I Built a DIY Chainsaw Mill - Will it Work?

Izzy Swan released plans for a DIY Chainsaw Mill several years ago. I just built a version of it to see if I could cut some logs we have around the house. This is the first attempt at running it, using an old red oak cant.

Here are links to ‪Izzy Swan's channel with the chainsaw mill videos:
• https://youtu.be/09ixWGEvlAI?si=aUfqgKnzsHKOfT1u
• https://youtu.be/bzjZ0qla_to?si=whPK7boKtHizZ3v4
• https://youtu.be/ykeQMSUc0wk?si=mwU_5nNBOAwYBiUS
• https://youtu.be/UVsoluu6v48?si=2FMxBUVo6IKlZp3c

And here's the link to Izzy's paid plans for the chainsaw mill:
https://www.izzyswan.com/PAIDPLANS/HOMEMADE-CHAINSAW-SAW-MILL-p136516511

Chainsaw: Echo CS-590-24 Timber Wolf - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KGM5XN6
Chain: Oregon 72RD084G ripping chain - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MHEFYA

Contacts:
Email - [email protected]
Website - https://windridgewoodcrafts.com
Facebook - / windridgewoodcrafts
Instagram - / windridgewoodcrafts

VoiceOver:
I've been interested in a bandsaw mill for a few years, but I'm not sure if I would use it enough to justify the cost. So, an inexpensive chainsaw mill seems like a first step to see how it works out and if I spend enough time using it to want to move up to a bandsaw mill.

Back in Sept., 2018, Izzy Swan shared his take on a chainsaw mill that cost about $50 to create from 2x4s and plywood. He has provided a couple updated videos since then, but the plans remain the same. Fast forward to 2025, and materials are about $200. Add about $20 for Izzy's plans, $550 for a decent chainsaw and a ripping chain, and you have a working chainsaw mill. Call it all in for $750.

Izzy shows how to put this together on his YouTube channel, so I'll provide links to his videos in the description.

First off, it really works. It's not perfect, but it is completely functional. You'll see some minor problems due to my inexperience with the mill and the chainsaw, and how I corrected them in short order. They're simple alignments or adjustments to screws, bolts and chains. This video is my very first run with the chainsaw mill, as well as with this chainsaw.

I went with an Echo CS-590, which is a nice, mid-level 24" chainsaw with a 59cc engine. It has enough power to do the job at a reasonable pace, a good price, and has a reputation for reliability.

As I start the cut, you can see the bar is climbing up the block, indicating the bar is not level front to back. I will adjust that by adding some washers to the mounting plate area that supports the trailing edge of the bar.

I also did not get the chain nuts secured well enough which is causing the chain to loosen. I could see the slack in the chain and backed it out to take a look. I blipped the throttle for a moment and the chain fell off. I'll take care of that and adjust the bar angle, then we'll continue. I'll take care of the left to right angle issue a little later, just so I can work one problem at a time.

The block of wood I'm cutting came from one of the members of my local woodworking group. It's red oak and about 12" x 12" x 24" with plenty of chainsaw marks on all sides. I've had it for about 4 years, and I was under the impression it had been sitting for much longer prior to making its way to me. I'm cutting 1-1/2" slabs from it, with no specific use, I'm just practicing while looking for areas that need adjusting or tuning.

I made a couple adjustments to the bar angle by adding washers to the bar mounting plate and securing the bar to the plate. Let's see how it goes.

Looks like we still have some roll and pitch issues. We'll make another round of adjustments after this cut.

I appreciate you watching this far. The rest of the video is more adjustments and test cuts, so I'll sign off the VoiceOver here and please ask any questions or add a comment below. Take care.