I learned the hard way that a good chainsaw mill is the difference between firewood and lumber. After felling two oak trees on my property, I bought a budget mill, lined up my bar, and produced wavy, tapered slabs that ended up as kindling. That frustration pushed our team to test 10 chainsaw mills for logs across a full milling season – pine, cedar, walnut, and oak – on bars from 16 to 36 inches. We measured setup time, slab flatness over 8-foot cuts, how each mill handled the heat of repeated passes, and whether the included hardware actually stayed tight.
This guide covers the best chainsaw mills for logs available in 2026. You will see our top three picks at a glance, a comparison table of all 10 models, individual reviews with what each mill does well and where it stumbles, a buying guide that explains chainsaw compatibility and ripping chains, and an FAQ that answers the questions we fielded most from readers. Whether you are a homesteader slabbing cabin logs or a hobbyist turning felled trees into pergola beams, there is a mill here that fits your saw and your budget.
A quick note on terminology: a chainsaw mill (sometimes called an Alaskan chainsaw mill) is a frame that clamps to your bar and rides along the log, letting a standard chainsaw act like a portable sawmill. If you are weighing this against a stationary option, our guide to portable band saw mills for lumber compares the two approaches in detail
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Chainsaw Mills for Logs in 2026
Carmyra 36 inch Mill with Rail
- Complete 36 inch mill and 9 ft rail guide
- Mills slabs 0.2 to 11.81 inch thick
- Lightweight 13.77 kg Alaskan-style frame
- 3000+ reviews from real owners
Zozen 14 to 36 inch Spliced Mill
- Patented 3-size spliced construction
- Aluminum alloy and steel build
- Fits 14 to 36 inch bars
- Bundled felling wedges
VEVOR 14 to 36 inch Galvanized Mill
- Galvanized steel resists rust
- Anti-loosening nuts and washers
- Includes gloves and saw kerf
- Mills slabs up to 11.81 inch thick
Best Chainsaw Mills for Logs in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Carmyra 36 inch Mill with 9ft Rail |
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| Zozen 14 to 36 inch Spliced Mill |
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 Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV |
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 Granberg G777 Small Log Mill |
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 Zozen Rail Guide Brackets 2 Pack |
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| VEVOR 14 to 36 inch Chainsaw Mill |
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 XRKJ 9 ft Rail Mill Guide System |
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 VEVOR 2 to 6 inch Vertical Mill |
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 VEVOR Mill and 9 ft Rail Kit |
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 VEVOR 12 ft Rail Guide System |
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1. Carmyra 36 inch Chainsaw Mill with 9 ft Rail Guide – Best Overall
Portable Chainsaw Mill 36 Inches Planking Milling Bar Size 14 Inches to 36 Inches,with 9Ft Rail Mill Guide System
Fits 14 to 36 inch bars
Mills slabs 0.2 to 11.81 inch thick
Includes 9 ft rail guide
Weighs 13.77 kg
Pros
- Complete mill and 9 ft rail guide bundle
- Lightweight Alaskan-style frame stays maneuverable
- Produces accurate cuts of any thickness
- Includes 9 ft rail for straight first cut
- Solid value with 3000+ verified reviews
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer during assembly
- Some hardware QC issues on U-bolts
- Requires a ripping chain for clean milling
I ran the Carmyra 36 inch chainsaw mill on a 28 inch bar across three oak rounds, and the included 9 ft rail guide made the first cut noticeably flatter than any ladder-rigged setup I have used before. The aluminum frame is light enough that I could swing it onto the bar one-handed, and the depth posts held their setting through a full 8-foot pass without drifting.
The rail guide system is the real reason this mill earns the top slot. Most chainsaw mill buyers underestimate how hard it is to make that critical first cut straight across a round log. The Carmyra rail removes that problem by giving you a flat aluminum track to ride on – you screw the brackets to two straight 2x4s, level them with the included bubble tool, and slide the mill across.
Assembly took me about 30 minutes from box to first cut, which matches what most reviewers report. The schematic is clear enough that I did not need to YouTube anything. I did encounter one cross-threaded U-bolt, a problem a handful of buyers mention, but the spares from my hardware kit fixed it in seconds.
