Milling with an 880

[hseII]

We've got some Oak that is too big for our LT-40s.

I'm thinking of Setting up the 880 for milling those big ones at least down to WM size.

Currently the 880 is set up with an ES 36" 404.

I know nothing of milling with a Stihl.

Please recommend:

1) Mill Specifications
2) Bar and Chains
3) any special/items specific to milling with a saw

Thank You,
HEath

 

[mdavlee]

How big of wood do you plan on milling?

 

[hseII]

Up to 48"

 

[nk14zp]

You could free hand quarter the logs with a long enough bar.

 

[hseII]

You could free hand quarter the logs with a long enough bar.

I don't disagree but I want to use everything I cut off with the 880. (Read straight cuts and the least amount possible wasted)

That's why I'm thinking mill

 

[mdavlee]

56" mill and 60" bar. Semi chisel chain is a lot cheaper than ripping chain. If you have a way to smooth it out. It does make a rougher finish than 5-10° top plate.

 

[BobL]

Before doing anything else read the Milling 101 sticky.

I wouldn't also free hand quarter the log, it's just too much like hard work.

1) Mill Specifications

For 48" wood I agree with mdavlee's sizes on bar and mill size

2) Bar and Chains

For wide cuts roughness of finish depends more on skill of operator than chain spec.
While ripping chain is more forgiving a steady pressure on full comp chains will make as good a finish.

3) any special/items specific to milling with a saw

For comprehensive list of CS milling gear look in the sticky.
Make sure you set up an auxiliary oiler

Saw should be retuned rich to be ~500 rpm below normal tuning spec.

 

[hseII]

56" mill and 60" bar. Semi chisel chain is a lot cheaper than ripping chain. If you have a way to smooth it out. It does make a rougher finish than 5-10° top plate.

Thank You mdavlee.

Which brand is the Stihl of the milling world?

 

[hseII]

Thank You BobL

 

[mdavlee]

Stihl of the milling world? Not sure which is over priced the most. Granberg is the most widely used. Baileys sells them and has $10 shipping but all of them are out of stock.

 

[hseII]

Stihl of the milling world? Not sure which is over priced the most. Granberg is the most widely used. Baileys sells them and has $10 shipping but all of them are out of stock.

HAHA!!! I was referring to the Quality perspective.

I try to live by the buy once cry once logic

 

[mdavlee]

I know most seems about even from what I've seen. I have a 30" granberg and built a 36" mill from 8020 aluminum. Its heavier than the granberg but works. I'll probably buy a 56" mill soon if the logs I plan on milling aren't hollow.

 

[showrguy]

check out the panthermill..
he's a member here but i have'nt seen him post in awhile..