We Tapped an Expert to Help Us Find the Best Chainsaw Mills—Here Are Our Top 7 Ones

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Processing logs using a chainsaw mill is a cost-effective alternative to buying lumber, as store-bought wood is often expensive and inconsistent in quality. A chainsaw mill attachment provides complete control over beam and board sizes as well as close monitoring of quality. Though a portable chainsaw sawmill will typically be made for smaller-diameter trees, it will also come at a much more affordable price than a larger sawmill. 

As useful as they are, chainsaw mills aren’t particularly common tools, so many people don’t understand which features are important. To help you choose the right mill for your needs, we researched the best options on the market and spoke with a woodworker who uses one on a regular basis. Based on our efforts and his insights, we chose the Granberg G778-36 36″ Alaskan MKIV Chainsaw Mill as our top pick for its quality construction, light weight, and ease of use. However, several other versions of these tools are also worth considering. Read on for a list of the seven best chainsaw mills as well as details on which features matter most when selecting one. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Granberg G778-36 36″ Alaskan MKIV Chainsaw Mill
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Zozen Portable Chainsaw Mill
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3. BEST COMPACT: Carmyra 24″ Portable Chainsaw Mill
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4. BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Timber Tuff Adjustable Lumber Cutting Guide
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5. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Carmyra 48″ Portable Chainsaw Mill
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6. HONORABLE MENTION: Granberg G777 Alaskan Small Log Mill
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7. ALSO CONSIDER: XRKJ 36″ Chainsaw Mill
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Our Top Picks

The following products are some of the best chainsaw mills available. We recommend you read through each model’s specs to find the right size mill then compare what we like and don’t about each to help make your final choice. For more detailed information on how to choose a chainsaw log mill, be sure to check out the shopping considerations near the end of this guide.

Best Overall

Granberg G778-36 36" Alaskan MKIV Chainsaw Mill

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What We Like

• High-quality steel and aluminum construction
• Widely recognized for accuracy and durability
• Works for both left- and right-handed users

What We Don’t Like

• Higher price than similar-size competitors
• Assembly takes around 30 minutes

Specs

• Bar size 20 inches to 36 inches
• Cutting capacity ½ inch to 13 inches thick; 32 inches wide
• Weight 20 pounds

The Granberg Alaskan MKIV chainsaw mill takes top honors for its build quality, ease of use, and versatile functionality. The sturdy construction combines heavy-duty zinc-plated steel and aircraft-grade aluminum. It takes around 30 minutes to assemble, but once assembled, its clearly marked depth scales make clamping and adjustment fast and easy. At only 20 pounds, it’s portable, too.

The Granberg Alaskan MKIV chainsaw mill is designed to take a maximum 36-inch chainsaw, and the manufacturer recommends using a good chainsaw with a motor capacity of 70 cubic centimeters (cc) or better. It can take smaller chainsaws, but if you’re working with a smaller chainsaw, consider a lower-cost mill, as the Granberg isn’t cheap. Remember also that the bar clamp takes 3 to 4 inches from the cutting capacity, so using a 20-inch bar, for example, restricts the cut to around 16 inches.

Get the Granberg G778 chainsaw mill at Amazon, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Acme Tools.

Best Bang for the Buck

Zozen Portable Chainsaw Mill

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What We Like

• Competitive price for an entry-level tool
• Easy to set up
• Convenient adjustable handle

What We Don’t Like

• Confusing instructions
• An additional cross brace would increase stability

Specs

• Bar Size 14 inches to 36 inches
• Cutting capacity ½ inch to 12 inches thick
• Weight 19 pounds

We chose the Zozen chainsaw mill as our best bang for the buck pick based on its competitive price point, solid construction, ease of use, and portability. It’s made of quality alloy and steel, and the bar is adjustable from 14 to 36 inches. 

Included with the chainsaw mill are four felling wedges that serve to ensure a more precise cut when milling. The adjustable handle is convenient for allowing even pressure while moving through the log. It’s very lightweight at only 19 pounds, and the portable design allows for backyard milling or easy transportation to more remote locations when required. 

Get the Zozen chainsaw mill at Amazon or Sawyer Supply. 

