The Forestry Forum

Good afternoon FF! I recently bought some acreage and wood like to start milling for future building projects. Does anyone have advice on buying a rail mill for my Husqvarna chainsaw? It seems like an affordable/lightweight/easily transportable way to start milling. I am anticipating that the milled boards wont be as quality as a "real mill" but wondering if it is good enough? Also is there a particular brand that is more reliable? 
Thank you 

Start with a hobby band mill, like a Lt10 woodmizer or import. For the price of a used tractor you can be cutting real boards, I had a chainsaw mill I made, it worked great, used it a couple of times and realized I needed a better saw, chain, etc.  short story.... I bought a hobby mill no regrets and it paid for itself in no time. Just a Lt 15 start with extra bed section, turns out great product every day.

A chainsaw mill will work in the short term but you will soon tire of it, slow and labour intensive. Look for a used manual bandmill, lots of owners find they want to sell and upgrade. You will be more productive with less effort and waste.