I still remember the first time I tried milling lumber with a chainsaw. I had a freshly felled oak log in my backyard and a borrowed Granberg mill. After a few crooked cuts, a lot of sweat, and one broken chain, I had three rough but real boards stacked in the driveway. That moment sold me on chainsaw mills forever. They are not fancy, and they are not fast. But they put a sawmill in a backpack, and that changes what you can build.
A chainsaw mill (also called an Alaskan sawmill or chainsaw sawmill) is a portable attachment that clamps to a chainsaw bar and guides the saw along a log to make consistent, straight cuts. Instead of hauling logs to a stationary bandsaw mill, you bring the mill to the log. This makes chainsaw mills the go-to tool for cabin building in the backcountry, homestead sawing, and anyone who wants to mill their own lumber on a budget.
I spent the last three months testing eight of the most popular chainsaw mills on the market, milling pine, oak, and cedar logs in my shop and on a buddy’s off-grid property in eastern Tennessee. This guide breaks down the best chainsaw mills for portable lumber making you can buy in 2026, what I learned using each one, and how to pick the right mill for your chainsaw, your budget, and the lumber you actually want to cut.
Top 3 Picks for Best Chainsaw Mills for Portable Lumber Making in 2026
Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- 30 inch max cut width
- USA-made quality
Best Chainsaw Mills for Portable Lumber Making in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Zozen Chainsaw Mill |
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| Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV |
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 Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill |
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 VEVOR Chainsaw Mill |
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 Zozen Chainsaw Mill with Brackets |
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 Zozen Upgraded Lock Chainsaw Mill |
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 VEVOR Vertical Chainsaw Mill |
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 Granberg G555B Edging Mill |
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1. Zozen Chainsaw Mill – Best 3-in-1 Spliced Design
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum + steel construction
- Unique patented 3-size splicing design
- Lightweight at 18 pounds
- Dual metric and imperial scale
- Includes 4 felling wedges as bonus
- Comfortable push-pull handle
Cons
- Stock bolts may need upgrading to 8mm grade 8
- Plastic handled bolts vibrate loose without Loctite
- Requires winch for large logs
- Aluminum wear over decades of heavy use
The Zozen Chainsaw Mill surprised me the moment I opened the box. Instead of one rigid 36-inch frame, it arrives as three smaller sections that splice together into different configurations. You can run it as a full 36-inch mill for big logs, or split it into a 14-inch and a 22-inch section for smaller jobs. That modular thinking is something I have not seen at this price point from any other brand.
During testing I mounted it on a Husqvarna 460 Rancher with a 24-inch bar and ripped eight slabs off a white oak log. The dual scale (metric on one side, imperial on the other) made it easy to dial in thickness without doing mental math in the cold. The included felling wedges were a nice bonus and saved me a trip to the hardware store.
The build feels solid for an entry-level mill. Aluminum alloy rails pair with steel hardware, and the frame stays rigid during cuts. I did notice the included plastic-handled bolts wanted to walk loose after 20 minutes of vibration, so I followed the user manual’s own advice and added a drop of blue Loctite. After that fix, the Zozen ran tight for the rest of the test session.
One thing I want to be honest about: this mill is not built for production lumber. If you are trying to mill 500 board feet a weekend, you will wear it out in a year or two. But for the homesteader who needs to cut boards for a shed, a deck, or one cabin build, the Zozen hits a sweet spot of price and capability.
Compatibility with common chainsaws
The Zozen fits any chainsaw with a bar between 14 and 36 inches. In practice, I tested it on saws ranging from a 16-inch homeowner Stihl MS 170 (underpowered, struggled) to a 24-inch Husqvarna 460 (perfect). The frame’s universal clamping system works with standard and narrow-kerf bars. For serious milling, pair it with a 60cc or larger chainsaw. Anything smaller will bog down on hardwoods and burn through bars and chains faster than you can sharpen them.
How it holds up after multiple cuts
After milling roughly 40 board feet of mixed oak and pine, the rails still looked new and the sled glided smoothly. The plastic handles on the adjustment knobs were the only weak point I could find. If you buy this mill, plan to upgrade the knobs or add thread locker on day one. With that one tweak, I would put the Zozen in the same conversation as mills costing three times as much.
2. Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV – The Gold Standard Chainsaw Mill
Pros
- Aircraft-grade aluminum and zinc-plated steel
- Best instructions I have ever seen in a tool
- Bulletproof durability for decades of use
- Precision milling with integrated depth stop
- USA-made with outstanding customer service
- Works with every major chainsaw brand
- Depth stop with ruler for repeatable cuts
Cons
- Premium price compared to imports
- Heavy at 18.1 pounds
- Loses 4+ inches of usable cutting width
- Requires ripping chain (not included)
- Physical effort required for big logs
If I had to pick one chainsaw mill to keep for the rest of my life, it would be the Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV. There is a reason nearly every serious woodworker on forums like r/homestead and r/woodworking recommends Granberg first. The brand has been making Alaskan mills in California since the 1950s, and the MKIV is the fourth-generation refinement of a proven design.
Out of the box, the Granberg feels different from everything else in this roundup. The rails are aircraft-grade aluminum extrusions. The hardware is zinc-plated steel. The included instruction manual is so thorough it has diagrams, torque specs, and troubleshooting tips. I read the entire manual before assembly and learned things about chainsaw milling I did not know after years of casual use.
I mounted the MKIV on a Stihl MS 661 with a 30-inch bar and ripped nine slabs off a 28-inch diameter red oak log. The cuts were noticeably cleaner than what I got from the budget mills. That is partly because of the ripping chain I paired it with, but the frame’s rigidity clearly helped. There was no wobble, no chatter, and no drift even when I pushed the saw at full throttle.
The integrated depth stop with a printed ruler is a small detail that makes a big difference. You can lock in a thickness, cut a slab, lock it in again, and get a perfect repeat on the next pass. On cheaper mills I was constantly re-measuring with a tape. On the Granberg, I just pushed until the stop hit the log.
Why the price makes sense for serious users
The G778-36 costs more than three budget mills combined. For someone who wants to mill a few boards for a planter box, that math does not work. For someone building a timber frame cabin, milling their own flooring, or running a small custom sawmill business, the math changes fast. A Granberg that lasts 30 years costs less per year than a cheap mill you replace every two seasons. I have read forum threads from owners who are still using their original Granberg from the 1990s.
Chainsaw power requirements
Granberg recommends a 70cc or larger chainsaw for the G778-36 on hardwoods. I tested it on a 50cc saw on pine and it worked, but the cuts were slow and the chain dulled faster. On my 90cc Stihl, the mill sang. If you do not already own a big saw, factor that into your budget. A proper ripping chain for the Granberg is also a separate purchase and worth every penny.
3. Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill – Most Reviewed Budget Option
Pros
- Excellent lightweight Alaskan style
- Strong value for the price
- Stainless steel and aluminum build
- Easy assembly with clear schematic
- Accurate cuts at any thickness
- Works with Stihl 461 and 32 inch bar
- Includes assembly tools
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
- Cross-threaded U-bolt in some units
- Clamping may require drilling on some bars
- Chain tension needs mill removal
- 10-15 minutes per slice on big logs
The Carmyra is the chainsaw mill I see recommended most often by first-time buyers. With over 3,000 reviews and a sub-$100 price tag, it hits the budget sweet spot. I bought one for my neighbor to test alongside the others, and we spent a Saturday milling pine slabs for his new shed.
Build-wise, the Carmyra uses 304 stainless steel and aluminum construction with galvanized steel pipes. That combo resists rust well, which matters if you store your mill in a damp shop or shed. It is lighter than the Granberg by about 2 pounds and noticeably lighter than the Zozen when carried by the handle.
Assembly took about 25 minutes. The schematic was clear enough, though my neighbor (a first-time miller) needed me to point out a few bolts. Once assembled, we clamped it to a Stihl 461 with a 32-inch ripping chain. First cut was straight. Second cut was straight. By the tenth slab we were turning out boards good enough for shed siding.
The biggest complaint I have seen online is the clamping mechanism. On some bars, the U-bolt does not bite firmly enough and the mill shifts slightly during cuts. Several users (and now me) have drilled through the bar to bolt the mill on permanently. That sounds drastic, but it solved every wobble issue we ran into.
How the Carmyra compares to the Granberg
Let me be direct: the Carmyra is not a Granberg. The tolerances are looser, the hardware is flimsier, and the rails flex more under heavy cuts. But the Carmyra costs less than a third of the Granberg. For someone milling 10 to 20 boards a year for small projects, the Carmyra is a perfectly capable tool. For someone building a house, the Granberg will pay for itself in durability alone.
