A Comparison of Affordable Portable Sawmills

Let's look at entry level machines so you can find the best sawmill to save time and money

Portable bandsaw mills are popular machines that can help turn trees on your property, or ones you cut down on job sites, into an affordable source of lumber. 

But finding a model that fits your needs doesn't need to be difficult. Most portable sawmill customers are looking for the:

• • Right size and capacity for their logs

  • Best price

  • Right engine size

  • Best feature set, including what accessories they want

So let's go into the basics of affordable portable sawmills, including the affordable prices available.

What is a portable sawmill?

Portable sawmills are bandsaw mills designed to turn logs into your own lumber. They're frequently used by landowners for DIY projects like sheds, decks and cabins but are also popular with small-to-medium sized business owners, including tree care services or arborists who can repurpose trees felled from customer's properties.

There are multiple sizes and models of portable sawmills, such as the Woodland Mills SE118 which is designed for smaller logs (up to 18" in diameter), while much bigger models like the HM136MAX can mill large logs up to 36" in diameter.

What features should I look for in a portable sawmill?

• • Capacity: This is going to depend on your needs. If you're milling smaller trees, you may only need a mill that can process logs up to 24" in diameter. If you're looking to do larger logs or live-edge slabs, or have an abundance of oversized logs, you'll need a larger sawmill.

  • Engine Size: If your priority is producing lumber affordably, you can save money by picking a model with a smaller engine, since engine size only affects the speed of milling.

  • Accessories and Upgrades: Woodland Mills SE Series models feature entry-level prices but are not compatible with many accessories. Meanwhile HM model sawmills feature much richer compatibility and additional features with upgrades like the Power Head and can be put on a trailer.

Consider what you need from your sawmill and pick the model that makes sense for you. Even a small machine can be used for high production, if you cut logs that are sized appropriately. Don't forget to pick a brand with reliable service that will support you in your milling journeys, like Woodland Mills.

Should I get my portable sawmill on a trailer or ground mount it?

Ground mounted sawmills require you to have a way to bring the logs to your sawmill.

Many sawyers with ground mounted mills have sawmill sheds and raised log piles, as well as a tractor or forklift for hauling or skidding logs. An ATV with a Loglander log arch, plus a winch, will also work for getting logs onto your sawmill bed. This is great for those who want a custom setup with all their tools on hand.

Trailer mounted sawmills are best for when you want to bring your mill to the logs.

If you have a large acreage or plan on milling logs for customers or across several properties, then a trailer mounted sawmill may make sense for you. It gives you enhanced portability, and lets you mill beyond the boundaries of your own acreage.

What are the best entry-level, low-price portable sawmills?

In no particular order, here are the best portable sawmills for milling timber, whether you're a woodworker looking to process lumber for your own projects or you're sawing in as a small-scale business owner.

1. Woodland Mills SE118 Portable Sawmill

Woodland Mills' smallest sawmill, designed for landowners who want a simple, cost-effective way to start milling their own lumber. The main design goal when engineering the SE118 was to focus on dependable performance while streamlining it to only the must-have features that won't break the bank. While it lacks compatibility with the Power Head and other accessories, it makes up for it at an incredible price.

Specifications

• • 18" Log Diameter Capacity

  • 16" Max Cut Width

  • 7 HP engine

Excellent for sawyers looking for an affordable way to do projects like charcuterie boards and other DIY builds, as well as small tasks around the homestead, the SE118 is a tightly designed package with all the essential features you need and none of the ones you don't.

2. Woodland Mills HM122 Portable Sawmill

One of the most popular portable sawmills for landowners on a budget, while the HM122 may be the smallest HM-model sawmill, it's been a proven favourite for many years. Whether it's doing fence posts for the homestead or milling lumber for an off-grid cabin, patio or shed on your property. It's small size is improved by its versatility and customizability thanks to compatibility with a wide range of accessories.

Specifications

• • 22" Log Diameter Capacity

  • 20" Max Cut Width

  • 7 or 9.5 HP engine options

  • Gas & Go Auto Lube

As one of Woodland Mills' earliest portable sawmills it's been a fan favorite since its introduction. This small but efficient machine is great for those with smaller logs, but is still used by dedicated sawyers who have put hundreds of hours on their machines. If you're looking to save a bit of money the 7 HP engine will only cost you a little more time while you're milling.

3. Woodland Mills SE122 Portable Sawmill

The SE122 is a great affordable sawmill, based on the original HM122 platform, while streamlining its features to only the bare necessities. That means the SE122 comes in at a lower price, and while it may not have access to the same accessories and upgrades as its HM counterpart, it can still mill up 22" diameter logs and features tried-and-tested reliability of Woodland Mills sawmills.

Specifications

• • 22" Log Diameter Capacity

  • 20" Cut Width

  • 8.5 HP engine

This may be an appealing option for landowners looking for a smaller portable sawmill who have a keen eye on their budget and want to mill logs up to 22" in diameter. The 8.5 HP motor does the job well and you can always tack on an extra track extension if you want to add a bit more length for longer logs.

4. Woodland Mills HM126 Portable Sawmill

The original Woodland Mills sawmill, which continues to be one of the most popular models. Designed by the company's founders, a pair of friends and engineers, to meet the needs of modern landowners without breaking the bank. It set the standard for every sawmill model that followed and remains one of our best-selling products.

It features an excellent balance of capacity, engine size, features and cost as well as compatibility with a broad range of accessories from track extensions to the Power Head and more.

Specifications

• • 26" Log Diameter Capacity

  • 24" Max Cut Width

  • 9.5 or 14 HP engine options

  • Patented Gas & Go Auto Lube

  • Power Head compatible

This sawmill has served many sawyers well over the years due to its flexibility and reliability. Tens of thousands of woodworkers and builders have used their HM126s to craft materials for their off-grid cabins, sheds, decks and patios. Popular with hobby farm owners and small-scale commercial business owners alike the HM126 is considered one of the best budget-friendly mills on the market.

5. Woodland Mills SE126 Portable Sawmill

This sawmill takes one of the most popular Woodland Mills' sawmills, the HM126, and uses it as inspiration to make a streamlined package that cuts down to only the most essential features. The SE126 offers a great balance for many sawyers, large enough for beams, slabs, and structural lumber, while still being easy to operate. It's an excellent package that balances size and affordability.

Specifications

• • 26" Log diameter capacity

  • 24" Max Cut Width

  • 13 HP engine

Blending great capacity with cost, the SE126 is an affordable entry-level sawmill. If you want to add upgrades like a trailer or Power Head, you may want to consider the HM126, but for potential sawmill owners who want to mill mid-sized logs at an affordable price, the SE126 is a great deal.

So what's the best affordable portable bandsaw mill?

That's going to depend on your needs and the trees you plan on milling, as well as how much time or money you want to save, but here are some excellent choices.

• • SE118: This is one of the smallest, most affordable sawmills for those who want to get started milling at a low price.

  • HM122: This small sawmill boasts impressive features and customizability, as well as compatibility with a trailer for milling on-the-go.

  • HM126: A personal favorite of many sawyers that features a balanced size and price, as well as rich customizability.

  • SE126: If you want a mid-sized sawmill at a great price with only the essential features the SE126 has you covered.