VPI
ArboristSite Lurker
Hello all,
First post here but I've been reading around on this forum for a couple weeks now. I'll detail my plans below and hope for some sage advice/info/corrections. This will be used mostly for milling and only occasionally as I unfortunately have another 50 hr/week job.
This all started with a 58", 11' silver maple log I have left from a tree that I had cut down in my yard. It was dying and dropping branches regularly during mild storms. I was going to have someone come pick it up, mill it and split the lumber with me (some bench and table slabs as well as 1 bys) on barter, but after thinking on it, I decided to mill it up myself. I have run a friends Granberg mill with a MS461 and 32" bar several times in the past and grew up cutting firewood with my dad for a dual woodstove household. I also have 20 acres with 12 acres being woods and have my mind on milling lumber for a small cabin in the near future. I plan in practicing on smaller wood before milling the big maple. I understand this big tree is an anomaly so I do not plan to buy an outfit large enough to tackle it, rather I'll buy a smaller but still versatile setup. I plan to "top cut" three sides of the maple, then essentially notch or square cut chunks from each side using until the mill setup fits both vertically and horizontally.
I will be purchasing a 48" Granberg MKIV (for future versatility) and a True Timber Edging device (runs on 2x6 board). I have narrowed the saws to a 395XP or the MS661. Leaning toward the 395XP for lack of electronics, better oiler (or so I have read) and better air filtration. I plan to purchase a 42-48" bar at a later date. However, I still can't make the final decision on which saw. Service is great for both brands in my area. I have also been looking for used/reconditioned but have not had any luck.
Next would be the bar/chain selection. I would prefer a 36" bar in .375" and .050 gauge but this combo is only found on the 32" bar with Husky. If I go 36"/.375/.063, will this be a problem in trying to keep my kerf as narrow as possible with the addition of a 48" bar in the future? I plan to buy some Oregon ripping chain due to great deals I've found at the local Caterpillar dealership.
Finally, fuel mix ratio. 40:1, 32:1? I've read myself in a circle.
So there it is, let the levees overtop. Thanks in advance.
First post here but I've been reading around on this forum for a couple weeks now. I'll detail my plans below and hope for some sage advice/info/corrections. This will be used mostly for milling and only occasionally as I unfortunately have another 50 hr/week job.
This all started with a 58", 11' silver maple log I have left from a tree that I had cut down in my yard. It was dying and dropping branches regularly during mild storms. I was going to have someone come pick it up, mill it and split the lumber with me (some bench and table slabs as well as 1 bys) on barter, but after thinking on it, I decided to mill it up myself. I have run a friends Granberg mill with a MS461 and 32" bar several times in the past and grew up cutting firewood with my dad for a dual woodstove household. I also have 20 acres with 12 acres being woods and have my mind on milling lumber for a small cabin in the near future. I plan in practicing on smaller wood before milling the big maple. I understand this big tree is an anomaly so I do not plan to buy an outfit large enough to tackle it, rather I'll buy a smaller but still versatile setup. I plan to "top cut" three sides of the maple, then essentially notch or square cut chunks from each side using until the mill setup fits both vertically and horizontally.
I will be purchasing a 48" Granberg MKIV (for future versatility) and a True Timber Edging device (runs on 2x6 board). I have narrowed the saws to a 395XP or the MS661. Leaning toward the 395XP for lack of electronics, better oiler (or so I have read) and better air filtration. I plan to purchase a 42-48" bar at a later date. However, I still can't make the final decision on which saw. Service is great for both brands in my area. I have also been looking for used/reconditioned but have not had any luck.
Next would be the bar/chain selection. I would prefer a 36" bar in .375" and .050 gauge but this combo is only found on the 32" bar with Husky. If I go 36"/.375/.063, will this be a problem in trying to keep my kerf as narrow as possible with the addition of a 48" bar in the future? I plan to buy some Oregon ripping chain due to great deals I've found at the local Caterpillar dealership.
Finally, fuel mix ratio. 40:1, 32:1? I've read myself in a circle.
So there it is, let the levees overtop. Thanks in advance.
