Newbie here, need advice on chainsaw selection.

[stillsurfing05]

Plan on doing some milling soon but what to make sure I buy a saw with enough power to mill Live Oak and Black Walnut. I had a Sacs/Dolmar for years and was impressed with the saw but the local Stihl dealer is only a few blocks away for service if needed. I have around 1k +/- for saw funds. Thanks for any advice! This is "Great" f0rum and so glad I found it.
Thanks,

 

[Quietfly]

I would go with whichever has better local support & parts availability.

 

[stillsurfing05]

I would go with whichever has better local support & parts availability.

Thanks Quietfly…you're probably right altho I still favor the Dolmar…btw, great looking slabs ur cutting!

 

[Quietfly]

Thanks, here's a teaser of what's next.....

 

[stillsurfing05]

my god brother, i actually eny you!! I could spent all day cutting wood!!!

 

[Quietfly]

Lol that's a little deceptive of me. I live next to a Forestry Service. So the owner let's me cut and take my stuff,as long as i don't take any of the money trees, ie longer than 10ft, no rot, hard wood.

 

[BobL]

Thanks Quietfly…you're probably right altho I still favor the Dolmar…btw, great looking slabs ur cutting!

That's a very important consideration unless you are more or less able to do almost everything to tune/fix saws yourself.

 

[Enrico Carini]

Everything I hear about the 461 is that it might be the best all around saw ever made. I want one pretty bad but just ordered a brand new 880

There's a real beauty in the classifieds right now http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/like-new-stihl-ms461.294624/#post-5790080

 

[stillsurfing05]

Thanks for the advice all…Think I'll go with the MS461 at my local dealer, saw with 25" bar w/chain was 1059.00 out the door. Once again thanks for the help!

 

[rube2112]

Holy toledo! For that money you can get a brand new husqvarna 395xp. Robb

 

[stillsurfing05]

I'll check into that Robb. I have a 141le Husqvana that's 10+ yrs old and have had no problems with it. Are you milling with the 395xp? Your thoughts are appreciated!
Thanks,

 

[rube2112]

Hi, i mill exclusively with the 395xp. I really don't think you can do better. Thats a bunch of money for a 76 cc saw!! You can get the 395 with 28" bar for the same money. I know which one i would pick. Its not even a close contest!! If u want something smaller you can get one of the bigger dolmars for WAY less money. Robb

 

[stillsurfing05]

I really like the Dolmars Rob, had one for years and it loved to eat wood. I was looking at the 7910 78cc (around 900+/-) but don't have a dealer in town and the Stihl is a few blocks away. Can a 78cc saw handle Oaks and Walnut? I just don't want to invest all this money and be underpowered. I'm in no rush to pull the trigger on anything so any advice would help.

 

[rube2112]

Yes it will mill anything you want but still the 395 is a better choice for milling

 

[Enrico Carini]

395xp is a $1200 saw here

 

[rube2112]

395xp is a $1200 saw here

I just bought my second one from here... .
http://www.generatorfactoryoutlet.com/husqvarna-28-in-3-8-pitch-050-gauge-94cc-chainsaw-395xp

Im not affiliated with this place at all. Robb

 

[stillsurfing05]

That is a beast! Common sense would be to get the Husq over the Stihl..no tax either I assume. Also could purchase a 32" bar and still have some cash left over. Decision made.
Thanks Rob!

 

[stillsurfing05]

Would the stock chain be suitable for milling, if not any suggestions, recommendations?

 

[rube2112]

That is a beast! Common sense would be to get the Husq over the Stihl..no tax either I assume. Also could purchase a 32" bar and still have some cash left over. Decision made.
Thanks Rob!

You're welcome. I know a lot of these guys preach about buying local but they must have a bunch more money to throw away than me!! . Robb

 

[rube2112]

Would the stock chain be suitable for milling, if not any suggestions, recommendations?

Not really. Get baileys ripping chain. Amazon has it. Robb