MS 661 or 395xp

[NickinMids]

Going to but large saw and not sure which to get.  I want it to be able to run 36" bar at times but mainly 25"/ 28" or 30"

Seems some discrepancy on min and max bar sizes.  Tell me what you think please

[Stubby]

My 395 pulls a .404 36" no problem .

[Rough Hewn]

661 with 3/8 20", 25" and 36" cuts nice and fast, cross cutting and milling.
I keep the 404 for the 880.
Haven't tried a 395.

[NickinMids]

You both mention .404 is this the width of the bar channel and is this significant

 

thanks

[Stubby]

2 hours ago, NickinMids said:

You both mention .404 is this the width of the bar channel and is this significant

 

thanks

Its not the width of the bar groove , its the pitch of the chain . ( as opposed to 3/8ths )  . Slightly bigger cutters , ( same file as 3/8ths ) , so less of them for a given bar length . Even less if you go semi skip or full skip .

[NFG]

If I needed a bigger saw, it would be a 395xp, Im sure the 661 has its fans, but I prefer to avoid anything that may have 'new fangled' electronics, the less the better IMO- technology gone mad but I'm sure the delaers love them.

[Woodworks]

I just picked up a SH 395 with 36" bar. Cant compare it with the 661 as not tried one but very impressed when ringing up this large beech as it went through it like a hot knife through butter. Also want to do some milling and the advise on here was 395 all the way.

[Stubby]

5 minutes ago, Woodworks said:

I just picked up a SH 395 with 36" bar. Cant compare it with the 661 as not tried one but very impressed when ringing up this large beech as it went through it like a hot knife through butter. Also want to do some milling and the advise on here was 395 all the way.

 

Edited November 18, 2017 by Stubby

[Stubby]

Just now, Stubby said:

 

At the risk of being boring here is my 2003 ( slightly modded ) 395 , ... again !

[Gary Prentice]

1 minute ago, Stubby said:

At the risk of being boring here is my 2003 ( slightly modded ) 395 , ... again !