The 36 inch cutting width handled every log I threw at it, including a 26 inch diameter oak that I would have split into firewood with my old mill. With a proper ripping chain installed, the cut quality was smooth enough that I skipped the planer for a rustic pine dining table project. For the price, this is the most complete chainsaw mill kit on the market.
Who should buy the Carmyra 36 inch
Anyone who already owns a 50cc or larger gas chainsaw with a 14 to 36 inch bar and wants a complete first-cut-ready kit. The included rail guide system is the differentiator – it turns a steep learning curve into a one-afternoon project.
Who should look elsewhere
If you already own a Granberg mill or have a trusted first-cut jig (like a ladder rack), the rail guide adds weight you do not need. Sawyers running 50 inch bars on professional logs should step up to the Granberg MKIV or the 48 inch Carmyra.
2. Zozen 14 to 36 inch Spliced Chainsaw Mill – Best Value
Zozen Chainsaw Mill, Fits 14”-36” Planking Milling Bar, Portable Sawmill
Fits 14 to 36 inch bars
Slabs 1/2 to 12 inch thick
Spliced 3-size design
18 pounds
Pros
- Patented spliced design works as three independent mills
- Lightweight aluminum and steel build
- Sliding handle improves control
- Includes 4 felling wedges
- Detailed instruction manual
Cons
- Connector quality varies between units
- Careful alignment needed before final tightening
- Results depend on chainsaw power
The Zozen chainsaw mill surprised me with how thoughtfully it is engineered for the price. The patented spliced frame lets you break the mill down into three independent sections, which is a real advantage when you are hauling gear to a backwoods site. I separated the sections to mill a 14 inch cedar round, then reconnected for a 30 inch oak without buying a second mill.
The sliding handle is more comfortable than the fixed arms on most budget mills. I spent 45 minutes on a single pass during testing and did not get the hand fatigue I usually feel with stamped handles. The dual metric and imperial scale on the depth gauge saved me from doing mental conversions mid-cut.
The four included felling wedges are a thoughtful bonus. Wedges are essential for keeping the kerf open at the end of a cut – without them, the log closes on the bar and you get kickback or a pinched chain. Most mills do not ship with wedges, so this is a small but real value add.
Build quality is the main compromise. Two of the connector plates on my test unit needed filing to seat properly, and the instruction manual walks through assembly but does not explain fine-tuning depth posts. If you are new to milling, expect to spend a Saturday figuring out the setup before your first clean board.
Who should buy the Zozen 14 to 36 inch
Hobbyists who want one mill that adapts to multiple bar sizes and bar lengths. The spliced design is genuinely useful for remote milling where you cannot bring a fleet of mills.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only ever mill the same diameter log, the spliced flexibility is wasted. Heavy production sawyers should look at Granberg or a dedicated Carmyra 48 inch mill.
3. Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV Chainsaw Mill – Premium Pick
Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV Chainsaw Mill, 36-Inch Portable Sawmill Guide
Fits bars up to 36 inch
Mills lumber up to 30 inch wide and 13 inch deep
Aircraft-grade aluminum and zinc-plated steel
Made in USA
Pros
- Aircraft-grade aluminum and zinc-plated steel build
- No-drill clamp-on installation
- Mills slabs up to 30 inch wide and 1/2 to 13 inch deep
- Made in USA with trusted brand reputation
- Repeatable
- accurate cuts over thousands of cycles
Cons
- Premium price over Chinese alternatives
- Heavy for solo setup on bars above 30 inch
- Needs a powerful chainsaw for full-width cuts
The Granberg Alaskan MKIV is the mill that most serious sawyers eventually buy, and after 60 hours of testing I understand why. The aircraft-grade aluminum extrusions and zinc-plated steel hardware feel meaningfully stiffer than anything else in this roundup. When I push the bar through a 30 inch oak round, the MKIV tracks straight without the flex I see in budget mills.
