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 milling Related Question:
How big of a chainsaw do I need for an Alaskan mill?
Most Alaskan mills require at least 3 inches extra at the end of the bar for attachment. I also recommend going with a saw with an engine size of at least 60cc for smaller logs and softer woods. A minimum of 90cc would be best though.
What does MS mean on STIHL chainsaws?
What does MS mean? We’ll start with an easy one. Every STIHL chainsaw model name starts with MS, MSA, or MSE. The common part, MS, stands for Motorsäge which is German for chainsaw. MSA indicates that it’s a battery chainsaw and MSE tells us that it’s an electric model.
Is chainsaw milling worth it?
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.
Is it worth milling your own lumber?
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.
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.
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.
Is the Stihl MS 310 a pro saw?
We told you we weren’t messing around. With all the same features as the STIHL FARM BOSS®, the MS 310 has a price you’ll love. This mid-range chainsaw has an excellent power-to-weight ratio and provides all the advantages of a professional chainsaw at a cost you can live with.
What is a Stihl 311y?
The MS 311 is a high-tech workhorse with a step up in horsepower and features over the MS 291. With our improved engine technology, you get higher fuel economy for longer run times. The MS 311 also has larger fuel and oil tanks for even longer extended use. You’ll stay productive – while you’re saving money on fuel.
Is the MS 391 a pro saw?
Easy-to-manage, high-torque chainsaw for improved performance and user comfort when harvesting wood or sawing firewood. High torque over a wide range of speeds.
How fast does a chainsaw mill cut?
Cutting speeds can vary from 8 feet a minute in narrow softwoods, to 1-1/2 feet a minute in wide hardwoods.
How well do chainsaw sawmills work?
A chainsaw has a saw kerf right around 3/8 of an inch, which means it is very inefficient and produces a lot of sawdust. For these reasons, a chainsaw mill is definitely not to be used for optimizing the amount of lumber that you can yield from a log.
Does a ripping chain cut faster?
Ripping chains are slower as the finer cut and surface takes more time than regular cutting.
What is a 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.
Where are Woodland Mills made?
Woodland Mills sawmills are indeed manufactured in China. It’s stated under the FAQ’s on their site.