Best Chainsaw Mill Reviews With Ultimate Buying Guide

Last Updated on October 3, 2021

Working on lumber is one of the most satisfying tasks everyone could try. The amount of amazing things you can create with lumber is incredible. Cabinets, coffee tables, bar stools, wall storage shelves; if you can name it, then you probably can make it.

In order to create all of these things, it is necessary that we have the proper tools. It’s here where our best chainsaw mill review comes into play.

A chainsaw mill is an outstanding tool for woodworkers. A great benefit of this tool is that even beginners can use it easily. So, without anything else to add, let’s analyze what this tool has to offer for us.

Best Chainsaw Mill – Comparisons

ImageProduct NameRatingPrice
Granberg MK-IV Alaskan Chainsaw Mill with 30 Inch RailsGranberg MK-IV Alaskan Chainsaw Mill with 30 Inch Rails4.7 out of 5 starsCheck Price
Carmyra 48 Inch Portable Chainsaw MillCarmyra 48 Inch Portable Chainsaw Mill3.3 out of 5 starsCheck Price
Zchoutrade Portable Chainsaw MillZchoutrade Portable Chainsaw Mill3.7 out of 5 starsCheck Price
Timber Tuff TMS-36, 36 Inch Saw MillTimber Tuff TMS-36, 36 Inch Saw Mill3.5 out of 5 starsCheck Price
OrangeA 48 Inch Portable Chain Saw MillOrangeA 48 Inch Portable Chain Saw Mill3.6 out of 5 starsCheck Price
Granberg Model G777 Chain Saw MillGranberg Model# G777 Chain Saw Mill4.6 out of 5 starsCheck Price
Farmertec 36 Inch Holzfforma Portable Chainsaw MillFarmertec 36 Inch Holzfforma Portable Chainsaw Mill3.9 out of 5 starsCheck Price
Popsport Aluminum Steel Portable Chainsaw MillPopsport Aluminum Steel Portable Chainsaw Mill4 out of 5 starsCheck Price
Haddon Lumbermaker Chainsaw MillHaddon Lumbermaker Chainsaw Mill4.3 out of 5 starsCheck Price
Granberg G555B Edging Chainsaws MillGranberg G555B Edging Chainsaws Mill4.7 out of 5 starsCheck Price

The 10 Best Chainsaw Mill Reviews

After going through its advantages, it is time to analyze the offers available for us in the market. This is our top ten chainsaw mill reviews:

1. Granberg MK-IV Alaskan Chainsaw Mill with 30 Inch Rails

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No products found.

When you are looking for a product that solidifies the best from its predecessors, while taking everything to the next level, you definitely should consider this product.

Coming from a brand that has been producing quality products for many years with a strong reputation, the Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill delivers everything you could expect, and it does not disappoint in the slightest.

It is designed to work on large timber reducing all the stress and complications that come from extravagant mills. A clear example of its comfortable performance is the mill’s bar.

The mill features a 26” bar width, which gives us plenty of possibilities to work on new projects and tasks. You will have the option to attach chainsaws with a 30” bar.

When you decide to attach your chainsaw, it is important to remember that it must have 60cc for better compatibility with the mill. It will prevent you from having issues, malfunctions, or any other unpleasant scenario while you are performing your task.

The cutting depth covers from 1/2” up to 13”. Taking care of cedar, oak and even walnut is not an issue at all with this tool. It will turn all of these materials into very high-quality lumber quickly.

It’s cutting capacity is outstanding, especially considering that it does not become an unpleasant experience at any point. This product offers a comfortable working session because of its anti-vibration system, which features metal runners to lock the log in its place.

The anti-vibration system, the aluminum and steel construction, and the convenient handle; all these elements make this tool a worthy product that we must not dismiss.

What We Like:
  • Easy to adjust and use
  • Works on many materials, like cedar, oak, walnut, among others
  • Quality construction made from steel and aluminum
  • Anti-Vibration system
  • Good cutting depth
What We Didn’t Like:
  • The bar width is not the greatest in comparison to other models in the market

2. Carmyra 48 Inch Portable Chainsaw Mill

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This product proves its value from the moment you get it. It features high-quality steel as well as aluminum, two materials that make up a solid construction capable of resisting heavy workloads and time.

