Alaskan MK III Mill 30" or 36"

d3c3pti0n5 · May 31, 2012

Hey guys...Northern has these mills marked down $179 for 30" and $199 for 36". Luckly, there is one close to where I live but probably should hurry before the sale ends.

I'm looking to upgrade from the basic G777 alaskan I bought last year with either one of the ones mentioned.
I'm needing some advice or maybe some comments that will help me decide what I should go with.

Here it is.....I have a 390xp that has a 20" bar and recently bought a 28" bar that I couldn't pass up at my local saw shop. I'm leaning towards the 30" mill because the limitations probably of my saw...is that something to be concerned about with a 390xp? Will it handle a 36" mill? I don't want strain my saw too bad, cause i want it to last me...lol some. But I also don't want to have to buy a 36" mill in the future.....anyways, you see my dilemma. I suppose a lot can still be done with a 30" mill.

Someone give me a shove in the right direction. If nothing else this gives us something to do and read about on this cool site......thanks

Uncle Rico · May 31, 2012

I'd go with the 36". You can use a smaller bar on a larger mill, but you can't use a larger bar on a smaller mill. It's been my experience that you're always going to want a bigger mill. Hope this helps.

d3c3pti0n5 · Jun 1, 2012

What is the largest bar I can use with the 36" mill? 42"?

Uncle Rico · Jun 1, 2012

I imagine if you take the guard off that fits around the end of the bar you can use whatever size you want. I'm not sure how it is fastened on, whether or not you'd have to cut it, but I'm sure it could be done.

I started out with the small 20" mill and soon after upgraded. I bought a couple cheap 42" aluminum rail bar clamps from harbor freight to use as my new rails and had a friend weld together a second riser (not sure what to call it). It works okay, I don't have the safety guide so I can use any size bar. I switch between the 20" and 34" bars.

huskyhank · Jun 3, 2012

d3c3pti0n5 said:
What is the largest bar I can use with the 36" mill? 42"?

The 42" bar will allow the maximum cut of about 31-32" using the 36" mill.

d3c3pti0n5 · Jun 4, 2012

Thank you all for your input! I've ordered the 36" mill....guess I'll have to see how the 390 does with a larger bar. I've got a good sized beech log and a walnut I might sink the teeth into when I get it. (Had to order it from the store) they didn't carry it at mine. Thanks again.

Barthaigh · Jun 5, 2012

Hi, I have a 390 and it has cut a lot of board feet of oak and walnut that was 52 inch in width. If you take it easy on it and let it self feed it does great. Not as good as the 3120 but work fine, get or make an oiler and have fun, Bart

d3c3pti0n5 · Jun 5, 2012

Awesome Bart. .....I was really hoping someone with more experience with this saw would offer what you just did. Thank you very much for that comment. And yes, I'm definately going to equipt an aux oiler with it.