Here are 13 homemade chainsaw mills that you can DIY easily using readily available materials. The DIY project is an improvement of the regular premium quality homemade chainsaw mills. The first step involves creating rails and support for the entire chainsaw mill build, assemble, attach anchors, but don’t forget to sled the chainsaw and attachments.
This started as an idea after making my homemade band saw mill and comparing the apparent inefficiency of that to the simple chainsaw mills that most use. I got to thinking about how I could rig one up to cut my short lengths of hard maple, and came up with the idea of making the saw run on a post that is set in the ground. More details on how I made that and attached the saw in the video below.
You can buy a chainsaw mill – there are plenty to pick from for just about every budget – but if you are confident in your DIY skills, you may decide to build your own instead. For anyone who is thinking about trying but who doesn’t know where to start, we bring you 9 homemade chainsaw mill plans you can DIY easily. Here’s a more original idea – rather than the typical “Alaskan” chainsaw mill that is available to buy and that many people try to make at home, this DIYer came up with a plan for a simple chainsaw mill that cuts vertically. Assuming you know how to handle a chainsaw and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety, building your own chainsaw mill at home can be a highly rewarding enterprise.
how to make chainsaw mill Related Question:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you use a chainsaw on lumber?
Yes, you can use a chainsaw to cut wet wood.
How long should wood dry before milling?
Depending on the thickness of the lumber and where you live, weather and time of the year, it will take anywhere from 6 weeks to 4 months. Most lumber is in the 1” to 2” thickness and the time above applies to thicknesses. Drying cants, timbers, posts will take considerably longer.
How much does it cost to mill lumber?
By the Board Foot Pricing varies by species and location but ranges from $0.25 to $0.50 per board foot of sawn lumber. This pricing method places all of the risk of productivity on the sawyer since the customer is only paying for the lumber they receive.
How much do sawmills charge?
The most stable or secure method for pricing for the mill owner is a flat, hourly rate. Rates vary from location to location and range upwards of $100 per hour plus extra charges for travel, broken blades, etc.
Can you build with fresh cut lumber?
Building with green lumber for timber frame construction can save time, money and energy. With green timber, you can begin building right away without having to wait for the wood to dry, or having the added cost for kiln drying, which uses environmentally damaging fossil fuels during the drying process.
What is a 2×4 lumber?
DIMENSIONAL LUMBER: In the past, when a timber was called a 2×4 [or “two-by-four”], it actually measured 2 inches by 4 inches. Now, most timber is milled and planed to give it a little more of a finished look, and a little more of a consistent size and profile.
Does skip tooth chain cut faster?
A skip chain has fewer cutting teeth than a conventional chain which means it won’t be dragging as many teeth through the wood you’re cutting. Less drag on the chain means less power is needed to cut through the log. That means the motor on your saw runs faster which keeps it in a more efficient power curve.
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 is a ripping chain for a chainsaw?
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.