Norwood Chainsaw Mill Overview
The Norwood PortaMill is a unique and low-cost sawmill alternative that is suitable for hobbyists, woodworkers, and backwoods operations. It is easy to transport, as it has modular style components that can be taken by car, boat, or small plane to remote locations. It is easy to set up and can mill logs using a normal extension ladder, and the patented throttle actuator allows for remote activation of the throttle.
The PortaMill’s design provides adjustable backstops and dogs for round and squared timber, and comes with a graduated scale with built-in kerf allowance. It can be disassembled easily for storage, and is lightweight and small enough to be shipped anywhere in the world.
Norwood Chainsaw Mill Accessories
The Norwood Sabre bar is precision-machined for milling lumber and can provide smoother and straighter cuts. An optional factory-produced track is available for a more substantial milling platform, and the PortaMill can also be installed onto a timber subframe for a more permanent setup. The optional chain oiler kit is recommended for keeping the bar and chain cool and lubricated.
Norwood Chainsaw Mill Review
The Norwood PortaMill is a fancy version of an Alaska sawmill, which is a chainsaw mill. The saw is mounted on a carriage assembly that can be cranked up or down for accurate and repeatable cuts. The log sits on top of support bars which swing up and clamp the log in place, which is a nice feature especially for doing something like beams.
The mill also has a mechanism that allows the operator to remotely activate the throttle with a handle, and it rolls smoothly. This feature is great, but it is more equipment to take out into the woods and requires a solid ground.
If you want to use the Norwood PortaMill we recommend getting the biggest saw possible. The added features and ease of use are not a huge benefit unless you have a saw that can power through big logs. You will also benefit greatly from using a ripping chain on your saw that is sharpened to 10 degrees.
Overall, the Norwood PortaMill is fun to use, but is slower than a bandsaw, and not suitable for large scale milling operations. If you are looking for a more controlled milling system and don’t want to pony up the big bucks for a bandsaw option, the Norwood Chainsaw Mill is a great option to check out.
Another option is an Electric Chainsaw Mill, which we have detailed here!
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