Whether you’re a DIY woodworker, a small business owner, or just want to turn fallen trees into usable lumber, a portable sawmill can save you time and money. For hobbyists and professionals alike, the right sawmill makes milling logs easier, more efficient, and even enjoyable. With so many options out there, we’ve narrowed it down to the six best portable sawmills for 2025, covering everything from budget-friendly models to heavy-duty machines built for bigger jobs.
Why Choose a Portable Sawmill in 2025?
Portable sawmills let you take control of your lumber supply, turning logs into boards for furniture, construction, or personal projects. They’re perfect for anyone who loves working with wood or wants to make the most of their land. Here’s why they’re a great choice:
- Cost Savings: Milling your own lumber can save you hundreds compared to buying pre-cut wood.
- Flexibility: Work wherever your logs are—your backyard, a remote site, or deep in the woods.
- Sustainability: Repurpose fallen trees or local timber, reducing waste and environmental impact.
- Custom Cuts: Get the exact sizes and thicknesses you need for your projects.
6 Best Portable Sawmills for 2025
1. MechMaxx SM-36MAX | Best Overall
- 【Power】SM-36 sawmill adopts electric starting Zonsen 750cc 25HP 4-stroke single cylinder air-cooled OHV gasoline engine….
- 【Capacity】Can handle logs with a maximum diameter of 36in and a cutting length of 16ft 8in. 20ft track length and 45.3in…
- 【Efficient&Convenient】①You can control the cutting speed by pushing handle, speed up or slow down at any time. Compared …
The MechMaxx SM-36MAX is a beast for serious woodworkers or carpenters. Its 25-horsepower 750cc V-Twin engine delivers smooth, reliable performance, and the 6.3-gallon fuel tank means fewer refueling breaks. With a 20-foot track and the ability to handle logs up to 36 inches in diameter, this sawmill is ideal for big projects. The precision ruler and manual speed control ensure accurate cuts, while the emergency stop button adds safety. As Ashley, a user, shared, “I started with 30+ inch walnut logs, and I’m very satisfied. It’s built out of heavy metal, and customer service was responsive.”
Pros
✔ Powerful 25-horsepower V-Twin engine with electric start
✔ Massive cutting capacity (36-inch diameter, 17-foot logs)
✔ Includes 10 extra blades for long-term use
Cons
✘ Assembly can be time-consuming
2. Woodland Mills HM122 | Best Value
The Woodland Mills HM122 strikes a balance between price and performance, making it perfect for hobbyists or small-scale projects. Powered by a 7 or 9.5 HP Kohler engine, it starts easily and runs smoothly, thanks to the Quad-Clean air filter. The Gas & Go Auto Lube system ensures efficient cuts, and the all-metal lubricant tank adds durability. The RapidChange blade system lets you swap blades quickly, keeping you productive. It’s rated for 22-inch logs but maxes out at 20-inch cuts, so plan accordingly for larger logs.
Pros
✔ Affordable with premium features like Gas & Go Auto Lube
✔ Reliable 7 or 9.5 HP Kohler engine
✔ RapidChange blade system for tool-free swaps
Cons
✘ Limited to 20-inch cutting width (despite 22-inch log rating)
3. Granberg Alaskan G777 | Best Handheld
- DIY CHAINSAW MILL – Enables user to mill lumber where the tree falls. No previous experience required! Solid Steel chain…
- 16″-20″ CHAINSAW BAR LENGTH – Up to a 18″ cutting width to accurately help mill planks up to 18″ wide and 1/2″ to 13″ de…
- AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM EXTRUSION & ZINC PLATED STEEL – Crafted with high-quality USA made aerospace aluminum extrusion and zi…
The Granberg Alaskan G777 is perfect for milling lumber right where the tree falls. This handheld sawmill attaches to 16- to 20-inch chainsaw bars, cutting planks up to 18 inches wide and 13 inches deep. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum and zinc-plated steel, it’s durable yet manageable. The polycarbonate safety guard and clamp-on design make it user-friendly, even for beginners. It’s ideal for DIYers building furniture or cabins, offering a simple way to turn logs into usable boards.
