Log Hogger
ArboristSite Operative
I'm finally getting back to chainsaws after a slipped cervical disc, with the funds for a new saw. Currently I've got a Husqvarna 445 and a Stihl 066. The combo worked well enough before my neck problems, but the 066 is just too damn heavy for me now. First, my needs:
-Most of the timber I'll be cutting is dead ash up to 28", with 70% of it being under 18".
-The saw must be lightweight.
The candidate saws, and my reasoning:
MS361: Good power to weight ratio, plenty of power. Main negative is I'd have to buy new chains and bars for it.
346 XP: Lightweight. I could use the bars and chains I already have for my 445, which would save me hundreds of dollars.
Here's my question: If I opted for the 346 XP, I'd definitely port it, but how much modification would be required for it to meet my needs? Would a muff mod, widening the exhaust/intake ports, unlimited coil result in a saw that could bury the bar in dead hardwood? Or would I also need to mill down the cylinder and piston to boost compression? Or is it impossible for a "woods port" 346 XP to do what I need? If even a ported 346 XP is going to struggle with dead ash, then I'd rather use a heavier saw that I don't have to hold for so long.
Of course I could also mod the 361, but since I need a light saw, I'm most interested in what a woods ported 346 XP can do.
Another option is the 560 XP. But I've been seeing price estimates of almost $900 for this vaporware saw. I could probably afford it, but if it's practical to mod a used 346 XP, not only would I saw a mountain of cash, but I'd get to run a saw that I'd modded myself. I guess that appeals to me more than a new saw where the warranty keeps me from even opening up the muffler.
Thanks for any suggestions - and I'm not dead set on these two saws. As for the inevitable calls for a 372XP, I'm thinking that's a bit heavy for me with my neck problems, but if it's the smallest saw that will do the job, I could be convinced
-Most of the timber I'll be cutting is dead ash up to 28", with 70% of it being under 18".
-The saw must be lightweight.
The candidate saws, and my reasoning:
MS361: Good power to weight ratio, plenty of power. Main negative is I'd have to buy new chains and bars for it.
346 XP: Lightweight. I could use the bars and chains I already have for my 445, which would save me hundreds of dollars.
Here's my question: If I opted for the 346 XP, I'd definitely port it, but how much modification would be required for it to meet my needs? Would a muff mod, widening the exhaust/intake ports, unlimited coil result in a saw that could bury the bar in dead hardwood? Or would I also need to mill down the cylinder and piston to boost compression? Or is it impossible for a "woods port" 346 XP to do what I need? If even a ported 346 XP is going to struggle with dead ash, then I'd rather use a heavier saw that I don't have to hold for so long.
Of course I could also mod the 361, but since I need a light saw, I'm most interested in what a woods ported 346 XP can do.
Another option is the 560 XP. But I've been seeing price estimates of almost $900 for this vaporware saw. I could probably afford it, but if it's practical to mod a used 346 XP, not only would I saw a mountain of cash, but I'd get to run a saw that I'd modded myself. I guess that appeals to me more than a new saw where the warranty keeps me from even opening up the muffler.
Thanks for any suggestions - and I'm not dead set on these two saws. As for the inevitable calls for a 372XP, I'm thinking that's a bit heavy for me with my neck problems, but if it's the smallest saw that will do the job, I could be convinced