100 Dollar Portable Sawmill | chainsaw Mill | DIY

Chainsaw Sawmill Plans - bit.ly/chainmillplans
Check out the latest upgrades to the mill here - • This HOMEMADE Chainsaw...
I designed this chainsaw sawmill to be very diy friendly. It cost just over 100 dollars in material and parts to make and takes much of the hard work out of milling lumber with a chainsaw.
50 dollar chainsaw mill video link - • 50 Dollar Portable Saw...
learn more about ripping chain saw blades - • Video
My Links -
website - www.izzyswan.com/
Instagram - / izzyswan_woodworking

[@DavidKing-bm3sh]

My old truck driving ass loved this... My grandfather ran a small sawmill on his farm in east Kentucky... He would have loved this video... You reminded me of how much I miss him and grandma....

[@ralphpomm4943]

This guy is a genus. Thank God for smart people.

[@mikew7727]

Genus lol, classic

[@micjam1986]

He uses a "T" at the end of across...but he's ok. Lol

[@eadghe]

Unfortunately there are not enough smart people, which 2020 and 2021 clearly shows.

[@anothersomebody8195]

@@eadghe Haha, makes me wonder which way that comment goes?

[@kcoutdoors8688]

I would classify him as a species but genus is close enough I guess 🤷‍♂️

[@mcpaplus]

The boat crank is genius. Most of the other videos I have watched seem really stressful to one's back. Not this. Great video.

[@joelpowell6909]

I used 2x6 on the top of the I-beams so there is more room for the tips of the log. It helps when you have really heavy logs. I also made my whole mill 12' long for longer lumber. One more tip... I added a fan over the saw. It keeps a lot of saw dust from getting sucked in and helps the saw run cooler.

[@privatear2001]

Good idea! Did you use a 12 volt car fan or something? or were you close enough to plug it into a 120v outlet? And would it have been an axial fan or a squirrel cage blower?

[@rockdog2584]

I've built my fair share of jigs in my day, and have figured out a really easy solution to overcoming friction issues on sliding parts. Easiest fix I have found is to glue down laminate countertop material (i.e. Formica) so it is in a face-to-face configuration. I swear, it is slipperier than teflon! I've used it on the bottom of my cross-cut sled for my table saw, and it's like pushing a block of ice across a frozen pond.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I agree, I have been thinking about making a simple sliding seat for a rowboat using Formica in the way you mentioned.

[@bryanrocker5033]

And formica is hard as long as it is isn't flexed to much. Will have to try that.

[@rockdog2584]

I can't take credit for thinking this up on my own. I had seen a video about a guy named Dobson, who builds telescopes and mounts (you may have heard of the Dobsonian-style units). He uses it on the swiveling parts of the mount. I thought that was brilliant, and so I tried it on some jigs on my table saw. Works PERFECT.

[@oldmanpatriot1490]

This was a extremely helpful tip.. Thank you for sharing.

[@morganfreeman5171]

Nice tip ! Melting parrafin from a candle onto the sliding parts works very well also :)

[@jojo1308716]

I started watching you when you made the camping table, and I think this is one of the most useful coolest tools you’ve come up with. Also it warms my heart to see you looking so good and up n around.

[@genghischuan4886]

how have I not seen you before? man I wish you tube would go back ten years where folks could actually find what they like

[@dougbas3980]

Really enjoyed this! I have a Stihl 036 with 20" bar and Alaska mill. I am 76YO so somewhat limited. I am an engineer, so I appreciate what you have done. NICE!!! Excellent what you have done.

[@timconway2810]

Glad to see you walking about, Sir. Gotta be a godsend as far as productivity is concerned.

[@daverabe2582]

Use teflon cutting boards they work like a charm

[@timconway2810]

@@daverabe2582 I don’t think you meant to reply to me

[@ademarbortoloti3579]

@@daverabe2582 j

[@snickboy51]

You, sir, are an excellent educator as well as a top level inventor of useful items for folks who lack an abundance of your skill set. Kudos!

