Best Chainsaws for Milling Lumber

Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or just starting out, a chainsaw can be a useful tool for milling and cutting wood.

Milling with a chainsaw may sound a bit intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! A quality chainsaw can make milling effortless, so you can get to the fun part of crafting and creating beautiful projects.

Milling is a process used to shape and cut materials such as wood or metal. It is done with special tools such as mills, routers, planers, and lathes. Chainsaws can be used to help with milling by cutting the material into smaller pieces that are easier to work with. The potential of chainsaw milling can be seen in this report. 

What size chainsaw for milling?

The size of the chainsaw you need for milling depends on the project you are working on. Generally, a chainsaw between 20-22 inches is ideal for milling. This size of chainsaw is powerful enough to mill without becoming too bulky for small projects. 

For small projects, you can often get away with using a smaller chainsaw such as a 16-inch model. This site is excellent for cutting small logs and working on small projects.

However, if you are looking to mill large logs or do a lot of milling work then a larger saw is recommended. 

When selecting a chainsaw for milling slabs, make sure to get one with a high-quality bar and chain that can endure milling.

Additionally, make sure the saw has a good power source and enough torque to handle the load of milling. Lastly, you will want to ensure the saw is properly maintained and lubricated before each use. 

5 Best Chainsaws for Milling Lumber – Tested & Compared!

We understand that you want a chainsaw that’s up to the task, so we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best chainsaw for milling. 

We’ll go over the different types of chainsaws and the features you should look for when you’re shopping. Our safety tips will also help you work safely and confidently using a chainsaw.

1. Echo CS590 Gas Chainsaw – Editor’s Pick

Bar length: 20 inches | Engine power: 59.8 cc | Type: Gas-powered | Horsepower: 3.9hp | Weight: 20 Pounds

When it comes to milling, you need the right tool for the job and the Echo CS gas chainsaw is a perfect choice. It’s packed with features designed to make milling easier and more efficient. 

For starters, the CS 20-inch gas chainsaw has a powerful 2-stroke, professional-grade motor. This motor gives it great run times, making it a great choice for long days of milling.

It also has an automatic oiler system that is clutch-driven for automatic lubrication distribution and a 20-inch bar for cutting larger stock.

This gas chainsaw likewise has a decompression valve for the engine, making cord pulling simpler and faster starting.

This makes it great for those times when you need to quickly get going. The heavy-duty air filter additionally ensures that maintenance is quick and easy. 

For added peace of mind, the Echo gas chainsaw has a 5-year limited consumer warranty. This warranty covers any issues or malfunctions that may arise. All of these features make the Echo gas chainsaw the best choice for milling.

2. Husqvarna 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

Bar length: 24 inches | Engine power: 60.3 cc | Type: Gas-powered | Horsepower: 3.6hp | Weight: 13.2 Pounds

This powerful and reliable chainsaw is perfect for tackling tough jobs with ease and precision. Featuring a 60cc X-TORQ engine, this chainsaw is designed to maximize fuel efficiency while minimizing emissions.

If you’re looking for sharpness that lasts long, the X-Cut chain on the 460 Rancher is designed to help you get the job done. With its durable construction and superior sharpness, this chain will make sure your cutting operations are done quickly and effectively. 

Additionally, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher minimizes vibrations with its dampeners between the engine and chassis.

But that’s not all that comes with the Husqvarna 460r. It also includes exclusive filing tools, a quart of bar and chain oil, 6.4 ounces of 2-cycle oil, a scrench, a spark plug, a combination file guide, a logger’s filing vise, and an operator’s manual. All of these are contained in the chainsaw case, making it easy to transport and use.

With a double-wall construction, the Husqvarna Rancher makes sure your chainsaw and other equipment are safe and protected.

You’ll be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently with this well-built saw, with a powerful engine and durable construction.

3. Poulan PR5020 Gas Chainsaw

Bar length: 20 inches | Engine power: 50 cc | Type: Gas-powered | Horsepower: 2.8hp | Weight: 17 Pounds

A gas chainsaw like the Poulan Pro 20 will make your job easier and more convenient.