Manufacturers started using these two materials for mill construction, and other tools, many years ago. Even today, the steel and aluminum remain among the preferred construction materials because of their quality.

This mill can cut through a variety of beams and lumber, going from 0.5” up to 13” thick, and reaching a capacity of 48” wide. Regardless of the job you’re going to perform, this product is capable of assisting you throughout your tasks.

It is also capable of cutting through cedar, oak, and walnut. Using it properly will provide you great results out of these materials, allowing you to produce great results for your projects.

If you already own a chainsaw and want to attach it, you will have the option to do it without the drilling bar. This setting allows us to attach different types of chainsaws, which is a great benefit for workers that have a chainsaw and to people who decide to buy a new one.

Another great advantage of this product is the price. We know that high prices don’t necessarily mean higher quality, but low prices don’t mean low quality either. This product is a clear example of that. You have access to this tool at a reasonable price, and it will deliver a great performance.

What We Like:
  • The steel and aluminum for its construction create a solid tool highly resistant and durable
  • Cuts through a variety of materials: from cedar to oak
  • Low price
What We Didn’t Like:
  • Instructions for its use are not clear
  • Needs special attention to keep the parts in their places and keep them from coming loose

3. Zchoutrade Portable Chainsaw Mill

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No products found.

This product is the ideal option for you if you are working on a low budget. It is a lightweight chainsaw mill that provides multiple advantages from the more expensive mills.

It offers what a good chainsaw mill should offer. First, it features steel and aluminum for its construction, ensuring its quality and high working capacity. You can use it to cut cedar, oak among other materials, all thanks to its 36” wide range, and its 13” thick capacity.

Now, this product is a highly functional portable tool. Its main purpose is to assist workers that want to do their job under different circumstances and situations. It definitely meets that purpose with its lightweight quality without losing functionality and performing at a good level.

You can put it at a certain location and work from there too. However, you might need to move it around the house, or to the backyard. When that time comes, the portability this tool delivers is outstanding. With only 15 pounds, it allows you to relocate it and set it back up again quickly.

An important observation we have to make about this chainsaw mill is the targeted audience. Unfortunately, the directions to properly use it are not clear for all users. For that reason, it will require you to get familiar with it to use it at its best capacity.

That does not mean that beginners and amateurs cannot use it, but it does require certain knowledge to operate it. Otherwise, it could become a frustrating experience that will disappoint you.

What We Like:
  • A lightweight tool that gives you many possibilities to work under different circumstances
  • Different types of cuts, reaching 36 inches wide and 13 inches thick
  • Low price
  • The best chainsaw mill for the money
What We Didn’t Like:
  • It requires previous experience to get it to work properly

4. Timber Tuff TMS-36, 36 Inch Saw Mill

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No products found.

One of the main concerns people often have about lightweight tools is whether or not they are functional. It is easy to dismiss a lightweight product because, well, a heavyweight tool often comes across more powerful, stable, and overall a better product.

But that is not the case at all. Lightweight tools can provide solid performance, and they don’t sacrifice their functionality in exchange for portability. As an example, we have the Timber Tuff TMS-36.

This chainsaw mill is commonly referred to as the best lightweight chainsaw mill because it only weighs 14 pounds. The small amount of pounds from this model makes it a valuable option when you want to work outside, or in case you have to move it constantly.

Naturally, it is not about weight only. This mill handles the standard 36” inches wide lumber capacity, keeping the materials locked and secured in their place while you’re using it. It is a powerful tool that can match and even surpass other models that are way more expensive.

Additionally, it’s a narrow tool that makes it easier to store. We can put it basically anywhere in the house, or at the garage, without consuming too much space.

Every woodworker, carpenter, and even homeowner should consider this product if they want to create new projects. It is a chainsaw mill that gives you plenty of freedom to work anywhere.

