36" Mill with Husky 390

[Timberwerks]

Right now I'm running a 56" with an 880 and I also want a dedicated 36" mill. First thought was to get another 880 but I can get a new / old stock 390 for a good price. Could a 390 handle a 42" bar on a 36" mill? My gut says no but would like to read thoughts from others.

 

[huskyhank]

I think a 390 would be a good saw for milling if you already had the saw and just wanted to get your feet wet in milling. But, I really like my 3120 on my 36" mill and I know I would be let down by going to a smaller saw. I moved from my 2100 to the 3120 for the mill. And bigger is just better - 100cc vs. 120cc - just like the numbers indicate.

As far as I know the 390 is meant to be a light weight big bore saw for falling. I doubt it'd hold up to a long life of milling like a 3120 or the 880 would. That said, its the next saw I'll buy (but not for milling).

 

[cambl]

I just picked up a used 385xp that I'm going to try on my 30" Granberg mill. If you end up with the 390 let us know how it does.

 

[Timberwerks]

Thanks for the replies guys. As of now they are holding at $900, I'm offering $890. First price quoted was powerhead only $880. Still a good deal at $900?

This is a 2011, any differences in this compared to a 2013 or even 2014, to those that have that info?

 

[mdavlee]

That's not a bad price with a bar. PHO it's about average.

 

[woodsrunner]

I think a 390 would be marginal on a 42 inch bar. I run a 42 on my 395 and it is about right in my opinion. Real hard live oak or southern red oak will make it tough cutting but other than those it is fine. I would not want to drop to a 390 with that length bar.