If you plan to mill wood, you should know that it is a very laborious task. And if you’re not equipped with a good chainsaw, you won’t be able to cut wood precisely and safely. It’s paramount not to compromise your safety in handling big logs and machines.
In this guide, I’ll share the best chainsaws for milling and what makes each a perfect tool for this type of task.
Reviews of the Top Chainsaws for Milling
1. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw
Featuring a 60.3cc engine and a 20-inch bar, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is one of the top chainsaws for milling due to its powerful engine.
A key safety feature of this chainsaw is the inertia-activated chain brake, which provides critical protection in the event of a mechanical failure. The 9000 rpm motor speed and x-torque design enable quick milling with minimal energy and waste. The chain’s tension is easily modified thanks to a side-mounted chain tensioning device.
Due to the machine’s automatic oiling system, you don’t need to spend much time maintaining it. The chainsaw is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal and portable for chainsaw milling tasks anywhere.
What I Like
- The saw is equipped with good safety features
- It is fast-cutting, ensuring efficiency
- It is designed with environmental friendliness in mind, it minimizes harmful emissions.
- The chainsaw has received positive reviews specifically for its milling performance.
What I Don't Like
- You'll need to stock up on air filters
- It's a bit expensive
2. Echo CS-590-20AA
This chainsaw’s 59.8cc, 2-stroke engine is built for Alaskan Mills and professional use, delivering consistent performance over extended durations.
This chainsaw makes milling tasks, such as creating slabs, beams, and planks from downed trees much more manageable. In our extensive testing with the Alaskan Mill, the Echo CS-590-20 emerged as the best choice, outperforming several other saws.
Thanks to the integrated filtration systems, automatic oiling system, and built-in decompression valve, you can count on the highest levels of user ease. The five-year warranty that comes with it also contributed to why it is our second best chainsaw for milling and you won’t find this warranty in other chainsaw models.
What I Like
- The fuel tank is translucent
- The excellent engine performance for demanding tasks
- It can cut through multiple layers of wood
What I Don't Like
- It doesn't have any vibration reduction features
- You'll need to pull manually to start
3. Husqvarna 20-inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
This milling chainsaw, with the option to choose between an 18- or 20-inch chain bar, pairs excellently with its 55.5 cc gas engine.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher has an X-Torq engine, which can reduce fuel usage by up to 20% compared to conventional engines. It is also 75% more efficient in emissions, making it environmentally friendly and one of the best.
In the event of a mechanical failure, its engine chain brake will engage. In my extensive use of this saw, it consistently performed well, never slowing down or causing any trouble, even after countless cuts. It’s also remarkably easy to start, especially for gas-powered equipment.
What I Like
- The low emission levels make it environmentally friendly
- Its fuel consumption is considerably lower
- It is equipped with a quick-release air filter
- The start-stop switch combination is a very convenient feature
What I Don't Like
- The fuel tank may not be enough for some chainsaw milling tasks
- It may not be powerful enough for heavier tasks
4. Poulan Pro 20-inch 50cc PR5020
When working through dense forests, the Poulan Pro PR5020’s OxyPower engine technology kicks in to give you that extra push you need. The functionality and power are perfectly balanced in this chainsaw, suitable for logging and milling.
The chainsaw’s starting mechanism requires 30% less effort than most other models. You can operate the Poulan Pro with the utmost firmness because of its ergonomically designed back and front handles. The incorporation of stop control prevents engine flooding and enables rapid engine startup.
The chainsaw has a 20-inch bar and an excellent air filtering system, making it suitable for milling purposes and lumber with a wide range of thicknesses.
What I Like
- The air filter system is excellent
- It is user-friendly
- The saw is lightweight
What I Don't Like
- Some may find its power insufficient
- It may require chain tension adjustments
5. Salem Master 6220H
If you’re considering milling lumber with a chainsaw, the Salem Master 6220H is also one of the best options out there. It is equipped with a 62cc gas-powered engine with extremely low emissions, making it suitable for environmentally sensitive areas.
