Is a chainsaw mill worth it?

by John
(Altoona, PA)

Banjoe,
Hello! Great work on your cabin. I myself have wielded a broadaxe on more than one occasion and, like yourself, my back can no longer withstand the constant chipping and thudding on a pine log.

The question I have is in regards to the chainsaw mill you used. What setup did you use and how long did it take you to have a log prepared for the wall? What I want to know is, is it worth the money to get a chainsaw mill or should I just have someone come in and bandsaw the logs?

Your input would be greatly appreciated as I have never known anyone personally who has used this method.
Thanks,
John

Banjoe answers:
John,
Thanks for the question. I used an attachment that bolts to the saw bar and slides down a 2x8. My chainsaw is a Husky 2100.It is an older model from the 80's.It is 100cc with a 32" bar. It was a lot of work.

If I had to do it over I would have the logs sawed with a bandsaw on site one year before use. If you saw them, make sure to stack evenly with spacers that are the same size.(2x2's work good.) I did this last year with some red oak. I cut the slabs 6" thick. They are covered with some old barn tin. Tarps can hold moisture and promote rot and mold.