Best Compact

Carmyra 24" Portable Chainsaw Mill

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What We Like

• Compact dimensions ideal for smaller chainsaws
• Can produce useful 18½-inch-wide boards
• Great for low-volume users

What We Don’t Like

• Instructions are poor but videos are available

Specs

• Bar Size 14 inches to 24 inches
• Cutting capacity ½ inch to 13 inches thick; 18½ inches wide
• Weight 13 pounds

The Carmyra portable chainsaw mill uses the same popular and effective design as many competitors. It’s made from a combination of galvanized steel and aluminum, resulting in a good balance between strength and portability. For those who process lumber infrequently or need relatively low lumber volumes, this sawmill is a good tool with a competitive price.

This 24-inch Carmyra model is particularly suitable for those who only need to mill small to medium-size logs. As is common, the clamp reduces the overall cutting width, in this case, by approximately 4½ inches. This results in a maximum cut of little more than 18 inches. While it’s smaller than many competitors, the Carmyra still produces planks that are useful for a wide range of projects. 

Get the Carmyra 24-inch chainsaw mill at Amazon.

Best for Beginners

Timber Tuff Adjustable Lumber Cutting Guide

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What We Like

• Heavy-duty steel and powder-coated construction
• Costs considerably less than competitors
• Can accept any size chainsaw

What We Don’t Like

• No preset depth guide
• Cut takes time to set up; slow operation

Specs

• Bar Size Any
• Cutting capacity See description below
• Weight 3½ pounds

The Timber Tuff is called an adjustable cutting guide rather than a chainsaw mill because it operates slightly differently. The heavy-duty steel guide is designed to run along a piece of store-bought lumber, such as a 2×2, 2×4, or 2×6. The user simply nails or screws the store-bought board to a log, bolts the chainsaw bar to the Timber Tuff, and runs the guide along the board. Though the process is different, the results are similar to those produced by a milling attachment for a chainsaw. 

While setting up each cut takes a little more time and care than other types of chainsaw mills, it is light, simple, effective, and comes at a very low cost. Additionally, its cutting capacity is limited only by the size of the chainsaw used, and its cutting widths are defined by where users position the board for each cut.

Get the Timber Tuff chainsaw mill at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Target, or Grainger.

Best Heavy-Duty

Carmyra 48" Portable Chainsaw Mill

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What We Like

• Steel and aluminum construction
• Designed for heavy-duty milling
• Competitively priced and capable of high productivity

What We Don’t Like

• Instructions are poor
• Won’t fit some small chainsaws

Specs

• Bar Size 14 inches to 48 inches
• Cutting capacity ½ inch to 13 inches thick; 43½ inches wide
• Weight 16½ pounds

Those needing to saw large logs will want to take a closer look at this 48-inch Carmyra chainsaw mill. Even with some width loss due to the clamping mechanism, it can still saw boards up to an impressive 43½ inches wide. Like its smaller counterparts, it also has the versatility to mill thicknesses from just ½ inch up to 13 inches.

The design is popular and well proven. It uses a combination of steel for toughness and durability with aluminum to keep the weight manageable. Despite the heavy-duty nature of this chainsaw mill, it weighs only 16½ pounds. Although rated for chainsaws as small as 14 inches, some bars are too narrow to accommodate the clamp. However, in reality, those with small chainsaws have no need for a portable lumber mill this large.

Get the Carmyra 48-inch chainsaw mill at Amazon.

Honorable Mention

Granberg G777 Alaskan Small Log Mill

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What We Like

• Compact mill from a quality brand
• Light weight for milling in the field
• Improved end brackets are strong and reliable

What We Don’t Like

• Single-sided design lacks stability
• First cut impacts subsequent boards

Specs

• Bar Size 16 inches to 20 inches
• Cutting capacity ½ inch to 13 inches thick; 18 inches wide
• Weight 10 pounds

Granberg classifies its G777 as a small-log chainsaw mill. While capacities aren’t equal to the Alaskan MKIV, the G777 is a quality tool that offers versatility in cutting depth. It’s also more compact and lighter than the Alaskan MKIV, making it ideal for field use when more modest log sizes are available.

The G777 tracks across the board’s surface like other horizontal mills, but it’s only supported on one side. As a result, users should take care when setting up the first cut. Subsequent cuts also require focus to maintain accuracy, though most users should acclimate to the tool quickly.quent cuts also require focus to maintain accuracy, though most users should acclimate to the tool quickly.

Get the Granberg G777 chainsaw mill at Amazon, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Acme Tools.

