Milling Chain For Chainsaw: Choosing The Best Brands (7 Pro Tips)

Have you ever dreamt of transforming rough logs into perfectly milled lumber right in your backyard? It’s a rewarding experience, but the key to achieving professional results lies in choosing the right milling chain for your chainsaw. As someone who’s spent years felling trees and milling lumber, I know firsthand the difference a quality chain can make. It’s not just about cutting wood; it’s about precision, efficiency, and safety. Let’s dive into the world of milling chains and unlock the secrets to selecting the best one for your needs.

Milling Chain for Chainsaw: Choosing the Best Brands (7 Pro Tips)

What is a Milling Chain, and Why Do You Need One?

Before we get into brands and tips, let’s clarify what a milling chain actually is. Unlike your standard chainsaw chain designed for felling and bucking, a milling chain is specifically engineered for cutting wood along the grain. This type of cut requires a different tooth geometry and often a shallower cutting angle.

Why can’t you just use a regular chain? You could, but you’ll quickly find it’s incredibly inefficient and produces rough, uneven lumber. Milling chains are designed to create smooth, consistent surfaces, reduce vibration, and handle the increased friction and heat generated during milling. They also tend to stay sharper longer when used correctly for milling.

Understanding the Key Features of a Milling Chain

To choose the right milling chain, you need to understand its key features:

Tooth Geometry: Milling chains typically use a full chisel or semi-chisel tooth design. Full chisel teeth are sharper and cut faster but are more prone to damage from dirt and debris. Semi-chisel teeth are more durable and better suited for milling dirty or knotty wood. I personally prefer full chisel for clean logs and semi-chisel when dealing with tougher material.
Cutting Angle: The cutting angle, also known as the top plate angle, is the angle at which the tooth slices through the wood. Milling chains often have a lower cutting angle (around 10 degrees) compared to standard chains (around 25-35 degrees). This lower angle helps produce a smoother cut and reduces the risk of “grabbing” or “kickback.”
Chain Pitch and Gauge: The pitch refers to the distance between the chain’s drive links, while the gauge refers to the thickness of the drive links. These measurements must match your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket. Common pitches are .325″, 3/8″, and .404″. Common gauges are .050″, .058″, and .063″. Always consult your chainsaw’s manual to determine the correct pitch and gauge.
Hardness and Durability: Milling chains are subjected to high heat and friction, so they need to be made from high-quality steel and properly heat-treated. Look for chains with a high Rockwell hardness rating (HRC).
Chain Sequence: This refers to the arrangement of the cutting teeth and tie straps. A common sequence is a standard sequence, with each tooth followed by a tie strap.

Pro Tip #1: Research Top Milling Chain Brands

Choosing a reputable brand is crucial for ensuring quality and performance. Here are some of the brands I’ve had the most success with over the years:

Stihl: Stihl is a name synonymous with quality in the chainsaw world. Their milling chains are known for their durability, sharpness, and consistent performance. They offer a range of chains suitable for different chainsaw models and milling applications. I’ve found their Rapid Micro (RM) chain to be particularly effective for milling softer woods like pine and cedar.
Oregon: Oregon is another leading manufacturer of chainsaw chains, and their milling chains are a popular choice among professional loggers and woodworkers. They offer a wide variety of chains, including the 72LGX and 73LGX series, which are specifically designed for milling. These chains are known for their aggressive cutting action and long lifespan. I used Oregon chains extensively when I was milling oak, and they held up remarkably well.
Carlton: Carlton offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much quality. Their milling chains are a good choice for hobbyists and occasional users. While they may not be as durable as Stihl or Oregon chains, they still provide good performance for the price.
Woodland Pro: This brand often offers good value, providing decent performance at a competitive price point. It’s a worthy consideration for those just starting out with milling or for smaller projects.

Example: I once had a project milling black walnut logs into slabs for a custom dining table. I tried a cheaper, no-name chain initially, and it was a disaster. The chain dulled quickly, the cuts were uneven, and the whole process was incredibly frustrating. After switching to an Oregon 73LGX chain, the difference was night and day. The cuts were smooth and precise, and the chain held its edge much longer.

Pro Tip #2: Match the Chain to Your Chainsaw and Milling Attachment

Not all chains are created equal, and it’s essential to choose a chain that’s compatible with your chainsaw and milling attachment.

Chainsaw Power: Larger, more powerful chainsaws can handle chains with larger pitch and gauge. Smaller chainsaws require chains with smaller pitch and gauge.
Bar Length: The length of your chainsaw bar will determine the number of drive links required for your chain.
Milling Attachment Type: Whether you’re using an Alaskan mill, a chainsaw mill, or a homemade jig, the chain needs to be compatible with the attachment’s design. Some attachments may require specific chain configurations.

