Alaskan chainsaw mill.    This is the Alaskan sawmill that we use.  We highly recommend this mill.  It is a great tool for the price.  You can cut up to a 12 inch plank with this unit.

We researched several Alaskan mills before making this purchase.  Even though we have a band sawmill, we had several logs that were just too large to make lumber on the band sawmill.  If you only have a log or two to make into wood boards, this is a great asset. 

We recommend that before you purchase this Alaskan chain saw mill, make sure you can get a long enough bar for your chainsaw.  Additionally, you must have a chainsaw with enough power to make the cuts.  We also recommend buying a special ripping chain for your bar.  Most chains are designed for cross cutting lumber.  Since you are cutting with the grain, the ripping chain is needed and you may need to special order the ripping chain or have one (or more) specially made for you.

The Alaskan chain sawmill is not as fast as band saw mills, but it is definitely more portable than band sawmills.  If you are only doing a log or two, it is very much worth having.    With the price of wood continuing to climb, having the ability to make your own lumber from a log is a worthwhile investment.