you need a bigger saw than the 361 if you're going to be cutting 20" hardwoods, IMHO. (in my humble opinion if you're new to acronyms). I personally would go with an MS-460, or go for a husqvarna 385 or bigger. Milling takes a LOT OF HP. You will burn up a small saw in very short order if you expect it to cut 12-20" wide slabs on anything resembling a regular basis. I know that's a lot of money, but there are vast numbers of used saws available on ebay that would suit your needs. I don't know what the market is in the UK for used equipment, but it seems that everyone wants to sell their used saws on ebay. My 2 smaller stihls were purchased at a dealer (by my father--the woodboss is mine, the farmboss is 'technically' his, but I use it to help HIM) my ms361 and ripsaw were from ebay, as was my 394XP. I had to do minor repairs to both ripsaw and 394XP, but I'm pretty knowlegeable when it comes to tools and fixing things--dad is a doc--don't know where mech. engineering skills factored in.
You're going to be unhappy with a small saw, unless you're using it just occasionally, I think. I will say that the 361 has surprised me with its power. I slapped a bar on it and made a couple cuts to check it out. 4.4HP must be measured in some sort of special way compared to the 3.9 in a husky359. It has WAAAYYY more power. the 361 is also meant to be used in a professional setting---that is, frequently, and more abusive workload than you would subject a homeowner type saw to.
Bottom line, you pay for quality, and it should last a long time. Buying a used saw is certainly an option, and many of us here have done just that. Most chainsaw repairs are easy if you don't mind getting dirty. Get one that someone is willing to stand behind the condition of the piston and cylinder, as you don't want to get a saw that has a scored piston or cylinder. Hope this info helps. I'm kindof a newbie too, and appreciated the advice I got and read from others on this website. Cheers.
