Chainsaw / Alaska Mill

Chainsaw / alaskan mills are devices that attach to standard chainsaw bars and ride on the face of the log at a consistent depth so lumber can be accurately cut. For the first cut, a rail or pair of rails are attached to the log to give the attachment a flat guide surface. All subsequent cuts use the previous cut as a guide. The operator provides the force necessary to push the saw and guide it along the rails or log face. The operator is also responsible for maintaining an appropriate feed speed which is dependent on depth of cut, saw power and wood characteristics.

Simple chainsaw mill designs are relatively cheap to purchase, compact, lightweight and can be handled by a single operator. They can cut lumber from large diameter logs (determined by length of bar) and with minimal log handling since the cuts occur at or near ground level. Their ease of setup and portability make them especially popular with hobbyist woodworker's who have access to felled timber (cities, residential areas). Larger more complex designs often incorporate more permanent stands to hold the log, precision rails to guide the cut, mechanical assisted feeding systems and quick lumber depth adjustments. Automatic feed and electric drive are also options. These types of mills often produce more consistent lumber in less time.

Despite their extreme portability chainsaw mills tend to be slower, physically demanding, require constant chainsaw refueling/oiling and have high waste due to chainsaw kerf.

- Logosol, Granberg International (x3), Norwood Industries Inc images.