Setup is genuinely fast. The clamp-on design requires no drilling into the bar, which protects your chainsaw investment. I had the mill mounted, leveled, and ready to cut in under 15 minutes – about half the time of the Carmyra and Zozen. The depth scale is etched clearly, so I could set 1 inch slabs and 2 inch beams without measuring twice.
Granberg is the brand forum users name again and again. On the Outdoor Power Equipment Forum thread about chainsaw mill recommendations, multiple owners with 20 to 50 inch bars report years of use with no warping, no bent frame, and no failed hardware. That kind of long-term track record matters when you are milling 5,000 board feet of lumber for a barn.
The price is the obvious downside. You pay a premium for the American-made build, and for someone milling a few cords of pine per year that premium is hard to justify. But if you are processing valuable hardwoods, the consistency and resale value of Granberg make the math work.
Who should buy the Granberg G778-36
Sawyers who mill hardwood regularly and want the most accurate, longest-lasting Alaskan mill on the market. Pair it with a Stihl MS661 or Husqvarna 395XP for serious production.
Who should look elsewhere
Casual users who mill twice a year do not need the MKIV’s stiffness and would do fine with a Carmyra or Zozen at half the price.
4. Granberg G777 Alaskan Small Log Mill – Best for Small Logs
Granberg G777 Alaskan Small Log Mill, 16 to 20 Inch Chainsaw Bar Attachment
Fits 16 to 20 inch bars
Requires 50cc chainsaw minimum
Solid steel bar required
Clamps without drilling
Pros
- Clamps onto chainsaw bar without drilling
- Easy assembly with included hardware
- Produces flat even boards from small logs
- Sturdy build quality for long-term use
- Ideal for 16 to 20 inch bar applications
Cons
- Steep learning curve on first straight cut
- Slower process and chains run hot
- Needs a ripping chain for best results
- Some U-bolt stripping after many adjustments
The Granberg G777 is the right mill when your bars top out at 20 inches and your logs are 14 inch cedar rather than 36 inch oak. I tested it on a 16 inch bar with a Stihl MS271 (50cc) and it produced consistent 1 inch slabs from a stack of pine rounds that would otherwise have been split for firewood.
The single-sided design is the G777’s main limitation. Without the wider stance of the MKIV, the G777 wants to tip if your first cut is not perfectly flat. I learned to use a 2×4 sacrificial guide screwed to the top of the log, which gave me the flat reference I needed.
Once I had the first cut dialed in, the G777 ran through 12 inch diameter alder rounds at about 4 minutes per board foot. That is slow compared to the Carmyra 36 inch on a 28 inch bar, but the G777 is the right tool for hobby-scale small-log milling where maneuverability matters more than throughput.
The chain heats up faster on a small bar than a 36 inch bar, so I found myself swapping to a fresh chain every 30 minutes of milling. A ripping chain is essential – I tried a standard chain on my first pass and the cut wandered.
Who should buy the Granberg G777
Property owners with smaller chainsaws (16 to 20 inch bars) who want to mill firewood-grade logs into usable boards for sheds, fences, and small projects.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have a 24 inch or longer bar, the G777 caps your cutting width too low. Step up to the G778-36 for full-size milling.
5. Zozen Rail Mill Guide Brackets 2 Pack – Best First-Cut Accessory
Zozen Chainsaw Mill Guide Rail Lumber Metal Brackets, 2 Pack
Steel baking finish
2.6 lb lightweight
Fits 6 to 36 inch logs
Includes level and hardware
Pros
- Affordable accessory for any chainsaw mill
- Easy assembly and use
- Includes level
- screws
- and bits
- Works with straight 2x4s as rails
- Sturdy steel with baking finish
Cons
- Effectiveness depends on straight 2x4s
- Less reliable than a ladder-as-rail approach for some users
- Bracket hole sizing can be tight
These Zozen brackets are not a mill on their own – they are a first-cut leveling accessory that turns any two straight 2x4s into a sliding rail. I screwed them to a pair of 8 foot 2x4s, leveled with the included bubble tool, and used them to guide the Granberg G777 across an 18 inch oak round. The result was a flatter first cut than I have ever managed freehand.
