Portable lumber mill

oakiemac · Dec 31, 2002

Has anyone had in experience with the Portable lumber mill that hooks up to your chainsaw. Northern tool sells one that is called the Alaska MK 111. I'm looking to cut up some cherry logs into rough boards and was wondering if this mill is worth the $164.00 bucks that they are asking. Right now I can't afford the larger portable mills that sell for several thousands. Any input would be appreciated.

Boondox · Dec 31, 2002

They work, but so do you! Add the cost of a couple of ripping chains, as the crosscut chains don't rip so well. And the kerf is as wide as your chain, so you lose a lot of wood. After trying a friend's, I hired a fellow with a Woodmiser to cut up my hardwood logs. Cost me $0.10 per bf and was worth every cent!

Pete

Anonymous Poster · Dec 31, 2002

I've got one that was given to me. It was worth every penny I paid for it.
If I really needed to rip lumber with a chainsaw I'd build better.
The waste in wood chips amounts to 1 board every 4 you cut on 1" boards.
If you can hire a mill, do so.

beenthere · Dec 31, 2002

There is a forestry site with members that have portable mills, and if you are interested in finding someone in your area, you might check it out (as well as your chainsaw mill question).

http://www.forestryforum.com/