What sets this chainsaw apart are its safety features. The inclusion of handguards and a chain brake is particularly important for ensuring safety during lumber-related tasks. It also came equipped with a decompressing valve to alleviate similar beginning issues.
Finally, the engine’s cutting power and the chain bar’s ability to slash through wood make this one of the top chainsaws for a milling attachment and other similar heavy-duty chainsaw milling jobs. This blend of environmental consideration, safety features, and robust performance makes it a standout in its category.
What I Like
- It comes with dual chain bars
- Its robust motor capacity is good for demanding cutting tasks
- It's the best chainsaw for milling large trees
What I Don't Like
- It may consume more power
- Getting replacement parts might be hard
6. Greenworks 40V 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw
The inclusion of an Oregon chain bar at no additional cost in this portable sawmill package was a key factor in my decision to opt for the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Professional Chainsaw. With it, you may make on-the-fly adjustments to the chain’s tension without stopping the engine.
The cordless operation of this chainsaw, combined with a compact chain bar length of 10 inches, makes it one of the most portable options I’ve used. You can choose various battery alternatives that boost power and battery timing to get the job done in the middle of nowhere in one fell swoop.
Furthermore, its lightweight construction, automatic oiling system, and wrap-around bale handle make it a good chainsaw for milling lumber.
What I Like
- It is an affordable cordless chain saws
- The chain bar size and built is great if you're looking for portability
- It is lightweight
What I Don't Like
- You may need extra batteries
- I wouldn't recommend this for lengthy chainsaw milling
7. Coocheer Chainsaw 62CC 20-inch Gas Powered Chainsaw
Finding a high-quality power tool for milling lumber that doesn’t break the bank can be challenging. However, the 62cc, 20-inch gas chainsaw from Cocheer strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it an ideal choice for milling jobs.
The components of the Coocheer 62CC chainsaw thoughtfully positioned to provide effortless and balanced operation in your chainsaw milling projects. The vibrations generated by the chainsaw’s motor and chain bar are mitigated thanks to the handles’ lack of slipperiness, providing added firmness.
The chain bar has superior durability, the air filtering system also does an admirable job, and the automatic oiling system keeps things running smoothly with minimal upkeep.
Also Read: Coocheer Chainsaw Review
What I Like
- It is budget-friendly for a high-powered chainsaw
- You can use it all day
- It's the best chainsaw for comfort
What I Don't Like
- It is heavier than similar models
- The replacement parts may be hard to find
8. XtremepowerUS 22-inch 2.4HP 45cc Gas 2-Stroke Chainsaw
A more reasonable milling chainsaw alternative for high-priced chainsaw models from Echo and Husqvarna is the XtremepowerUS 22′′ inch 2.4HP 45cc.
Despite lacking the strength of its rivals, this saw is quite handy for cutting and milling fallen trees because of its convenient features. The 22-inch bar, two inches greater than most saws, provides a greater cutting area and efficiency.
The saw fires up so quickly, and unlike many gas-powered saws, it never throws a tantrum. The engine, at 45cc and producing 2.4 horsepower, may be less powerful than those found in larger chainsaws. However, it still packs enough punch for typical chainsaw milling tasks, making it a solid choice for those needing a more dependable but affordable milling tool.
What I Like
- This is an affordable chainsaw for milling lumber
- It is EPA-approved
- It has a 22-inch bar for lumber of maximum width
What I Don't Like
- It may not have enough power for some milling lumber jobs
- It is a bit heavier than all the chainsaws listed
Chainsaw for Milling Buyer’s Guide
Design and Build
You probably don’t want to slash and lop with a chainsaw that weighs 30 pounds. You should look for a saw that strikes a decent mix between portability and productivity.
As an added precaution, you shouldn’t get an ultra-lightweight saw because of the annoying vibrations it will generate.
Weight
Chainsaws are powerful tools, but regular use may be stressful for an operator. Having them hooked up to milling equipment might lead to frame strain.
Most of them are built with sturdy materials, but cutting weight where you can save some is always a good idea.
