A little deeper down the rabbit hole ...

[wavefreak]

I have acquired a Grangberg 36" Alaskan. (Thanks olyman!).

Now if I can get my grubby paws on a saw that can pull a 42 inch bar ....

 

[excess650]

I have a 36" Alaskan as well, but only have a 36" as longest bar so far. I've debated as to whether I want to put that $ into a bar that will only see rare useage, and If I do, the 3120(most likely) or the 066BB(has 36").

For $89 plus a 2x6, the Granberg Mini Mill could save you the need for such a big bar UNLESS your plan is to cut live edge slabs.

 

[wavefreak]

Live edge is a definite possibility. Though a 42 inch bar is a bit overkill for now. I'm looking for a used 395xp or ms660. That'll do me just fine for awhile.

 

[BobL]

I started with a 16" blade, then progressed to a 24", several 30", several 42", a 44" and final 60's.

I find myself using mainly the 24, 42 or 60 bars. Even if I'm milling a 20" max diameter log I don't bother to change to the 30 or 24" bar. I also think that having a ft or so out of the cut helps keep the bar and chain a bit cooler than burying the bar in wood all the time.

What would be nicer than swapping bars and rails is another medium size mill that I can use with the 660 or 441.

 

[excess650]

Live edge is a definite possibility. Though a 42 inch bar is a bit overkill for now. I'm looking for a used 395xp or ms660. That'll do me just fine for awhile.

Either should do the job. My 066 has a Bailey's big bore kit on it to increase displacement from 92cc to 99cc. Porting is smaller in the BB cylinder than the OEM, but the BB gets the nod for grunt. I've run it back to back with 660 that has a new piston and increased compression, and the BB definitely has more for the mill.

Watch the Tradin' Post here on AS, or troll the chainsaw board. My 660 came as a nearly complete unit minus topend from another AS member.

My 25" is too short to be of much use on the mill although it is a good mate to the Mini Mill. I have a 28" for my 272xp, and 32" and 36" for the 066/660. The 36" will allow almost 32" of width.

Shorter and longer length rails are available for the MKIII. I have both 24" and 36". The 24" coupled with a 25" or 28" bar is less bulky than the 36" rails.

Once you get started you'll be hooked!