Need a saw ?

[sawwood]

I need a new saw to help around the mill to cut down large logs to fit our mill. I know i will
buy Stihl but what size do i need. I was thinking i need one to handle 24 or 30" chain.


Sawwood

[Magicman]

I have used an old 028AV for years, but it was limited by bar length.  A couple of years ago, I bought a 310.  It is not a "production" saw, but was cheap, handles longer bars OK, and is not heavy.  I have been pleased with the 310.  When dealing with smaller logs, I still prefer the old 028.   ;D

[paul case]

i had an o29 super. it was a real cutter and i loved using it around the mill. 18'' bar on mine but i think it would only go up to 20''. i now use a 660 magnum. 25'' bar and with a good sharp chain it cuts through oak logs like hot butter well almost. but it is heavy. i found that the paint on the bar on new stihl's is real sticky. mine sure worked a lot better after some of the paint got wore off. pc

[cleargrain]

I'm with PC in that I like a saw that gets through the log in a hurry.  Until last spring I had an Stihl 066 - heavy, but as PC said goes through the log "like hot butter"   The 066 met and early death and I now have a 441.  Not as powerful as the 066, but a little lighter and has way better anti vibe features.  I use it around the mill and for felling and my hands don't get as tired as quickly as they did w/ the 066.  Most of my logs are 12 - 30 inch Doug Fir.  We also have an 026 which is a really nice, light saw but it has to work alot harder to get through the bigger logs.

-Scott

[customsawyer]

I could not get by with just a saw so I have a bunch of them. ;D

[ladylake]

If your ripping the whole length of the log a 660, if just a butt flare a 440 or 441.   Steve

[terrifictimbersllc]

I've used an MS460, 20"  as the main saw for portable milling for about 6 yrs now but have also carried 090AV with 41" bar.  MS460 could handle most anything if you carry a number of chains.   But tired of the weight and am going to get a 346XP next probably. 

[sawwood]

I have found a Stihl 038 with 30" bar for 275 and a 310 with 24" bar for 300. The 310
looks like a newer saw so going to go look at both. What one would you guys take?

Sawwood

[bandmiller2]

Around the mill a fella can handle a heavy saw as its only used for a short time on horizontal logs,a longer bar helps make accurate cuts.I use a Milwaukee electric with a 20" bar thats handy around the mill. Frank C.

[simplicityguy92]

ive got a stihl ms250. real light but cuts like a 90cc saw ands its only 45cc

[woodmills1]

I am/was an 028 fan

I now have an ms280  cuts real nice

also an older 038  and a little newer 066

but if the 280 is there I cut with it till huge

[Bill Gaiche]

sawwood , i bought a 361 with a 20" bar. For me its a great saw. Runs real well not too heavy. The man whom sold it to me said that a 25" would work good also but the nose of the bar starts to get a little heavy.bg

[paul case]

bring that with you next time you come by and we can try my 25'' bar on it to see if you like it. i would let you cut with my 660 and we will see how they compare. i have a 48'' log to rip.  pc

[captain_crunch]

Kinda pricey but I just bought a new 372XP Husky for logging and around mill with a 28" bar and chistle bit chain smooth and fast and can take a 32" bar if needed

[Chris Burchfield]

I use a Stihl MS-650 with a 36" bar.  I do not fell trees.  I wait for them to fall or someone to take them down.  I use it to cut a lot to length or chunks to go under the firewood splitter.  I have used it to rip lengthways when I was going to 1/4 saw.  I think the logs were 12 and 14'.  It does get heavy just to tote around.  I paid around $1200 to a dealer.

[SamB]

My go to saw is a MS310 with a 20 inch bar. Great saw gets lots of use and abuse, if I was going with a 24 or 30 inch bar I'd want a little more power unless you're just sawing soft woods and or just don't like bending over. If I bury the 20 inch bar in an oak or hickory it gets it's heart rate up especially if you're ripping.

[weisyboy]

i baught a 460 she eats the logs, but i wouldnt run more than a 25" bar on it for production,
i have a 20" bar now and its good.

when i cut plantation pine i use the 026 with a 20" bar on it, it cuts pine like butter.

the biggest factor in chainsaw power is the chain, i use full chisel 3/8 Carlton chain.