[@deelanders6132]

Really inspired by this. Simplicity, humility and enginuity. This dude has those by the ton. Class.

[@guygillmore2970]

This is brilliant; there is a scary amount of genius at work here..... Let's be thankful he is one of the good guys and not planning world domination [citation needed]

[@ryang6222]

Yeah there are enough of those people running around.

[@paulcooper9031]

Have just started looking for saw mills and came across your system. Very versatile and a cheap easy way for us first timers to start milling. Great idea and work.

[@silverstake88]

Izzy is the Grand Wizard of plywood engineering. 😁🤙

[@hotratz69]

One of my many hobbies is metal fabrication and restoring vintage machines. I don't do much wood working at all. I love this because it shows the versatility of wood as a structural medium.

[@fonhollohan2908]

Great job on this contraption Izzy looks like it works pretty good just sent this to my son he's a carpenter, I think he's gonna love this thing!

[@EliasMakes]

just came from future from the year 2023 , lumber is dry and izzy made awesome projects with them

[@firsttpt]

This is an appealing compromise between Rube Goldberg and genius.

[@weknow.2304]

You just saved me $2,900, impressed the crap out of me, and are the only person I've ever subscribed to based off of one video!!! Amazing, can't wait to watch your others; thanks so much!!!

[@petergetinard4811]

I love watching him on “Cheers”…Norm was my favorite character… glad to see he’s found a hobby after Hollywood

[@victorsteen73]

😂

[@sqnhunter]

A couple of simple wedges between the wood will stop pinching and remove the necessity to pop the end without a finished cut. The mill itself...simple yet effective. Love it!

[@oldkingcrow777]

That was my thought. I have zero experience but it's in my blood so maybe some things are genetically imprinted hehe I'm still only 1/4 into the vid but I thought, "how would I make it not sketchy if I did a heavy slab" and duh, shim as you go

[@Heste04kraft93]

He did that because it was the end of the track, not because of pinching.

[@TheKJVpreacher]

I loved watching this video! Getting the kids involved shows your great "dad" abilities, and it shows how easy it is to use. Well Done!

[@flyerscout2]

Some times I love the youtube algorithm.

[@moonboogien8908]

This is pretty cool. My parents are building themselves a log cabin up north soon, and are looking into milling their own material. Sending them this video for sure. My dad loves this kind of DIY stuff.

[@richardthoms8018]

Thanks for these videos! I built one of these a couple months ago based on your original video, it's awesome!

[@bigtroutchaser7922]

Just bought Izzy's plan...watch out dead trees=Papa's comin SOON!! Thank you fine sir!

[@notgoingdownwithoutafight1606]

A great deal of people can create these awesome things but they can't explain what they are doing very well. You are a real artist bud! Just subscribed!

[@berlindaarmijo9251]

That is Genius! Lots of beautiful wood. Im learning about different wood trees. Im thinking of making couple of book shelves and a dinning table I love home depot to get ideas together. So nice that you all have your own trees to cut. That's pretty awesome and fun. Thanks for your video-very interesting.

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

Love the comfy chair sitting in the middle of the sawdust Izzy! 😅

[@wyrdwildman1689]

Genius! As a manual machinist, dad and a woodsman, much respect.

[@rrittenhouse]

You are a freaking genius. IDK how many times I've told you that but it's a lot LOL. So glad to see you up and moving around as well. Much love!

[@deborahelliott8460]

Im pretty impressed...An inventor AND a thinking guy. Nice work on this...I will be watching more of your videos!

[@dylanemeraldgrey]

Good to see you happy and moving around so well. Great project too. - All the best!

[@easypeasy2938]

Great video. Great rig. Will be making one shortly. Question: How do you get a square, straight board edge? Do you clamp a few boards together and rotate 90 degrees? I would love to see the process all the way from mounting the log, all the cuts, drying, and final planing/jointing. Thanks

[@dmu9736]

Excellent video. You make me miss my grandfather. He was always making stuff like this.

