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Their sizes range from small to tall-and so do their prices. But no matter the style, here's ...

What To Look For In a Chain Saw Lumber Mill

By Harold C. Macintosh

A chain saw lumber mill is a mechanical device that attaches to the saw's guide bar and-with the aid of a guide board "track" (usually a 2 X 4 or 2 X 6) nailed to the project log-allows you to make perfectly parallel milling cuts the entire length of a log. The primary advantage of using a mill attachment is that you can cut slabs that are smoother, straighter, and more equal in size than is possible with freehand ripping.

Although there are many brands of chain saw lumber mills on the market today, there are only two basic types: small vertical mills, and the more involved horizontal units. Which type is better for you depends on your needs. Let's take a look at both.

Vertical mills are, for the most part, simpler in construction, give you more usable guide-bar cutting length (because they fit closer to the surface of the log), and are less expensive to purchase. Moreover, vertical mills are also easier to install on, and remove from, your saw than are the more complex horizontal devices, which often require that you drill one or more holes through the bar to accept attaching bolts.

When you're shopping for a vertical mill, be sure to choose one that allows the saw to pivot up and down while it's in use, and that can also be locked at any cutting angle. This feature will allow you to adjust the bar angle so that the chain does not protrude excessively from the bottom of the log-thus eliminating the necessity of raising the project log high off the ground to protect the bar-tip and chain.