How to Mill Lumber With a Chainsaw Mill (and Dry It)

Screw a straight rail or 2x to the top of the log, run the mill along it for the first flat cut, then set the mill to your board thickness and ride each following cut on the flat face. Stack the boards with stickers every 16 to 24 inches and let them air dry, about a year per inch of thickness, per Clemson Extension.

Gear

• A chainsaw big enough for the mill: Granberg lists 70cc and up for its 36 inch mill.
• The mill, a rail for the first cut, and ripping chain.
• Hearing, eye and leg protection and gloves.
• Wedges to keep the cut open.

Steps

1. Raise the log off the ground on cross pieces and block it from rolling.
2. Fix the rail level on top for the first cut.
3. Make the first cut along the rail; remove the slab.
4. Set the mill's depth for your board or slab thickness (Granberg's 36 inch mill sets 1/2 to 13 inches).
5. Cut the next boards riding on the flat face.
6. Mark each board's position if you want book-matched slabs.

Drying

Step	Clemson Extension guidance
Stickers	3/4 to 1 in thick, uniform
Spacing	16 to 24 in
Cover	A cover on top keeps rain out
Time	About 1 year per inch of thickness
End point	Equilibrium moisture content (11.6 to 14.5 percent in South Carolina)

Check boards with a moisture meter. Gear: chainsaw mills, cant hooks and log arches. Bandsaw option: portable sawmills.