What We Like:
  • An outstanding lightweight tool that doesn’t sacrifice its performance over portability
  • Attaching your chainsaw is a quick and easy installation process
  • Great tool for both big and small projects as well
  • Reasonable price for every budget
What We Didn’t Like:
  • Requires you to check on its pieces to keep them from coming loose

5. OrangeA 48 Inch Portable Chain Saw Mill

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No products found.

This mill features stainless steel, and high-quality aluminum, two materials that can withstand intense working sessions, especially if we consider it is a lightweight tool.

It includes a bar capacity of 18 to 48-inch, making it a suitable option for different applications, and to work on a variety of boards. The bar capacity allows us to work on different projects, whether they are big or small.

The OrangeA chainsaw offers plenty of benefits that we can notice quickly. Among the most important benefits, we have the fact that this tool is compatible with an incredible amount of chainsaws. If you own a chainsaw, it is quite possible that there’s room for it in this mill.

Another one of its benefits is that we can adjust the height and width when we’re taking care of the lumber. It is a quick process that doesn’t demand much effort. These quick adjustments prevent us from wasting time setting it up, and it lets us put all of our focus on working.

For its price, this product is satisfying to use, and it works quite perfectly. It is important to check the measurement notches to keep them correct, but it does not demand plenty of time to do it. In fact, you can always keep track of the cutting depth using a tape measure before you use the mill.

However, a small disadvantage of this product is that it doesn’t provide proper assembly information. It takes time to set it up, but once you do, you will have a fully working chainsaw mill to complete your projects.

What We Like:
  • Lightweight tool
  • Durable over time
  • Good choice for professionals and beginners
  • Capable of working on big projects
What We Didn’t Like:
  • Assembling it takes some time, particularly because the instructions are not good enough

6. Granberg Model# G777 Chain Saw Mill

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No products found.

If you are looking for a chainsaw mill that is not complicated to use, then continue reading about this product, because it might deliver what you need for your projects.

The main benefit of this product is that it is easy to use. We could say its success lies entirely on its simplicity because, even with a simple design, it is capable of working efficiently.

With this product, you’re going to have access to a variety of timber, which will allow you to take care of multiple tasks efficiently. It also produces high-quality cuts on beams and lumber with 1/2 up to 13 inches of thickness, and a good 17 inches wide.

It is also a versatile product with high compatibility to chainsaws. You can attach them without the drilling bar, and it is designed to work properly with chainsaws that have a 20-inch bar, or less.

It is important to have products like the Granberg G777 chainsaw mill because sometimes we only need one of these tools for amateur or beginner purposes, and the more expensive tools often have many accessories that are unnecessary for our projects.

While it is an effective tool, it does have certain disadvantages. For example, we would appreciate if it was easier to adjust its cutting depth. Another one of its disadvantages is that it might present unbalance on certain parts, like at its motor.

Other than that, we like this chainsaw mill for what it is. It is simple, very effective, and at a low price.

What We Like:
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Provides a quality performance and results
  • Lightweight
  • Compatibility with different chainsaws
What We Didn’t Like:
  • Lacks proper adjustment pieces

7. Farmertec 36 Inch Holzfforma Portable Chainsaw Mill

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No products found.

When you own a big and powerful chainsaw, sometimes it is difficult to find the proper mill for it. More often than not, the chainsaw mill is not good enough, and it does not let the chainsaw display all of its power and capacities.

Well, if that is your case, then this chainsaw mill is a good solution for you.

Ideally, a powerful chainsaw like a gas-powered machine gets the best result out of this mill. However, if you don’t want to use it for highly demanding tasks, you can also attach other chainsaws with less power.

In fact, you can fit chainsaws that feature from 14 to 36 inches bar length, which is the most common bar range we get from commercial chainsaws.

Because of its high compatibility, this product becomes a suitable tool for professionals, beginners, and all types of workers under different circumstances.

One of the reasons why you can use it for different applications is because of its construction. It features aluminum, steel, and acrylic. They make this tool very resistant to heavy workloads. These materials also keep the tool from losing functionality and maintain its good performance over time.

