Have you been searching for the best chainsaw for milling? Interested to learn more about the specifications of models intended for milling lumber?
Then you’ve landed on the right page! Continue reading this article to find the answers to some questions you might be asking yourself if you are new to the milling community and check out some models of chainsaws suitable for these jobs. If you’ve recently purchased a mill, then you might also look into the best chainsaws for chainsaw mills.
Important Info About Chainsaws For Milling
What Is Milling?
Milling describes the process of turning a log into measured boards by cutting the wood after removing the rounded bits of the log. And while commercial milling requires large machinery that can produce a big number of long and wide boards of wood, you can also create your own milling station. To do so, you will have to get a chainsaw powerful enough to slice wooden logs, as well as a few accessories, such as a chainsaw mill tool that helps to create logs of different thickness and width.
How To Choose The Best Chainsaw For Milling?
When you decide to mill the wood, you often do so after realizing how expensive it is to get someone else to do it. However, buying a good chainsaw for milling doesn’t mean you only get to use it for milling. If you get a proper model, you can use it for other cutting jobs, as well. It is important to get a model with enough power according to the size of the logs you plan to cut. The bar length will also depend on the size of the logs, and it is usually recommended to get a bar around 20 inches long.
Electric Vs. Gas Chainsaw For Milling
The power source is another important difference between chainsaws currently popular on the market. Electric chainsaws are easier to maintain and have zero emissions while also producing less noise than gas chainsaws. However, gas chainsaws are more powerful and thus suitable for taking down larger trees. The power of gas engines is measured in cc, and to make sure it is suitable for milling, choose a model with at least 45cc. When it comes to electric chainsaws, you should consider models with motors between 12 and 15 Amps.
Additional Features Of The Best Chainsaw For Milling
To cut down on the maintenance, you could look into models with automatic chain oiling systems and technologies that help you to easily tighten the chain without having to take the whole chainsaw apart. Since the best chainsaws for milling are powerful tools, also look out for safety features including low kickback bars and chains, as well as a chain brake. To make sure you don’t feel too much fatigue after milling for hours, pick models with anti-vibration technologies. Also, keep in mind not to get a model that is too light nor too heavy in weight.
Price Of The Best Chainsaws For Milling
It is common knowledge that today you usually have to pay more money to get a reliable product that will be long-lasting. Moreover, pricier models usually have more advanced additional features that make chainsaws easier to operate and maintain. That’s why in this article I have listed different models for different prices that are suitable for different budgets so that there is something for everyone.
Best 5 Chainsaws For Milling Reviews
Best Gas Chainsaw For Alaskan Mill
Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw
Durable & Easy-To-Access Air Filter
This best chainsaw for Alaskan sawmill features a 20-inch guide bar with a chain powered by a 2-stroke gas engine. This engine delivers the power of 59.8cc, which makes it ideal for connecting to the best Alaskan sawmill and mill as many logs as you like. The air filter features a technology that prolongs its life and is easy to access when it needs to be replaced.
Designed For Easier Maintenance
To deliver efficient, yet safe performance, this chainsaw features a clutch-driven automatic oiling system that keeps the bar and chain lubricated. However, the chain and bar are oiled only while the chain is spinning to reduce the consumption of oil. Since it is powered by gas, the fuel tank is translucent so that you can always easily check the gas levels.
Weighs 13.2 Pounds
This chainsaw for Alaskan sawmill weighs 13.2 pounds without the cutting equipment and can be easily started. By connecting it to the Alaskan sawmill, you will be able to mill as much lumber as you like with a powerful engine of this chainsaw. If you want to find out about other gas models, read my article about the best gas-powered chainsaws on the market.
- 20-inch guide bar
- 59.8cc gas engine
- automatic oiler
Best 24-Inch Chainsaw For Sawmill
Husqvarna Chainsaw For Milling
24-Inch Chainsaw Spends Less Fuel
This 24-inch chainsaw is powered by a 60.3cc gas engine that delivers powerful performance for milling lumber. This gas engine is designed to lower fuel consumption, as well as reduce exhaust emissions for a more eco-friendly power tool. The air filter can be easily accessed and replaced after it wears down, which makes maintenance easier.
Ideal For Large Logs
Since it has a 24-inch long guide bar, this chainsaw is a great option for milling larger logs. The lifespan of the engine is protected by an air filter that features a technology that keeps large particles of debris and dust away from the engine. Apart from milling, adding this chainsaw to your collection will give you a powerful tool for felling trees and cutting large trunks.