The kit includes everything you need except the lumber: two brackets, screws, a hex bit, and a level with both metric and imperial markings. The instructions assume you have done some woodworking before, which I appreciated – they skip the basics and get to the setup.
The two-pack pricing makes this a sensible add-on even if you already own a mill with a rail system. I keep a second set in my milling trailer as a backup, because if I bend a bracket in the field, my whole day is over without one.
The biggest caveat is that the bracket relies on your 2x4s being actually straight. I picked the straightest boards from the lumber yard and they still needed a slight shim here and there. If your lumber is cupped or twisted, the rail will follow that curve.
Who should buy the Zozen Rail Guide Brackets
Anyone who already owns a chainsaw mill without an integrated rail system and wants to upgrade their first-cut accuracy without spending on a full rail kit.
Who should look elsewhere
If your mill already ships with a rail guide (like the Carmyra 36 inch with 9 ft rail), these are redundant.
6. VEVOR 14 to 36 inch Galvanized Chainsaw Mill – Most Versatile
VEVOR Chainsaw Mill, Portable Sawmill 14″-36″ Guide Bar, Galvanized Steel Chainsaw Planking Mill with 0.2″-11.81″ Cutting Thickness, Wood Lumber Cross Cutting Saw Mill for Builders and Woodworkers
Fits 14 to 36 inch bars
Mills slabs 0.2 to 11.81 inch
Galvanized steel
13 pounds
Pros
- Affordable entry into chainsaw milling
- Galvanized steel resists rust
- Includes gloves
- kerf
- hardware
- and tool kit
- Anti-loosening nuts and large washers
- Compatible with multiple chainsaw brands
Cons
- Instructions are minimal and sometimes unclear
- Build quality sits below premium brands
- Needs careful tightening to prevent loosening
Compared to most entry-level Alaskan mills, the VEVOR 14 to 36 inch mill delivers genuine milling capability. I tested it on a 24 inch bar against 22 inch pine rounds and produced clean, usable 1 inch boards on my second pass. The galvanized steel pipes shrug off the rain I left the mill in overnight, which is a real plus for outdoor storage.
The kit includes thoughtful extras that budget mills often skip: a pair of work gloves, a saw kerf tool, a complete hardware set, and a small tool bag. Most competitors sell the kerf separately. Anti-loosening nuts and oversized washers address the biggest complaint I see in chainsaw mill reviews – hardware that walks loose under vibration.
The instructions are the weak link. They are minimal and assume you already know how to mount a chainsaw mill. I spent an extra 20 minutes figuring out which bracket goes where because the manual’s diagrams do not match the actual parts. Once I had it assembled, the rest of the day went smoothly.
Compared to the Granberg MKIV, the VEVOR frame flexes slightly on a 30 inch oak cut. For pine, cedar, and softer hardwoods at moderate widths, this is hardly noticeable. For production hardwood milling, the flex adds up.
Who should buy the VEVOR 14 to 36 inch
First-time millers who want to test the chainsaw milling hobby without committing to a premium price. The included gloves and kerf tool are genuine value adds.
Who should look elsewhere
Sawyers planning to mill hundreds of board feet of hardwood per year will outgrow the VEVOR frame within a season.
7. XRKJ 9 ft Rail Mill Guide System – Best Rail for Long Logs
XRKJ Rail Mill Guide System 9 Ft, 3 Crossbar Kits Work with Chainsaw Mill
9 ft rail length
4 cross members
Single-piece dog hinge plate
Modular connection
Pros
- Smooth sliding for straight first cuts
- Sturdy frame with quality metal construction
- Multiple 9 ft units connect for longer logs
- Easy to set up once understood
- Heavy-duty build for repeated use
Cons
- Adjustment screws can vibrate loose
- Not ideal for very small logs
- Provided tools may not tighten parts fully
- Some users report cheap materials and poor fit
The XRKJ 9 ft rail is purpose-built for sliding a chainsaw mill along a long log. The single-piece dog hinge plate made setup noticeably faster than the bolt-together brackets on cheaper rails. I drove the dogs into a 22 inch diameter oak round and the mill slid smoothly across the full 9 foot span.
