Justifying a big saw.

[Hotrod81]

Have around 50 ton of big butts lying in my yard ranging from 3-5 foot diameter. Currently using a 461 on a 25" bar. Did have a 064 but got rid as the vibes were killing my hands. Should I be thinking of going up a size of saw to a 661 or 390/5 or stick with what I've got? I have a fairly regular supply of this size wood. Any comments would be appreciated, thanks.

[DCS6800i]

Your stihl will manage a bigger bar, cheaper as a new saw! Youve got 76cc(?) there, i run 28inch bar on 68cc no problem so id be happy to go upto 30inches.

 

Unless youve some cash burning a hole in your pocket, and an itch to scratch... in that case get a bigger saw!

[MattyF]

That's pretty big wood got to say I would be tempted with an 880 3120 in that size timber.

[Hotrod81]

That's pretty big wood got to say I would be tempted with an 880 3120 in that size timber.

 

Most of it is closer to the 3ft but there is a good number of 5ft oak. I plan on keeping the 461 as its a lovely saw but was thinking 661 390/5 would be more useable than the 880 3120.

[Pete Hart]

How about a 660/661 with heated handle. I've found warm hands don't tend to ache as much at the end of a days cutting.

[Mortimer Firewood]

Most of it is closer to the 3ft but there is a good number of 5ft oak. I plan on keeping the 461 as its a lovely saw but was thinking 661 390/5 would be more useable than the 880 3120.

 

Get a 660 I would go for an older one with the screw caps if you can find one I got a brand new 2009 model in early 2013. I'm in the yard now cutting up over size. We run outs on a 30 and tackle pretty much anything.

 

880 is a bit over kill for firewood IMO big old lump to be wielding it will make your arm ache.

[MattyF]

Go for the 661 then if the 064 vibes gave you grief the 660 is pretty much the same saw.

[detritus21]

There is a huge difference between the 064 and the 660 in terms of vibrations. My old 064 I could cope with for about 15 minutes and my hands would be ringing. With the 660 I could use it all day and not have a problem.

[Hotrod81]

Get a 660 I would go for an older one with the screw caps if you can find one I got a brand new 2009 model in early 2013. I'm in the yard now cutting up over size. We run outs on a 30 and tackle pretty much anything.

 

880 is a bit over kill for firewood IMO big old lump to be wielding it will make your arm ache.

 

Definitely won't be getting an 880! A 660/1 would be a big investment considering I have a full time job and the firewood is a rather time consuming second job. Have to be sure that it would be justifiable

[daveindales]

The trouble with cutting up big butts with a big bar is, if you hit something you've a hell of a lot of sharpening to do. Stick with 28" or 30" bar, whichever model of saw you use.