Overall Rating:

5 / 5

mini mill,

March 16, 2009

from north texas

"I use the mini mill as an added tool to the Alaskan MKIII. I have an older saw that I keep it attached too, so I don’t waist time changing out the mini mill back to the MKIII. If you only have one saw, it is still an easy change.

I was sold on it as an edger, however I can see where one could use this alone to cut boards. I like the way my saw stays in an upright position. This keeps more oil on the chain in warm weather. I also think I can cut through a log faster with this vs. the MKIII. I have never checked the accuracy though. For the overall cost it’s a great tool to get started with.

Don't kid yourself if you think you are going to turn out hundreds of boards a day with this or the MKIII - you won't. It is hard work and taxing on the saw. This is for the "weekend warier" who needs a few boards for a project.

I use a Husky 385xp and sharpen a standard chain to 10 degrees. It works just fine. I also built a "log rack" to roll the logs up about waist high.

Work smart - not hard. Happy sawing."

What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman

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Overall Rating:

5 / 5

Quartersawing,

April 22, 2008

By axjpg

from Europe Luxembourg

(read all my reviews)

"Sure, the mini mill G555B is not the thing to get quartersawn lumber straight away.
(It's a method of cutting a log that results in the growth rings intersecting the face of the board at an angle between 60 and 90 degrees.)
But in combination with a carriage mill (like the LOGOSOL M7 or others) you get a substantial complement.
Especially, if you are dealing with large diameter logs.
In fact, I have the opportunity of quarter sawing white oak here in the "Grand Duchy of Luxembourg" (Europe). They typically are 24" in diameter and due to their weight, it is a real issue to get them on the top of the mill!
It's not only time consuming to raise them up but also dangerous to quarter them in the usual way.
With the aid of the mini mill, I'm now able to quarter them virtually on floor level. Doing so, weight is also quartered.
The accuracy of the (4) right angeled pieces is amazing!
No stress and much less sweat!"

What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman

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Overall Rating:

5 / 5

Easy for first timer,

April 21, 2008

By schmaz

from Pinnacle, NC

(read all my reviews)

"Somehow I got a bug to create my own beams and boards, as I have many Pine and Oak trees in my back yard....After doing the research I ended up purchasing this mini-mill....Very impressed at the simplicity and ease of operation.....The aluminum rail that is mounted to the 2X8 is a bit weaker than I had hoped, but a few extra drill holes and screws and I was good to go. It obviously helps to have a solid chain saw and sharp chain, but creating your own lumber is fun, green, and economical. I plan on building a tool shed with the lumber.....good purchase."

What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman

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Overall Rating:

5 / 5

Mini Mill,

October 15, 2007

By Dadio

from Georgia

(read all my reviews)

"Works exactly as advertised! Be sure your chain is sharp and oiled. You may want to get a chain sharpener, too. I am using it to quartersaw a red oak we had to cut down this summer. The wood is beatiful!
Don't kid yourself though, chainsaw milling is hard work and very time consuming.
I guess I'm just crazy enough to enjoy it."

What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman

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