[@RosalindGash]

It's kind of exciting to see someone from my hometown (I live in the Dakotas now) on KZbin.

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

A big advantage of wood on wood sliders, is that they are self cleaning...unlike wheels which would compact the sawdust. You could use angle iron pointed up for runners...then you need steel wheels...and it gets more complicated from there. With straight lumber, you don't need any metal except for fasteners. Nicely done.

[@giovannipetitti1588]

you are always a genius, 💯💯👍

[@fredford7642]

GREAT video! This really puts a sawmill into anyone's reach to cut wood and save $$ dollars $$ anybody that has a larger project ( like building a garage ) this is a game changer. Thank you!

[@heathenfamproductions4100]

This is awesome!!! I just bought a portable 140 dollar one from Walmart which is nice if you are going around to peoples home and getting stuff for yourself and works well at home but this is an absolutely amazing idea for a fixed one at the house.

[@shanetimberedowl9541]

Can't help but wonder why you and Mathias Wendel haven't done a conglaboration over these mesmerized yrs. You are both geniuses coming from different extremes

[@shanetimberedowl9541]

Beautiful slabs

[@davidsawyer1599]

A solution to problem I don't have! It's genius! However there may come a day when this might come in handy. The price..The price even cheapy store bought mills are thousands of dollars. Thanks Izzy.

[@TZ3Z]

Glad I found this channel. Subscribed. I like how you showed different people using the jig to show that it really isn’t that hard

[@pikubird]

Good to see you walking around and doing well izzy! Take care and GOD BLESS

[@embeaston]

Hands down my favorite maker on the tube

[@izzyswan]

thank you ! very kind kind!

[@dadzilla13]

Hey Izzy what do you think about putting a 45 cut on the front and rear of the sled to help push saw dust off the base rails? Love your content keep it coming. Super happy to see that you back is doing much better.

[@Raynre]

Thanks for this. Definitely looking at different options with the cost of lumber being the way it is.

[@durvalrebelo2624]

This guy is really cool, I love the way he explains things. 👍👍

[@nathanmiles5322]

By far my favorite diy build I've ever watched. Every other video is dumb jokes a lot of talking about nothing.. This guy is detailed and explanations wear spot on

[@paddrivers]

Research & development....I like your style sir😎

[@BigTony2Guns]

What I really appreciate the honesty you having making the project,,meaning of pros and cons and the mistakes you've made

[@TheVineyardFarmhouse]

I have watched most all your videos. You have inspired me to start my own channel. It’s been moving slowly but I am enjoying the journey. Thank you very much.

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing the tips!

[@namoothewoodprojects]

Brilliant 👏what an affordable sawmill !!

[@coyotetracker1]

Great idea. Been ponding on this for about 3 hours and just come across your video. Looks like I don't need to build a model myself. Thank!

[@dennisshoemaker2789]

Excellent! I love the idea and I wish I had an excuse to make a small sawmill. Thank you for sharing your adventure!

[@mwa1252]

Very impressive! Thanks for the tip on saw blades. I first used a chainsaw mill back in the late 70s and was so disappointed that I gave up the idea. My "regular" blade would spew out powder and take several hours to slice through a good sized pine log. I don't think ripping blades even existed back then.

[@fonhollohan2908]

They've been around since the late 4o's

[@vtIndian249]

Your mannerisms and how you sound , remind me of Norm from Cheers! BTW, nice job on the sawmill.

[@maplebones]

That's gotta be Norm.

[@microfarmers]

I bet your neighbors just love you!

[@frankhofmann6203]

the best example of a chainsaw sawmill what I have seen so far!

[@mikeroth5536]

Awesome job/build. Loved the idea and am inspired to make my own. Thinking of your issue with dust on the tracks, could mounting some stiff-bristle brushes to the sled(front and back) over the track help? That way the dust is freshly cleared with each pass.

[@larrygates3737]

My first thought is a tab of rubber to act as a sweep

[@ScoutCrafter]

Really enjoyed this episode Dave! I can only imagine the size of the mill when it was in full swing. Must have been such a wonderful site! Great series!