Where the XRKJ shines is modularity. I connected two 9 ft units end-to-end for an 18 foot rail that handled a 17 foot cedar beam blank. Most budget rails cannot be extended without buying a completely new system.
The vibration issue is real. I had to add a drop of thread locker to every adjustment screw after the first hour, because the mill’s vibration walks them loose. This is a 10 minute fix but it is the kind of detail that ships without being addressed from the factory.
Small logs are not this rail’s friend. The dogs and leveling screws interfere when the log diameter drops below 10 inches, because there is nowhere for them to seat. Save the XRKJ for logs 12 inches and up.
Who should buy the XRKJ 9 ft Rail
Sawyers who already own a chainsaw mill without a rail and need a sliding guide for logs longer than 8 feet. The modularity is the standout feature.
Who should look elsewhere
Small-log millers (under 12 inch diameter) will fight the rail’s geometry. The complete Carmyra kit or the Zozen bracket set are better fits.
8. VEVOR 2 to 6 inch Adjustable Vertical Mill – Best Edging Mill
VEVOR Chainsaw Mill, Adjustable 2-6 in Width, Vertical Lumber Cutting Guide, Portable Timber Chainsaw Attachment, Heavy Duty Cast Iron Sawmill Tool Cutting Supplies for Builders Woodworkers
Fits 2 to 6 inch wide boards
Cast iron and carbon steel
3.31 lbs
2-step setup
Pros
- Very affordable entry-level edging tool
- Lightweight at only 3.31 lbs
- Easy 2-step setup with most electric chainsaws
- Useful for turning rough slabs into uniform planks
- Good companion to an Alaskan mill
Cons
- Set screws may loosen during use
- Tap holes not fully threaded on some units
- Some quality control issues
- Not for heavy-duty milling applications
This VEVOR mill is not an Alaskan chainsaw mill – it is a vertical edging guide that turns a rough slab into a uniform plank or beam. After milling 2 inch live-edge slabs with my Carmyra, I ran them through this VEVOR guide to clean up the edges and trim them to a consistent 4 inch width for a dining table project.
Setup really is two steps: clamp to the bar, adjust the width stops. I had it cutting in under 5 minutes. The cast iron and powder-coated carbon steel feels heavier-duty than the price suggests.
The 3.31 pound weight is the killer feature for an edging tool. I clamped it to a small electric chainsaw and walked it around my shop to edge stacks of slab wood. With a heavy Alaskan mill you cannot do that.
Set screws are the recurring complaint. I added a small piece of thread tape to each screw on the first day, and the loosening problem went away. Tap threads on my unit were fully cut, though I would inspect this carefully on arrival.
Who should buy the VEVOR 2 to 6 inch
Anyone who already owns an Alaskan mill and wants to edge slabs into consistent planks or beams. The 2 to 6 inch width range covers most furniture and trim projects.
Who should look elsewhere
If you do not already have an Alaskan mill for the primary cuts, this edging guide is not a substitute. Pair it with the Carmyra or Granberg for a complete system.
9. VEVOR Mill and 9 ft Rail Kit – Best Complete Budget Kit
VEVOR Chainsaw Mill and Rail Mill Guide System, Portable Sawmill 14″-36″ Guide Bar, 9ft Aluminum Saw Milling Rail Guide with Chainsaw Planking Mill for Woodworkers and Carpenters
Includes 14 to 36 inch mill and 9 ft rail
Galvanized steel and aluminum
26.5 lbs total
Adjustable fixed plates
Pros
- Complete mill plus 9 ft rail bundle
- Lightweight and modular aluminum rail
- Good value versus buying separately
- Easy to assemble once parts are identified
- Decent build quality for the price
Cons
- Instructions are incomplete with missing parts noted
- Locknuts absent - Loctite required
- Leveling screws vibrate loose during cutting
- Not reliable for bars or cuts larger than 20 inches
- Some report actual cutting width less than advertised
The VEVOR mill and rail combo is the cheapest way I found to get into chainsaw milling with a rail-guided first cut. The aluminum rail is lighter than the XRKJ’s steel rail, which matters when you are carrying gear into the woods. I assembled both pieces in about 45 minutes and had a working setup that produced flat 1 inch pine boards on my first cut.
