How to Make a Chainsaw Mill in 5 Easy Steps in 2024?

Richard McMann

Knowledge Based

fA chainsaw mill is one of the most effective tools to convert wood into lumber. It can be helpful to create useful planks and boards by processing logs of timber.

With fallen trees in your backyard or logs to spare, processing can be done at home efficiently.

Using material readily available to everyone, we’re going to tell you how to make a chainsaw mill yourself by following some simple steps.

How to Make a Chainsaw Mill Guide in 2024?

Follow the steps ahead or modify them as you feel fit. Safety is of utmost importance and should always be kept in mind.

Tools Needed:

The tools needed for you to get started are:

  1. A Reliable Chainsaw
  2. Screwdriver or Drill
  3. Saw (preferably a circular saw to make the cuts easily

Materials Needed:

Materials you will be needing include:

  1. 3/4″ plywood (2’x6′)
  2. 1″x12″ (two 6′ lengths)
  3. 2″x4″ (~18′ total)
  4. Screws

Five Easy Steps to Make a Chainsaw Mill in 2024

  1. Building Rails and Support
  2. Attachment of the sled and milling chainsaw
  3. Assembling the pieces
  4. Attaching anchors
  5. Running the chainsaw mill

Step 1: Building Rails and Support:

The first step is to construct the rails and support. Rails will be used to slide the chainsaw along. It is important to build support for the log as well. Follow the course of action as described below:

  1. The 1×12 should be cut to equal lengths. A 12-inch margin should be left for the log to have clearance from both sides.
  2. Four (4) pieces of 2×4 should be cut at a length of 11.5 inches. This would help in mounting the rails and supporting the end braces for the width of the 1×12.
  3. Two (2) pieces 2×4 should be cut 3 inches shorter than the 1×12 ensuring the support for the length of it.
  4. Using a screw/drill driver, screw the 2×4 at the bottom of the 1×12 by screwing from the top of your 1×12.

Step 2: Attachment of the Sled and Chainsaw:

Constructing the sled that will move your chainsaw along the 1×12 rail is the next step. The design can be customized according to the chainsaw you own or are planning to buy. We will give you the basic outline of the steps on how to make a chainsaw mill.

The use of a sled is to slide along the chainsaw mill and is a requirement no matter the size of the chainsaw mill.

  1. The plywood should be cut to 14.5”x8”.
  2. Two lengths of 2×4 to 8” are to be cut.
  3. Use screws to attach the two 2x4s to the bottom of the 14.5”x8” plywood at the opposite ends.
  4. The 1×12 should be able to fit between the 2x4s easily.

Mold it to your liking as you attach the chainsaw to your plywood such that the chainsaw bar runs perpendicular to the 1×12 rail you built. The plane of the 1×12 and the plane of the bar should be perfectly parallel to each other. In order to ensure stability, the chainsaw is to remain attached to the sled.

The fear of it tipping over or going the wrong course can be eliminated if fixed properly. This is very easily possible by building support for the handle. Adding a 2×4 support underneath the bar that holds the blade in its place and one to brace the handle, the firewood chainsaw will only move on the sled.

Step 3: Assembling the Pieces:

Cutting up two pieces of plywood to 24”x30”, attach the rails to its end supports using screws. A parallel and leveled rail and log support should be constructed. The thickness of the cut is directed through the adjustment of the height.

Learn How to Make a Chainsaw Winch in 10 Simple and Easy Steps! 

Step 4: Attaching Anchors:

Safety is of utmost importance. It is recommended that you build a support that will eradicate the chances of the log rolling while using your DIY Alaskan chainsaw mill. Adding 2×4 supports and screwing the log with it will make for reduced waste and cutting errors.

Step 5: Running the Chainsaw Mill:

What you need to check for the cut to be proper is if the chainsaw is long enough to cut through the entire width of the log. There should be ample space at the front and back for the chainsaw and the sled.

Don’t rush the process. Chainsaw milling for beginners can seem challenging so it’s best to take it slow to achieve the desired result. The saw should be oiled as needed and the boards, cleaned before proceeding to your next project.

Watch the complete tutorial of How to Make a Chainsaw Mill below:

FAQs:

How to make a cheap chainsaw mill?

Tools used to manufacture a chainsaw mill can vary depending on different factors. A cheap chainsaw mill can be made with the help of appropriate materials. Creating parts of it yourself is a good start to save yourself some money and get a fully operating DIY chainsaw mill.

Is chainsaw milling worth it?

Chainsaw mills can be cheap if a person has an idea of what to get and from where. The idea that a tree can be cut down using a chainsaw and can be split into logs where it falls makes it worth the time and effort one puts in. The quality depends upon various factors.

How big of a saw do you need for a chainsaw mill?

Depending upon the wood type you are dealing with, the size of the saw varies. For softwood processing into logs, a chainsaw with a diameter of 60cc or 4HP would be suitable. To process hardwood logs, a minimum of 6HP or 90cc chainsaw diameter is recommended.

How do you make a chainsaw planer?

A chainsaw planer can be made using the Log Wizard chainsaw attachment. With the ability to make notches or debark poles for: barns, fences, bridges, and log home construction, it is a sound investment. Amounting to hassle-free work it uses planer blades. The chainsaw length needs to be increased.

How to make a portable chainsaw mill?

Portable chainsaw mills are small enough to be carried or moved and set in a field. Influenced by the kind of work you are leaning towards, the chainsaw mill can be made portable by decreasing its size or arranging a vehicle that is big enough to carry it wherever you want.

Final Takeaways: How to Make a Chainsaw Mill in 2024?

With a working chainsaw, a sled, and a rail, you will have a chainsaw mill at the minimum cost. Fallen trees and logs can be processed efficiently and without difficulty. Remember to stay safe while working. We have described the chainsaw milling basics above. The only thing left for you to do is get processing!

Richard McMann
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