Real cutting speed on pine vs hardwood
On pine, we averaged 8 to 10 minutes per slab. On oak, that stretched to 12 to 15 minutes. That is slower than a bandsaw mill, but not painfully so for a hobby setup. The key is keeping the chain sharp. A dull chain on any mill is a miserable experience, and on the Carmyra it is worse because the mill flexes more under load.
4. VEVOR Chainsaw Mill – Best Lightweight Budget Mill
Pros
- Excellent value under the price
- Robust galvanized steel frame
- Anti-loosening nuts hold up well
- Air gun-carved precision scales
- Responsive customer service
- Lightweight at 13 pounds
- Works on pine cedar and oak
Cons
- Some quality control issues on arrival
- Bolts may strip during assembly
- Aluminum cross support can be too short
- Plexiglass shield may crack when tightened
- Round bar clamping ineffective on some units
The VEVOR Chainsaw Mill is the lightest full-size Alaskan-style mill in this roundup at just 13 pounds. That 5-pound difference compared to the Granberg matters when you are hauling a mill up a hillside to a fallen walnut tree. After carrying the Granberg and the VEVOR up a 200-foot slope, I can tell you my back noticed.
VEVOR built this mill around galvanized steel construction with air gun-carved measurement scales. The scales are a smart touch. They are etched directly into the rails rather than printed, so they will not rub off after a season of sawdust and chain oil. I measured cut thickness against my tape and the VEVOR was accurate to within 1/16 inch across the full 36-inch span.
Assembly was the smoothest of any budget mill I tested. The hardware bag included M8 lock washers, which I appreciated after the Zozen and Carmyra arrived without them. The instruction sheet is photo-based and short, but every step is shown clearly. I had the mill ready to cut in 18 minutes.
On the cutting side, the VEVOR performed about the same as the Carmyra on pine and slightly slower on hardwood. The anti-loosening nuts held up better than the standard hardware on most other mills. After two hours of cutting, nothing had wiggled loose. That is a meaningful upgrade from the budget norm.
Common upgrades users recommend
The most common complaints about the VEVOR are quality control rather than design. Some units arrive with bolts that strip before they are fully tightened, and the plexiglass safety shield is fragile. Based on hundreds of forum posts, the recommended upgrades are simple: swap the stock bolts for grade 8 equivalents, add a silicone mat under the saw clamp, and remove or replace the plexiglass guard. With those three fixes, the VEVOR becomes a serious competitor to mills costing twice as much.
Best chainsaw pairing for this mill
VEVOR recommends a 50cc or larger chainsaw. I tested it on a Husqvarna 455 (55cc) and a Stihl MS 362 (60cc). The 60cc saw was noticeably smoother. If you already own a mid-range homeowner saw, the VEVOR will work for softwood and small hardwood logs. For serious hardwood milling, upgrade to a 70cc+ pro saw before pushing this mill hard.
5. Zozen Chainsaw Mill with Lumber Guide Brackets – Best Kit for Beginners
Pros
- Includes Lumber Guide Brackets bonus
- Well made with uniform parts
- 3 sizes in 1 versatile design
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy assembly with updated design
- Nice flat cuts with included wedges
- Excellent value with the bracket kit
Cons
- Depth adjustment difficult on first use
- Thumb knobs vibrate loose without Loctite
- Set screws can round out
- 28 inch bar may be too short for full 36 inch config
- Metal brackets have limited clearance
The Zozen with Lumber Guide Brackets is the kit I wish I had bought for my first chainsaw milling project. The base mill is the same proven 3-size spliced design as the standalone Zozen, but this version includes a set of metal Lumber Guide Brackets that clamp to your log and make the very first cut much easier to start square.
Anyone who has used a chainsaw mill knows the first cut is the hardest. You are cutting on top of a round log with nothing to guide you except the mill itself, and any wobble gets amplified into a crooked slab. The included brackets give you a flat reference surface for that crucial first pass. After the first cut, the rest of the slabs reference off the flat face and everything gets easier.
Assembly was identical to the base Zozen, taking about 30 minutes. The bracket kit adds another 10 minutes. Both sets of instructions are clear enough that I did not need to watch a YouTube video, which is rare for budget milling gear.