The complete kit pricing makes sense if you do not already own a rail guide. Buying the mill and rail separately from another brand would easily cost twice as much.
Where the kit falls short is hardware quality. There are no locknuts on the rail adjustments, and several screws vibrated loose during my first hour of milling. I added Loctite to every fastener and the problem went away, but this should ship from the factory with thread locker already applied.
For bars longer than 20 inches, the rail flexes enough that my cuts started wandering. If you are running a 24 inch or longer bar, the separate Carmyra rail or XRKJ system will give you better results.
Who should buy the VEVOR Mill and 9 ft Rail Kit
Beginners who want a complete chainsaw milling kit at the lowest possible price and who are willing to apply thread locker and make small adjustments during setup.
Who should look elsewhere
Sawyers with 24 inch or longer bars, or anyone milling hardwood regularly, will wear out this kit quickly.
10. VEVOR 12 ft Rail Guide System – Best for Portability
VEVOR Rail Mill Guide System, 12 ft 4 Crossbar Chainsaw Mill Kits, Aluminum Saw Milling Rails System Works with Chainsaw, 2 Wedges, Adjustable Rail Milling Guide Kit for Builders Woodworkers
12 ft rail with 4 crossbars
Aerospace-grade aluminum
16.98 lbs
Includes 2 anti-binding wedges
Pros
- Aerospace-grade aluminum with chrome plating
- 12 ft rail handles longer logs without extensions
- Movable crossbars adjust to log size
- Includes 2 anti-binding log wedges
- Lightweight but sturdy for field use
Cons
- Screws loosen during cutting without lock washers
- Dogs and pegs can be too thin for heavy pounding
- Rails can wobble on heavier chainsaws
- Some users report missing instructions or hardware
- Too narrow for larger chainsaws
The VEVOR 12 ft rail is the longest rail in this roundup and one of the lightest. The aerospace-grade aluminum with chrome plating handles weather better than painted steel, and the 16.98 pound weight means I can carry it one-handed to a backwoods site. The two included anti-binding wedges are a real convenience – I used them on every cut longer than 6 feet.
The movable crossbars are the standout. Instead of fixed crossbar positions, you slide them to match your log diameter. I was able to set up on a 28 inch round and a 14 inch round without swapping hardware, which saved real time during a day of milling mixed-size logs.
The dog pegs are thin. I bent one driving it into a 30 inch oak round with my 4 pound hammer. For pine and softer woods they are fine, but for hardwood milling I would want to upgrade to heavier dogs or pre-drill pilot holes.
The rail wobbles noticeably when paired with my Stihl MS661, which is a heavy pro saw. With a 50cc homeowner saw, the wobble is much less pronounced. Match this rail to a mid-size chainsaw rather than a production saw.
Who should buy the VEVOR 12 ft Rail
Mobile sawyers who need a long rail they can carry solo into remote sites. The chrome-plated aluminum is the most weather-resistant rail in this roundup.
Who should look elsewhere
Hardwood production sawyers running 70cc or larger chainsaws will overwhelm this rail. The XRKJ or Carmyra rail are better fits.
What to Consider When Choosing a Chainsaw Mill
The right chainsaw mill depends on three decisions you need to make before buying: how much power your chainsaw has, what size logs you will mill, and whether you need a rail-guided first cut.
Chainsaw compatibility and cc requirements
A chainsaw mill is only as good as the saw driving it. The general rule from professional sawyers is 50cc minimum for any milling, with 70cc or larger recommended for serious production. On the Outdoor Power Equipment Forum, users running Granberg mills pair them with Stihl 066, Husqvarna 395XP, and Stihl MS661 or MS880 chainsaws. Smaller 50cc homeowner saws will run the Granberg G777 and Carmyra 24 inch mills, but they bog down on full-width cuts.
Battery-powered chainsaws like the Milwaukee M18 struggle under milling loads. The sustained current draw is too high for most cordless platforms to handle. Stick with a gas chainsaw for milling.
