7 Best Chainsaw for Milling Reviews 2023

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Do you want to take your chainsaw operations to the next level? Milling with a chainsaw is a great way to get professional-grade results without having to break the bank on an expensive sawmill.

However, not all chainsaws are designed for milling; you need something that’s reliable, powerful, and accurate if you’re going to get consistent cuts.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what makes a good chainsaw for milling and share the best chainsaw for milling reviews so you can get started quickly! So grab your gloves and let’s jump in!

What to look for when buying a chainsaw for milling

1. Bar length:

The bar length is an important factor to consider when buying a chainsaw for milling, as it determines the maximum size of logs that can be processed.

For efficient milling, you should look for a bar length of at least 20 inches, but ideally 24 inches or more.

This will help ensure that your chainsaw can effectively handle larger pieces of wood with ease.

2. Engine power:

When choosing a chainsaw for milling, engine power is an important factor to consider. Engine power is typically measured in horsepower (HP), and the higher the HP, the better the performance and reliability of your chainsaw.

A higher engine power rating will also enable you to cut through harder materials quickly and accurately.

3. Durability:

As milling requires extended periods of use, you need to make sure your chainsaw is built to last. Look for models which are made from strong and durable materials, such as steel or aluminum, to ensure they won’t easily break over time.

Additionally, check out customer reviews to ensure that your chosen model has been rated highly in terms of its durability and longevity. 

4. Price:

Price can be an important factor when choosing a chainsaw for milling, depending on your budget constraints.

Consider what features you need in order to get the most out of your machine, and then look for models which offer these features at an affordable price point.

Be sure to compare prices from different retailers as well in order to get the best deal possible! 

5. Weight:

Weight is often overlooked when it comes to selecting a chainsaw for milling but it shouldn’t be underestimated!

A lighter saw will be easier on your muscles over extended periods of time – so if portability is important, look for saws that have lightweight designs yet still offer enough power and precision cutting technology to get the job done right! 

Safety Features:

Safety should always be a priority when operating any type of power tool – especially one with moving parts like a chainsaw – so make sure you check out what safety features come with your model before making a purchase decision!

Common safety features include chain brakes that automatically stop the blade if there’s any danger detected; audible warnings; anti-vibration systems; guards; and easy-to-reach kill switches, just in case anything goes wrong while using your machine!

Best Chainsaw for Milling

1. BEST OVERALL — Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf

2. BEST PROFESSIONAL — SALEM MASTER 6220G

3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK — COOCHEER Gas Chainsaw

4. RUNNER UP — Milwaukee- M18 Chainsaw

5. BEST HEAVY-DUTY — Makita EA4300F40B Chainsaw

6. BEST LIGHT-DUTY — Echo ‎CS-3510-16 Chainsaw

7. ALSO CONSIDER — Makita EA6100PRGG Chainsaw

The Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf is our first pick. Manufactured by a well-known chainsaw brand, this powerful and professional-grade saw features a 20″ bar length and 59.8cc engine, giving you optimal flexibility, strength, and run time.

Plus, an automatic oiler system ensures that your saw stays well-lubricated for hassle-free performance.

The CS-590 also includes a convenient engine decompression valve for easier cord pulls and quick starts every time.

During testing, we found that the chainsaw requires little maintenance; there’s no need to worry—it has an easy-access heavy-duty air filter, making sure that the motor can keep running at peak performance.

With all these great features combined into one package, the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf is guaranteed to give you years of reliability and it is the best bang for your buck in my opinion.

Next on the list is Salem Master 6220G. This top-of-the-line saw is designed to provide high performance, superior quality, and maximum safety for your every need. 

The SALEM MASTER 6220G Chainsaw comes complete with a 3.4-hp powerful gas engine, 20-inch bar, and low-kickback chain capable of reaching 8500 rpm—perfect for felling trees or cutting firewood efficiently and easily.

Also, it has an automatic oil supply system that keeps the bar oily all the time, and the handle is shaped in a way that makes it easy to hold and reduces fatigue while working. 

But best of all, this saw offers unparalleled safety features such as the quick-stop chain brake, which helps you work in more secure environments.

It also has a switch lock included to prevent accidental start when not in use. So you’ll never have to worry while relying on this trusty saw. 

The SALEM MASTER 6220G Chainsaw is truly the ideal tool for milling users looking for quality materials without having to sacrifice their safety. Get yours now!

The COOCHEER Gas-Powered Chainsaw is the perfect tool for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and efficient solution for milling purposes.

It features a high-efficiency 2-stroke engine that not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions but also reaches speeds of up to 8500 rpm to provide stable power for a 20-inch wear-resistant sprocket and chain. 

You’ll be able to get more bang for your buck with this powerful chainsaw, thanks to its great value and durable construction.

This model comes equipped with two imported chains that boast excellent wear resistance and can last more than five times longer than the average chain.

The set includes a guide plate that helps protect the chain from rust, further extending its lifespan. 

This chainsaw also features a quick gasoline filtration system, which will help efficiently release filtered gasoline, thus preventing it from entering the engine and causing damage.

