Milling capacity- Stihl MS660 v MS880

[Rob D]

It's a tricky one really - the 660 is cheaper and a far more useable all round saw than the 880 - but the 880 is the one you want for milling... it does just power through the wood.

 

 

 

 

[gobbypunk]

Hi I would also invest in a winch set up from Rob D ,there are a few vids on hear ,big help

Cheers Mark

[TGB]

....

You will need proper ripping chain, and I would seriously advise the Granberg precision grinder as keeping the teeth equal in length and angle (as well as sharp) is critical for good milling.

 

Hi I would also invest in a winch set up from Rob D, there are a few vids on hear, big help.

 

Both excellent pieces of advice. The former allows you to sharpen the chain, while the saw is still attached in the Alaskan. While the latter gives a mechanical advantage and saves your energy reserves for manoeuvring timber.

[josharb87]

I only do the occasional bit of milling, i have both a 660 and 880, anything over 20" especially hardwood I don't even consider the 660.

 

The price difference between a 660 on a 36" bar and an 880 on a 48" is only £160+vat, well worth spending the extra.

[Bogoak]

Some good advice here, thanks. "Been there, done that": it's good to hear first hand experiences.

 

Cheers

[Stubby]

I'd far sooner have a double ended set up with two MS660s than a single ended mill with one MS880. I'd be fairly certain that you'd achieve twice the cut rate.

 

Or push the boat right out and have double ended bar with an 880 or Husky 3120 on each end .....

[Rob D]

The winch is unbelievable though Jon - it means no more aching wrists and elbows - it has totally re vitalised my milling to the point if I could not use it - I would not use a chainsaw mill!

 

 

[bobh]

Well, agreed.

 

I actually think that if logs were well set out that a team of three (two on mill, with third in rotation for milling, setting up rails for first cuts and helping with lifting), you'd cut at the same rate with a chainsaw mill as a team of three on a band mill down to about 1.5". You'd obviously have masses more sawdust and wrecked wrists, but a double ended set up is rapid. We did 450 hoppus foot of sequoia in under two days, and 196 hoppus foot of sweet chestnut in 5 hours once (that was all at 2").

 

You wouldn't have the wrecked wrists if you fitted a winch :D

 

Edit. Rob beat me to it

[mendiplogs]

The winch is unbelievable though Jon - it means no more aching wrists and elbows - it has totally re vitalised my milling to the point if I could not use it - I would not use a chainsaw mill!

 

 

 

HI ROB can see the nice lady on your pics it better then one you have up now mate :thumbup1:thanks jon

[Stubby]

HI ROB can see the nice lady on your pics it better then one you have up now mate :thumbup1:thanks jon

 

Yea I thought that too Jon .