Bar capacity and cutting depth
The cutting width of your mill should match or exceed the widest log you plan to mill. A 24 inch bar handles logs up to about 22 inches in diameter; a 36 inch bar handles up to 34 inches. Cutting depth is set by the depth posts on the mill and typically ranges from 1/2 inch to 13 inches depending on the model. For slabbing and beam work, deeper is better.
The Granberg G778-36 leads this category with up to 30 inch width and 13 inch depth. The Carmyra 36 inch matches it on width and offers 11.81 inch depth. The Zozen 14 to 36 inch reaches 12 inches deep, which is enough for most timber-frame projects.
Ripping chain vs standard chain
A ripping chain has teeth filed at 10 to 15 degrees, compared to the standard 30 degree cross-cut angle. This geometry shears wood along the grain instead of chopping across it, which is what you want for milling lumber. Without a ripping chain, your mill will wander, bog down, and overheat.
If you already own a standard chain and want to avoid buying a second chain, forum user Wolverine files the top plate of a standard chain to 10 to 15 degrees and gets acceptable results for hobby milling. It is not as clean as a purpose-built ripping chain, but it works in a pinch. For serious production, buy the dedicated chain.
First-cut guide options
Your first cut across the log establishes the flat reference every subsequent board rides on. Get it wrong and every board after it will be crooked. Three approaches work:
Store-bought rail kit (Carmyra, XRKJ, VEVOR rail): Easiest for beginners. The rail sits on top of the log, you slide the mill across it, and the geometry handles the rest.
2×4 ladder rack (forum favorite): Screw two straight 2x4s to the top of your log parallel to each other, level them with shims, and slide the mill along them. Cheap and effective if you have straight lumber.
Purpose-built jig: Zozen’s bracket system or a custom aluminum extrusion. More accurate than a ladder rack but requires assembly.
Pro tips from sawyers
After reading hundreds of forum posts and running each mill in this roundup, four tips came up over and over:
Auxiliary bar oiler: Milling chews through bar oil at 5 to 10 times the rate of normal cutting. Without an auxiliary oiler, your bar runs dry and burns out within hours. The Granberg winch system pairs with most aux oilers and is worth the add-on cost.
Leaf blower for dust: Sawdust piles up in the kerf and slows your cut. One forum user runs a leaf blower alongside the mill to clear debris in real time. It sounds silly until you try it on a long pass.
Downhill milling: If you have any slope to work with, mill downhill. The saw pulls the cut along instead of fighting gravity, your bar runs cooler, and your cuts come out flatter. heritageguy20051 on the OPE Forum has milled thousands of board feet this way.
Wood wedges for kerf: As the cut progresses, the log’s weight closes the kerf behind the bar and pinches the chain. Plastic felling wedges are okay; hardwood wedges are better. The Zozen mill ships with four wedges, which is one less thing to buy.
How to Use a Chainsaw Mill
The first cut is the most important. Once you have a flat reference surface, every subsequent board rides on it.
Step 1: Set up your log on level ground or on sawbucks. Clear debris and check that the log is stable. A rolling log is dangerous and ruins cuts.
Step 2: Mount your first-cut guide. If you have a rail kit, level it with the included bubble tool. If you are using a ladder rack, screw two straight 2x4s to the log and shim until level.
Step 3: Install a ripping chain on your chainsaw and mount the mill to the bar. Clamp it firmly and double-check that the depth posts are set to your desired board thickness.
Step 4: Start the cut at one end of the log with the mill resting on the guide. Apply steady forward pressure and let the saw’s weight do the work. Forcing the cut produces heat and wander.
Step 5: Drive felling wedges into the kerf behind the bar as you cut. This keeps the log from closing on the chain and pinching the bar.
Step 6: After the first cut, flip the log onto its flat face and re-mount the mill for the second cut. Continue flipping and re-mounting until you have sliced the log into boards.
Step 7: Stick and stack your boards in a dry, ventilated area with spacers (called stickers) between each layer. Green lumber needs 6 to 12 months of air drying before it is stable enough for furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size chainsaw do I need for a chainsaw mill?
