Homelite 707G as milling saw

Rancher · Mar 29, 2005

I have recently built a chainsaw mill and tried using a Husky 61 as the mill saw. It is underpowered for the job. I have an old Homelite 707G, rated at around 95cc.Before tuning it up to use and buying a ripping chain for it, I have a question. Do you folks think that old of a saw will stand up to the job? I will mainly be cutting 8-16 inch pine.
Thanks.

max2cam · Mar 29, 2005

I don't know anything about that Homelite model, but I should think any 95cc chainsaw with decent torque would be a good milling saw.

Seems to me that torque is more important than high RPM when you're cutting wide boards. Course you might be at it longer. I use a 90cc Solo and have hand-milled pine boards up to 16" wide without difficulty.

Lawn Masters · Mar 29, 2005

A 707G should be MORE than enough for what you want to do with it. just gotta look really hard for that 1/2" chain for that model. even harder for sprockets, unless you've got a rim sprocket setup.

Rancher · Mar 30, 2005

707 chain and milling

It is good to know the power is there but I hadn't stopped to consider the half inch chain. That is way too much Kerf.
The mill I made has a 24ft carriage and I can adjust for diameters up to 36". I have just finished it and it still needs tuning. So far I have only put out one beam and it isn't square. I am building another hay barn, loffing shed and a stable. Major competition is my wife's desire for an addition to the house.

Lawn Masters · Mar 30, 2005

Well, in that case, you'd probably be better off with an 088/090 with a rim sprocket setup, then you could run a 3/8 chain for milling, which is MUCH narrower kerf, and less strain on the thumbs keeping the chain oiled.

weimedog · Mar 30, 2005

I'm going to try a 1130G with a .404 chain...have to locate or make a sprocket. I THINK I have found one..just have to drive to get it an it hasn't hit the priority list yet. I think a gear drive would work really well for milling.