Imagine transforming a fallen tree into beautiful lumber right in your backyard. Alaskan Mills make this possible, but choosing the right one can feel like navigating a frozen tundra! If you’ve ever dreamed of milling your own wood, you’ve probably faced the confusion of different sizes, engine types, and cutting bar lengths. It’s a big decision, and the wrong choice can lead to frustration and wasted time.
This guide is here to help you conquer that confusion. We’ll break down everything you need to know about Alaskan Mills, from the basics to the finer details. You’ll learn what makes each model unique and how to pick the one that fits your needs perfectly. Get ready to discover how to make your wood milling dreams a reality!
Our Top 5 Alaskan Mill Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Alaskan Mill Detailed Reviews
1. Zozen Chainsaw Mill
Rating: 9.2/10
Transforming logs into usable lumber just got a whole lot easier with the Zozen Chainsaw Mill. This portable sawmill is designed for builders and woodworkers, offering a flexible way to create beautiful slabs from rough logs. It’s perfect for cutting various types of wood, like cedar, walnut, and oak, right where the tree falls or in your own backyard.
What We Like:
- Versatile Size Options: Its unique patented design lets you assemble it into three different sizes, so you can use it for small or large projects without needing a huge setup.
- Adjustable Cutting: You can mill planks from 1/2 inch to 12 inches thick, and it works with chainsaw bars from 14 to 36 inches.
- Durable and Sturdy: Made from quality aluminum alloy and steel, this mill is built to last.
- User-Friendly Features: It has an upgraded handle for better control, simpler assembly with fewer parts, and clear instructions. The dual-system scale (metric and imperial) is a nice touch.
- Includes a Gift: You get 4 felling wedges to help with your milling tasks.
- Easy to Transport: Its lightweight and portable design makes it easy to move to different locations.
What Could Be Improved:
- Splicing Parts Availability: While the connection method is advanced and uses standard international parts, you need to purchase splicing accessories separately if you want to extend it for even longer logs.
The Zozen Chainsaw Mill offers a practical and adaptable solution for anyone looking to mill their own lumber. Its innovative design and user-friendly features make it a valuable tool for both DIY enthusiasts and professional woodworkers.
2. Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill MKIV
Rating: 9.4/10
Turn your chainsaw into a portable sawmill with the Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill MKIV, G778-36. This tool kit lets you mill lumber right where the tree falls. You don’t need any special training to use it. It clamps onto your chainsaw bar without needing to drill holes. This makes it easy to get started milling your own wood.
What We Like:
- Easy DIY Setup: Clamps directly to your chainsaw bar, no drilling required.
- Wide Cutting Capacity: Handles chainsaw bars up to 36 inches, allowing cuts up to 32 inches wide and 1/2 inch to 13 inches deep.
- Durable Construction: Made with tough aircraft-grade aluminum extrusion and zinc-plated steel for a long life.
- USA Made Quality: Proudly manufactured and assembled in America by a family-owned business.
- Helpful Support: Access to instructional videos and expert advice from their support team.
- Straight, Even Cuts: Designed to help you achieve accurate, consistent lumber every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Chainsaw Not Included: You will need to provide your own chainsaw (minimum 70cc).
This Granberg mill is a fantastic way to create your own lumber with precision and ease. It’s built tough and backed by great support, making it a solid investment for any woodworking project.
3. Zozen Chainsaw Mill with Lumber Guide Brackets
Rating: 8.5/10
Turn your chainsaw into a powerful lumber-making machine with the Zozen Chainsaw Mill and Lumber Guide Brackets! This portable sawmill kit lets you cut logs into beautiful planks right where the tree fell. It’s made of strong aluminum alloy and steel, so it will last a long time. You can adjust it to fit chainsaws with bars from 14 to 36 inches, and cut wood from 1/2 inch to 12 inches thick. The included lumber guide brackets help you make straight cuts on logs up to 36 inches wide. This kit is perfect for anyone who wants to make their own lumber!
What We Like:
- Versatile Design: Assembles into three different sizes for cutting wood of various dimensions, and can be used independently for smaller jobs.
- Adjustable and Compatible: Works with chainsaw bars from 14 to 36 inches and cuts lumber from 1/2 to 12 inches thick.
- Easy to Use: The lumber guide brackets make it simple to get straight, level cuts.
- Durable Construction: Made from sturdy aluminum alloy and steel for long-lasting use.
- Improved Features: Includes an upgraded handle for better control and simpler assembly with fewer parts.
- Helpful Extras: Comes with a user manual, screws, and 4 felling wedges to get you started.
- Dual Measurement Scale: Features both metric and imperial measurements for convenience.
- Portable: Lightweight design makes it easy to transport to any location.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions, while detailed, might require a bit of time to fully understand for first-time users.
- While sturdy, the assembly process, though simplified, may still require some effort.
This Zozen Chainsaw Mill kit is a fantastic tool for transforming logs into usable lumber efficiently. It offers great flexibility and durability for all your woodworking projects.
4. Timber Tuff TMW-56 Steel Lumber Cutting Guide Portable Sawmill Tool with Small Carry Size for Versatile Timber Cutting with Chainsaw
Rating: 9.5/10
Turn your logs into lumber with the Timber Tuff TMW-56 Steel Lumber Cutting Guide. This handy tool lets you cut your own boards right from logs, so you don’t need to go to the lumberyard. You can make boards up to 2×6 inches, perfect for many projects. Its small size makes it easy to take anywhere, from your workshop to the woods.
What We Like:
- You can cut your own lumber from logs.
