A portable chainsaw mill, also known as an Alaskan mill, is a type of saw attachment that can be attached to a chainsaw in order to turn it into a portable sawmill. The guide bar is an essential component of the portable chainsaw mill, as it guides the chainsaw along the length of the log being cut. Here are some steps for using a portable chainsaw mill guide bar:
- Attach the guide bar to the chainsaw, making sure that it is securely fastened.
- Position the chainsaw on top of the log, with the guide bar positioned along the length of the log where you want to make the cut.
- Turn on the chainsaw and begin cutting. Use the guide bar to guide the chainsaw along the length of the log, making sure to keep the chainsaw level and moving at a consistent speed.
- Make several passes along the length of the log, cutting it into smaller pieces.
- Adjust the guide bar as necessary to make cuts of different widths.
- When you are finished cutting, turn off the chainsaw and remove the guide bar.
It’s important to use safety equipment and follow safety instructions when using chainsaws.
There are many different brands and models of portable chainsaw mills available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and well-reviewed portable chainsaw mills include:
- Granberg Alaskan MK-IV Portable Chainsaw Mill: This is a popular and well-reviewed option that is suitable for cutting logs up to 36 inches in diameter. It is made from lightweight aluminum, making it easy to transport and use.
- Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill: This mill is made of heavy-duty steel and aluminum, allowing it to cut logs up to 36 inches in diameter and 18 inches thick. This mill is very portable, compact, and easy to use.
- Logosol Big Mill Basic: This is a larger option for cutting logs up to 72 inches in diameter, making it suitable for bigger saws. The mill is of high quality and designed for professional use.
- EZ Boardwalk Portable Band Saw Mill: This mill is designed to work with band saws and can be used to cut logs up to 32 inches in diameter. It is made of aluminum and steel, making it lightweight and durable.
- Timber Tuff TMW-2020SMBS Saw Mill: A compact and budget-friendly mill that is great for small logs and lumber cutting.
It’s important to research and select the right portable chainsaw mill that meets your needs, it’s also important to read reviews and ask for advice from an expert before making any purchase.
Granberg Alaskan MK-IV Portable Chainsaw Mill
The Granberg Alaskan MK-IV Portable Chainsaw Mill is a popular and well-reviewed option for turning a chainsaw into a portable sawmill. It is designed to be attached to a chainsaw with a bar length of up to 36 inches and can be used to cut logs up to 24 inches in diameter and 13 feet in length. The mill is made from lightweight aluminum, which makes it easy to transport and use.
The MK-IV is designed to be easy to install and use, allowing one to cut lumber with minimal effort and skill required. It’s compatible with most chainsaw makes and models and allows you to make accurate and consistent cuts.
One of its main advantages is its versatility, it can be attached to different chainsaws and allows to make different cuts on different logs.
This portable chainsaw mill is a great option for homeowners, farmers, and small-scale sawyers who want a simple and affordable way to mill their own lumber. However, keep in mind that a portable chainsaw mill like this is not meant for heavy-duty commercial use, it’s designed for personal and small-scale use.
Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill
The Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill is another popular option for turning a chainsaw into a portable sawmill. Like the Granberg Alaskan MK-IV, this mill is designed to be attached to a chainsaw with a bar length of up to 36 inches and can be used to cut logs up to 36 inches in diameter and 18 inches thick. The mill is made from heavy-duty steel and aluminum, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
The Carmyra portable chainsaw mill is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and use in remote locations. It is also easy to assemble and disassemble, making it simple to set up and start cutting.
It has a very functional design that allows making different cuts, including vertical, horizontal, and angled. With the use of different rails, it can make cuts of different widths, which makes it versatile for different lumber-cutting projects.
This mill is also a great option for homeowners, farmers, and small-scale sawyers who want a simple and affordable way to mill their own lumber, as well as for professional use in small projects. However, like the Granberg Alaskan MK-IV, it’s not meant for heavy-duty commercial use.
Logosol Big Mill Basic
The Logosol Big Mill Basic is a larger and more robust option for those who need to cut logs larger than 36 inches in diameter. It is designed to be used with larger chainsaws and can cut logs up to 72 inches in diameter and 20 feet long. It is designed for professional and heavy-duty use.