[@labbbgbar5639]

You are a man of practical talent and a genius of invention. I take my hat off to you for your skill.

[@thegardenprophet1582]

I’m impressed with your ingenuity. Great Mill

[@freesk8]

Holy crap, this is awesome! Nice build! :)

[@gbjones54]

Sweet build Izzy. Can’t wait to see the full story of what you build with the milled wood!

[@mikeleach1370]

Man I've been looking for some ideas on how to start my own shade tree Sawmill ,,you might say, and your video here taught me everything I've been wanting to learn. Man keep up the good work and thank you very much helped a lot

[@DIYivan04]

I wish modernity would promote this culture. It’s creative and beautiful.

[@idahopotato5837]

You could support your kerf with felling wedges or similar and then take the saw to the end and have a clean cut instead of snap off.

[@bargainbin22]

I believe he is at the end of the sled and can not go to the end of the log.

[@dalemaloney255]

@@bargainbin22 log was a bit toooo long!!

[@prestonbrice5425]

Man i wish i could spend a week or more working with you and soak up some of your skills

[@luluschannel9862]

Was thinking the same thing but it would take more then a week lol

[@kipswallow9615]

Thanks man. An inspiration. Well made video and a narrative I understand without bragging.

[@user-qf9mk6rc7n]

Ingenious! Thanks for being such an innovator!

[@vahntalur9950]

Love your inventive skills. I appreciate how you include the likes and dislikes. It is amazing how some things may seem more logical and then do not work as well (wood on wood rails better than metal/bearings) plus having a front piece to move the sawdust off the rails. I think that 2x4 you hit your head on when you were 12 turned you into a genius! LOL (Or was it a 2x12?) Just kidding.

[@nathangold9775]

Have you thought about using angle iron with the corner up for the track with a V-shaped wheel, similar to how some CNC machine’s guide rails are done? Seems like less resistance and the v shape would help saw dust just slide off. A leading and trailing brush would also help.

[@harrisoncrank4447]

Send me a plan set up and l thankful for you sharing your story

[@thuringervonsausage5232]

Coolest Saw Mill I've ever seen - Most Excellent Presentation. Very Impressive!

[@dariend6368]

Awesome job !!! So cool to see a mill built with wood!!!

[@davidhilt9527]

I think I’m instantly hooked on this channel

[@ronaldbabin1932]

I have a steal 880 mag. would be good for it, got any ideas as to easley start a high power saw hard to pull.

[@GTL77]

I have some ideas to make my own sawmill, I might have to use some of your ideas with the one I want to make 😁

[@Bobsmith-ot6si]

Clear, precise and everything very well done 👍

[@jerryking3208]

Awesome. You remind me of my Dad. He would have loved this. Thanks

[@aprendizdemarceneiro-oficial]

Espetacular, fantástico !!!

[@anthonywallace2838]

Loving the saw mill build! About to try it myself. Genius. You start to think of all the things you can really create out of wood. Is there a video or plan on how to make a drill wench like you use to move the log with one finger?😅🤣💀I'd love to put that on my trailer to make loading logs from the side a breeze. The wench I had in mind but the drill and one finger part you've sold me on now💪😎💜

[@mb_a5383]

Cuttin wood AND gettin some cardio! Nice Izzy!

[@jerryinlow4882]

Thank you for talking about what the video is about and not some life story of subject. Very well done!! Thank you.

[@jameslane8364]

You should try a carbide tipped chain you'll be very happy with it instead of a shredder chain

[@jackrussell1960]

Put 4 lil brushes attached to the carriage, left an right, front an back, over the tracks, so it keeps it free of sawdust, brushes as you crank it... Good work brother 👍

[@HenryDoohickeyII]

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe cut some old door sweeps that aren’t needed or got bent up.

[@jackrussell1960]

@@HenryDoohickeyII yep... Or just don't bother😅 & rough it just like most ppl do..?!

