (i.e. more than $200), this model can do absolutely everything you need it to in exactly the way you’d want.
- Dimensions: 37 x 14 x 4 inches
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Warranty: Needs to be requested
What We Like:
- We like how easy this is to set up. It mounts to the chain bar with only a few turns of a wrench, making set up an absolute breeze.
- The range of cutting options is huge: from ½ inch thick through to 13 inches.
- Most remarkably, it can cut up to 27” wide, meaning you can start cutting exactly where the tree falls. This really is your all-in-one solution.
PROs
- Quality. This is built from the best materials. The steel and aluminum construction makes it both robust and also surprisingly lightweight.
- Versatile. The range of options open to the user of this chainsaw mill is truly astounding.
CONs
- Heavy. At around 20 lbs, this does require a bit of strength to get into position.
- Warranty. It’d be great to have the warranty automatically, rather than requiring the user to request it.
Pick #4
Haddon Lumbermaker
Although the Haddon Lumbermaker is at the $100 price point, it doesn’t mean that it’s not as good value as our ‘budget’ option. Indeed, given the fact that it’s cheaper than most other models out there, the quality it provides represents excellent value. It doesn’t have the same versatility as the other options on the market, but it provides a really long-lasting build option that will likely ensure this chainsaw mill stays with you for many years.
- Dimensions: 8 x 3 x 8 inches
- Weight: 3.59 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime guarantee
What We Like:
- A really nice detail we appreciated was the fact that this comes with a 30-page ‘how to’ owners’ manual - giving you the ability to really get to know the mill before using it.
- It also has a lifetime warranty, which is one of the surest signs of great build quality.
- On top of that, it increases the value for money, because you know you’ll not be buying another in a few years. Overall, this absolutely reeks of quality.
PROs
- Lifetime warranty. A wonderful indication of a manufacturer that has ultimate confidence in its product.
- High quality. The build quality of this model is great, with high-quality components and a comprehensive users’ guide.
CONs
- Versatility. It is somewhat limited in its cutting range.
- Inefficient. Unlike other models, the effort to output ratio isn’t great.
Pick #5
HiHydro Portable Chainsaw Mill Planking Milling
HiHydro may not be the best-known name in the industry, but this model really packs a punch. It feels like a solid model the way it handles small to medium pieces of lumber, and the construction is of the highest materials and quality. If you are used to working with a chainsaw mill, or you’re upgrading your existing mill, this is a serious option for you.
- Dimensions: 36.5 x 12.4 x 2.7 inches
- Weight: 14.67 pounds
- Warranty: Needs to be requested
What We Like:
- We love the hard work that this mill does. It can really handle whatever is thrown at it, cutting logs that are 18-26 inches.
- No bells and whistles. Simply sturdy construction and gets the job done.
PROs
- High quality. The construction ensures you can rely on this to do its job for years.
- Value. This is a great price for a solid product.
CONs
- Tough to assemble. The assembly is complicated and the instructions are lacking.
Chainsaw Mill Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve decided that a chainsaw mill is the right option for you, then our guide above has shown you the different options available depending on your budget and your intended uses. However, you should also consider the following three factors when it comes time to make a purchase. These will not only indicate what type you need to buy but also the key universal features to look out for that indicate a good quality model.
WARRANTY
A long warranty is always a key indicator, and across all of our guides, we always recommend using it as a gauge before making a purchase. This is particularly important when it comes to chainsaw mills, as for most models on our list, you need to request them directly from the manufacturer. If you are going to make a purchase, investigate in advance what you need to do to get the warranty, and how long it lasts. Two or three years should be your rule of thumb – below that is poor, above that is good. Lifetime is the best.
CHAINSAW MILL WEIGHT
Most users buying chainsaw mills focus on the size and the power but overlook the weight. While these factors are important, you need to consider the weight as well. A device that’s too heavy won’t allow you to move it around; this may be adequate if you’re planning on storing it permanently in a workshop, but not if you want to bring it to recently-felled trees.
On the flip side, if you buy a lightweight device that’s easy to maneuver, you may struggle with sturdiness when cutting the largest pieces of wood. A heavy mill anchors against the weight of the lumber. Your key question, then is what your intended use is.
INTENDED USE
This is related to the above question. Since a chainsaw mill isn’t really a causal piece of technology, it’s unlikely you’ve entered this process on a whim. You need to be sure, however, what size of wood you’ll typically be milling. If you’re planning on a few small beams or pieces of lumber, then a budget option is fine. However, for recently-felled trees, you’ll probably need something that can handle 24-36 inch lumber. Consider this carefully (and realistically) before you make your purchase.
Ultimately, your chainsaw mill purchase is fully contingent upon your specific needs. If you’re already a chainsaw user, then you’ve progressed beyond novice-level woodwork, and you’re onto the more serious stuff. Although this guide has identified different options, what is absolutely certain is that you need to make sure you have bought a high-quality chainsaw mill. A poor one will not only be frustrating to work with, but will also be potentially unsafe. So do your research (including reading this guide) and make sure your model is the perfect one for you.