Cutting Wood Slabs With a Chainsaw Mill

This will show an overview of what's involved with making live edge wood planks using a chainsaw mounted mill.

Step 1: The First Cut

The first cut you make will create a flat surface for the sawmill to "ride" on for each subsequent cut.

Step 2: The Second Cut.

Now the mill "rides" on the flat created by the first cut. Set the thickness to what you desire on the mill for each subsequent board.

Step 3: Live Edge Wood

Even after just 2 passes this cedar log is looking like the start of a live edge bench! A little sanding will remove the saw marks.

Step 4: Cutting

Each pass took about ten minutes and I had to sharpen my chain after 1 1/2 cuts. It's hard work but well worth the effort! The saw goes through lots of oil so keep an eye on it.

Step 5: Live Edge Cedar Plank

This is the second cut from the log.