The OxyPower engine technology provides extra power with 70% less pollution and 20% lower fuel consumption, making it the perfect choice for milling. The effortless pull-starting technology also reduces the draw force by 30%, making it easier to start and less wear on the starter mechanism.

Purge bulb protection reduces the possibility of damage and provides fuel to the carburetor, enabling it to start with fewer pulls. The combination tool is integrated into the back handle so you can easily access it for repair. The simple choke/stop control decreases the likelihood of engine flooding.

The Poulan 20-in. gas chainsaw offers excellent control, with an inertia-activated chain brake that reduces kickback. The anti-vibration handle helps reduce fatigue, and the automatic chain oiler ensures continual lubrication for optimal performance and extended chain and bar life.

4. COOCHEER 62CC Gas Chainsaw – Budget Pick

Bar length: 19.3 inches | Engine power: 62 cc | Type: Gas-powered | Horsepower: 3.5hp | Weight: 15.43 Pounds

The Coocheer Gas Chainsaw is a two-stroke gasoline chainsaw that offers consistent power while generating fewer emissions and using less fuel. The engine is capable of running at a maximum speed of 8500 rpm, making it ideal for a wide range of cutting tasks around a farm or garden.

A high-strength aluminum-magnesium alloy was used to construct the cylinder block. This alloy has good wear resistance, can withstand higher temperatures, produces smoother double-hole exhaust, lowers cylinder temperature, and won’t ignite for a long time.

A high-quality chain that has been enhanced and quenched for increased toughness and longevity is another feature of the chainsaw.

The trees with high toughness are easily cut. The chain has also been built with a low-vibration function that lessens user fatigue.

It likewise comes with a 20″ bar, which is perfect for both large and small tasks. The bar is also designed with a low-kickback feature, which ensures that your milling job is done correctly and safely.

In addition, this Chainsaw also includes a toolset and a carrying bag. The tool set includes a spark plug wrench, a chain tensioner, a file guide, a bar wrench, and a bar clamp.

The carrying bag is perfect for transporting the chainsaw, making it easy to move from job site to job site.

5. Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Bar length: 16 inches | Type: Battery-powered | Power: 40v | Weight: 10.36 Pounds | Cuts Per Charge: 140

Greenworks 16-Inch Chainsaw provides a unique combination of features that make it ideal for both professional and home use. It comes with a 4AH battery and a charger, making it extremely portable and easy to use.

This Chainsaw is powered by the TRUBRUSHLESSTM motor technology, which provides more torque and longer runtimes than traditional gas-powered chainsaws. Additionally, it’s incredibly quiet when in use, which makes it ideal for use in residential areas. 

It also has a chain brake for added safety, as well as an automatic oiler for increased productivity and correct chain lubrication.

Its chainsaw’s PRO STYLE TENSIONING system, which enables rapid and simple tension adjustment of the bar and chain, is one of its best features. 

Moreover, it includes a push-button start, eliminating the need for a starter rope, carburetor, or spark plug. Also, there are no gas or emissions to be concerned about because it is powered by a lithium-ion battery.

At 10.36 pounds, this saw is light enough to transport from job to job without issue. And since it’s cordless, you don’t have to worry about getting tangled up in cords or running out of power.

What To Look For When Buying The Best Chainsaw For Milling Lumber?

Your milling job will be much more efficient and effective if you have the right chainsaw.

You may be wondering what to look for when choosing the best chainsaw for milling when there are so many models and features to choose from. You can make an informed decision based on this buying guide, which details the top chainsaw features to consider.

1. Power & Performance

Power and performance are both essential factors for chainsaws for milling. Gas-powered chainsaws for milling should have an engine of 50-60 inches for efficient and smooth performance. 

This allows for more power for cutting hardwoods and other larger materials. For battery-powered chainsaws for milling, the battery should be at least 4-5 Ah to generate enough power for the job. 