One of the main advantages of the Logosol Big Mill Basic is its precision. It uses a guide rail and a guide bracket to keep the saw steady and prevent it from deviating from the cut line, resulting in accurate cuts. Additionally, it is built with high-quality materials, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of heavy-duty use.
It also has a variety of attachments and accessories that can be added to it, such as sawing horses, guide rails and more, making it even more versatile.
The Logosol Big Mill Basic is a great option for professional sawyers and those who need to mill large logs regularly. However, it is more expensive than the other portable chainsaw mills mentioned before and it also requires a more powerful chainsaw.
EZ Boardwalk Portable Band Saw Mill
The EZ Boardwalk Portable Band Saw Mill is a portable sawmill that is designed to work with band saws rather than chainsaws, like the previous portable mills mentioned. This mill is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to use in remote locations. It can be used to cut logs up to 32 inches in diameter and 20 feet long.
The mill is made from aluminum and steel, making it both durable and lightweight. The band saw blades are guided by a guide system that allows for accurate cuts. It is easy to set up and can be ready to saw in a matter of minutes.
This mill is a great option for those who prefer to use band saws instead of chainsaws, and it can be a good alternative for those looking for a portable sawmill. However, keep in mind that band saws tend to be more expensive than chainsaws and that blades also need to be replaced more frequently. Additionally, band saws tend to require more maintenance than chainsaws.
Timber Tuff TMW-2020SMBS Saw Mill
The Timber Tuff TMW-2020SMBS Saw Mill is a more budget-friendly option for those looking for a portable sawmill. It is designed to be used with chainsaws and can cut logs up to 20 inches in diameter and 11 feet long. This makes it ideal for cutting small logs and lumber for personal use or small-scale projects.
The mill is made of steel and aluminum, providing durability and longevity. The guide rail is made of heavy-duty steel, and it has a cutting capacity of 11 feet long, which allows for cutting longer logs.
It’s relatively easy to set up and use, and it comes with all the necessary hardware, including clamp brackets and guide rails, making it ready to use right out of the box.
This mill is a great option for those who want a portable sawmill that is affordable and easy to use and doesn’t need to cut logs larger than 20 inches in diameter. However, due to its compact size, it may require to make multiple passes to mill the same log or board.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different portable sawmills available on the market, each with its own set of features and capabilities. The Granberg Alaskan MK-IV Portable Chainsaw Mill, the Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill, Logosol Big Mill Basic, EZ Boardwalk Portable Band Saw Mill, and Timber Tuff TMW-2020SMBS Saw Mill are all popular and well-reviewed options.
When choosing a portable sawmill, it’s important to consider the size of the logs you will be cutting, your budget, and your specific needs. The Granberg Alaskan MK-IV and Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill are great for cutting logs up to 36 inches in diameter, whereas the Logosol Big Mill Basic is designed for cutting larger logs up to 72 inches in diameter. The EZ Boardwalk Portable Band Saw Mill and Timber Tuff TMW-2020SMBS Saw Mill are also great options, but they are limited in terms of the size of logs they can cut.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Timber Tuff TMW-2020SMBS Saw Mill may be a good choice, however, if you’re looking for a more heavy-duty option, the Logosol Big Mill Basic may be a better fit. Keep in mind that band sawmills tend to be more expensive than chainsaw mills and they may require more maintenance.
You may think that buying your own chainsaw mill guide bar would be too expensive, but that is not the case at all. You can easily find cheap knock-off versions of these products that are made out of low-quality steel and will not fit properly in your saw’s holder. These cheaper versions are often designed for home use and are not made for heavy industrial usage like chain saw mills do. There are also many quality brands you can trust who make quality chainsaw guide bars that will fit your specific model and cut performance like a pro. To help you choose the right one, we compiled this list of the most affordable ways to buy a chainsaw mill guide bar:
A portable chainsaw mill, also known as an Alaskan mill, is a type of saw attachment that can be attached to a chainsaw in order to turn it into a portable sawmill.
There are many different brands and models of portable chainsaw mills available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