Regardless of the application you put it through, it will deliver great results. Its good performance is possible because you can make adjustments to the height and width, which is something that woodworkers have to do regularly.

What We Like:
  • Compatible with many chainsaws
  • Particularly great for powerful chainsaws
  • Resistant materials for its construction
  • Good adjustment system to best suit your projects
What We Didn’t Like:
  • If you haven’t used a chainsaw mill before, you’re probably going to need assistance to assemble it

8. Popsport Aluminum Steel Portable Chainsaw Mill

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No products found.

This portable chainsaw mill turns your chainsaw into an even more effective machine to mill lumber. Whether you’re working in the house, your backyard or deep in the woods, this is a worthy product you should keep in mind if you have heavy-duty projects planned.

It features high-quality and resistant steel, as well as aluminum. These materials give the product a classic look, making it appealing to the eye and it combines well under different scenarios.

Naturally, when you put it to use on the outside, its lightweight comes in very handy. It will require barely any effort to set it up and start working on the lumber.

This tool is efficient at what it does, and you can also make quick adjustments to the height and width if it is necessary.

Now, there are a few considerations we must keep in mind before buying this product. First, its performance improves if you use with a gas-powered chainsaw that is 60cc or bigger. Not only does it makes it easier to attach, but you will get better results with a powerful chainsaw.

If you decide to use a smaller chainsaw, make sure it is compatible and follow the instructions for its installation. This process is a bit difficult because the guidelines to install it are not quite understandable, especially if you don’t have prior experience using a product like this chainsaw mill.

What We Like:
  • Portable tool that you can transport and store quickly
  • Offers the option to attach to the chainsaw’s bar directly
  • Great tool for every woodworker
  • Making adjustments is easy and quick
What We Didn’t Like:
  • The installation guidelines are not good, and it takes time and effort to understand them

9. Haddon Lumbermaker Chainsaw Mill

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No products found.

This product is what we consider a great tool for DIYers. The amount of freedom the Haddon Lumbermaker provides is outstanding, and it is a product every woodworker should try eventually.

Naturally, the biggest advantage of this product is its portability. You can take it to any location you need. You can keep it close to you and move around the woods if it’s necessary.

It is a very convenient tool that will make your woodworking tasks more fun, quicker, and effective. Going directly to the piece of lumber at the same spot it fell is an advantage that we truly appreciate from the Haddon Lumbermaker.

This tool is quite simple to use with a simple design, but don’t let its simplicity fool you, it can work with different boards and multiple materials. While working on the boards, it offers a solid performance making square cuts without complications.

Another important thing to mention about this tool is its compatibility with the chainsaws and the attachment process.  It only takes a few minutes to set up, and after you finish do it, you will have a fully operating tool to take care of your materials and projects.

Finally, we also take notice of how clean the operation is when you’re working. It is capable of producing very little waste while performing at a good level.

Of course, this is not the best option out there, but it is one that is worth the money and delivers a solid performance.

What We Like:
  • Simple construction and design make this product easy to operate
  • Delivers a good performance
  • Reduces the amount of waste
  • Low price
What We Didn’t Like:
  • The cutting results are not the best quality

10. Granberg G555B Edging Chainsaws Mill

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No products found.

Here we have a tool that provides versatility for different types of projects.

This versatility allows it to work with different chainsaws equally as well. However, it does have a recommendable type of chainsaw, which is what includes a bar from 16 to 36 inches, and features 50 to 77CC or higher displacement.

It includes 12ft of rail that works as a guide for your cutting. The rail is a great addition that improves the results, and it is capable of producing quality square logs. Furthermore, the rail assists to cut beams with accuracy at the right dimensions for flooring or sliding.

One of the recommendations that got our attention is that this product is more of a companion tool for the MK-IV Alaskan Mill. In fact, when you do combine these two tools, they definitely become incredibly effective for woodworking.

Of course, it is not necessary that you use both to get good results, but it is worth mentioning that they do make a good combination and they improve the quality of your work.