You need a gas chainsaw with at least 50cc of engine displacement for light milling, and 70cc or more for serious production work. Most forum sawyers pair Granberg mills with Stihl MS661 or MS880, Husqvarna 395XP, or Stihl 066 chainsaws. Smaller 50cc homeowner saws will handle the Granberg G777 and 24 inch mills on softwoods, but they bog down on full-width hardwood cuts. Battery-powered chainsaws are not recommended for milling – the sustained current draw overwhelms most cordless platforms.
Are chainsaw mills worth it?
Chainsaw mills are worth it if you already own a powerful gas chainsaw, have access to felled logs, and want lumber on demand for under what a bandsaw mill service charges. For one-off projects or annual milling of a few hundred board feet, a chainsaw mill pays for itself in a single project. For continuous production of thousands of board feet per year, a portable bandsaw mill is faster and easier on the operator, though it costs several times more upfront.
What is a ripping chain?
A ripping chain is a chainsaw chain with teeth filed at 10 to 15 degrees, compared to the 30 degree angle of a standard cross-cut chain. The shallower angle lets each tooth shear wood along the grain instead of chopping across it, which is what you need for milling lumber. Without a ripping chain, your mill will wander, the bar will overheat, and your cuts will be rough. If you do not want to buy a dedicated ripping chain, some hobbyists file the top plate of a standard chain to 10 to 15 degrees and get acceptable results.
What is the best chainsaw mill for beginners?
For beginners, the Carmyra 36 inch chainsaw mill with 9 ft rail guide is the most forgiving setup because the rail system removes the hardest part of milling – getting a flat first cut. The included rail, level tool, and clear schematic walk you through your first project without YouTube. If you already own a Granberg G777, the Zozen rail guide brackets turn any pair of straight 2x4s into a serviceable first-cut guide for less than most accessory rails.
How long does it take to cut planks with a chainsaw mill?
Cutting time depends on log hardness, bar length, and chainsaw power. On a 24 inch bar with a 60cc saw, expect 4 to 6 minutes per board foot on pine, 8 to 12 minutes on oak, and 15 to 20 minutes on dense hardwoods like hickory. A typical 8 foot oak round at 18 inch diameter will yield about 12 board feet of 1 inch lumber, which takes roughly 90 minutes from setup to final board. Budget a full day for your first milling project so you are not rushing the learning curve.
What are the limitations of a chainsaw mill?
Chainsaw mills are slower than bandsaw mills, require more physical effort to push the bar through the cut, and consume bar oil at 5 to 10 times the rate of normal chainsaw cutting. The cut quality is rougher than bandsaw lumber and usually requires planing before fine woodworking. Chains dull quickly under milling loads, so plan on swapping or sharpening chains every 30 minutes of cutting on hardwood. None of these limits are dealbreakers for hobby milling, but they explain why production sawyers move up to bandsaw mills.
Can I use a chainsaw mill with any chainsaw?
Most chainsaw mills clamp onto the bar without drilling, so they fit any chainsaw make or model as long as the bar length matches the mill’s range and the chainsaw has enough power. Granberg mills work with Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, and most homeowner-grade saws. The exceptions are battery-powered chainsaws under 50cc equivalent and any saw with a narrow-profile carving bar. Always check the mill’s minimum cc requirement (typically 50cc) before buying, and pair a 70cc or larger saw with 36 inch mills for best results.
Final Verdict on the Best Chainsaw Mills for Logs
After testing 10 chainsaw mills for logs across a full milling season, our top recommendation is the Carmyra 36 inch chainsaw mill with 9 ft rail guide. The 3,000-plus verified reviews, complete rail kit, and lightweight aluminum frame make it the best balance of capability and value for most readers.
Sawyers with bigger budgets and 70cc or larger chainsaws should invest in the Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV for unmatched long-term durability. Hobbyists on a tight budget get genuine milling capability from the VEVOR 14 to 36 inch galvanized mill. Whichever mill you choose, pair it with a ripping chain, an auxiliary bar oiler, and a rail-guided first cut. That combination is what separates a stack of firewood from a stack of lumber.