How to Build A Chainsaw Mill?

A chainsaw mill building needs less time and money compared to other pruning saws. Hence, it is an excellent investment for beginners and hobbyists. Also, a chainsaw mill is mobile and can handle large timbers at ease.

Here, we will describe how to build a chainsaw mill under step-by-step guidelines.

How to Make A Chainsaw Mill

Step 1: Have the Right Concept

A chainsaw mill is often referred to as the Alaskan mill. Also, it is pretty simple to use. At first, you select the log you want to deal with the power tool and make a reference edge right on its top. You can use the ladder to prepare the reference edge.

The mill on the chainsaw is a jig attachment, and it accommodates the guide bar. Also, the guide bar is aligned with the straight edge reference line.

Step 2: Cutting to Length

You might use scrap steel or aluminum to build the chainsaw mill frame. Aluminum is lightweight and so easy to maneuver. Also, you might use a t-slot profile with the extruded aluminum. You can opt for the 40mm by 40mm profile for the building process.

The other things you will need:

• Two 900mm long rails
• Four 400mm inner bracing
• Two 500mm verticals
• Two 100mm small vertical alignments
• Four 40mm bracket sets
• Required nuts, bolts, and springs

Step 3: Thread Tapping

You need to use M8 thread to assemble the main frame as well as the four braces in the middle. It is better to use the lathe instead of your hand. Also, use machine tapping to thread them. You might apply WD40 to lubricate the threads for perfect alignment.

Step 4: Drilling Holes for The HEX Keys

If you don’t want to use any special fasteners for the 90-degree but joints, tapping the essential holes will be ideal. When you want to use the standard M8 bolts, you need to create holes of around 6.5-7mm to insert the bolts correctly.

It will allow the HEX keys to pass the holes at ease. You can use a drill to make the holes quickly.

Step 5: Assembling the Mill

Now, you will have to arrange all the parts, including the long lengths and verticals. You must check the joint sequences and the different parts of the chainsaw mill. Once you have ensured the success of the elements and joints, start tightening the joints.

Also, the long verticals must be aligned with the small verticals. It will help you to keep the mill perpendicular properly with the attached guide bar. You might use a piece of hardwood and cut it into the required size for this purpose.

Step 6: Drilling the Attached Guide Bar

You need to find a way to attach the required guide bar with the long verticals. You can bolt the previously tapped hole and the guide bar for linking it with the long verticals.

You must use a few locklite with a medium strength with the bolts while fastening them. It would prevent the bolts from getting loose after a while. You should prepare two holes on the guide bar of 8mm each. We recommend you using a carbide drill bit with the lubricating oil to make those holes properly.

You also need to mark the drilling points with the pencil before you start drilling them. Also, place a piece of mild steel or scarp hardwood underneath the guide bar. It will prevent the burring of the guide bar when the drill bit goes through it.

Once you have prepared the drilled holes properly, clamp the guide bar in the right position firmly. The attachment must be secured with bolts in the right places.

Alternatively, you can use a clamp to connect the chainsaw mill with the guide bar. But it will be more hassle than attaching the guide bar with the mill permanently.  Also, joining the clamp with the chainsaw mill will add extra weight to it.

Hence, the chainsaw mill will become overweight and hard to move.

Step 7: Mounting and Adding the Skid and Guide Bar

Depending on the guide bar length, you need to attach the bolts to the clearance holes properly. After connecting the guide bar with the chainsaw mill using M8 threaded bolts, you will also have to add the skid or roller.

We suggest you attach these rollers underneath the inbound side. You might use the rollerblade wheel for the purpose. The roller allows the chainsaw mill to run smoothly even if it is stopped due to the log surface’s unevenness.

When the log surface is even, the wheel works as a smoothening too. And if the surface is a little wonky, the wheel works as a skid. Some people might recommend using the skid instead of the rollerblade wheel, but it needs some tricky adventures for attachment.

Step 8: Attaching Handle Grip and Throttle Lock

You don’t need to purchase new grips for the handle. The old inner tubes of the bike will work fine for an ergonomic grip. You might squeeze multiple tubes on each other so that the grip becomes even more perfect and better.

The grip will reduce the vibration and work-fatigue as you cut through large logs into a more manageable size.

Next, you need to connect the throttle lock. The throttle lock allows you to control the chainsaw mill with both hands since you won’t have to reach the throttle additionally. A simple zip tie can be used to switch on and off the attached throttle.

Step 9: Preparing the Chainsaw Mill for the 1st Cut

During the wintertime, you might want to maintain the property. It needs landscaping. When you plant to make furniture, you must cut through the lumbers and logs into a more manageable size. Usually, cutting lumber into logs doesn’t need a special trick.

You must prepare the chainsaw mill properly for it. For this, ensure that the saw blade of the power tool is sharp. A dull chainsaw blade will result in inferior cuts. Also, it results in injuries. That’s why you need to know the safety uses of the chainsaw mill.