How to Mill with a Chainsaw: Expert Tips and Tricks

Want to unlock the full potential of your chainsaw? Our expert tips and tricks will show you how to use your chainsaw for milling. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, helping you to achieve the best possible results.

Is it possible to mill with a chainsaw?

To mill lumber with a chainsaw, you’ll need a powerful saw (ideally 50cc or larger with a 20″ + bar), a chainsaw mill attachment, files for sharpening, wedges, measuring tools, and log handling equipment. Choose a saw size that matches your log diameter.

Do you want to learn more about how to mill using a chainsaw? This article will guide you through the basics of milling, like the kind and size of chainsaw you might need for milling and other essential factors.

What do I need to mill my Lump?

Many might wonder why I need to use a chainsaw to mill since only a few people have lumber yards in their backyards. Well, once set up, it will save you the future cost of having to mill your wood logs or buy them from someone else.

The first and foremost thing you might want to consider before milling your wood is the best logging chainsaw that suits you; this is very important. This does not necessarily imply that you get the largest saw you find.

No, it simply implies that you should know your preferences and whatever fits the size of the logs you plan to work. Transportation of heavy lumber often means additional costs, especially if you’re trying to minimize costs. The same goes for hiring a lumber mill to cut them down to size for you.

• The Importance of a Good Chainsaw

However, if you have an excellent chainsaw with adequate power, length, and milling attachment, you can easily do this in the comfort of your backyard. This excludes the initial amount you spent on purchasing equipment. Also, you won’t need to hire anyone to help transport or cut the lumber.

For the most part, getting a saw with at least a 50cc displacement and running a 20-inch chain is ideal. Although this is not compulsory, you can use a smaller chainsaw to cut smaller logs or mill smaller boards. This also applies to more extensive, customized widths and lengths.

As long as you have a chainsaw that you’re comfortable with, all you need to do is get a suitable milling attachment or even create one yourself. Just get a measuring attachment that will help you guide your saw to make the size cuts you prefer.

Why Use a Chainsaw for Milling Lumber?

It is safe to assume you don’t have a lumber mill in your backyard. This would only mean that after you cut trees down, you would have to transport them to a lumber mill or a hired lumber truck.

This also means that you’ll have to pay someone to transport the lumber to the mill, get it cut down, and then transport it back home for you. So, the logical reason anyone would want to mill their lumber with a chainsaw will be to reduce costs.

• Cost-effective approach to Milling Lumber

One of the main reasons why people prefer to mill their lumber is to save costs. If you have access to raw lumber on your property or have been granted access to forests, all you need to get started is your chainsaw, enough gas, and oil.

You might be lucky enough to get cords of logs delivered to your house at a minimal cost, and many firewood cutters can also supply uncut logs to you. The bottom line is that with fundamental research, you can find a way to get the logs you need to mill to your lumber, saving a lot of money in the long run.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Chainsaw for Milling – Power and Size

The first thing you need to look out for is the chainsaw itself. You must invest in a high-quality chainsaw that will last you long. It is also wise to get a chainsaw that you find convenient and comfortable to use.

Another factor to remember is that you don’t need a large chainsaw just because it’s available. Get an ideal chainsaw with the size of logs you plan on milling. When it comes to the size of the chainsaw you choose, the size of the log you plan to mill is everything.

• The Role of Power in Chainsaw Milling

You might want to go for smaller chainsaws to see down whole trees. However, cutting down a tree with a small chainsaw might take more time and energy.

Generally, you can still get the job done. However, when you must mill the logs into boards or planks, you will need something large and powerful enough to mill the wood efficiently. Here is a list of equipment you will need:

• A chainsaw larger than 50cc. Ideally, the larger, the better.
• Chainsaw mill
• Wedges, measuring tapes, and chalk
• A range of chainsaw sharpening files
• A straight edge to create the first cut; this depends on the type of mill used
• Fuel and oil
• A forklift or similar machine, or at least a log bar to move and turn logs
• Timber” sticker,” banding, and strapping equipment
• PVA/emulsion paint for the end grain

● Engine Power – the CCs

Another essential factor to consider is engine power. When milling wood, the engine power of the chainsaw will determine the amount of energy you will use during the process, the amount of time it will take, and how smooth the job will be upon completion.

A 50cc chainsaw is usually ideal for most milling, except for large jobs. However, if your chainsaw is heavy and powerful, you’ll be able to get jobs done faster and cut smoother logs of wood. The chainsaw will also be a lot easier to control.  

So, to get the best results, it is advisable to get a chainsaw with a lot of engine power. If you’re considering milling your lumber regularly and have extensive and knotted logs, you might want to invest in a 100cc. Chainsaw. It will be able to handle larger jobs effectively.

● Chain Length

The chain length is another critical factor when choosing a chainsaw for milling, especially the arm and the chain. For general purposes, an average 20-inch chain will do just fine. That being said, remember that 20 inches is not very long.

So, if you are dealing with large logs, you may need to find a longer chain. You will need a chainsaw that is about 30 inches or longer for larger logs. Always remember that the chain length would depend on the diameter or size of the logs to be milled.

If the saw is long enough to make its way through the diameter of the log, you’re pretty much good to go. Just know that a general rule of thumb applies here: the size of the chainsaw you need, in terms of chain length, depends solely on the log size.

● Cutting Performance

If your chainsaw bar can reach across the log, then you should be able to cut it into lumber. Your chainsaw is also great for cutting wide slabs from large trees. So, a chainsaw mill is the perfect tool for building tables with a single slab top.

Remarks

We hope this article has helped you realize that you don’t need a lot of equipment to mill a lumber. All you need is an appropriate chainsaw and a high-quality milling attachment for your chainsaw. You really can’t mill lumber without the appropriate chainsaw attachment.

This is where chainsaw milling and the right chainsaw come into play. Be sure to get a chainsaw that is at least 20 inches long and has 50cc of engine power to achieve good results. When choosing the bars, it’s essential to consider the product you’re using.

• Choosing the Right Chainsaw Mill

One popular choice is the Granberg Alaskan chainsaw mill. It is a quality chainsaw product designed to improve your lumber milling experience. Finally, ensure you figure out the size of the chainsaw you need. Regular maintenance is necessary for your chainsaw and its products.

Remember, chainsaw milling is an experience that requires a new chainsaw and a suitable mill for your needs. Milling is a process that involves making all the cuts you need with a specific mill style. Understanding your chainsaw and the types of cuts it can cause is essential.

Avoid mistakes when using your chainsaw. People make common mistakes when milling lumber. Look out for specific signs of these mistakes and learn how to correct them. We hope that this article answers your questions and guides you. Good luck!