Choosing the best chainsaw for milling your own lumber will really come down to how large of trees you’ll be working with. If you’re clicking on links that take you to a big box lumber store or Amazon, then you’re not going to be buying a chainsaw capable of milling lumber. Almost anyone who has spent a decent amount of time milling their own logs will quickly tell you that this is the saw you should go with from day one if you’ll be milling with any consistency.
Chainsaw milling is a heavy application and best done with the most powerful chainsaw models available. Given how rarely new chainsaw models are introduced to heavy end of the lineups, the MS 881, MS 661, 3120 XP and 395 XP are probably also going to be the best milling chainsaws of 2022, 2023 and 2024. With 122cc of displacement, 8.6 hp of power and a 8.0 Nm peak torque, the MS 881 narrowly beats the Husqvarna 3120 XP. The top power specs qualify the MS 881 as the best new saw for chainsaw milling.
Power tools like high-end chainsaws can be quite expensive, especially ones that can handle the hard work of milling lumber. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that can still handle the job, then we think we’ve found the best chainsaw for milling lumber for the money. Our pick for the best chainsaws for milling lumber overall was the Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw.
I’ve been doing pretty ok with my MS 361 That being said, I haven’t done much hard wood at all, I do use a 19 inch bar with lp. I sharpen often,but I see the advantage for a larger saw. I think with softwoods I’m fine though if I do more milling, I’ll end up buying two saw instead of one more for the milling.
Backyard Boss Top 5 Chainsaws for Milling Lumber Why You Can Trust Us. I’ve always been interested in the idea of milling and cutting my own lumber. Best Versatile Chainsaw for Milling This 17 pound chainsaw is a lightweight, versatile option for those who need one saw for a variety of jobs. The Best Chainsaw for Milling Lumber Is. When contemplating your milling jobs, you want a dependable, well-balanced, and powerful saw.
best stihl chainsaw for chainsaw mill Related Question:
What size chainsaw is needed for milling?
What you need is a chainsaw powerful enough to get the job done with a chainsaw mill. You will want to have a saw that has at least a 50cc displacement and can run a 20-inch chain. However, if you’re cutting smaller logs and milling smaller boards, you can use a smaller saw.
What chainsaw do loggers use?
Stihl is the most popular chainsaw for professional loggers. It has a long-lasting chain, and you can also enjoy the exceptional cutting speeds available with this brand of chainsaw. Additionally, the chains are high-performance, low vibration, and quiet in their performance.
Are chainsaw mills any good?
A chainsaw mill is one of the most efficient and effective tools when it comes to converting wood into lumber. Lumber is a very effective raw material that can be used for a variety of purposes. Be it for firewood or be it for construction purposes, you can certainly utilize lumber for whatever you need.
Can you mill with a 460 rancher?
As I’ve stated before, milling is the toughest task you will put your chainsaw through and having that power is great. But the Husqvarna 460 rancher also has its strong points, and one of the biggest is it won’t wreck your wallet.
How long does it take to mill a log with a chainsaw?
In the world of chainsaw milling, the more powerful the saw the better. You can mill with a smaller saw; however, it’s going to be really slow. On average, it takes me about 10-15 minutes to make one cut using my saw, based on the size logs that I typically cut. Expect that a smaller saw will cut slower.
What CC is Alaskan mill?
In general, you will need at least 50cc to run our smallest mill (G777). The more powerful your saw, the easier your milling experience is going to be.
Can you mill with a 60cc chainsaw?
Re: Husqvarna ChainSaws A 24″ bar is too much for a 60cc saw crosscutting, never mind ripping. Torque and lots of it is required for milling, even with that it is still hard work for the operator and the saw.
What is a chainsaw ripping chain?
Ripping chain is chainsaw chain designed specifically for cutting with the grain. Ripping chain is always micro chisel or semi chisel chain which features a re configured cutting angle of 10 degrees.
What is the number one selling chainsaw?
Stihl 271 Farm Boss Chainsaw STIHL are still the number one selling chainsaw brand in the USA. The Stihl 271 Farm Boss is a great saw for the small farm owner, or if you have a larger section of land with mature trees, and you need a reliable saw that can handle big jobs on a regular basis.
Is McCulloch a good chainsaw?
Whether cutting firewood or felling large trees, all McCulloch chainsaws have strong engines, great ergonomics and superior durability. With a high chain speed, and a slimmed-down lightweight design McCulloch’s chainsaws are probably the smoothest chainsaws you’ve ever tried.
What is the lightest most powerful chainsaw?
Weighing only 5.7 pounds (without bar and chain), ECHO’s CS-2511P is the lightest gas-powered rear-handle chainsaw in the world with the most power in its class, states the company.
Is milling wood worth it?
Milling your own lumber can produce quality material for a fraction of the price of a lumber dealer. In fact, if you purchase your own mill, like I have, you can actually make a profit off of it by selling lumber to other woodworkers and by offering to mill other people’s logs.
Does a ripping chain cut faster?
Ripping chains are slower as the finer cut and surface takes more time than regular cutting.
How long can pine logs sit before milling?
From Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor: As a rule of thumb, there will be a measurable loss in four to six weeks of warm (over 50 F) weather. It is just a rule of thumb.
What size saw do you need for an Alaskan mill?
The Alaskan Mill Mrk III comes in 7 sizes; 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″, 56″, 60″ and 72″ and all of them will clamp on any size chain saw bar (except one shorter than 5″ and some narrow bars). When attaching the mill to your chain saw, you will lose 2″ to 4″ of width of cut over whichever is shorter, your bar or the mill.