Chainsaw for milling

[tomcorke]

Hello

 

I was just wondering what chainsaw would be a minimum recommendation for milling logs up to about 18"?

 

Just wondering about cc and length of bar I would need

 

Also any recommendation's of a good mill for this size?

 

Thanks in advance

[Rob D]

You'd really want a 70cc saw with a 20" bar...

 

 

 

[morten]

Hello

 

I was just wondering what chainsaw would be a minimum recommendation for milling logs up to about 18"?

 

Just wondering about cc and length of bar I would need

 

Also any recommendation's of a good mill for this size?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Saw: 90 cc displacement: Stihl MS 660 or Husqvarna 395 (whichever you are used to, and service/parts availability)

 

Bar: 24"/25"

 

Mill: Alaskan Mill Mrk III with 24" rails

[morten]

You'd really want a 70cc saw with a 20" bar...

 

 

I agree that you could possibly get on with a 70cc saw, such as Stihl MS 362.

 

But you will not be able to cut 18" width using a 20" bar. You loose approx 6" of bar length when clamping the bar to the mill (Alaskan), as you don't want to clamp on the nose wheel.

[tomcorke]

Cool thanks for replies

 

I guess the more power the better really?

 

Also is it just a ripping chain you use or a standard one?

 

Sorry very new to milling

[tomcorke]

So would a stihl 362 work with a 12" cut?

[morten]

So would a stihl 362 work with a 12" cut?

 

12"?!? - no comprendo señor

 

The MS 362 will pull a 24/25" bar. But it will struggle if you bury it in oak! An MS 441 or 660 would be happier (and faster).

 

Ripping chain is an advantage, but not strictly required for milling.

 

A sharp chain is required, though!

Edited January 13, 2013 by morten

[tomcorke]

Sorry a 12" price of wood?

[tomcorke]

12" piece of wood, sorry

[Rob D]

I agree that you could possibly get on with a 70cc saw, such as Stihl MS 362.

 

But you will not be able to cut 18" width using a 20" bar. You loose approx 6" of bar length when clamping the bar to the mill (Alaskan), as you don't want to clamp on the nose wheel.

 

 

Should have elaborated - if used with the small log mill not the Alaskan - 20" bar will give you 18" cut.