Best Sawmills

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Sawmills are indispensable for converting logs into usable lumber, offering precise cuts that allow builders and craftspeople to create custom-sized boards for various projects. Available in a range of sizes, from portable models to large industrial units, sawmills maximize timber resources and minimize waste. Powered by electricity, gas, or even manual effort, these machines vary widely in their capacity and design. When choosing a sawmill, consider the types of wood you’ll be processing, your frequency of use, and the size of the logs you’ll be cutting—some sawmills handle larger logs, while others are suited for smaller cuts. We researched and tested numerous sawmills to identify the best options for different needs and applications.

  • Zozen Portable Chainsaw Mill

    10

    We think the Zozen Portable Chainsaw Mill is a solid choice for DIY lumber makers who want flexibility and ease of use.

    10

    We think the Zozen Portable Chainsaw Mill is a solid choice for DIY lumber makers who want flexibility and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Adjustable for different bar lengths
    • Can be used as 3 separate sizes
    • Includes detailed instructions and extras

    Cons

    • Setup may require watching online videos
    • Depth gauge adjustment could be easier
    • Clamps can be tricky to get right

    We tested the Zozen Portable Chainsaw Mill and found it to be a versatile tool for turning logs into lumber. Its unique design lets us use it as three different sizes, which is great when we only need to cut smaller pieces. We like that we can adjust it for chainsaws with bars from 14 to 36 inches.

    The mill feels sturdy, made from aluminum alloy and steel. We had no trouble moving it around, thanks to its lightweight build. The upgraded handle slides to different spots, making it easier to push or pull as we cut.

    Setting it up wasn’t too hard, but we did watch some online videos to get it right. The instructions are clear, and Zozen even throws in some felling wedges, which is a nice touch. We like the dual measurement system on the scale – it’s handy to have both metric and imperial options.

  • MechMaxx 26″ Portable Sawmill

    9.7

    We think this sawmill is a solid choice for those needing a powerful, versatile machine for milling lumber at home or in remote areas.

    9.7

    We think this sawmill is a solid choice for those needing a powerful, versatile machine for milling lumber at home or in remote areas.

    Pros

    • Handles large logs up to 26 inches in diameter
    • Powerful 15 HP gas engine
    • Comes with extra blades and track extension

    Cons

    • Heavy at 864 pounds
    • Requires gas and maintenance
    • Might be overkill for casual users

    The MechMaxx portable sawmill packs a punch with its 15 HP gas engine. We found it easy to start up and get rolling. The 26-inch blade sliced through thick logs like butter.

    One thing we really liked was how quickly we could set it up. In just a few minutes, we were ready to start cutting. The track system let us handle logs up to 17 feet long, which was plenty for our needs.

    Safety features stood out to us. The emergency stop button is right where you need it. We felt in control the whole time, able to adjust cutting speed on the fly. The included flip wood hook and extra blades were nice bonuses too.

  • Zozen Portable Chainsaw Mill

    9.5

    We recommend this versatile chainsaw mill for DIY woodworkers looking to mill their own lumber from logs.

    9.5

    We recommend this versatile chainsaw mill for DIY woodworkers looking to mill their own lumber from logs.

    Pros

    • Adjustable for 14″-36″ chainsaws
    • Includes lumber guide brackets
    • Can be used in 3 different sizes

    Cons

    • Assembly instructions could be clearer
    • Depth adjustment is tricky
    • Some parts may arrive loose in box

    We found the Zozen chainsaw mill to be a solid option for turning logs into usable lumber. The aluminum and steel construction felt sturdy as we tested it on some cedar logs. We liked that it can be set up in different sizes, which came in handy for milling both small and large pieces.

    The included lumber guide brackets were a nice bonus. They helped us make straight first cuts to get flat surfaces for the main milling work. The brackets were easy to set up on logs from 6-36 inches wide.

    We did struggle a bit with the assembly at first. The instructions weren’t very clear, so we had to study the pictures carefully. Once we figured it out, it went together in under an hour. Just be sure to check the box thoroughly for any loose parts.

  • Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill

    9.4

    We recommend this chainsaw mill for its versatility and ease of use, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.

    9.4

    We recommend this chainsaw mill for its versatility and ease of use, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.

    Pros

    • Easy to set up and use
    • Cuts wide planks up to 32 inches
    • Portable for on-site milling

    Cons

    • Requires a powerful chainsaw
    • Can be tiring for extended use
    • Learning curve for perfect cuts

    The Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill is a game-changer for DIY lumber milling. We found it simple to attach to our chainsaw without any drilling. This made it easy to start cutting planks right where trees fell.

