A chainsaw mill is a popular tool that makes cutting through substantial wooden pieces easier and provides accurate lumber cuts using a chainsaw. It is a portable device that can be operated by a single or a couple of users. A chainsaw mill is nothing but a metal frame where you can securely place a piece of wood. So which chainsaw mill is better for you?
If your yard is filled with some wood that needs to be changed into useful lumber, then a chainsaw mill is the right pick for you. It’s a very productive tool that saves money, time, and effort. They’re perfect for DIYers, carpenters, and woodworkers, making it easier to mill lumber with great portability.
The industry is loaded with different chainsaw mills, where not every model is suitable for everyone. In this article, we’ll review the best-selling chainsaw mills and help you pick an ideal mill for your woodworking needs.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Best Chainsaw Mills 2022
1. ALASKAN G777 Granberg Chainsaw Mill
If you’re looking for a portable mini chainsaw mill, then Granberg G777 could be a great pick. Granberg International is known for manufacturing high-quality, accurate, and reliable tools. Granberg G777 follows the legacy and is a trusted name in the industry.
It is made from steel and aircraft-grade aluminum for better durability and reliability. The mill has also got a zinc-plated finish, which enhances the looks and durability. This portable chainsaw mill can fit bars of 20 inches, having a width of 2.5 inches. You can easily cut the wood into usable lumber measuring 0.5 to 13 inches (by thickness) and up to 18 inches (by width).
Granberg G777 comes with an attachment that allows you to connect your chainsaw without a drilling bar. You must know that this tool is not compatible with battery-powered or corded chainsaws. You can use it with gas-based chainsaws with a 60cc engine or more. This tool weighs only 10 pounds, making it a lightweight and easy-to-carry model. Overall, this is a great mill but for small woodworking projects.
Things We Like:
- An easy-to-use and fast working chainsaw mill
- The construction and build quality are excellent
- Highly portable
Things That Can Be Better:
- Some assembling required
- You can use it only with gas chainsaws
2. Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill
Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill is a perfect combination of ruggedness and precision. It is made from a mix of high-quality stainless steel and aluminum, making it strong enough for complex milling works.
Its build quality is impressive that lasts long against harsh conditions. Carmyra allows woodworkers to cut beams into lumber measuring 0.5 to 13 inches (by thickness) and up to 36 inches (by width). You can finish all your domestic and other small projects with this lumber length.
Carmyra Chainsaw Mill is available in two different sizes that are compatible with various chainsaw models. All these models allow you to use bars of 14 to 40 inches by size. This model comes with a calibrated bar that helps you measure the thickness of the lumber you want.
It weighs 16.27 pounds, which is not the lightest, but it is easy to move around. One downside is the instruction manual, which is not very detailed and descriptive.
Things We Like:
- Compatible with 14 to 36-inch chainsaw bars
- Made from metals like steel and aluminum to ensure durability
- It has a wide range of milling thicknesses
Things That Can Be Better:
- It doesn’t come with any instructions
3. Haddon Lumbermaker
Turning your chainsaw into a sawmill is no more an expensive job. Haddon Lumbermaker is an affordable and more straightforward option for woodworkers looking to mill some usable lumber. The first thing that attracts us the most is its simple, lightweight design. This model weighs only 4 pounds, one of the most lightweight chainsaw milling accessories available in the market.
This tool is straightforward to install and comes with guides that provide a straight line to make accurate cuts. Haddon Lumbermaker is compatible with almost every regular chainsaw and takes a few seconds to get attached.
Moreover, it allows you to cut lumber of any size and make beams, planks, and boards as well. The design of the chainsaw mill is exquisite and is quite effective while making square cuts.
Haddon Lumbermaker is capable of working with both 2×4 and 2×6 guide boards. It also allows your chainsaw to pivot for making plunge cuts. It makes less waste and makes smooth cuts when compared with other models. Finally, it comes with a well-written manual guide, which is very helpful for beginners.
