---
title: "The Best Portable Sawmills, Vetted"
description: "Take wood milling to the next level with one of the best portable sawmills. See what to look for when choosing one of these high-performance machines."
date: "2023-01-30"
modified: "2023-01-30"
authors:
  - name: "Bob Beacham"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-beacham/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-portable-sawmill/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Reviews"
tags:
  - "choose"
  - "Commerce"
  - "DIY"
  - "MPR"
  - "power tools"
  - "tools"
  - "wood"
  - "workshop"
---

# The Best Portable Sawmills, Vetted

![The Best Portable Sawmill Option](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The_Best_Portable_Sawmill_Option.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Sooner or later, homesteaders and folks who regularly convert trees into usable (and valuable) lumber may wish to own a portable sawmill. These devices consist of a track that clamps onto a log, allowing the user to make straight cuts accurately. While [chainsaw mills](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-chainsaw-mills/>) are a cost-effective option for modest-size logs and low production, serious sawing demands a step up in scale.

Fortunately, there are plenty of high-performance machines to choose from and a wide variety of specifications to suit different needs. Those new to these types of sawmills should learn which features provide real value. Our concise look at the best portable sawmills currently available will help buyers find the right solution.

## How We Chose the Best Portable Sawmills

I have considerable experience using [chainsaws](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-chainsaws/>) and with small-scale milling, so although these portable wood mills are larger and more powerful, I do have a thorough understanding of the engineering.

To support my own knowledge, the Bob Vila team researched all the leading brands and the specifications of machines they offer. We considered mobility, cutting capacities, and cost. We also compared results from other reputable portable sawmill reviews.

Rather than simply comparing similar tools, we aimed to provide examples of the best portable sawmills at various levels of productivity. In doing so, we’ve discovered products for a range of users, from small homesteaders to full-time logging professionals.

When looking into the manufacturer of the best portable sawmill, we found the TimberKing brand consistently ranked highly in independent reviews and on homesteader websites. The company has been making portable sawmills since 1929, and it has an unrivaled reputation for performance and durability.

Unlike cheap portable sawmills that need to be carried to and from a site, the TimberKing 1220CRZ is fully mobile with pneumatic tires and standard vehicle hookup. The immensely strong frame is made from 2x6 box beam steel. It is heavily cross braced to resist the flex under load. The saw head is supported by four posts, further adding to the impressive rigidity that ensures accurate cutting. Saw drive comes from a powerful and very reliable 23-horsepower v-twin motor that has push-button electric starting.

The TimberKing 1220CRZ takes logs up to 33 inches in diameter and over 17 feet long. Board thickness is set with a hand crank, with a depth gauge that allows remarkably precise cutting to 1/32 inch. Feed is also by hand crank. It takes a little practice to produce consistently smooth cuts, and it can be tiring when working all day, but it is far less expensive than hydraulic models.

**Get the TimberKing portable sawmill at** [**TimberKing**](<https://timberking.com/product/timberking-1220-crz/>)**.**

## Other Product Recommendations

The following machines are also excellent and, depending on individual requirements, deserve further investigation.

### Best Bang for the Buck: [Sawyer Portable Sawmill](<https://www.hud-son.com/product/sawyer-sawmill/>)

With a maximum log diameter of 21 inches, this Sawyer is a small portable sawmill at a budget price. Assembly is required.

**Available at** [**Hud-son**](<https://www.hud-son.com/product/sawyer-sawmill/>)**.**

### Best Mid-Range: [Norwood LumberMate LM30](<https://www.norwoodsawmills.com/lumbermate-lm30>)

This model has a maximum log diameter of 30 inches and comes with a wide choice of power units and custom add-ons.

**Available at** [**Norwood Sawmills**](<https://www.norwoodsawmills.com/lumbermate-lm30>)**.**

### Best Hydraulic Loading: [Wood-Mizer LT35](<https://woodmizer.com/us/LT35-Hydraulic-Portable-Sawmill>)

Large diameter logs can be very heavy, especially hardwoods like oak. This model makes work easier with hydraulic lifting of logs up to 32 inches across.

**Available at** [**Wood-Mizer**](<https://woodmizer.com/us/LT35-Hydraulic-Portable-Sawmill>)**.**

### Best Chainsaw Mill: [Granberg Alaskan Mark IV](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHLVY6Y/?tag=best-portable-sawmill-20>)

Chainsaw mills remain a budget-friendly option for those with modest needs, and the highly rated Granberg can accept chainsaws with bars of up to 36 inches.

**Available at** [**Amazon**](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHLVY6Y/?tag=best-portable-sawmill-20>)**.**

## FAQs

Beyond trying to decide on the best portable sawmill for one’s needs, a number of questions associated with machine operation and productivity crop up regularly. The following provides clear, concise answers.

## Author
Bob Beacham is an engineer by trade and has spent 35 years working on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. He is also an avid DIY enthusiast. Bob started writing for the BobVila.com team in 2020 and covers tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement projects.