With a strong engine and battery, the chainsaw will be able to cut through hardwoods easily and with precision. 

It will also result in a cleaner cut, reducing the risk of splitting or damaging the timber. Additionally, a powerful and well-performing chainsaw cuts accurately with minimal effort, making the job easier and more efficient.

2. Quality of Construction

The quality of construction in chainsaws for milling is of utmost importance to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of the tool. The chainsaw must be made from high-quality materials to guarantee user safety and effectiveness. 

Steel that is strong and impervious to corrosion, wear and tear, and other types of damage should be used to make the blade. A pleasant material that can provide a firm grip, such as rubber or plastic, can be used for the handle.

 To further safeguard the operator’s hands and other body parts from the saw’s moving parts, guards need to be included. 

Moreover, the engine and frame should be built to endure the strains brought on by milling and other tasks. These components work best when made of high-grade materials like stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and steel.

3. Safety features

Chainsaw milling requires the use of robust and reliable safety features. An emergency shut-off switch is essential for preventing any sudden accidents. 

It should be easily accessible and must be automatically activated when the user loses control of the saw. Spark arrestors prevent sparks from spreading, which can cause fire hazards. 

Additionally, anti-vibration features on the chainsaw and handle can reduce the user’s fatigue and minimize the risk of injury due to prolonged use. 

Other important safety features include a chain brake, a kickback guard, and automatic chain lubrication. During overexertion, the chain brake will stop the chain, while the kickback guard will prevent the saw from suddenly jerking back, which can cause serious injuries. 

Furthermore, automatic chain lubrication reduces the risk of jamming the chain and prevents accidental cutting.

4. Weight

Milling requires chainsaws that are light in weight. This is because the power-to-weight ratio of the saw is a major contributor to the performance and efficiency of the milling process.

Ideally, you should have a chainsaw that is lightweight enough to be maneuvered easily, yet powerful enough to perform the milling process quickly. A heavier chainsaw can be difficult to maneuver and reduce efficiency, as it takes more effort to move the saw.

 Conversely, chains too light may not have enough power to effectively mill the materials. To ensure the best possible milling results, find the right balance between weight and power to ensure the best possible milling results. 

Moreover, the weight of the saw has an impact on its overall portability. If a saw is too heavy, it can be difficult to transport and use in different locations. Finding a chainsaw that has the right weight and power combination is essential to successfully milling projects.

5. Type of saw

For choosing the right type of saw for chainsaw milling, it is important to consider the type of saw and its power source. Electric saws are ideal for smaller, light-duty jobs. 

They are usually lightweight and easy to maneuver and require no emissions or noise. Battery-powered saws are a great option for those who need portability, as they don’t require an external power source. 

However, they do require batteries, so it’s important to consider their charging time before purchasing. 

Gas-powered saws are generally the most reliable and powerful option and are the most commonly used for chainsaw milling. 

They are powerful and require little maintenance, but they do require fuel and produce emissions, so they’re not ideal for use in enclosed spaces. Additionally, gas-powered saws are often more expensive than electric and battery-powered saws. 

No matter which type of saw you choose, it’s important to consider what you need it for and how much power it requires

Over To You!

The best chainsaw for milling is one that is both ergonomically designed and powerful. It should be lightweight and well-balanced, with a comfortable handle and low vibration levels.

Also, it ought to have an adjustable chain tension system, a lubrication system, and an automatic bar and chain oiler.

Also, it is important to make sure that the chain is made of high-quality steel and that the saw has a reliable clutch. It must also be easy to start and have a long-lasting engine.

After researching the various options for the best chainsaw for milling, one of the top contenders is the Echo CS590 Gas chainsaw. This chainsaw is powerful and reliable, perfect for large-scale milling. Powered by a 2-stroke engine with a 20-inch bar, it cuts large chunks of wood quickly. 

It also has a quick-release air filter system and a large fuel tank, allowing it to stay running for an extended period. This makes it a perfect choice for milling large amounts of wood.

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