TLDR Review: MechMaxx SM-22 Portable Sawmill
Pros
- •The MechMaxx 22" Portable Sawmill is very sturdy and durable, built with thick, heavuty metal and zinc-coated parts that stand up well to serious use.
- •The powerful 9HP DUCAR gasoline engine starts reliably on the first pull and runs smoothly, making operation easier and efficient.
- •It can mill large timber effectively, suitable for significant projects like building homes, floor frames, bents, and siding.
- •Many users find the sawmill easy to use once assembled, with helpful tutorials and a strong online community providing extensive video guidance and tips.
- •Customer service is praised as responsive, supportive, and knowledgeable, offering prompt assistance.
- •Assembly is clearer and faster with two people, especially when lifting heavy parts, and instructional videos greatly simplify the process.
- •The track and saw carriage run smoothly after proper leveling and setup, enabling accurate and consistent cuts.
- •A good pick for beginners, with plenty of resources and a strong support network to help firsime sawmill operators.
Cons
- •Assembly can be tricky and timonsuming, mostly due to a less-than-ideal manual that may require users to rely heavily on online video guides.
- •Bolts tend to vibrate loose frequently during operation, necessitating regular tightening and maintenance.
- •The machine uses an uncommon 127” band blade size, severely limiting blade options and leading to challenges finding compatible, higerformance blades.
- •MechMaxx's own blades reportedly struggle with harder woods like white oak, with many users preferring Simonds or Ripper 37 blades for tougher milling tasks.
- •Some users note that the valve blade lubricant leaks when opening and closing the saw, which is inconvenient.
- •Assembly is easier with additional equipment (like a tractor with forks) due to heavy lifting requirements, which might be a hurdle for some.
- •Although durable and weluilt, the sawmill still requires effort and coordination during setup, including time-consuming track leveling.
Bottom Line
The MechMaxx 22" Portable Sawmill with its 9HP DUCAR engine is a solid, durable choice for serious woodworkers and hobbyists aiming to mill large timber for major projects. While assembly requires patience and occasional adjustments (especially bolt tightening and track leveling), the sawmill offers powerful performance and excellent operational support, backed by a strong online community and responsive customer service. The biggest headache lies in finding quality blades due to its unusual blade size, so be prepared to invest time in sourcing the right ones like the recommended Ripper 37. If blade availability is a dealbreaker for you, consider exploring other models with more standardized blade options. Otherwise, this sawmill is a highly capable machine that delivers professional-level results for those willing to put in the initial setup effort.
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