179
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #192,292 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★☆
Good value for the money but there are some things you should know going in
This unit does what it is supposed to do, and it is inexpensive relative to similar products (such as Grandberg's Mini Mill), so I gave it 4 stars. It clamps onto the chain saw bar and follows a guide (a 2x6 that you attach to a log with screws or nails) so you can make straight ripping cuts. But, there are a few things you should know going in. My comments echo those of others that have reviewed this product. First, no instructions are included. Visit [...]to view the owner's manual and print it. Why it isn't included I have no idea. Second, no screws, including the 3 screws that attach the unit to the chainsaw bar were included in my box. I phoned BAC, the company that imports this product from China (218-943-6290) about the missing parts. They promised to send me the "hardware kit" but I won't receive it for another month. My options were either to return the product to Amazon for an exchange or pick up some screws. I bought three M8 x 25 screws to clamp the guide onto the saw bar ($1.20 ea plus tax). As another reviewer mentioned, the 8mm threads on the guide are not tapped well. I could not get the screws in. So, back to the hardware store to pick up a 8mm tap (another 5 bucks). Once I tapped the holes, the screws threaded nicely and I was able to use the unit. There is a nice video on YouTube that shows you how to set up a guide board and use the guide. If you are careful in setting up your guide board and be sure that the chain does not strike the guide (that will dull your chain instantly) and take your time, you can do some decent milling. Be prepared for a sawdust shower, in your face so wear eyewear and a face shield. This gizmo would be good for making beams or slabbing off one side of a log for a log cabin sill. The guy I spoke to at BAC says that they don't inspect the boxes they get from China before shipping on to Amazon. The QC problem (no instructions, no hardware kit, poorly tapped threaded holes) lies with the Chinese. As long as one is willing to work out these problems, this tool is a good value.