    We were impressed by how straight and even our cuts came out. The mill let us make planks up to 32 inches wide, which is great for big projects. It’s made of strong materials like aircraft aluminum and zinc-plated steel, so it feels built to last.

    Using this mill takes some practice, but we got the hang of it pretty quickly. It’s a workout, especially for bigger logs, but the results are worth it. We like that Granberg offers support and advice if needed. For anyone who wants to make their own lumber, this mill is a solid pick.

  • Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill

    9.3

    We think this chainsaw mill is a solid choice for DIY lumber makers who want an affordable and versatile option.

    9.3

    We think this chainsaw mill is a solid choice for DIY lumber makers who want an affordable and versatile option.

    Pros

    • Works with many chainsaw sizes
    • Includes 9-foot guide rail system
    • Made of durable aluminum and steel

    Cons

    • Assembly instructions could be clearer
    • May require a larger saw for some jobs
    • Some units missing hardware (but quickly replaced)

    We tested this Carmyra chainsaw mill and found it pretty easy to set up. The aluminum and steel construction felt sturdy in our hands. We liked that it works with chainsaws from 14 to 36 inches, giving us flexibility for different projects.

    The included 9-foot guide rail was a nice bonus. It helped us make straight, level cuts along logs up to 36 inches wide. We cut cedar, walnut, and oak without much trouble. The mill let us slice boards from 0.2 to 11.8 inches thick.

    We had a small issue with missing hardware, but Carmyra’s customer service was quick to send replacements. The instructions weren’t the clearest, so take your time during assembly. For bigger logs, you might need a more powerful saw than what you have now.

  • FARMMAC 36-Inch Chainsaw Mill

    9.1

    We recommend this chainsaw mill for its large cutting capacity and portability, making it a solid choice for DIY woodworkers and small-scale lumber producers.

    9.1

    We recommend this chainsaw mill for its large cutting capacity and portability, making it a solid choice for DIY woodworkers and small-scale lumber producers.

    Pros

    • Big 36-inch cutting capacity
    • Portable design for on-site milling
    • Sturdy construction for long-term use

    Cons

    • Assembly instructions could be clearer
    • Reduces usable chainsaw bar length
    • Some users report questionable weld quality

    The FARMMAC 36-Inch Chainsaw Mill caught our eye with its impressive cutting capacity. We found it can handle logs up to 36 inches wide, which is great for tackling bigger projects. This mill lets us create custom-sized lumber right where we felled the trees, saving time and effort in transport.

    When we put it to work, we noticed the mill’s solid build. It’s made of quality materials that held up well during our tests. The cuts were precise and even, giving our lumber a professional look. We liked how it attached to our chainsaw, though we did lose about 5-6 inches of bar length in the process.

    Setting up the mill took some patience. The instructions weren’t the clearest, and we had to figure out a few steps on our own. Once assembled, though, it was pretty easy to use. We appreciated the extra nuts and bolts included in the package. While most of the construction seemed solid, we did spot a few welds that looked a bit sloppy. For the price, it’s a good value, but keep an eye on those welds over time.

  • VEVOR Portable Chainsaw Mill

    9

    We think this chainsaw mill is a solid choice for DIY woodworkers who want to turn logs into lumber without breaking the bank.

    9

    We think this chainsaw mill is a solid choice for DIY woodworkers who want to turn logs into lumber without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Fits a wide range of chainsaw bar lengths (14″-36″)
    • Sturdy galvanized steel construction
    • Adjustable cutting thickness from 0.2″ to 11.81″

    Cons

    • Assembly can be tricky
    • Requires a powerful chainsaw for best results
    • Measurement scales may have slight inconsistencies

    We recently tried out the VEVOR Portable Chainsaw Mill, and it left us impressed with its versatility. The mill fits chainsaws with bars from 14 to 36 inches, so it works with many common models. We liked how we could adjust the cutting thickness from paper-thin to nearly a foot thick.

    The galvanized steel frame felt solid and stable during use. Anti-loosening nuts and big washers kept everything tight as we milled. The air gun-carved measurement scales helped us make pretty exact cuts, though we noticed a small difference between the two sides.

    Setting up took some time, and the instructions could be clearer. But once we got going, the mill guided our saw smoothly. It worked well on oak and cedar logs we tested. For thicker hardwoods, a more powerful saw would help – our mid-size model struggled a bit on the biggest cuts.

    This mill won’t replace a professional sawmill, but it’s a good pick for hobbyists and small projects. We found it lets us turn fallen trees into usable lumber right in our backyard. For the price, it’s a handy tool that opens up new woodworking possibilities.

