5 Best Mills for Hobbyist Woodworkers
Introduction
People choose to become hobbyist woodworkers for a variety of reasons. Some are just looking for a way to occupy their time, and others find it relaxing. Those who want to create with their own hands one-of-a-kind decor and custom furnishings can achieve their goal by learning and perfecting this often-overlooked craft.
Some individuals take woodworking classes in school and continue the practice as adults. However, many millennials are now taking a shot at DIY wood furniture as a way to express their personal taste rather than invest in store-bought pieces. Often, hand-crafted creations become treasured family heirlooms that are passed along through generations.
This hobby can be self-taught but requires certain woodworking tools and safety equipment to achieve specific pieces. Hobbyists typically utilize their garage for space, while others may have a dedicated shed to hold their woodworking tools and do their work. Doing woodwork from home has plenty of advantages. You can work on a flexible schedule and customize your shop space without having to rent a workspace.
Before deciding to become a routine woodworking hobbyist, be aware of the potential disadvantages of doing so. Some mills for carving can be noisy and disrupt family members or neighbors. Large builds can require extra space, and top-rated woodworking mills will be an investment. If you’re new to the craft, it’s a good idea to learn the basics and then learn more advanced techniques in a class. Instructors can also recommend affordable mills for beginners to get you started on the right foot. Now, on to the five best mills for hobbyist woodworkers.
1. Granberg Portable Mini Edging Sawmill
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The Granberg Portable Edging Sawmill is one of the top precision mills for small projects. This mill lets carpenters, homeowners, and hobbyists accurately construct their own beams and smooth out log edges with ease. This mini mill can cut logs vertically, clamps onto your existing chain saw, and requires no drill. Constructed of lightweight aluminum, you won’t be weighed down as you work. This is just one reason this is a great choice for precise milling for smaller projects.
This model fits most sizes of chain saw bars and can perform both precise edging and milling functions. It’s an excellent companion tool to have along with the Alaskan Small Log Mill. It is durable and comes with a lifetime warranty. Priced in the $150 range, this tool is one of the most affordable mills for beginners. There are 6 pieces of 24-inch guide rails included in the package.
2. Alaskan Small Log Mill
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The Alaskan Small Log Mill is a chainsaw attachment that is designed to cut timber, slabs, and lumber with a saw less than 24 inches in size. This model is lightweight, compact, and bolts to your saw without the need to drill it on. It simply clamps onto the chain saw, and when you tighten the pressure bolts, cuts can be achieved up to 18 inches wide and a half to 13 inches deep.
The portable Alaskan Small Log Mill is able to be taken to a felled tree for the first cuts to prepare for projects. It’s great for making customized planks, slabs, and beams. This mill boasts virtually unbreakable billet end brackets that are CNC machine crafted. These new brackets are easier to adjust, more accurate, and result in less vibration than a die-cast version. Priced in the $200 range, it’s one of the easiest to use and is considered one of the best mills for woodworking and other tasks.
3. Proxxon MICRO Mill MF 70
Image via proxxon-us-shop.com
In the realm of precision mills for small projects, the Proxxon MICRO Mill MF 70 fits the bill. Highly accurate and lightweight, it’s a great choice for woodworking, model building, and other projects that require smaller tools. It’s considered a great deal with a price range of less than $500.
This unit is ultra-stable with a base of cast iron, and both the compound lathe and vertical columns are treated with premium-quality aluminum. All axles have adjustable slides and are play-free. The die-cast aluminum headstock holds a 24-pole balanced meter and offers stability at high operating speeds.
Workpieces are easy to keep in position due to the unit’s adjustable scale ruler. Its stability facilitates the use of the finest cutters. This six triple slit machine is crafted of hardened MICRODOT steel collets that cover numerous shank sizes. All the hand wheels are zero adjustable with one revolution.
4. Alaskan MKIV Chainsaw Mill
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Operational with chainsaw bars of 24 inches or less, the Alaskan MKIV chainsaw mill has an astonishing eight size options that range between 24 and 84 inches. All models boast the latest end bracket design, which provides greater durability and versatility than the previous cast-aluminum design. Considered one of the best mills for hobbyist woodworkers, this high-quality machine is reliable and will get the job right every time.
A few of the most notable features of this powerful mill are attributed to its updated design. The billet extrusion's construction virtually guarantees its indestructibility. Upgraded features also include greater accuracy and easy adjustment CNC-machined end brackets, and they put out less vibration, minimizing the changes of poor cuts to the wood.
The Alaskan MKIV cuts beams and planks up to 20 inches wide and half an inch to 13 inches deep. As with other mills from Granberg, the mill clamps to the chainsaw bar and no drilling is necessary. It’s portable and lightweight, so you can take it with you to felled trees. Homeowners, arborists, and woodworkers have made this one of the most popular top-rated woodworking mills in the nation.
The Alaskan® MKIV Chainsaw Mill, like all other tools from Granberg International, is crafted in the highest quality and is made right here in the USA. Since 1954, hobbyist woodworkers and professionals have trusted the company, which backs its mills with a limited lifetime warranty.
5. Alaskan Mill Bundles
There are four distinct mill bundles with Alaskan tools that are ideal for woodworking enthusiasts. For a hobbyist woodworker, two options stand out: the Homeowner Bundle and the Backcountry Bundle. These kits contain the basic tools for wood milling and are affordable, making ordering them and getting started simple and easy. They’re perfect for beginners and professional woodworkers.
The Homeowner Bundle
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As the least expensive of the package options, the Homeowner Bundle is sought after by DIY crafters for jobs both big and small. It is a solid choice for anyone with a light-duty chainsaw and a to-do list. This collection of tools and accessories performs projects quickly and makes a great gift for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and abilities. The Homeowner Bundle has an Alaskan small log mill that quickly converts chainsaws with a 20-inch bar or less that require a 50cc powerhead. This portable milling machine is travel ready, and users don’t need any prior experience to effectively put it into action.
In addition to a mill attachment, the bundle also features a slabbing rail bracket set that easily attaches to 2x4 planks and creates an efficient and sturdy platform. The final item in this bundle is a precision grinder. This tool keeps your chains sharp, which allows you to get back to work quickly after your chain gets dull. If you're ready to start woodworking with a nice set of tools with a lifetime warranty that won't break the bank, this package is a smart choice.
The Backcountry Bundle
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The Backcountry Bundle is offered in three size options and includes quite a few items that allow your skills to expand as you get more comfortable working with wood. Skills with hand tools on your own can be accomplished in time, but taking classes can accelerate your learning pace. The Backcountry Bundle features the following must-have tools to pair up with your chainsaw and store easily in your chosen area.
- Workbench
- Chisel
- Hand Saw
- Plane
- Marking Gauge
- Marking Knife
- Card Scraper
- Square
- Sliding Bevel
- Mallet
- Sanding Blocks
- Ruler or Measuring Tape
Looking for Woodworking Tools?
You won’t find many affordable mills that can outperform these top five models. With options that range from beginner to professional levels, you’ll be ready to go from small precision projects to larger creations with these American-made tools. This growing hobby does take a bit of time and patience to master, but you'll be handsomely rewarded. You'll need to learn how to use power tools and these attachments to achieve your woodworking goals.
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