Also Consider

XRKJ 36-Inch Chainsaw Mill

See It

What We Like

• Compact mill from a quality brand
• Light weight for milling in the field
• Improved end brackets are strong and reliable

What We Don’t Like

• Single-sided design lacks stability
• First cut impacts subsequent boards

Specs

• Bar Size 16 inches to 20 inches
• Cutting capacity ½ inch to 13 inches thick; 18 inches wide
• Weight 10 pounds

Featuring a design similar to the Granberg Alaskan MKIV, the XRKJ is a low-cost horizontal chainsaw mill constructed from quality materials. For the occasional user, it also offers good value for the money. 

Its steel and aluminum construction mean it’s not only strong but also lightweight. Although the minimum bar size is listed as 12 inches, the resulting maximum cut is only around 8 inches. Additionally, chainsaws of that size are unlikely to provide sufficient power, so a 20-inch chainsaw is the smallest practical size. 

Get the XRKJ chainsaw mill at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Chainsaw Mills

As the owner of a large property, I have considerable experience choosing a good chainsaw for milling and other maintenance and improvement tasks. Since I’m also an engineer by profession, choosing the best portable sawmill for a chainsaw plus a lineup of several more top options gave me a chance to use my training. When selecting our list of recommended products, I used the following criteria:

• Build quality: Chainsaw mills aren’t likely to be treated with a great deal of care, so the materials they’re made from matter. Each model chosen has the strength and durability to withstand a tough working environment.
• Brand: Many of our choices come from brands that have extended experience in the field and a recognized reputation. However, several well-made tools from lesser-known manufacturers are also on our list.
• Value: Most chainsaw mills are very affordable, particularly when weighing the potential savings over store-bought lumber. Nevertheless, we were careful to pick models within a range of prices to offer something for every budget.

What to Consider When Choosing a Chainsaw Mill

A chainsaw mill (also called a “chainsaw sawmill” or “Alaskan sawmill”) isn’t a particularly complicated device. However, each chainsaw mill will possess certain key features that differentiate it from others. 

Chainsaw Compatibility

You can consider chainsaw mill compatibility in terms of both power requirements and whether it will fit your chainsaw. As with choosing the best wood chipper to cut branches and twigs into mulch, cutting planks with a chainsaw mill requires a saw with considerable power. While a few cordless chainsaws offer comparable performance for tree felling or log cutting, milling takes a lot of energy and can drain electric batteries quickly. Even if you have one of the best corded electric chainsaws, the amount of power necessary for milling could cause the saw to overheat. That leaves gas-powered chainsaws as the only sensible choice. 

When describing compatibility, many chainsaw mill manufacturers describe their tools as fitting “most types of chainsaws.” However, there will still be restrictions regarding bar length, so a minimum engine displacement (defined in cubic centimeters) will be suggested. 

Bar Capacity and Cutting Depth

Chainsaws are usually described by their bar length: 16 inches, 24 inches, etc. When considering chainsaw mills, bar size has a major impact on the maximum diameter of the logs they can mill and, thus, the width of planks they can produce. (For more on chainsaw bar length, see our guide on how to measure a chainsaw bar.) 

Be aware, however, that the stated dimensions can sometimes be misleading. If the mill clamps the bar end, as many do, it reduces the length available for cutting. While bar size is important for fitting the chainsaw to the mill, users will also want to check the mill’s cut size to determine its actual capacity.

Cutting depth is another key feature, and it depends on the type of chainsaw mill chosen. Some cut with the chainsaw held vertically (often called “edging mills”). These offer unlimited versatility, but repeatable accuracy is more challenging. Other mills cut with the chainsaw mounted horizontally, which can be set to a consistent thickness. Most run from ½ inch to 12 inches, though cuts as thin as ⅕ inch are possible. Some large-capacity models can exceed 15 inches.

Ease of Use

Small chainsaw mills frequently arrive ready to go right out of the box, but larger models generally require some assembly. Chainsaw mills are typically not complicated devices, but the quality of their instructions varies. While most chainsaw mills clamp the chainsaw bar, some require drilling, which entails extra work. It’s probably best to avoid those models, as many options exist that don’t require drilling.

Chainsaw mills fall into two categories: edging mills and horizontal mills. Edging mills must be run on a board mounted to the log, and they’re generally used for squaring up logs for building purposes rather than for cutting multiple planks. Horizontal mills rest on top of the log and cut consistent plank thicknesses. Adjustment is usually straightforward via a couple of bolts.

Portability and Durability

One of the biggest advantages of a chainsaw mill is portability, and these small tools often weigh under 20 pounds. Because they’re so lightweight, users can easily take the mill to the felled tree and work on-site. Jarrod Rodgers, sawyer, woodworker, and owner of Second Life Design, a custom woodworking business based in Rantoul, Illinois, prefers to bring felled trees home and process them there. He says, “The DIY aspect of a chainsaw mill is a big appeal, and I use my chainsaw mill in my driveway in the middle of town.”