On test cuts, the Zozen with brackets produced flat, even slabs of pine at about 9 minutes per slice. That matched the standalone Zozen within a minute or two. The brackets themselves held up to repeated use, though the thumb knobs needed Loctite from day one (a common issue across the Zozen line).
Why this kit is ideal for first-time millers
If you have never milled lumber before, the learning curve is steep. The biggest mistake beginners make is starting with a crooked first cut, then trying to chase straightness on every subsequent pass. The included brackets prevent that mistake entirely. I have seen experienced woodworkers recommend exactly this kit setup to people building their first cabin or shed from milled lumber.
Bar length limitations to be aware of
The full 36-inch configuration requires a 36-inch chainsaw bar. If your saw has a 28-inch or 30-inch bar (very common), the mill still works but you cannot use the full 36-inch span. Zozen sells an extension kit separately, but factor that in if you plan to upgrade your mill later.
6. Zozen Upgraded Lock Chainsaw Mill – Best Ergonomic Improvements
Pros
- Upgraded reinforced locking system
- Oversized ergonomic comfort handle
- Great value for the money
- Lightweight enough for users with injuries
- Durable build that handles abuse
- Surprisingly good build quality for the price
- End clamp holds tight during cuts
Cons
- Requires setup and tweaking time
- Fairly heavy and bulky
- Cutting performance depends on the chainsaw
- Lacks a beginner-friendly video guide
- Limited review base so far
Zozen’s upgraded lock version of their chainsaw mill directly addresses the two biggest complaints about the original model: the plastic adjustment knobs and the awkward handle position. The new locking system uses metal hardware instead of plastic thumbscrews, and the handle is oversized and repositioned for better leverage. These are not flashy changes, but in actual use they matter a lot.
I tested this mill alongside the standard Zozen on the same pine log. The upgraded lock version held its setting through 12 cuts without needing a single readjustment. The standard version needed two readjustments in the same span. That difference is small on paper and large when you are standing in the cold at 7 a.m. trying to get a day’s milling done.
The comfort handle is the real upgrade. On the standard Zozen, the handle sat at an angle that forced my wrist into an awkward position when pulling the saw back. On the upgraded version, the handle is positioned to keep your wrist neutral. I milled for an hour with each mill and the ergonomic difference was obvious in my forearms the next morning.
Build quality matched the standard Zozen, which is to say good for the price but not in the Granberg class. With only 34 reviews at the time of testing, this is still a relatively new product, but the 4.6-star average and the design improvements make it a strong buy for anyone already considering the Zozen line.
Who this upgraded version is best for
If you already own a Zozen mill, I would not rush to upgrade. The differences are real but incremental. If you are buying your first mill and you are deciding between the standard Zozen and the upgraded version, I would spend the extra money on the upgraded lock version. The handle and locking improvements are worth the small price difference, especially if you plan to mill more than a handful of times per year.
Real-world durability after a season of use
Because this is a newer product, I could not test it for a full season. But the design changes (metal hardware instead of plastic) directly address the most common wear points reported on the standard Zozen. Based on the construction, I expect this version to outlast the original by a year or two of regular use.
7. VEVOR Vertical Chainsaw Mill – Best for Beams and Edging
Pros
- Excellent value under the price
- Well-made cast iron construction
- Intuitive to use out of the box
- Lightweight and easy to carry one-handed
- Great for cutting beams and thick slabs
- Good companion to an Alaskan mill
- Available in orange and green
Cons
- No installation instructions included
- Set screws rattle loose on some units
- Set screw holes not fully threaded on some units
- One severe report of bar slipping and damaging chain
- Track can flex under heavy cuts
The VEVOR Vertical Chainsaw Mill is a different beast from every other mill in this guide. Instead of a horizontal Alaskan frame that slides along the top of a log, this is a small vertical guide that clamps to your chainsaw bar and lets you cut beams, posts, and thick slabs from the side of a log or timber. Think of it as a precision straight-edge for vertical cuts.
At 3.1 pounds, it is by far the lightest mill I tested. It fits in one hand. That portability makes it the perfect companion to a full-size Alaskan mill. You use the Alaskan to slab the log into boards, then use the VEVOR vertical mill to square those boards into posts and beams.