[@HenryDoohickeyII]

@@jackrussell1960 why touch it for the sake of roughing it. If there a simple solution use it.

[@jackrussell1960]

@@HenryDoohickeyII it was just an idea..that's all..take it or leave it..I don't have to explain to you?!, watch the video and you'll see why I said what I did .!!

[@tonygallo8570]

Very ingenious what you did goes to show you that everything doesn't have to be made out of metal or aluminum did a wonderful job very impressed keep up the good work

[@kurtdowney1489]

Dude I subbed over the intro! I am already amazed and impressed!

[@1976ClassicCelica]

Maybe put some whiskers (brush) in front to clear the dust.

[@root1657]

I like it. Might not even need to be fancy whiskers, maybe just a plow block set to 1 sheet of paper above the rail. Low enough to clear any problem dust without dragging.

[@boots7859]

I was going to say the same. Get some $1 store silicon basting brushes and attach them to the leading edge of the sled/rail connection. Or, stiffer ones from a scrub brush.

[@izzyswan]

its just better and less worry to but the carrige right on the track solves the plow and build up issue wirt ione simple fix

[@BillDWP]

Great videos, great woodsman engineering. Okay, so the logs are wet, you cut them, how do you keep them from warping as they dry? Why do you snap off the last couple of inches, and not cut to the end. Also the drill seems to move as you cut, does this affect the thickness of the cut, or is it small enough not to make a difference. Thank you again for the excellent "maker/howto" videos.

[@uekiguy5886]

.

[@billlichirie14]

I can hardly wait to see this with an 880 attached. 😁👍

[@robertjolliffe2612]

What a ripper- well done

[@scotthull4400]

Nice Video - excellent ideas and explanations. Question? Why have you set this up to not cut through the end of the log.. ? Does it get a little dangerous with the slab falling down on the saw? Beautiful live edges there !

[@Zogg1281]

That's actually quite a quick cutting speed compared to some of the other chainsaw mills I've seen. Using that winch actually speeds the whole thing up as I've found that manually pushing the saw along is quite hard work. I think my saw is going to be gaining a winch really soon 😊👍👍👍👍

[@bryanrocker5033]

The question is will the chain dull quicker or is the use of a "ripsaw" chain the key difference.

[@Adam-xd9ws]

@@bryanrocker5033 I think the chain will be key. I was notching willow out to make a raised garden bed with a regular chain and it was just sharpened. Took FOREVER. There must be something different in the mechanics of the chain.

[@jordanlogan8036]

@@Adam-xd9ws the only difference is the teeth are sharpened perpendicular to the bar rather than 30 degrees. If you have extra chains you can make your own rip chain

[@abbo3272]

@@jordanlogan8036 no more than 15%

[@glennsims66]

This is incredible. I never would have known i could make a saw mill this way😊

[@jerrymckissen1617]

Yes, thank you. Love the information and helps

[@nathankane8775]

Maybe a brush or miniature "snowplow" type of attachment in front of the sliding rails to sweep or push the sawdust off of the rails. Sure is faster than my Alaskan mill but I'm running a pretty small 45 cc saw right now. Going to upgrade later this spring but your mill sure looks like i'd have a ton of fun with it.

[@timhitt9541]

and a hell of a lot cheaper than your Alaskan rig! How much did you pay for it?

[@nathankane8775]

@@timhitt9541 The Alaskan Mill is really just an attachment that works with a chainsaw. not that expensive. I bought mine used for 75 dollars.

[@thesplinteredfinger]

Izzy, I love the idea but I need a method of getting that heavy log on to the pedestal.

[@Adam-xd9ws]

It really is a 2 man/woman job. They do make log rollers, but I'd be hesitant rolling a big old log like that onto something constructed of wood repeatedly.

[@MrThenry1988]

I chainsaw mill a bunch of wood. I'm probably never gonna do this. But it's fun to watch.

[@larryvaughn2567]

Absolutely outstanding !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I must have one of these.