Things We Like:
- One of the most lightweight milling accessories
- Compatible with a wide variety of chainsaws
- The instruction manual provided is handy
Things That Can Be Better:
- A little tough to operate for beginners
4. Popsport Chainsaw Mill
For all the woodworkers and artisans looking for a practical and reliable tool, this Popsport chainsaw mill is a perfect choice. In terms of design, the Popsport chainsaw mill is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and galvanized stainless steel to ensure durability.
Even though made of rigid materials, it is a lightweight and portable chainsaw mill. There is a side bracket present that you can easily adjust to deal with small or big projects. Users can also change the bar length anywhere from 14 to 36 inches to get the required results. This tool provides you a flat surface to conveniently cut boards of thickness 0.5 to 13 inches.
For easy installation, it comes with all the essential hardware that you need for instant setup. Popsport chainsaw mill features high-end brackets that create less vibration and helps in making equally-sized planks. In terms of specs, this model weighs 17 pounds, which is pretty good considering the size of this tool. Overall, this is a durable mill for enthusiasts, woodworkers, and outdoor builders.
Things We Like:
- A durable and long-lasting design
- It comes with wrenches for easy adjustments
- Portable and Lightweight
Things That Can Be Better:
- The assembling process is a little complicated
5. Farmertec Portable Sawmill
The Farmertec portable chainsaw mill is made from high-quality aluminum and stainless steel materials, providing a premium look and better durability. This tool by Farmertec is compatible with all the chainsaws having a bar length from 18 to 48 inches. The installation is an easy process as the mill directly attaches to your chainsaw bar.
Moreover, this tool also comes with essential hardware required for easy and quick setup. The chainsaw mill and assembling tool come with a user manual that can benefit new users. You can also adjust the plank height and width easily.
Farmertec chainsaw mill weighs 17.15 pounds, which is not the lightest model available, but you can move it around without hassle. Overall, this is an excellent tool for all our builders and woodworkers. It also comes with a one-year replacement warranty for your peace of mind.
Things We Like:
- Quick installation, lightweight, and portable
- A durable and robust tool to cover heavy projects as well
- It works with a chainsaw bar length of 18 to 48-inch
Things That Can Be Better:
- It doesn’t include any guide bar
6. Granberg MK-IV Alaskan Chainsaw Mill
Granberg is a leading name in the industry, and MK-IV is another tool by Granberg picked in our list. This tool is made of heavy-duty stainless steel that feels robust and durable. If you’re looking to cut slabs up to 27 inches wide and thickness from 0.5 to 13 inches, Granberg MK-IV is the perfect pick.
This mill can work with materials like oak, walnut, cedar, and many more. It will finely turn these materials into high-quality lumber. Users can easily adjust the width and height of the lumber and manage its diameter. This tool comes with new end brackets that can adjust and make fewer vibrations to make accurate results. This tool weighs only 8.62 pounds and measures 31 x 14 x 4 inches, which is relatively less than other similar models.
Things We Like:
- Designed with an Anti-Vibration system for stable performance
- Made out of steel and aluminum
- Extremely easy to use and assemble
Things That Can Be Better:
- The bar width is not very impressive
7. Zchoutrade Portable Sawmill
Zchoutrade’s chainsaw mill is a reasonably priced tool that offers numerous advantages compared to other high-end models. This Zchoutrade is made of high-quality metals, like steel and aluminum, that provide long-lasting performance. Woodworkers can use this tool for cutting different materials, like cedar, walnut, and others, into usable lumber.
It can deal with the slabs having a thickness of 0.5 to 13 inches and a maximum width of 36 inches. It is a highly functional tool that enables DIYers to finish their projects in different situations.
Using this tool with your chainsaw is very simple, as you don’t require any drilling bar for attachment. The user manual provided is brief, but everything is mentioned on a single page, making reading difficult. With only 15 pounds, it is a lightweight, mobile tool that is easy to carry and move.