The Granberg G555B is an excellent tool for the money. It is capable of keeping up with your work, creating great results and it is suitable for both professionals and beginners.

We recommend this tool completely if you are a DIYer who likes to create new projects constantly.

What We Like:
  • Its low price makes it accessible for people with low budget
  • Ideal tool for DIYers
  • Compatible with different chainsaw models
  • An amazing partner for the Granberg Alaskan chainsaw mill
What We Didn’t Like:
  • Setting it up requires you to have extra tools and previous knowledge

Advantages of Using A Chainsaw Mill

First, we’re going to check all the benefits this tool provides, and why it is a good idea to get one. There are plenty of advantages, but we have listed what we consider are the best and most important ones. Let’s take a look;

Affordable Prices

Taking care of the lumber in your backyard was never as simple as it is today. Currently, we have a variety of chainsaw mills in the market from different brands, with multiple purposes, and diverse price range.

Whether you’re a professional that needs it to expand your job or a beginner that only wants to use it as a hobby, the chainsaw mill is the right tool if you want to mill lumber at a reasonable price. It is a highly effective tool available at low prices that are worth the investment.

Great Tool For Everyone

If you’re a professional, you probably are well aware of why you need this tool. It improves the quality of your work quickly, and it will allow you to have higher efficiency and better results.

However, this tool is amazing for beginners as well. It is ideal for people who don’t want to use it for a professional job, but rather to create projects around the house.

Every DIYer will have a great ally in this tool. It will assist you during your projects, and it won’t require you to have extraordinary knowledge to use it properly.

New Possibilities

When you’re into woodworking, and you own a chainsaw, the next thing that you can try is getting a chainsaw mill. The combination of a powerful chainsaw machine and a chainsaw mill will open many doors and possibilities for you.

This tool is a great backup for your chainsaw that not only increases its capacities, but it also brings many new things to the table. It certainly allows you to design other projects to create better results with high quality.

Without a doubt, if you have a chainsaw in your repertoire and you want to accomplish greater things, getting a mill is definitely something you should consider.

Portability

One of the main advantages this product has to offer is portability. You will have the opportunity to move it from the house to the backyard or into the woods if it is necessary, without any major complication.

Some models are heavyweight, but that is not a problem either if you have a proper transportation method to move it.

Ultimately, you will have a highly versatile tool to keep up with your work wherever you go, whether it is in your house, in the surrounding area, or deep in the forest.

After you buy one of these products, you will quickly see by yourself why it was a good investment to make. The number of advantages the chainsaw mill provides makes it an incredible tool every woodworker should consider trying out.

Before You Buy – What To Look For

There are certain considerations you must keep in mind before you make your buy. We are going to talk about them next:

Construction

When you are looking for a tool to cut and mill lumber, you want to have the best chainsaw mill possible. The right tool should provide a combination of elements to improve your performance and results successfully.

The product’s construction is one of those highlighted features that we always have to keep in mind.

Cutting wood is a task that requires durable tools. Because of that, you are going to need a mill capable of withstanding intense work. It should also keep up with your work for many years. After all, this is an investment you are going to make, and it should deliver what you need.

The most common materials for the mill’s construction are steel and aluminum. Sometimes, manufacturers use a combination of these two materials as well.

Steel is one of the most durable materials we can find, and it can create powerful tools capable of having a longer lifespan. Certainly, a steel product is a worth option that is worth its price.

On the other hand, aluminum is a lighter material in most cases. It allows you to have a tool that you can carry around easily. Additionally, it provides higher versatility if you come across an issue while doing your job.

Either way, these two materials are the most common because of how effective they are. Make sure the tool you pick has solid construction. The materials for the construction are what separate a product that lasts longer from a bad product that will not resist your demands.

Chainsaw Compatibility

There are plenty of options available in the market, but that does not necessarily mean you should buy the first one that you encounter. In fact, it is always recommendable to do a deep research before making your decision.

A chainsaw mill is an amazing tool that will make your job easier. It is successful because of the different elements that work together to deliver a great performance. Naturally, one of the most important elements is the chainsaw.