Chainsaw mills are usually constructed from a mix of steel and aluminum. Steel offers great strength, so it’s used for the main structural components that hold things together. These pieces are generally also electroplated (usually with zinc, nickel, or chrome) to protect against rust. Since aluminum is much lighter, it’s generally used for guide rails. 

How to Use a Chainsaw Mill

Chainsaw mills are a reasonably simple tool to use, but always follow basic safety precautions. Also, take a couple of important steps when setting up the mill to ensure consistent, quality results.

• Ensure the log to be cut is stable. Use chocks underneath to prevent any chance of it rolling.
• Follow general safety rules regarding how to use a chainsaw. Wear substantial footwear, gloves, a face shield, and ear protection. Chainsaw chaps are also a good idea.
• Check that the chainsaw chain is sharp and use a chainsaw sharpener if necessary. A blunt chain is not simply inefficient—it’s also more likely to bind or jump off the bar.
• The first cut is key, as it provides the surface for each consecutive cut. When used by itself, the mill rests on uneven bark and trimmed branches, which means making a clean, even cut is almost impossible. To remove that rough surface, some kind of guide is necessary.
• Edge mills usually run along a length of shop-bought or precut board that’s screwed to the log. Horizontal mills often require you to affix a jig to the log. Some people rig up an ordinary aluminum ladder, but getting it level can be challenging. Purpose-built jigs are available that are much easier to adjust.
• Once the outer layer is removed, horizontal mills can rest on the now-flat surface. It’s not a complicated process, but you will want to take care when making the initial cut, even if you have a sharp chainsaw milling chain on one of the best chainsaws. 

FAQs

The sections above offer an in-depth look at the technical aspects of chainsaw mills. However, since many DIYers have never used a chainsaw mill, it’s expected that there may still be some remaining questions that need answers. 

Q. Should I purchase a chainsaw mill or a bandsaw mill?

If you’re looking for an affordable, easily portable tool for sawing a modest number of logs per year, the chainsaw mill is probably the better choice, especially if you already own a suitable chainsaw. A bandsaw mill offers higher productivity and less waste, but most are a lot more expensive. They are more likely to appeal to those who are milling logs commercially.

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

Each chainsaw mill has a maximum size chainsaw that will fit it. As this is one of those occasions when you can never have too much power, experts recommend using the biggest chainsaw possible within the specifications of the chosen mill.

Q. If I have a smaller bar, can I still use a larger mill?

Often you can, but it depends on the mill. Most chainsaw mills offer a degree of versatility; however, it’s important to check the minimum size. Usually, this is around 14 inches. That said, a chainsaw with a bar that short might not have the necessary power to cut effectively. Also, remember that a smaller bar length restricts the size of logs you can cut.

Q. How big of a chainsaw do I need for an Alaskan mill?

There are numerous models of Alaskan mills, ranging from the smallest, which can take a 12-inch chainsaw, to the largest, which can use a 60-inch chainsaw. It is important not to underestimate your needs. Choose a chainsaw that will comfortably cut the diameter of logs you use regularly. Remember that clamping the chainsaw bar will usually reduce the usable length by 3 or 4 inches.

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

Chainsaw milling is not a fast process, and how long it takes depends a lot on the log size and material density. Pine, for example, is easier to saw than oak. Knots or twisted grain will have an impact, as will the chain’s sharpness and power. With so many variables, it’s difficult to be precise, though most experts suggest between 10 and 20 minutes per cut as an average.

Q. How much power is necessary for a saw?

When it comes to chainsaw mill work, the more power, the better. This is both for cutting speed and minimizing the stress on the chainsaw motor. Experts suggest a 50cc gas chainsaw as an absolute minimum, though 70cc and above is typically recommended. Additionally, using one of the best chainsaw bar oils will keep the exterior moving parts of the saw operating smoothly. 

Q. What is a ripping chain?

A standard chainsaw chain is designed to cut across the tree trunk for felling or cutting logs for firewood. Effectively, this means you’re cutting across the grain. A ripping chain is designed to cut with the grain along the length of the trunk, so it’s better when using a chainsaw mill.

Q. What are a chainsaw mill’s limitations?

Each chainsaw mill has a maximum depth of cut and maximum width. How the mill clamps the chainsaw blade has an impact, so check the chainsaw mill’s specifications carefully.