Ms 390

[qbilder]

Is my Stihl 390 big enough to mill 3' diameter burls? Or do I need a larger saw head? How big of a bar can I use on it? I am completely ignorant to the ways of CSMing. Up to this point, chainsaws fell trees & buck logs for my band mill. Now I have a situation that seems to require a CSM. I'll likely invest in an 880 at some point this year, but didn't want to until I actually tried CSMing first & decide then whether to get a big saw or not. Obviously, from the pics yall post, CSM's have their merit & purpose. I just don't have any personal experience with them & a 120cc saw is an expensive experiment. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[bigjohn1895]

the 390 will do it but you need a supper sharp chain (sharper then new) skip tooth would be best
it will be slow but since its short i would do it most of the stuff i mill is 4 ft or shorter
i use a makita 6400 that is ported it dose ok but im building a 4 stroke chainsaw mill
since i can do that for less money then a bigger saw

 

[gemniii]

I wouldn't plan on doing it more than once or twice.
My JD CS62 barely pulled 18" going thru green red maple.
I haven't checked recently but you could usually get a 660 powerhead on fleabay for $600. I only paid $500 for mine a few years ago.

The 880 is nice, but so isn't extra cash.