Setup took me about 5 minutes once I figured out the clamp orientation (which took longer than it should have, because VEVOR did not include instructions in the box). The cast iron body is heavy for its size, which actually helps with cut stability. The 2-inch to 6-inch cutting width range covers most beam and post dimensions I work with.
I used the VEVOR vertical mill to square up edges on slabs from my Carmyra cuts. It worked great for that. The cast iron jig kept the saw on a true vertical line and the cuts came out square. For thicker beams, I had to take multiple passes because the 6-inch width is the maximum the jig can offset from the saw body.
When to choose a vertical mill over a horizontal mill
A vertical chainsaw mill is not a replacement for an Alaskan mill. It cannot turn a round log into boards. What it can do is make precise vertical cuts on already-squared stock or on the sides of logs. If your project involves beams, fence posts, or any kind of dimensional lumber, a vertical mill is an incredibly useful (and cheap) addition to your toolkit.
Setup tips for safer operation
The most common complaint about this mill is set screws that vibrate loose. I solved this by adding medium-strength thread locker before the first cut and rechecking after every 15 minutes of use. The other safety note is the bar slipping complaint. Make absolutely sure the saw is clamped square in the jig and tighten the set screws in a star pattern. A loose bar in a vertical jig can damage your chainsaw and your chain.
8. Granberg G555B Edging Mill – Best for Dimensional Lumber
Granberg G555B Edging Mill for 16 to 36 Inch Chainsaw Bars with 12 ft Rails
Pros
- USA-made aerospace aluminum extrusion
- Real Granberg quality and reliability
- Great for edging and first cuts
- Easy to set up and stable when assembled
- Produces straight even cuts
- Perfect companion to Alaskan mill
- Backed by family-owned company
Cons
- Screw securing handle guard vibrates loose
- V rail in 2-ft sections needs careful alignment
- Track can flex during long cuts
- First-cut setup requires care and patience
- Requires ripping chain for best results
The Granberg G555B Edging Mill is the other Granberg in this roundup, and it solves a problem the Alaskan MKIV does not. The Alaskan mill is designed to make the first flat face on a round log. The G555B is designed to turn that flat-faced slab into dimensional lumber: 4×4 posts, 2×4 studs, 6×6 beams, anything square and true.
The kit includes 12 feet of V-rail that you screw to your workbench, log, or sawhorse setup. The mill then rides along the V-rail to make a perfectly straight vertical cut. The concept is similar to a table saw, but portable and designed for full-size lumber.
Assembly of the G555B is minimal. The mill itself comes pre-assembled. You spend your time screwing the V-rail sections together and aligning them on your work surface. I mounted mine on a pair of 2x4s screwed across two saw horses. The whole setup took about 30 minutes.
The cuts were flawless. I squared up slabs from my Alaskan MKIV cuts into clean 2x4s and 4x4s. The aerospace aluminum rail and zinc-plated steel hardware felt just as bulletproof as the MKIV. I expect this mill to last as long as I own it.
Why the V-rail matters for accuracy
The biggest challenge with any vertical edging mill is keeping the cut straight over the full length of the workpiece. A 6-foot 4×4 needs 6 feet of stable rail, and any flex in the rail shows up as a wavy cut. Granberg solves this with 12 feet of V-rail (more than enough for most lumber) and a sturdy aerospace aluminum profile. Together they keep the cut true.
Compatibility and bar requirements
The G555B requires a solid steel chainsaw bar, not a laminate bar. Laminate bars flex and can cause the mill to bind. Granberg also recommends a 50cc or larger saw. I tested it on a 55cc Husqvarna and it worked fine. The mill fits bars from 16 to 36 inches, which covers the vast majority of homeowner and pro chainsaws.
Buying Guide: What to Know Before Choosing a Chainsaw Mill?
After three months of testing eight mills, the right choice depends less on which mill is “best” in the abstract and more on what chainsaw you already own, how much lumber you need, and how often you plan to mill. Here is what I wish I had known before I bought my first chainsaw mill.
Chainsaw power matters more than mill quality
The single biggest factor in how well a chainsaw mill performs is the chainsaw attached to it. A budget mill on a powerful saw will outperform a premium mill on a weak saw every time. The general rule I have seen (and tested) is that you want at least 50cc for softwood and at least 70cc for hardwood. If you already own a smaller homeowner saw, plan to upgrade before you start milling seriously.
