Best Chainsaw Mills of 2026 (Alaskan-Style and Rail Guides)
The best chainsaw mills for slabbing logs compared on bar length, cut depth, rails and build, from the Granberg Alaskan MKIV to budget kits.
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Buy the Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV: aircraft-grade aluminum and zinc-plated steel, bars up to 36 inches on saws of 70cc or more, slabs up to 30 inches wide and 1/2 to 13 inches thick, clamped without drilling the bar (per the Amazon listing).
For a first cut you need a rail. The VEVOR mill with 9 ft rail includes one.
Our top picks at a glance
1. Best overall
Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV chainsaw millBars: Up to 36 in, 70cc+ saw · Cut: Up to 30 in wide, 1/2 to 13 in deep · Rail: Not included · Build: Aluminum, zinc-plated steel
2. Best kit with rail
VEVOR chainsaw mill with 9 ft rail guideBars: 14 to 36 in · Cut: Not stated · Rail: 9 ft aluminum · Build: Aluminum
3. Alternative kit
XSLOER 36 in chainsaw mill with 9 ft railBars: 14 to 36 in · Cut: Not stated · Rail: 9 ft · Build: Aluminum
4. Best budget
Zozen chainsaw mill (14 to 36 in bars)Bars: 14 to 36 in · Cut: Not stated · Rail: No · Build: Aluminum
5. Cheapest
VEVOR vertical lumber cutting guideBars: Any · Cut: 2 to 6 in widths · Rail: Uses a board · Build: Cast iron
| Pick | Bars | Cut | Rail | Build | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV chainsaw millBest overall | Up to 36 in, 70cc+ saw | Up to 30 in wide, 1/2 to 13 in deep | Not included | Aluminum, zinc-plated steel | Amazon |
| VEVOR chainsaw mill with 9 ft rail guideBest kit with rail | 14 to 36 in | Not stated | 9 ft aluminum | Aluminum | Amazon |
| XSLOER 36 in chainsaw mill with 9 ft railAlternative kit | 14 to 36 in | Not stated | 9 ft | Aluminum | Amazon |
| Zozen chainsaw mill (14 to 36 in bars)Best budget | 14 to 36 in | Not stated | No | Aluminum | Amazon |
| VEVOR vertical lumber cutting guideCheapest | Any | 2 to 6 in widths | Uses a board | Cast iron | Amazon |
Best overall
Granberg G778-36 Alaskan MKIV chainsaw mill
The original Alaskan design, made in the US.
- Bars
- Up to 36 in, 70cc+ saw
- Cut
- Up to 30 in wide, 1/2 to 13 in deep
- Rail
- Not included
- Build
- Aluminum, zinc-plated steel
Pros
- Clamps without drilling
- Made in USA (per listing)
Cons
- Rail sold separately
Granberg lists the G778-36 for bars up to 36 inches on saws of 70cc and up, slabs to 30 inches wide and 1/2 to 13 inches deep, aircraft-grade aluminum and zinc-plated steel, and no-drill clamps (per the Amazon listing).
Best kit with rail
VEVOR chainsaw mill with 9 ft rail guide
Mill plus a 9 ft aluminum rail, sold by Amazon.
- Bars
- 14 to 36 in
- Cut
- Not stated
- Rail
- 9 ft aluminum
- Build
- Aluminum
Pros
- Everything for the first cut
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Less refined than Granberg
VEVOR lists a chainsaw mill for 14 to 36 inch bars with a 9 foot aluminum rail guide (per the Amazon listing).
Alternative kit
XSLOER 36 in chainsaw mill with 9 ft rail
36 inch mill with a 9 ft rail.
- Bars
- 14 to 36 in
- Cut
- Not stated
- Rail
- 9 ft
- Build
- Aluminum
Pros
- Rail included
Cons
- Smaller brand
XSLOER lists a 36 inch mill and a 9 foot rail system (per the Amazon listing).
Best budget
Zozen chainsaw mill (14 to 36 in bars)
Fits 14 to 36 inch bars, three sizes.
- Bars
- 14 to 36 in
- Cut
- Not stated
- Rail
- No
- Build
- Aluminum
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Needs a rail or straight board for the first cut
Zozen lists a mill that assembles in three sizes for 14 to 36 inch bars (per the Amazon listing).
Cheapest
VEVOR vertical lumber cutting guide
A cast iron guide for vertical cuts.
- Bars
- Any
- Cut
- 2 to 6 in widths
- Rail
- Uses a board
- Build
- Cast iron
Pros
- Very cheap
Cons
- Rough boards only
VEVOR lists a cast iron vertical cutting guide for 2 to 6 inch cutting widths, sold by Amazon (per the Amazon listing).
How we chose
We compared bar capacity, cut width and depth, whether a rail is included, and build.
What you also need
- A big saw: Granberg's 36 inch mill calls for 70cc or more.
- Ripping chain, sold separately.
- A rail or straight 2x for the first cut.
- Hearing, eye and leg protection; milling runs the saw at full throttle for long cuts.
How to mill and dry: how to mill lumber with a chainsaw mill. Bandsaw alternative: portable sawmills.
Frequently asked questions
What size chainsaw do I need for an Alaskan mill?
Granberg lists 70cc and up for its 36 inch mill. Bigger mills and longer bars need more power still, so check the mill maker's chart.
Do chainsaw mills need a rail?
For the first flat cut, yes: a rail or straight board guides the mill; later cuts ride on the flat surface.
How thick can a chainsaw mill cut?
Granberg's 36 inch mill lists 1/2 to 13 inches. Thicker slabs take longer to dry, about a year per inch by Clemson Extension's rule.
Is a chainsaw mill worth it?
For occasional slabs and beams from a few logs, yes; for steady lumber production, a bandsaw mill is faster.
How long does milled lumber take to dry?
About one year per inch of thickness, the rule Clemson Extension cites.
Sources
- Using Your Portable Sawmill to Cut Stickers for Lumber Drying (LGP 1203), Clemson Cooperative Extension
- Frequently Asked Questions about Woodland Mills Portable Sawmills, Woodland Mills
Related guides
Best Portable Sawmills of 2026 (Bandsaw Mills for Homeowners)
Bandsaw mills that turn your logs into lumber, from 22 to 36 inch capacity.
How to Mill Lumber With a Chainsaw Mill (and Dry It)
From log to dry lumber: first cut, slabs, stickers and drying time.
Portable Sawmill vs Chainsaw Mill: Which Should You Buy?
Occasional slabs or steady lumber: how the two compare.