Pros
✔ Lightweight and portable for on-site milling
✔ No drilling required—just clamp and cut
✔ CNC-machined brackets for precision
Cons
✘ Requires a solid steel bar and ripping chain for best results
4. Wood-Mizer LX50SUPER | Best for Small Business
- 26” log diameter sawing
- 23-1/2” width of cut and an 8” depth of cut
- 14HP Gas Engine
The Wood-Mizer LX50SUPER is built for small businesses needing a reliable, heavy-duty sawmill. It handles logs up to 26 inches in diameter with a 23.5-inch cutting width and 8-inch depth. The 14 HP Kohler engine ensures smooth operation, while the sturdy steel frame, adjustable outriggers, and transport clamps add durability and mobility. The 4-inch sawdust port keeps debris clear, extending blade life. It’s a great choice for regular cutting and off-road projects.
Pros
✔ 14 HP Kohler engine for powerful, smooth cuts
✔ GO Trailer for off-road portability
✔ Full-width sawing with rectangular throat design
Cons
✘ Higher price point than entry-level models
5. Granberg Alaskan MKIV | Best Chainsaw Mill
- DIY CHAINSAW MILL – Enables user to mill lumber where the tree falls. No previous experience required! Does not come wit…
- UP TO 36″ CHAINSAW BAR LENGTH – Up to a 42″ cutting width to accurately help mill planks up to 32″ wide and 1/2″ to 13″ …
- AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM EXTRUSION & ZINC PLATED STEEL – Crafted with high-quality USA made aerospace aluminum extrusion and zi…
The Granberg Alaskan MKIV is the top chainsaw mill for those who want to skip heavy machinery. It clamps onto chainsaw bars up to 36 inches, offering a 32-inch cutting width and 13-inch depth. Made in the USA from aircraft-grade aluminum and zinc-plated steel, it’s tough yet portable. As user Terris noted, “The build quality and hardware are hard to match. It’s lightweight, versatile, and easy to adjust.” Beginners will appreciate the video guides and support, making it easy to start milling.
Pros
✔ Beginner-friendly with video guides and support
✔ Lightweight yet durable aircraft-grade aluminum build
✔ Versatile for logs up to 32 inches wide
Cons
✘ Requires a chainsaw with at least 70cc power
6. Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill | Most Budget-Friendly
- ★【Adjustable Chainsaw Milling】 Our wood lumber cutting saw mill is suitable for chainsaws with a bar length between 14″ …
- ★【High-quality materials】The chainsaw mill is constructed with high-quality materials, making it sturdy and long-lasting…
- ★【Industrial-grade Construction】This chainsaw planking mill is expertly crafted with galvanized steel pipes, for excepti…
The Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill is the best choice for budget-conscious beginners. Made from stainless steel and aluminum, it works with chainsaws from 14 to 36 inches, cutting slabs from 0.2 to 11.8 inches thick. It’s light and versatile but requires some effort to assemble, and you’ll need to provide your own rail for the first cut. For those new to milling or looking to save money, it’s a solid starting point.
Pros
✔ Affordable entry-level option for beginners
✔ Compatible with 14- to 36-inch chainsaw bars
✔ Lightweight for easy transport
Cons
✘ Assembly can be challenging
✘ No rail or guide board included
What to Look for in a Portable Sawmill
When choosing a portable sawmill, consider these key factors to ensure it meets your needs:
✔ Cutting Capacity: Match the sawmill’s log diameter and cutting width to your typical projects. Smaller mills (like the G777) are great for DIY, while larger ones (like the SM-36MAX) suit bigger jobs.
✔ Power Source: Chainsaw mills (Carmyra, Granberg) rely on your chainsaw’s power, while standalone models (Wood-Mizer, MechMaxx) have built-in engines for consistent performance.
✔ Portability: Look for lightweight designs or trailer options if you’ll move the mill often.
✔ Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly models with guides or simple setups (like the Granberg MKIV) are ideal for new users.
✔ Durability: Check for sturdy materials like steel or aluminum to ensure long-term reliability.