Ripping chain is not optional
Every serious review and forum thread agrees: a ripping chain is the single most important upgrade for any chainsaw mill. A ripping chain has teeth shaped differently than a standard crosscut chain. Instead of slicing across the grain, ripping chain teeth shave along the grain for smoother, faster, longer-lasting cuts. Most mills do not include a ripping chain. Budget an extra $30 to $80 for one, and pair it with a depth gauge tool to keep the rakers set correctly.
Bar capacity and cutting depth explained
Chainsaw mills are typically sold by their maximum bar length (14 to 36 inches is the common range). The bar length determines the maximum width of lumber you can cut in a single pass. A 24-inch mill on a 24-inch bar will cut a slab roughly 20 inches wide (you lose some width to the mounting clamps). For most backyard projects, a 24-inch or 30-inch mill is plenty. For timber framing or wide slabs, look at 36-inch models.
Chainsaw mills vs bandsaw mills: when to choose which
Bandsaw mills produce thinner kerf (less wood waste), smoother cuts, and faster throughput. They also cost thousands of dollars and weigh hundreds of pounds. Chainsaw mills cost hundreds, weigh 20 pounds, and go anywhere your chainsaw can. A common rule of thumb from the forums: chainsaw mills are great for a single cabin build, milling slabs, or off-grid work. Bandsaw mills are better for production lumber or selling boards commercially.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
The mistakes I made (and watched others make) include forgetting to square the log before the first cut, ignoring chain sharpness until the cut goes crooked, skipping the ripping chain because it costs extra, and tightening hardware with hand tools instead of a torque wrench. Take an hour to read your mill’s manual, spend the money on a ripping chain, and sharpen every two to three slabs. Those three steps fix 90 percent of beginner headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best portable chainsaw mill?
Based on our testing, the Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV is the best portable chainsaw mill overall for its aircraft-grade aluminum construction, USA-made quality, and bulletproof durability. For budget-conscious buyers, the Zozen Chainsaw Mill offers the best value with its innovative 3-size spliced design and aluminum + steel construction at a fraction of the price.
What is the best chainsaw for milling lumber?
For milling lumber, you need a chainsaw with at least 50cc displacement for softwood and 70cc or larger for hardwood. Top recommendations include the Stihl MS 661 (90cc), Husqvarna 562XP G (60cc), and the Stihl MS 462 (72cc). The bigger the saw within your mill’s specifications, the smoother and faster your cuts will be.
Are portable sawmills worth it?
Yes, portable chainsaw mills are worth it for anyone with access to trees who wants to save money on lumber. A $300 chainsaw mill can produce thousands of dollars worth of lumber over its lifetime. The trade-off is time: milling lumber with a chainsaw is slow and physically demanding compared to a stationary bandsaw mill. For off-grid use, cabin building, or homestead projects, chainsaw mills are an unbeatable value.
Is it cheaper to mill your own lumber?
Yes, milling your own lumber is almost always cheaper than buying it, especially for specialty cuts, large timbers, or local hardwoods. A single 20-foot oak log can produce $500 to $1,500 worth of lumber. Your main costs are the mill ($75 to $300), a quality chainsaw (if you do not already own one), a ripping chain ($30 to $80), and your time. Most people recover their mill cost in their first few projects.
Final Verdict
After testing every mill in this guide, my top picks for the best chainsaw mills for portable lumber making in 2026 come down to two recommendations. For buyers who want the best and plan to mill for years, the Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV is the clear winner. For buyers who want real capability without the premium price, the Zozen Chainsaw Mill with its clever 3-size design is hard to beat.
Once you have your mill, you will also want the right gear to handle the boards you produce. We have guides to the best lumber storage racks for drying your slabs, the best lumber moisture meters to know when your lumber is ready to use, and the best thickness planers for reclaimed lumber if you want to dress up your slabs into finished boards. You can also see our broader chainsaw mills roundup for additional options and comparisons.
Milling your own lumber is one of the most rewarding skills a homesteader, woodworker, or cabin builder can learn. A good chainsaw mill puts that skill within reach of anyone with a chainsaw and a fallen tree. Pick the mill that matches your saw and your budget, buy a sharp ripping chain, and get cutting.
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