Milling saw vs firewood saw: Use the right saw or pay the price

Milling lumber needs a pro-grade saw with a 24-inch minimum bar and a ripping chain designed for cutting with the grain. Firewood cutting is fine with a standard 16- to 20-inch homeowner saw for cross-grain cuts. Using a firewood saw for milling will burn the engine and waste gas; using a milling saw for firewood is heavy overkill. If you do both, get two dedicated saws.