Adjustable Automatic Oiling System
To ensure you can always safely cut with this chainsaw, the automatic chain oilier provides enough oil to lubricate both the bar and chain. This system is also adjustable so that you can tailor it to the weather and the wood you plan to cut with this 24-inch chainsaw for milling. Read about the best 24-inch chainsaw models if you’d like to learn more about them.
- 60.3cc gas engine
- 24-inch guide bar
- adjustable automatic chain oiler
- air filtering protects the engine
Best 20-Inch Chainsaw For Milling Lumber
Poulan Pro 20-Inch 50cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw
Easier Starting With Spring Assist
This 20-inch chainsaw for milling lumber is powered by a 50cc gas engine that offers 70% fewer exhaust emissions and consumes up to 20% less fuel. To effortlessly start up the gas engine, this best chainsaw for milling lumber features a starting mechanism that reduces pull force by 30% thanks to the spring assist.
Convenient Maintenance & Safe To Use
The chain can be easily adjusted by using a side access chain tensioning system. The rear handle has storage for a combi tool so that you can always have it with you in case of needed maintenance. The 20-inch chainsaw can manage trees from the middle to large sizes while preventing kickback situations thanks to the design of the guide bar and the chain.
Anti-Vibration Design For Comfort
The rear handle is packed with all the controls for easy access and it also features an anti-vibration technology. This technology allows you to comfortably operate the chainsaw for reduced fatigue. If this review got you interested in 20-inch models, take a look at this article I wrote about the best 20-inch chainsaws.
- 20-inch low kickback bar and chain
- 50cc gas engine
- reduced emission levels
- for middle to large-sized trees
- side access chain tensioner
Best 60cc Chainsaw For Milling Slabs
COOCHEER 20-Inch Chainsaw
Powerful Gas Engine With Reduced Emissions
This best chainsaw for milling for the money is listed for the price of around 160 dollars on Amazon. It has a 20-inch guide bar and chain powered by a 62cc engine. The gas engine delivers a speed of up to 8500 revolutions per minute and is designed to reduce the emission levels by 20 percent.
Durable Tool With Safety Features
This chainsaw for milling slabs can cut trees with diameters between 27 and 33 inches. The air filter system combined with the automatic chain oiler make this chainsaw a reliable tool that will be durable for the years to come. Safety features include a safety valve throttle switch and a brake pad. The 3.5 horsepower chainsaw for milling slabs can endure high temperatures thanks to the special plastic housing.
Luxury Rear Handle For Comfort
The rear handle of the best chainsaw for milling slabs is designed for comfortable user support. Since this chainsaw is powered by gas, it has a fuel tank with a capacity of 550 milliliters and an oil tank with a capacity of 260 milliliters. In case you’d like to check out other 60cc models of chainsaws, give this post about the best 60cc chainsaws a read.
- 20-inch guide bar and chain
- 62cc gas engine
- automatic oiler
Best Electric Chainsaw For Ripping Logs
Worx 18-Inch Chainsaw
Ergonomic Design For Safety
This electric chainsaw for ripping logs features a 15-Amp motor that powers an 18-inch guide bar and chain. It weighs just over 11 pounds and reduces fatigue while allowing you to use the chainsaw comfortably. The front handle is wrapped around the chainsaw body and the overall ergonomic design allows safe operation with easy control over the tool.
Automatic Chain Oiler & Tensioner
An automatic oiler built into the chainsaw lubricates both the bar and chain for effective and safe performance. The chainsaw also features a patented automatic chain tensioner that keeps the chain at convenient tightness for any cutting job. Unlike its gas counterparts, this electric chainsaw needs a power outlet to be able to operate. However, it requires less maintenance and produces less noise so it is suitable for noise-sensitive areas.
Zero Emissions & Easy Start
The rear handle is wrapped in rubber for control and comfort, as well. Since it is powered by electricity, it also has no emissions and can easily start with the push of a button. If you’d like to learn more about electric models, visit my article about the best electric chainsaws on the market.
- 18-inch guide bar and chain
- 15-Amp motor
- comfortable design
- patented auto chain tensioner
Conclusion: Which Chainsaw For Milling To Buy?
In my opinion, the best chainsaws for milling are the Husqvarna chainsaw for milling and the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf Chainsaw. Both of these models are powered by gas and suitable for cutting medium and large trees. The first model comes with a 24-inch guide bar and chain, while the second model features a 20-inch bar and chain.
If you’d like to learn more about other models and types, read my article about the best chainsaws. You might also like to check out my articles about the best battery-powered chainsaws, or the best chainsaws for the money.