I’ve seen the VEVOR Portable Chainsaw Mill popping up everywhere lately, especially because it’s way cheaper than most sawmills out there. So, I decided to take a closer look, mainly to see if this budget-friendly $100 mill actually holds up or if it’s just another tool that looks good in ads but disappoints in real life.
Let’s be honest: most of us buying a chainsaw mill at this price aren’t expecting miracles. But we at least want something that works without falling apart after one weekend project.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the VEVOR Chainsaw Mill feels lightweight, maybe a bit too lightweight. It’s made from aluminum and steel, which makes it easy to carry around, but it doesn’t exactly scream heavy-duty.
Assembly took me around 25 minutes. Nothing too complicated, though I had to adjust a few parts because the holes didn’t align perfectly. You’ll definitely need a wrench, patience, and maybe a bit of common sense to get everything sitting straight.
Once it’s put together, it looks the part. Not industrial-grade, but solid enough to get started.
Testing It Out
I hooked it up to my 20-inch chainsaw and went for a small oak log first. The VEVOR mill did the job ,slowly, but it worked. The first couple of passes were rough (literally). It took a bit of practice to find the right balance and pressure, but once I got the hang of it, the cuts came out fairly even.
Now, don’t expect perfectly smooth boards. The finish is rough, and you’ll need to sand or plane your lumber afterward. But for the price, it’s hard to complain.
What I did notice, though, is that the frame tends to flex a little under pressure, especially on longer cuts. If you push too hard or your chainsaw isn’t powerful enough, you’ll feel it struggle. It’s definitely not a pro-grade mill, but for hobby use, it’s surprisingly capable.
What I Liked
- Affordable way to get into milling: For around a hundred bucks, you can turn logs into usable planks without spending thousands.
- Portable and lightweight: Perfect for backyard or off-grid projects.
- Adjustable cutting thickness; You can change it up depending on what you’re building.
- It actually works: Not perfectly, but it works if you’re patient.
What I Didn’t Like
- Cheap hardware: Some of the bolts feel like they’ll strip if you’re not careful.
- Frame flex: You can’t rush it, or your cuts will drift.
- Tough on chainsaws: Expect to sharpen your chain more often.
- Not for big logs: If you plan to mill large hardwoods, this isn’t it.
Who It’s For
The VEVOR Portable Chainsaw Mill is great for DIYers, hobby woodworkers, or anyone who wants to mill the occasional log for small projects. If you’re thinking of turning it into a full-time lumber operation, don’t. You’ll get frustrated fast.
But if you’re like me and just want to make rustic furniture, slabs, or a backyard table out of fallen trees, it’s a great entry point. It gives you that satisfaction of making your own lumber from scratch, and that’s kind of addictive once you start.
What I Think
So, can a $100 mill actually work? Yeah, it can as long as you keep your expectations in check.
The VEVOR Chainsaw Mill isn’t flawless, but it’s functional. It’s a solid starter tool for people who want to learn milling without dropping a fortune. You’ll have to be patient and accept some imperfections, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a fun and surprisingly useful addition to your toolkit.
Conclusion
It’s not a scam, not a miracle, just a cheap but decent little tool that does what it says, with a few quirks along the way.
Check out the Frownies Patch I reviewed earlier.