Each purchase also comes with three layers of interior filters so you can ensure maximum safety when using it. 

With all these features plus its affordability, the COOCHEER Gas Powered Chainsaw is an ideal investment for any professional looking for an easy-to-use chainsaw ideal for milling purposes!

Next is the Milwaukee M18 chainsaw, which provides a good combination of power and precision without being held back by the power source.

The Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw is the perfect choice for you! With a powerful brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence, this chainsaw ensures maximum performance and protection from overload, overheating, and over-discharge.

Our M18 Fuel technology produces full throttle within just seconds of starting the engine. This means that this chainsaw can reach full power faster than small gas engines and other systems with higher voltage.

As we tested, it cut through hardwoods faster than traditional gas-powered saws while still producing up to 150 cuts per charge. Plus, its ergonomic design makes it easier to transport and use despite its high power. 

On the downside, we discovered that this saw is heavier than gas chainsaws, but all other features compensate.

Overall, this is one of the best electric chainsaws with a 16-inch bar, providing plenty of power as well as easy to start.

Next on the list is the Makita EA4300F40B 16″ 42 cc Chain Saw.

It offers superior cutting power with its high power-to-weight ratio. This saw is designed with convenience and safety in mind, featuring numerous features that are sure to benefit any milling user.

This saw comes with easy-start technology, which enables you to get it up and running in no time.

And Its spring-assisted starter requires less force from you, too.

Plus, ”toolless” filter access allows you to quickly maintain your chainsaw without having to take it apart.

Speaking of maintenance, this chainsaw also comes equipped with a slide-out baffle that can be configured for efficient cold-weather operation, thereby making the upkeep much easier during cooler months. 

It comes with an oil-retention feature that keeps oil in the bar and chain, increasing your productivity to the highest level.

This Chainsaw offers superior safety features such as its two-point durable inertia/mechanical chain brake combined with its compact design featuring smooth rounded surfaces that make it comfortable to use and easy to clean afterward.

And it has a large metal spike bar included—it will increase productivity tenfold! 

Overall, Makita is a powerful and reliable chainsaw that you can add to your shopping list for your milling tasks.

Next to the last on the list is the Echo Commercial’s 16-inch, 34.4CC chainsaw, which can take your milling projects to the next level, and you’ll no longer need to spend bucks on sawmills.

While conducting tests, we found that this saw has not only a lightweight structure but is also powerful due to its 34.4 cc commercial-grade gas engine. No doubt, this saw can provide you with plenty of power due to its gas-powered engine.

Its i-30 starter reduces starting effort by 30%, so you can move quickly from one task to the next.

And with a 3-point spring vibration reduction system for added operator comfort, it will help keep you working longer too.

Also, Echo’s Air Injection air cleaner cleans the air, reducing maintenance, so even after extended use, you can count on the dependable performance and quality results.

So if you want commercial contractor-grade performance in a home-user size and weight package, you can consider Echo Commercial’s 16-inch, 34.4 CC chainsaw!

The final item on the list is the Makita EA6100PRGG 20″ 61CC, a professional-grade power tool that has been designed to provide maximum cutting performance with minimum effort.
Its 4.6 HP stratified air scavenging engine ensures lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency, as well as a 13,800 RPM with quick acceleration for more efficient cutting.

The easy-start spring-assisted starter is optimized for quick starts with less force, and the magnesium housing improves durability and reduces overall weight.

With its heavy-duty cartridge air filter system, you can be sure your Makita will keep going strong season after season.

Also, it has a touch-and-stop single-lever operation, which allows for precise adjustment every time.

Overall, this saw is ideal for milling users because it offers a good balance of lightweight and power

FAQS

What size chainsaw is best for milling?

For a chainsaw mill, you should look for a chainsaw with at least a 70 cc engine. The larger the number of cubic centimeters (cc), the more powerful the engine will be. Most homeowners will do well with a saw that has between 32 ccs and 45 ccs.

Chainsaw bar-wise, you can use 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 16 inches, or 20 inches.

Is saw milling profitable?

In terms of profitability, owning a sawmill can indeed be an extremely lucrative business venture when done right.

With the right circumstances and market conditions, there is no doubt that regular profits can be earned from running a successful sawmill operation. 

Do you need a special chain for a chainsaw mill?

Regarding the chain used specifically on a chainsaw mill, it is recommended to use a ripping chain as it has teeth cut at certain angles, which allows faster cutting horizontally along the grain of wood than traditional chain designs.

Furthermore, ripping chains also offer better safety options by helping reduce kickback effects caused by binding while milling logs.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what the best chainsaw for milling is, as well as what to look for when purchasing one, you should be all set to get out there and purchase the perfect chainsaw for your needs.

Remember to keep in mind the size of the log you will be cutting, as well as how often you plan on using it.

With this information in hand, head on over to your nearest hardware store or online retailer and get started on your journey toward becoming a master lumberjack!

And if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, feel free to leave them down below – we would love to hear from you.