5 Things to Know About Milling Lumber vs. Cutting Firewood

Milling requires a pro-grade saw with a longer bar You need at least a 24-inch bar and a saw built to run at full throttle for extended periods. Consumer saws overheat and fail under that load.

Use a ripping chain for milling, not a standard cross-cut chain Ripping chain has different tooth geometry for cutting with the grain. Standard chains dull fast and leave a rough surface.

Firewood cutting works fine with a cheaper homeowner saw Most cuts are across the grain, and the saw runs intermittently. A 16- to 20-inch bar on a standard saw will last years for a few cords per season.

Never use a firewood saw for milling You will burn up the engine, waste gas, and get terrible results. The saw is not built for the abuse.

If you do both jobs, buy two separate saws One heavy-duty saw for milling (like a Stihl MS 660 clone or Husqvarna 395XP) and one lighter saw for firewood. Trying to use one saw for both compromises everything.