- It cuts boards up to 2×6 inches.
- It’s small and easy to carry.
- It’s made of strong steel and won’t rust easily.
- It’s built tough for lots of projects.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cutting guide might be a bit tricky to adjust for very specific measurements.
- For very large logs, you might need a more robust setup.
The Timber Tuff TMW-56 is a great tool for DIYers who want to make their own lumber. It’s a solid choice for cutting wood at home or on the go.
5. FARMMAC Chainsaw-Mill-Portable-Saw-Mill – 36 Inch Chainsaw Mill Kit Planking Milling
Rating: 8.5/10
Transform your woodworking projects with the FARMMAC Chainsaw-Mill-Portable-Saw-Mill – 36 Inch Chainsaw Mill Kit. This powerful tool lets you mill large logs into custom-sized lumber, perfect for everything from small crafts to larger building projects. Its robust design and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any woodworker’s arsenal.
What We Like:
- It has a large cutting capacity, so you can mill logs up to 36 inches wide. This means you can make custom-sized lumber for all your projects.
- The mill is built with high-quality materials. This makes it strong and able to last for many years, even with lots of use.
- You can make precise and even cuts. This helps you get a professional look on your wood.
- It is portable. You can easily move it to different locations. This saves you time and effort by letting you mill logs where they are.
- The company offers excellent after-sales support. If you have any problems, they will help you fix them.
What Could Be Improved:
- While portable, assembling and setting up the mill might take some practice for beginners.
- The effectiveness of the “precise cutting” feature can depend on the user’s chainsaw and milling technique.
This FARMMAC chainsaw mill kit offers impressive capabilities for serious woodworkers. Its ability to handle large logs and deliver quality cuts makes it a worthwhile investment for your workshop.
The Alaskan Mill: Your Sawmill Companion
Choosing the Right Alaskan Mill: A Buyer’s Guide
Thinking about milling your own lumber? An Alaskan Mill can be a game-changer. It attaches to your chainsaw, turning it into a portable sawmill. This lets you cut logs into usable lumber right where the tree fell. Let’s explore what makes a good Alaskan Mill.
Key Features to Look For
1. Bar Size Compatibility
The first thing to check is if the mill works with your chainsaw’s guide bar. Mills are designed for specific bar lengths, usually from 14 inches up to 36 inches or more. Make sure the mill you choose matches your chainsaw.
2. Cutting Thickness and Width
Some mills let you adjust how thick you cut your lumber. Others have a maximum width they can cut. Think about the kinds of projects you plan to do. If you need wide slabs, look for a wider cutting capacity.
3. Build Quality and Durability
A good Alaskan Mill is built tough. It needs to handle the vibration and stress of sawing wood. Look for sturdy metal parts and strong connections.
4. Ease of Assembly and Use
You don’t want a mill that’s a headache to put together. Simple assembly means you can start sawing sooner. It should also be easy to adjust and operate while you’re working.
Important Materials
Most Alaskan Mills are made from strong materials.
- Steel: This is the most common material. It’s strong and durable. Look for powder-coated steel to prevent rust.
- Aluminum: Some parts might be made of aluminum. It’s lighter than steel but still strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Robust Frame: A thicker, well-welded frame makes the mill more stable.
- Smooth Adjustments: Easy-to-turn knobs or levers for adjusting cut thickness are a big plus.
- Good Hardware: High-quality bolts and nuts last longer and stay tight.
Reducing Quality
- Thin Metal: Flimsy metal can bend or break under pressure.
- Poor Welds: Weak welds can fail, making the mill unsafe.
- Difficult Adjustments: If it’s hard to change settings, your work will be slower and more frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an Alaskan Mill is rewarding. You can mill lumber for fences, decks, furniture, or even small cabins. It’s great for remote locations where you can’t easily bring logs to a traditional sawmill. Most users find it takes a little practice to get perfect cuts. You’ll learn to control the chainsaw smoothly. Safety is super important. Always wear protective gear like gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection.
An Alaskan Mill offers freedom and the satisfaction of making your own lumber. Choose wisely, and it will be a tool you’ll use for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Alaskan Mills
Q: What is an Alaskan Mill?
A: An Alaskan Mill is an attachment for your chainsaw that lets you cut logs into lumber.
Q: Do I need a special chainsaw for an Alaskan Mill?
A: You need a chainsaw with enough power for the size of the logs you plan to cut. Check the mill’s specifications for recommended chainsaw sizes.
Q: How do I choose the right size Alaskan Mill?
A: Match the mill’s guide bar capacity to your chainsaw’s guide bar length. Also, consider the maximum width and thickness of lumber you want to cut.
Q: Is it hard to assemble an Alaskan Mill?
A: Most Alaskan Mills are designed for straightforward assembly. They usually come with instructions.
Q: Can I cut different types of wood with an Alaskan Mill?
A: Yes, you can cut most types of wood, but harder woods will require a more powerful chainsaw.
Q: What safety precautions should I take when using an Alaskan Mill?
A: Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Ensure the mill is securely attached to your chainsaw.
Q: How do I get straight cuts?
A: Practice is key! You can also use a guide board clamped to the log to help keep your cuts straight.
Q: Can an Alaskan Mill replace a professional sawmill?
A: For small to medium projects, it can be a great alternative. For large-scale operations, a professional sawmill is usually needed.
Q: How much maintenance does an Alaskan Mill require?
A: Keep it clean, check for loose bolts, and lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
Q: Where can I buy an Alaskan Mill?
A: You can find them online from various retailers and directly from some manufacturers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.