Updated for 2026 — This article has been reviewed and updated with the latest recommendations.
10 Best Chainsaws For Milling in 2026
Milling lumber with a chainsaw requires a saw with enough power, bar length, and durability to make sustained rip cuts through hardwood logs. Milling puts far more stress on a chainsaw than crosscutting because you are cutting with the grain for extended periods, generating more heat and requiring more torque. The best milling saws have 70cc or larger engines, accept 24-inch or longer bars, and are built to handle the continuous load. Here are the top options for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Chainsaw | Best For | Engine | Bar Length | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 661 C-M | Overall pick | 91.1cc | Up to 36 in | 16.5 lbs | $1,400 |
| Husqvarna 592 XP | Best power-to-weight | 91.6cc | Up to 36 in | 16.1 lbs | $1,350 |
| Stihl MS 500i | Innovation | 79.2cc (fuel injected) | Up to 32 in | 13.9 lbs | $1,300 |
| Husqvarna 572 XP | Mid-range | 70.6cc | Up to 28 in | 14.1 lbs | $1,050 |
| Echo CS-7310P | Value | 73.5cc | Up to 32 in | 14.7 lbs | $750 |
1. Stihl MS 661 C-M - Best Overall
The Stihl MS 661 is the benchmark milling chainsaw. At 91.1cc, it has the displacement to power through hardwood rip cuts without bogging down. The M-Tronic electronic fuel management automatically adjusts the carburetor for altitude, temperature, and fuel quality, which matters during long milling sessions where conditions change. The decompression valve and ElastoStart system make starting the big engine manageable.
The saw accepts bars up to 36 inches, which is enough for milling slabs from large diameter logs when used with an Alaskan mill or similar guide. At 16.5 pounds without bar and chain, it is heavy but manageable since milling is a stationary operation. At $1,400, this is a professional tool priced for serious sawyers. Available only through Stihl dealers.
2. Husqvarna 592 XP - Best Power-to-Weight
The 592 XP is Husqvarna answer to the Stihl 661. At 91.6cc and 16.1 pounds, it matches or exceeds the Stihl on power while weighing slightly less. The AutoTune system adjusts carburetor settings automatically, similar to Stihl M-Tronic. The air injection filtration system extends filter life during the dusty, sustained cutting that milling demands. At $1,350, it is competitively priced with the Stihl.
3-5. More Options
Stihl MS 500i ($1,300): The first fuel-injected production chainsaw. At 79.2cc it has less displacement but the fuel injection delivers instant throttle response and excellent fuel efficiency during long milling sessions. At 13.9 pounds, it is significantly lighter.
Husqvarna 572 XP ($1,050): A 70.6cc saw that handles milling smaller logs (under 20 inches diameter) effectively. Lighter and more affordable than the 90cc class. Good for hobby millers who do not process large hardwood regularly.
Echo CS-7310P ($750): The best value milling chainsaw. 73.5cc engine handles rip cuts through moderate hardwood. Less refined than Stihl and Husqvarna but dramatically more affordable. Good entry point for chainsaw milling.
Milling Tips
Use a ripping chain. Standard crosscut chains are ground at 30 degrees. Ripping chains use a 10-degree grind that cuts more efficiently with the grain and produces a smoother surface.
Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain during milling generates excessive heat and slows your cut dramatically. Sharpen every 30 to 45 minutes of milling.
Use a milling guide. An Alaskan mill or similar guide bolts to the bar and rides a straight edge to produce consistent thickness slabs. Freehand milling produces uneven lumber.