Things We Like:
- Designed with an Anti-Vibration system for stable performance
- Made out of steel and aluminum
- Extremely easy to use and assemble
Things That Can Be Better:
- The bar width is not very impressive
8. CO-Z Portable Chainsaw Mill
If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use mill that can turn your logs into usable lumbers, then CO-Z is another great option. This tool is designed from solid steel and an aluminum frame that stands durable against any force, pressure, and environmental impacts.
Using this tool is no rocket science; in fact, you can easily mount your chainsaw with the tool and begin your project. It works fine with most of the chainsaw models available in the market. Working with cedar, oak, or walnut is not a problem with this CO-Z chainsaw mill. You can use this tool for various tasks as it supports planking cut thicknesses of 0.5 to 12 inches.
Also, it fits all chainsaws with bar sizes ranging from 14 to 48 inches. There is an ergonomic handle with a rubber grip for better comfort and control. CO-Z chainsaw mill weighs 19.55 pounds, relatively heavier than other mills.
Things We Like:
- Perfect for most wood types
- Suitable for a wide range of projects
- No compromise with the build quality
Things That Can Be Better:
- A bit heavier
Factors to Consider When Buying a Chainsaw Mill
Compatibility with Chainsaw
The industry is loaded with many chainsaw mills, but you need to do proper research before investing in them. We are saying this as every chainsaw is not compatible with every mill. So if you already own a chainsaw, then make sure that the mill you’re going to buy is compatible with it. Some mills may ask you to drill a hole in the handle to attach the chainsaw; whereas, some models work without a full-wrap handle.
Construction and Build Quality
You’re using a mill to cut logs into usable lumbers. Thereby, you need a reliable tool that is strong enough to handle the job efficiently. Chainsaw mills made of steel, aluminum, or both are considered more durable. However, steel can be a little heavier, but aluminum makes a lightweight and portable tool. So, these two are common materials that are used in the construction of mills. If you opt for an aluminum-made chainsaw mill, make sure it is strong enough or aircraft-grade.
Bar Capacity
This is yet another essential factor to look for before buying a chainsaw mill. The width of the wood you’re planning to cut depends on the length of the chainsaw bar. Bar length is the limit of the log’s width. Therefore, it is recommended to consider bar capacity to ensure that the mill works according to your plans. Consequently, if you have a chainsaw mill with a shorter bar capacity, you’ve to invest in a newer mill. So, be smart and choose wisely.
Cutting Depth
Another essential point to keep in mind is the cutting depth. It is a measurement that provides you information about the thickness of the board you will make with the mill. Generally, cutting depth is an adjustable feature, which means you can easily adjust the board’s thickness and prepare boards of different sizes.
Most chainsaw mill models available in the market have a cutting depth of 0.5 to 12 inches. Some models may provide a maximum range of up to 13 inches. So, opt for a model that meets your requirements.
Weight
Weight is one of the key elements that adds comfort and convenience to your work process. Both lightweight and heavyweight models are available, each having its benefits and disadvantages. But, when you talk about chainsaw mills, it is recommended to go with lightweight models. A heavier tool will provide you better stability, but we prefer portability above all.
Therefore, we recommend our buyers look for mills weighing less than 15 pounds. However, if you own an off-road vehicle that can carry the tool to different job sites, then you shouldn’t worry about your mill’s weight.
Final Words
Choosing a suitable mill for your yard will make the woodworking process easier like never before. A chainsaw mill is a perfect tool for the DIYers who need to turn their logs into lumber. In this article, we’ve discussed and reviewed some of the best chainsaw mills you’ll find on the internet. However, if you’re still facing any difficulty, here’s a summary of our mill recommendations.
Granberg G777 chainsaw mill is the best model that comes with durable construction and some remarkable features. It’s an American brand that focuses on manufacturing high-end woodworking tools. If you’re budget-conscious, then Carmyra portable chainsaw mill will be a great choice. This product comes with a best-seller tag and is extremely popular among DIYers.
Woodworkers who love enjoying the benefits of mobility should look after Haddon Lumbermaker. This tool weighs only under 5 pounds, and you can carry it effortlessly. Last but not least, we recommend our buyers figure out their needs and do proper research before making a decision.
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