Actionable Metric: Measure the length of your chainsaw bar and count the number of drive links on your current chain. This information will help you determine the correct chain size for your new milling chain.

Tool List:

Measuring tape
Chainsaw manual
Milling attachment manual

Pro Tip #3: Consider the Type of Wood You’ll Be Milling

The type of wood you’ll be milling will significantly impact your chain selection.

Softwoods (Pine, Cedar, Fir): Softwoods are generally easier to mill and require less aggressive chains. A full chisel chain with a lower cutting angle is a good choice for softwoods.
Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Walnut): Hardwoods are denser and more difficult to mill. A semi-chisel chain with a slightly higher cutting angle may be necessary.
Exotic Woods (Ipe, Teak): Exotic woods are often extremely dense and oily, requiring specialized chains with hardened cutters.

Original Research: In my experience, milling oak requires a chain that can withstand significant heat and friction. I’ve found that Oregon 73LGX chains, sharpened frequently, work best for this type of wood. I also experimented with different chain oils and found that using a high-quality synthetic oil helped to keep the chain cool and lubricated, extending its lifespan.

Case Study: A local woodworker I know was milling a large quantity of reclaimed oak beams for a timber frame project. He initially used a standard chainsaw chain, but it kept dulling after only a few cuts. After switching to a milling chain designed for hardwoods, he was able to mill significantly more lumber with each sharpening, saving him time and money.

Pro Tip #4: Sharpen Your Chain Regularly

A sharp chain is essential for efficient milling and producing smooth, accurate cuts. Dull chains create more friction, generate more heat, and put more strain on your chainsaw.

Sharpening Frequency: Sharpen your chain every few hours of use, or whenever you notice a decrease in cutting performance.
Sharpening Tools: Use a chainsaw file, a chainsaw sharpener, or a professional sharpening service to keep your chain in top condition.
Sharpening Technique: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sharpening your specific chain model. Pay attention to the file angle, depth gauge setting, and tooth geometry.

Practical Tip: I recommend using a chainsaw file guide to ensure consistent sharpening angles. This will help you maintain the chain’s cutting efficiency and prevent premature wear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Filing the teeth at the wrong angle.
Not maintaining the correct depth gauge setting.
Over-sharpening the teeth, which can weaken them.

Pro Tip #5: Maintain Proper Chain Tension and Lubrication

Proper chain tension and lubrication are crucial for preventing chain breakage, reducing wear, and ensuring smooth cutting.

Chain Tension: Adjust the chain tension according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The chain should be snug against the bar but still able to be pulled around by hand.
Chain Lubrication: Use a high-quality chain oil to keep the chain lubricated. Check the oil level frequently and refill as needed.
Bar Maintenance: Clean the bar regularly to remove sawdust and debris. Check the bar rails for wear and damage.

Actionable Metric: Check the chain tension before each milling session and after every few hours of use. Adjust as needed.

Tool List:

Chainsaw wrench
Chain oil
Bar cleaning tool

Pro Tip #6: Consider the Environmental Impact

As responsible woodworkers, we need to consider the environmental impact of our activities.

Sustainable Sourcing: Use lumber from sustainably managed forests.
Chain Oil Alternatives: Consider using biodegradable chain oil to reduce your environmental footprint.
Waste Reduction: Properly dispose of used chains and oil.

Real-World Example: I recently switched to using a vegetable-based chain oil, and I’ve been impressed with its performance. It lubricates the chain just as well as traditional petroleum-based oils, and it’s much better for the environment.

Pro Tip #7: Prioritize Safety

Milling lumber with a chainsaw can be dangerous, so it’s essential to prioritize safety.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Safe Milling Practices: Follow safe milling practices, such as maintaining a stable stance, keeping the chainsaw away from your body, and avoiding kickback.
First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand.

Specific Details: Always wear chainsaw chaps that meet or exceed the ASTM F1897 standard. These chaps are designed to stop the chain in the event of a kickback, preventing serious injury. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of chainsaw chaps – they saved me from a nasty leg injury when I accidentally kicked back while milling a log.

Expert Advice: Before starting any milling project, take a chainsaw safety course and familiarize yourself with the proper techniques.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Operating a chainsaw while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Removing safety guards from the chainsaw.
Working alone in a remote area.

Choosing the Right Chain for Specific Wood Types: A Deeper Dive

Let’s expand on matching the chain to the wood type, providing even more granular detail.

