I recently had some trees felled in my backyard that I want to mill. The thickest trunk is roughly 16" in the center, the average one is 12". These are Tulip trees, logs are roughly 9ft each.
I have a Stihl MS171 with the stock bar and chain, is there a bar+chain that someone can recommend for milling?
The Granberg G777 Small Chainsaw Mill says it works with saws under 20" so I'm guessing that's the one I should go with.
I started with ms-170 and a HF unit that clamped on the bar. I'll add a pic later, as it was guided by a 1" x up to maybe 6" wide. I've been using it as an edger since MKlll Alaskan & ms-460 were added to the stable. As a guide I have 1 x 3 rectangular aluminum tube, was last used on 17" dia. black walnut to cut a cant.
No experience with the G777,. Is it upgradeable to a both end clamped unit. Another option is Amazon where a MKlll clone is available for less than $150 IIRC, range listed as 14"-36". Sounds useable on the 171.
Forester has a B&C combo that runs square chisel chain that I've not taken off since I put it on. Not a smooth finish, cuts well when sharp.
Pic will be added once I'm outa the library back to my tablet
I have deleted the other pics. On the right side is my 170 , the green is the guide on the slab are the guide bar and close to square slices made for ramps in do time.
and now that I am here I can show the nature of what I began with. This is a TM-56 which is discontinued it came bent and out of square when the bends were corrected. Had to grind the iron clamp to bring it close to square. The 1/4" bolt thru stops the spring in the cast iron clamp. Otherwise it doesn't get enough holding power on the bar, which then slips to show what chain teeth and cast iron do to each other.
Took a look at the chinese clone $135 free shipping for an araskin mill
that may set up as well as the American model.
Stay safe while you enjoy