Another Noob asking about which saw

[Aggie Sawmiller]

Hey guys,

First post here, so try to take it easy.

I am a woodworker and have been for about 5 years now. I recently got into green woodworking, and it necessitated me harvesting some of my own wood. Well, I went pretty big on my first haul and now I have a 20', 30" dia burr oak in my garage. I split it into quarters and cut it into 5' or so lengths so I could move it. I am quickly realizing that I am going to need to mill some of this beautiful wood because I won't be able to use it all while it is green. So - enter the chain saw mill.

I've watched a ton of videos and spent a few hours reading thru posts and have gotten some ideas. Right now my main concern is purchasing the right chainsaw to get started. I don't have a ton of chainsaw experience - really just using my buddy's MS290 to cut this oak tree up. I have a birthday coming up and am asking everyone to pitch in for a saw. Here are the parameters:

• About $500 budget for the saw
• Probably will use it 4 to 6 times a year, mostly for milling
• Milling mostly hardwoods
• average milling width I expect is 10" to 16", max of 20"

I have read enough to know that the 385, 395, 440/044, 056, 660/066 are popular choices for milling and that I'll have to go used considering what I want to do and what I want to pay.

So, I have a few questions:

• What are some good saw options that are reasonable for me?
• Where should I buy? Looks like this site has good, trustworthy sellers. I worry about ebay quality and here in Texas, I don't expect too many big saws to be hanging around.

Hope I didn't wear you out too much reading. I look forward to your responses. Thanks!!!

 

[kimosawboy]

Check out the classifieds here and you also might want to post a Want Ad, as well. Most of the guys selling saws on here have a good reputation that you can check easily enough.
Dont discount saw from far away as I just shipped a 090 from Western Canada to the S.E States for around $90(thats Canadian dough), so its worthwhile to keep that in mind.
Happy hunting.
G Vavra