Compatibility with Mill Attachment
You must ensure the mill connection will work with the chainsaw before settling on a specific model.
There are several options available at various price points, and while it is possible to save money by purchasing a cheaper model, doing so is not ideal unless you plan to buy multiple units.
Lumber Size
A powerful chainsaw is required if the lumber is larger and thicker. To do so, you must assess the available engine power, as this will dictate the amount of force that can be applied.
Even a compact-sized chainsaw is adequate for cutting through small to medium-sized timber. You could make quick work of it; however, the precise amount of time you need would depend on the material’s dimensions and thickness.
Chainsaw Bar Length
The bar length is crucial for milling in general. The bar length and chain on some versions are 20 inches, while the blade length on others is considerably more. You should base your decision on the workpieces you’ll use.
Power
When milling, you don’t want to make cross-sectional cuts in the wood. That will call for constant energy, maybe a lot of it. Milling equipment often has power constraints that must be adhered to when used in conjunction with other tools like chainsaws.
If so, then stick to them. If not, it’s prudent to search for a powerful chainsaw. 50 cc is a popular option among users.
Gas or Electric?
You have to decide between bulk and reliability when selecting a power source. In most cases, gas-powered chainsaws will be more effective in milling lumber than their electric counterparts. You can put them to use, but be sure you don’t overburden them.
However, electric units are less noisy, which is an advantage if you plan on doing a lot of cutting. They are designed to be used with standard wall outlets so you can always keep your electricity on. Since there is no engine, these are easier to transport and require less effort to operate.
Maintenance
Using a gas-powered saw is often frowned upon due to the tool’s perceived extreme difficulty. If you want to get the most out of the one you buy, you’ll have to do some serious upkeep.
A few come with an automated mechanism that takes care of the maintenance. Cleaning the air with centrifugal systems, air filters, and others will help you save time and money on upkeep.
Built-in Safety Features
In any case, chainsaws are quite effective tools. You can only imagine the harm they could do to human beings if they are capable of cutting through solid hardwoods.
As a result, you must take every precaution to protect yourself from these lethal devices. Thankfully, numerous businesses have produced chainsaws with security in mind.
Low kickback, an inertia-activated chain brake, guards, a chain collector, and so on are just a few safety features available on modern chainsaws.
Price
Choose the cheaper chainsaw if you choose between two that work with your milling machine. Keep in mind that the cost exceeds the retail value of the saw. Consider the ongoing operating costs [1], such as gas, maintenance, and repairs.
Reasons to Use a Chainsaw For Milling
Anyone familiar with the scale of the lumbers that need to be milled understands the logistical challenges. There are also expenses for labor and space at a neighboring lumber factory, where the logs are transformed into boards.
A chainsaw mill will be extremely handy if you need to construct a building some distance from the nearest fixed lumber mill. The cost of a chainsaw is much lower than that of a traditional sawmill, so you can get both cost savings and convenience from buying one.
Furthermore, using a chainsaw for milling provides flexibility in terms of cutting dimensions and the ability to mill lumber on-site, allowing for custom cuts and immediate access to the milled wood for construction projects.
FAQ
Do I need a special chain for a chainsaw mill?
Yes, you need a special chain called a “ripping chain” or “ripper chain” for a chainsaw mill. Ripping chains to make parallel cuts with the wood grain instead of cuts perpendicular to the grain.
Are milling saws difficult to use due to vibrations?
Incorrect machining procedures cause harmful vibrations. In general, the vibration of a chainsaw is unavoidable. However, vibration is kept to a minimum thanks to vibration-less features included in many of the best chainsaws models on the market.
My Top Pick For a Chainsaw for Milling:
Husqvarna 460 Rancher Chainsaw
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher earns the top spot as the best chainsaw for milling lumber in my assessment. The lengthy 24-inch bar that’s available on this chainsaw provides a greater range for you to mill the wood in larger sizes and amounts.
The 60cc motor generates 3.62 horsepower, and the chain can keep spinning in any weather. Overall, it is comfortable to handle, performs exceptionally, and is fuel-efficient.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
