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MountaineerG

MountaineerG

ArboristSite Lurker
Joined
Apr 11, 2020
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10
Location
West Virginia
Looking to start chainsaw milling. This will be a hobby, nothing serious. I am experienced with a chainsaw, but I have never used/needed anything big. Based on my research I’m looking for a Husqvarna 394/395xp, Stihl 660 Magnum, or any other 90+ CC saws. New is out of the budget so let me know what you’ve got, thank you!
 
Huskybill

Huskybill

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Joined
May 21, 2018
Messages
7,714
Location
Northeast
The jred 910e is 86 cc’s good saw the husky 2100 is 99 cc another great saw for milling gobs of power. Either one would serve you well. Some here had a 920 jred for sale.
 
Ketchup

Ketchup

Urban Forestry Slogger
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Messages
653
Location
Ward, CO
Seems like people are pretty down on those 076’s

I think almost all the older saws have legitimate complaints. The main problem is parts availability. Most have an achilles heal part that is NLA

The 076 gets compared to the 066 a lot and certainly the latter is a better all around felling and bucking saw. But for milling torque is king. The handling of the saw matters a lot less. At 111cc, the 076 has a considerable long bar advantage. It’s a lot of snort on a budget.

The other saws mentioned are probably slightly more reliable, though parts hunting can be very difficult for Jreds and Dolmars. They’re also smaller displacement saws. There isn’t a perfect answer, but really cheap is good.

FWIW, when I started milling I had an older friend with a dual head 076 mill. I’ve now killed an 066 and an 880 milling and my buddy is still going strong with his dinosaurs.

I now run a 394 that I’m pretty happy with. I would recommend it as a relatively cheap, relatively modern saw that mills well. Just watch the clutch overheating.

As a parting shot, I dumped a lot of money into my 066 to keep it milling. After 15-20 logs I think I would have saved money buying a newer saw in better condition. Keep that in mind when shopping. Really cheap saws often need a lot of love. Get one you know will be reliable. The seller is almost as important as the saw.
 
MountaineerG

MountaineerG

ArboristSite Lurker
Joined
Apr 11, 2020
Messages
10
Location
West Virginia
I think almost all the older saws have legitimate complaints. The main problem is parts availability. Most have an achilles heal part that is NLA

The 076 gets compared to the 066 a lot and certainly the latter is a better all around felling and bucking saw. But for milling torque is king. The handling of the saw matters a lot less. At 111cc, the 076 has a considerable long bar advantage. It’s a lot of snort on a budget.

The other saws mentioned are probably slightly more reliable, though parts hunting can be very difficult for Jreds and Dolmars. They’re also smaller displacement saws. There isn’t a perfect answer, but really cheap is good.

FWIW, when I started milling I had an older friend with a dual head 076 mill. I’ve now killed an 066 and an 880 milling and my buddy is still going strong with his dinosaurs.

I now run a 394 that I’m pretty happy with. I would recommend it as a relatively cheap, relatively modern saw that mills well. Just watch the clutch overheating.

As a parting shot, I dumped a lot of money into my 066 to keep it milling. After 15-20 logs I think I would have saved money buying a newer saw in better condition. Keep that in mind when shopping. Really cheap saws often need a lot of love. Get one you know will be reliable. The seller is almost as important as the saw.
I really appreciate all of the advice! Thank you and I will be taking this into consideration.
 
djones

djones

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Joined
Nov 25, 2010
Messages
5,124
Location
uptown Porter Corners, NY
I have 4 saws that I use in my milling projects. All older McCullochs. 2-- 7-10's, 1 --700 ProMac and 1-- Super Pro 81. Being older and slower than most(all) newer saws, they do a good job at a reasonable cost.
20200411_115654_HDR.jpg
I milled all the lumber for a 12 x 24 woodshed last year, several raised garden boxes for the Wife, garden boxes for my neighbor and some extra lumber for projects around the farm. By running the carbs a bit rich, I haven't seen any P&C damage yet.
 
MountaineerG

MountaineerG

ArboristSite Lurker
Joined
Apr 11, 2020
Messages
10
Location
West Virginia
I also want to say that I’m brand new to this forum, but I’m active on numerous others. Having said that, this has been the most helpful and friendly group that I have encountered. It makes a hobby that much more enjoyable when there are places to learn and communicate with like-minded folks. Thanks again!
 
Bostonstrongboy1965
Joined
Nov 17, 2017
Messages
727
Location
Lincoln University PA
A practical consideration is to choose a saw that has a side mount fuel refill cap. If you do enough milling, you will invariably run out of fuel mid cut some times. It is a major time saver to not have to pull the saw out of the cut, removing and replacing your wedges along the way, just to refill.
 

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