Milling chainsaws

[AKDriveSprocket]

I have a 285cd and would like to know if the older saws make good milling machines. The trees in my area are Spruce,Cotton wood and Birch. The mill is a Mini Mill 2 and the saw has a 32 inch bar.

 

[Roy M]

How big are the trees you will be milling? If you are planning to bury the 32" your 285 will be a little short on power. It will work with a sharp chain but will be sloooow.

 

[AKDriveSprocket]

Most of the trees around here are on the smaller scale in general. The bar will not be buried at all. I got the 32 because the mill it self take about 4-6 inches when mounted. I see the sticky on top of the the page on tips and tricks and will read that first.

 

[deeker]

I had to use my 038AV Magnum to trim up three logs to finish a small cabin with the Alaskan mill. It was very slow. Now we use the Jred 920 or my pet 088.

The bigger the bar, sharp blade and the bigger the motor...the better.

 

[BobL]

Re the 285cd, at 85cc, cutting no more than 28" in your softwoods it should be OK.

 

[AKDriveSprocket]

thanks guys.

 

[Brmorgan]

Yep, you should be fine. If you wanted to make it even easier on the engine, you could run skip chain but it'll cut rougher.

Of course if you can find one, you can throw a 2100CD topend on that 285 and be pumping 99cc.