395xp for milling?

[toolfreak]

I am going to buy a saw for milling sometime this winter. Since I am partial to huskys I am leaning towards the 395xp. It seems to have a better power to weight ratio than the 3120xp, five pounds lighter, and about $400 less. In my opinion according to the specs there does'nt seem to be that much more saw to justify an extra $400. What other saws would you guys recommend in the 90cc range for this kind of undertaking.

 

[Lawn Masters]

I'd either go with the one you're thinking, a 395, or an MS660, which is the Stihl saw thats equal to the 395. both are good performers for this task, since both have torque, which is what REALLY counts in this application, HP isnt as critical as having alot of torque. if you REALLY want to have a powerful saw, if you're willing to spend some, look for an 090, those are real torque monsters if you want a MAJOR powerhouse. at 137CC, you cant really go wrong.

 

[toolfreak]

I'd either go with the one you're thinking, a 395, or an MS660, which is the Stihl saw thats equal to the 395. both are good performers for this task, since both have torque, which is what REALLY counts in this application, HP isnt as critical as having alot of torque. if you REALLY want to have a powerful saw, if you're willing to spend some, look for an 090, those are real torque monsters if you want a MAJOR powerhouse. at 137CC, you cant really go wrong.

I'm not not very well versed in stihl saws. What kind of money are we talking for a 090 and how available are they?

 

[Lawn Masters]

the 090, isnt exactly cheap, I'd say around $400-1000 for a good one, too bad they dont manufacture it for the US market anymore. the MS660, is probably around the same price generally as the 395Xp is. OR, if you can find it, a Jonsered 2095 is the same basic saw as a 395XP. I wish I had the price lists in front of me, but unfortunately, I dont.

 

[toolfreak]

I was recently at a J-Red dealer site and they had posted that the 2095 has been discontinued. Any Feedback on this?

 

[Chris J.]

Bill G has a Stihl 090 listed in the used equipment forum; don't know if he stihl has it for sell.

 

[spacemule]

I wouldn't want to be in the position of relying on an obsolete saw when doing milling. That doesn't make sense to me at all. But, I have no experience milling. I question whether having a low speed powerful saw is as important as keeping a sharp chain. I would bet that a 395 would perform with a Stihl 090 in anything but really large wood, and it's current production. Again though, make sure any here who are giving you advice have experience with milling. Lawn Masters is a young kid who parrots information and doesn't often have original advice, or correctly applied advice for that matter. . .

 

[thompson1600]

What exactly are you going to be milling and on a stationary mill or a granberg mill?

I have milled lots of maple, walnut, butternut and ash. I use a Granberg Alaskan mill. I use Stihl saws, but have used 044's, 046's, 066's and 084's. If the stuff is under 20" the 044 or 046 will handle it, but it's slow. Well really it's slow with any saw, but sure is fun. If the stuff I'm milling is over 20" then I use an 066. This year I'm going to try and find some really big stuff to use the 084 on, but it's so heavy that it would have to be really big to pull that out.

The point about a sharp chain is accurate. I've used standard full comp RS chisel chain for the smaller stuff. When it starts getting bigger I grind my chains to 10 degrees for milling. You can also buy special milling chain from Bailey's or Granberg's. Again, I don't find the special chains necessary for the smaller stuff (16-18"), but if you get over 20" then it does speed things up.

Bottom line is, how much do ya wanna spend? How quick do you wanna be able to cut? How big of trees will you be milling? and How many?

Tom

 

[DanManofStihl]

I would mill with a stihl 066 or ms 660 they are hard to beat I like the stihl saws. Alot of the people that mill around here mill with a stil 066 or 088. Not that many have husky saws and most of the husky owners I have talked to say they would not get one again because of the poor customer service and support. I am just saying if you would like get a husky a 395 should do a good job and if you get a muffler modd I think you would be in good shape.

 

[kf_tree]

i own 4 395's and if you gave me a 066 i would just sell it. poor customer sevice is a dealer issue not a saw issue.

 

[toolfreak]

Thanks for the feedback everybody! I will be milling maple, oak, walnut,and probably some apple. I like think apple wood is really gourgous. Most of the apple so far has gone into the smoker for deer jerky but the wife said she would like some end tables made out of it, and maybe a coffe table. I will probably buy a Granberg Alaskan mill but im also thinking of building a portable similar to the procuts, say maybe large enough to get some 12foot boards. Since I've never ripped lumber before it will be a learning curve, but an exciting one.

 

[oldsaw]

A 395 will make a good "all 'rounder"

I run an 066 with a 36" Alaskan, and have done 36" oak boards. Keep the chain sharp, and a 395 will do fine. Get a bar that is 4-6" longer than the mill to get your max width. I run a 42" bar.

Now, an old 090 or a 3120 will make a better milling saw, BUT, they are really too clunky to use outside of that. And if you are taking the saw and mill back into the woods to get to the log, you will appreciate the fact that the 066/660 or 395 is a heck of a lot lighter. It will also make a good feller/bucker that you could actually use for a few hours before you arms fell off. So, if you can get the log to you, or your truck to the log, and don't need a big saw for other uses, the 090 or 3120 start looking better. If you are going to the log, and need a utility saw in the woods with you, the 395/066/660 is the better choice.

This is only my personal opinion and experience, so you need to take it as such.

 

[toolfreak]

After the boards are ripped how long would it be recommended to let them dry before they are processed for projects.

 

[spacemule]

After the boards are ripped how long would it be recommended to let them dry before they are processed for projects.

That would depend on the humidity of the ambient air and the thickness of the timber. If you have a kiln, the times are substantially shorter.

 

[oldsaw]

Buy a moisture meter

I got a cheapie at woodcraft for about $35. Then you know. It has served me well.

 

[SawTroll]

I was recently at a J-Red dealer site and they had posted that the 2095 has been discontinued. Any Feedback on this?

Yes, it was discontinued a couple of years ago. There may still be some of them available, but probably not easy to find.
The biggest Jred still made is the 2186, which is the Jred version of the Husky 385.

 

[Simonizer]

If I were milling, I would be looking for an 076, 084, or 090. The 394 Husq is good too. Stay away from the 3120. The 395 is the newer version of the 394 and is also good.