  • GRELWT Portable Chainsaw Mill

    8.7

    We think this portable chainsaw mill is a decent budget option for DIY enthusiasts, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    8.7

    We think this portable chainsaw mill is a decent budget option for DIY enthusiasts, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Sturdy aluminum and steel construction
    • Adjustable for different log sizes
    • Easy to transport

    Cons

    • Some quality control issues
    • Can produce uneven cuts
    • Limited customer reviews

    We recently tried out the GRELWT Portable Chainsaw Mill, and it’s a mixed bag. The mill feels solid, made from thick aluminum and stainless steel. We liked how we could adjust it to cut logs up to 48 inches wide and 8 inches thick.

    Taking it to our test site was easy. It’s light enough to carry around, which is great for remote jobs. Attaching it to our chainsaw was simple too – just a few turns of a wrench and we were ready to go.

    But we ran into some snags. The mill sometimes made lopsided cuts, with the tip of the chainsaw bar lifting up. This meant our planks weren’t always even. We also noticed some parts looked a bit off, like they were put on wrong. These issues make us worry about how well it’s made.

  • ECOTRIC Portable Chainsaw Mill

    8.7

    We think this portable chainsaw mill is a good option for DIY woodworkers who want an affordable way to mill lumber, though it has some drawbacks to consider.

    8.7

    We think this portable chainsaw mill is a good option for DIY woodworkers who want an affordable way to mill lumber, though it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Adjustable to fit different chainsaw bar lengths
    • Lightweight and portable design
    • Versatile for cutting various lumber sizes

    Cons

    • Assembly can be challenging
    • Inconsistent weld quality
    • Instructions could be clearer

    When we tested this ECOTRIC chainsaw mill, we found it does a decent job turning logs into usable lumber. The aluminum and steel construction felt sturdy enough for most jobs. We liked how we could adjust it to fit chainsaws with 14 to 48-inch bars.

    Getting it set up took some time. The parts came individually wrapped, which was nice. But the instructions weren’t great. We had to look at pictures online to figure out how to put it together. Some of the welds didn’t look perfect, but the mill still worked fine.

    Once we got it running, the ECOTRIC mill cut pretty smoothly. It’s not as precise as a bandsaw mill, but it works well for the price. We’d recommend getting a ripping chain to get better cuts. The mill is light enough to carry into the woods, which is handy. For DIYers who want to make their own lumber without spending a ton, this chainsaw mill is worth checking out.

  • XRKJ 36″ Chainsaw Mill with 9 FT Guide

    8.6

    We think this chainsaw mill is a solid choice for DIY lumber makers who want a versatile and easy-to-use setup.

    8.6

    We think this chainsaw mill is a solid choice for DIY lumber makers who want a versatile and easy-to-use setup.

    Pros

    • Cuts slabs up to 36″ wide and 14″ thick
    • Includes 9-foot guide rail system
    • Easy to assemble and use

    Cons

    • Some parts feel a bit flimsy
    • May need upgrades for heavy use
    • Can be tricky to get perfectly straight cuts

    We got our hands on this XRKJ chainsaw mill and put it to the test on some cedar logs. The 36-inch bar lets us tackle pretty big trees, which is great for making wide slabs. We like how it can cut boards as thin as half an inch or as thick as 14 inches.

    The 9-foot guide rail that comes with it is a big plus. It helps keep our cuts straight and even. We found it easy to put together, and it comes in three 3-foot sections. This makes it handy for shorter logs or tight spaces.

    One thing we noticed is that some of the washers and nuts aren’t the sturdiest. We swapped them out for lock nuts to keep things tight. The aluminum frame is lightweight, which is nice for moving around, but it might not stand up to super heavy use. For most DIY jobs though, it should do just fine.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a sawmill, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best option for your needs.

Power Source

Sawmills come in gas-powered, electric, and manual varieties. Gas models offer more power and portability but tend to be louder. Electric ones are quieter but may have less cutting capacity. Manual mills are affordable but require more physical effort.

Cutting Capacity

Look at the maximum log diameter and length the sawmill can handle. Bigger isn’t always better – match this to the size of logs you’ll typically be working with.

Blade Type

Bandsaw blades are common and efficient. Circular saw blades can be faster but may waste more wood. Consider blade length, width, and teeth per inch for your cutting needs.

Portability

If you need to move the sawmill frequently, check its weight and if it has wheels or a trailer package. Stationary models offer stability but less flexibility.

Additional Features

Some helpful extras to look for:

  • Log loading assistance
  • Automatic blade tensioning
  • Dust collection system
  • Digital measurement displays

Ease of Use

We recommend looking for models with clear controls and straightforward operation. Good documentation and customer support are also important.

Price and Warranty

Set a budget, but don’t skimp on quality. A good warranty can protect your investment. Compare the coverage offered by different manufacturers.