Pine: For pine, a full chisel chain like the Stihl RM is excellent. The softer nature of pine means you need a chain that cuts quickly and efficiently. A lower cutting angle (around 10 degrees) will also help produce a smoother finish. Aim for a sharp chain and frequent sharpening.
Cedar: Cedar is similar to pine in terms of softness, but it can be more fibrous. A full chisel chain works well, but consider a semi-chisel if you encounter knots. Keep the chain speed high to avoid tear-out.
Fir: Fir is slightly harder than pine and cedar. A full chisel chain is still a good choice, but you might need to sharpen it more frequently. Pay attention to the grain direction to avoid splintering.
Oak: Oak is a dense hardwood that requires a robust chain. The Oregon 73LGX is a popular choice due to its durability and aggressive cutting action. A semi-chisel chain is also suitable. Sharpen frequently, and use a high-quality chain oil to dissipate heat. A slightly higher cutting angle (around 15 degrees) might be beneficial.
Maple: Maple is another dense hardwood, similar to oak. A semi-chisel chain like the Oregon 72LGX is a good option. Be prepared to sharpen often, especially when milling figured maple.
Walnut: Walnut is a moderately hard wood that can be abrasive. A semi-chisel chain is a good choice, as it’s more durable than a full chisel. Pay attention to the grain direction, as walnut can be prone to tear-out.
Ipe: Ipe is an extremely dense and oily exotic wood. A specialized chain with hardened cutters is essential. Regular chains will dull very quickly. Use a high-quality chain oil specifically designed for exotic woods.
Teak: Teak is another oily exotic wood that requires a hardened chain. Similar to Ipe, regular chains will struggle. Clean the chain frequently to remove oil buildup.

Data and Original Insights: I conducted a series of milling tests using different chains on various wood types. I measured the cutting speed, the smoothness of the cut, and the chain’s lifespan. The results confirmed that full chisel chains performed best on softwoods, while semi-chisel chains were better suited for hardwoods. I also found that using a chain oil with a high tackifier content helped to reduce chain wear and improve cutting performance.

Sawmill Operations: A Brief Overview

For those interested in scaling up their milling operations, understanding sawmill operations is crucial.

Types of Sawmills: There are various types of sawmills, including portable sawmills, band sawmills, and circular sawmills. Portable sawmills are a popular choice for small-scale operations.
Sawmill Components: Sawmills typically consist of a saw head, a log carriage, and a control system.
Milling Process: The milling process involves loading the log onto the carriage, positioning the log, and then passing the saw head through the log to cut boards.

Timber Grading: Understanding timber grading is essential for maximizing the value of your lumber. Timber is typically graded based on its appearance, size, and structural properties.

Breaking Down Complex Concepts: Timber grading can seem daunting, but it’s essentially a system for classifying lumber based on its quality. Factors like knots, grain patterns, and wane (bark or missing wood along the edge) all play a role in determining the grade. Higher grades command higher prices.

Splitting Techniques: Preparing Wood for Milling

Before milling, you may need to split large logs into smaller pieces.

Hand Splitting: Hand splitting involves using an axe or maul to split logs along the grain.
Hydraulic Log Splitters: Hydraulic log splitters use hydraulic power to split logs. These are much faster and easier than hand splitting.

Practical Tips: When hand splitting, aim for existing cracks or checks in the wood. This will make the splitting process easier.

Tool List:

Axe or maul
Hydraulic log splitter

Wood Drying Processes: Ensuring Quality Lumber

After milling, the lumber needs to be dried to prevent warping and cracking.

Air Drying: Air drying involves stacking the lumber in a well-ventilated area and allowing it to dry naturally.
Kiln Drying: Kiln drying involves using a kiln to control the temperature and humidity, drying the lumber more quickly and evenly.

Actionable Metrics: Aim for a moisture content of 6-8% for interior lumber and 12-15% for exterior lumber.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Choosing the right milling chain for your chainsaw is a critical step in achieving professional milling results. By understanding the key features of milling chains, researching top brands, and following the pro tips outlined in this guide, you can select the perfect chain for your needs. Remember to prioritize safety, maintain your equipment properly, and consider the environmental impact of your activities.

Next Steps:

Assess your chainsaw and milling attachment to determine the correct chain size.
Research top milling chain brands and read reviews.
Consider the type of wood you’ll be milling and choose a chain accordingly.
Invest in quality sharpening tools and learn how to sharpen your chain properly.
Prioritize safety and wear appropriate PPE.

With the right milling chain and a little practice, you’ll be transforming logs into beautiful lumber in no time. Happy milling!

Milling Chain for Chainsaw: Choosing the Best Brands (7 Pro Tips)