Small log mill or MK 3, help with decision

[excess650]

This is why I'm addicted to AS, you guys are great. Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it.

Now, as far as using the PM850, Oldsaw recommended a 36" mill and a 42" bar. Trees of this size are not common around here, with the exception of oak and maple. I don't have any "love" for oak and maple as far as wood working goes so I don't see myself getting into big wood. The 24" or 30" MK3 makes more sense to me BUT I have no idea what I'm doing, 100% rookie. So fire away, am I off track here? Thanks again!

Granberg rails can be purchased seperately, so if you were to buy the 24" or 30" and decided that it wasn't enough width, the 36" and longer are available.

You say your trees are roughly 16" DBH. Keep in mind that you'll get a maximum 22" from the 24" mill with a 28" bar. Root flare, knots, burls, curvature, etc all need clearance. I have both 24" and 36" rails. The 24" is handier when the extra width isn't needed. My longest bar is 36" for my 066BB, and there have been times I wished that I had a 42".

If you're just going to cut lumber, and have no intentions of cutting live edge slabs, the 24" mill and 28" bar may be all you need. If you encounter something larger, you could trim the sapwood from the outside, or else split the log down the middle. A Granberg Mini Mill ($75) will allow you to make these vertical cuts and can cut pretty straight and square.

I've not run a PM850, so don't know how much torque they make. I do know that my 066BB(99cc) has noticeably more than my 660(92cc). My first milling was with a Husqvarna 272xp, and it was slow going. Your 850 should do better than my Husky. Tune it rich, run good oil (32-1, 36-1, 40-1) and have fun!