It is important to remember that not every chainsaw is compatible with every chainsaw mill available. If you have a chainsaw before buying the chainsaw mill, make sure they are compatible with each other. Otherwise, you will have to invest more money and time buying another one.

Some mills have a specific design that requires a certain type of chainsaw.

There are plenty of chainsaw mills that don’t need the drilling hole to attach the chainsaw properly. Other brands need chainsaws without the full-wrap handle.

Every chainsaw mill has its own benefits, but it can display disadvantages as well. For that reason, you should always check if the one you’re buying is compatible with your chainsaw. If you do your proper research, you will avoid disappointing situations, and you won’t have to waste money.

Weight

One of the elements that will improve the comfort and success of your work is the tool’s weight. Both heavy and light tools have their own benefits that you can take for your advantage, but there are also disadvantages to each model.

Lightweight tools offer you portability that comes very handy if your work requires you to move constantly. Furthermore, if it turns out necessary, you can also adjust the tool quickly without having to worry about heavy parts and an uncomfortable experience while you’re adjusting the pieces.

A heavyweight product has its benefits as well. For instance, it provides a more steady performance while you cut through logs. By offering a steady performance, woodworking becomes much easier because it requires barely any effort from the workers.

Nonetheless, one of the biggest disadvantages of heavyweight models is their weight precisely. Some of them require plenty of effort to transport, which is why they are better to use at a single location.

If your work requires you to go into the woods and move regularly, a lightweight tool is the best option for you. However, if you have the means to transport a heavyweight product, then the weight is not something that should worry you.

Cutting Depth

Another key element you should consider is the mill’s cutting depth. The cutting depth is important because it will provide information about what type of board it allows you to cut, especially when it comes to the board’s thickness.

The chainsaw mill’s cutting depth is usually adjustable, which means that you will have the freedom to adjust different boards regardless of its size. However, it does have its limits. That is the reason why you should have the mill’s cutting depth as another consideration before buying the tool.

The Bar Design

Professionals who have been doing the job for many years figure out what tools they need quickly, but that is not always the case when you are a beginner.

It is extremely important that you fully understand what type of wood you will cut. If you have a clear project in mind, it will keep you from buying a tool that won’t work properly with your materials.

For example, having a specific material in mind allows you to know the bar capacity you need. In order to do this, the best thing you can do is get a clear sample of the wood’s diameter. Not only from the wood that you’re planning to cut in the present, but also in the future.

Another benefit from buying the tool with the right bar capacity is that it will prevent you from having to buy yet another one later on. When we don’t do our proper research, we end up buying a product that does not meet our requirements.

When that happens, our investment goes to waste, and we find ourselves in the situation of needing to use more money to get a different one. In the end, buying the right tool for the materials you’re going to cut will save you plenty of time, money and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the chainsaw mill do?
A: It allows woodworkers to mill logs into more fine materials like lumber. You can use this lumber to produce furniture, for construction purposes, and multiple other applications as well.

Q: Is it easy to use?
A: Yes, it is quite easy to use. However, you might encounter issues during its installation if you don’t have previous experience with these products. If that is the case, make sure you follow the instructions strictly. You could also get assistance from a more experienced person.

Q: Do I need a special chainsaw for the chainsaw mill?
A: No, you don’t. There are many chainsaw mills available in the market, and all of them have good compatibility with the chainsaws of different sizes. Consider your options and get the one that is compatible with your own chainsaw.

Q: Can I use the chainsaw mill by myself?
A: Yes. However, if you’re going to do a high demanding project, most chainsaw mills allow two persons to operate it as well.

Q: Is the chainsaw mill easy to transport?
A: Yes, there are lightweight products available. Even if you buy a heavyweight chainsaw mill, with the proper transportation methods you can move it anywhere you want, because they are not impossible to carry.

Final Words

Choosing the best chainsaw mill will make your woodworking easier than it once was. Now that you know all of its advantages and the different products available on the market, you have a better idea of which one you should buy.

So, make sure you pick the best one for you and start working on those projects. The possibilities are endless, and now you know what tools you’re going to need.

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