Choosing a saw for a chainsaw mill.

[Lorax1]

"Also for the weekend warrior a 372 can get pretty heavy if you are limbing lots of little trees. I can't really imagine have a 395 or something bigger as my only saw."

Neither can I. I gave up on the multi-use saw about 15 posts ago. I'll worry about getting a saw that will power a mill first. I have a little Homelite that will get me by for firewood use for now.

 

[Bill G]

Quad Cities, on the IL border very near Davenport/Moline.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice. I am going to like this place. I'll have to read up so I can get a complete list of all the older saws appropriate for the task. I know it's hard work. I've never considered any work done with a chainsaw to be simple. Worth it to me though. I have some nice woodworking tools, and hardwood prices are pretty crazy.

Lorax,

You are very close to me. As some may know I have a few saws. Well I guess more than a few. In any event I have some saws for that can be used for milling. I do not use saws for milling nor will I probably ever as here that are many other options here. If you are still looking for one give me a ring.

On a side note you state that hardwood prices are pretty crazy. If I may ask who are you buying from ? The prices in your/our area have been very competive.

Bill

 

[Lorax1]

Bill

I sent you a PM. As far as high hardwood prices, I am referring to the larger retailers.

 

[Esbjug]

I guess the Logosol mill is well known for some, but they recommend the Stihl 660/880 as the powerhead for their ripping chain sawmill here in Europe. In the US, Husqvarna 385XP or 395XP is sold with the mill. See www.logosol.com for the details. I have this mill myself, but with electric powerhead. If the saw for this use is to small, overheating can be a major problem as well as a low output. The milling process itself using a ripping chain gives the best result and surface finish if the chain speed is constant. From my knowledge, electric power is better than chainsaw power. But for those in need of a chainsaw for ripping, buy a powerhead with the power needed for the best result.

 

[peter399]

I guess the Logosol mill is well known for some, but they recommend the Stihl 660/880 as the powerhead for their ripping chain sawmill here in Europe. In the US, Husqvarna 385XP or 395XP is sold with the mill. See www.logosol.com for the details. I have this mill myself, but with electric powerhead. If the saw for this use is to small, overheating can be a major problem as well as a low output. The milling process itself using a ripping chain gives the best result and surface finish if the chain speed is constant. From my knowledge, electric power is better than chainsaw power. But for those in need of a chainsaw for ripping, buy a powerhead with the power needed for the best result.

Hello Esbjug!

Just wanted to say hi. We have very identical setups for forestry.
We run a Valmet 6400 with Moheda 120 4WD. Processor Hypro 450.
I also have a Logosol M7 with the E5000. What else.... No fire wood processor yet but I'm looking at it. (I think firewood will be big business considering the price for electricity now). Then chainsaws of course.

See you around!
/Peter

 

[wdchuck]

IMHO Check into getting a used Makita 6401 from one of the big box stores and then you could later upgrade(convert) it to a 7901:monkey: My 7900 has done well with milling, ain't that right wdchuck!

And How!!:greenchainsaw:

Laorax1, I was in a similiar situation last November, found a strong used Stihl 075 with a 42" bar and milling chain for the range you are looking to spend, plus the cost of my GB 44" mill, and it has been well worth it, far better to mill with an older 100cc+ torque monster than ruining a good firewood saw.

Look at this way, if you find that CSMing isn't for you, the resale on a big old saw is better than on a newer small saw that's been cooked from milling. Check out the milling forum on this site, start with the old posts and work your way through, it's a great primer.

Don't forget the PPE, and have fun.

 

[Al Smith]

From my knowledge, electric power is better than chainsaw power. But for those in need of a chainsaw for ripping, buy a powerhead with the power needed for the best result.

Trust me,you will wear out several saws in the time it takes to even need bearings on an electric motor besides all that ,a motor is much cheaper than a saw,less mantainence,cheaper to operate.The drawback is ,genarally speaking,it's not portable,you need a power source.

When I finish my bandsaw mill,my intent is to have the option of either using a 34 HP Wisconsin 4 or a 10 HP 3 phase motor with a phase converter.The Wisconsin will likely goggle up 3 gallons per hour at 3 bucks a gallon.The motor ,with a converter,about 75 cents or less per hour.

 

[aggiewoodbutchr]

A couple of things...

As others have said, the MS310 won't last very long milling. My BIL has one and I have used it quite a bit. It's a good saw for what it was designed for but milling is not on that list.

A smaller (60cc-70cc) saw designed for PRO use can be used for milling if set up with the proper chain and not over worked. Some folks swear by low profile ripping chain (sold by Bailey's) on smaller saws and I have personally had good results buy regrinding .325 micro-chisel chain to ripping specs. It will be slow but get the job done.

For your situation, I would recommend a good condition used 70cc+ saw, the bigger the better as it will pay off for you in the end. You will learn for yourself there is no replacement for displacement one you get into this game.

If you haven't checked out the milling forum already, do so as you will find more info than you probably want on this subject there.

Welcome to AS and good luck with your endeavor!

 

[aggiewoodbutchr]

Trust me,you will wear out several saws in the time it takes to even need bearings on an electric motor besides all that ,a motor is much cheaper than a saw,less mantainence,cheaper to operate.The drawback is ,genarally speaking,it's not portable,you need a power source.

When I finish my bandsaw mill,my intent is to have the option of either using a 34 HP Wisconsin 4 or a 10 HP 3 phase motor with a phase converter.The Wisconsin will likely goggle up 3 gallons per hour at 3 bucks a gallon.The motor ,with a converter,about 75 cents or less per hour.

... and why have we not seen pics of this alleged mill in the milling forum???opcorn:

 

[brian660]

I dont know about you but i`m not carrying an electric motor and a generator out into the woods, nor will I be making an extension cord a half mile long any time in the future.

 

[Al Smith]

... and why have we not seen pics of this alleged mill in the milling forum???opcorn:

Because the alleged mill is not completed .The track frame is done,that's at least a start.

 

[Al Smith]

I dont know about you but i`m not carrying an electric motor and a generator out into the woods, nor will I be making an extension cord a half mile long any time in the future.

It's just an option for a non portable mill,or shall I say,less portable.

I always figured it would be easier to transport the logs to the mill rather than vica versa but to each his own.