smallest saw for milling?

[Eddy_t]

Regarding the smallest saw - I've got an MS260 with a 16" bar. I originally bought it for logging up tree surgery waste into firewood. Some time later I bought a logosol timberjig and use it a couple of times a year with the ms260 to cut boards out to make into blanks for turning the odd bowl or platter.

 

 

 

I go pretty easy on the throttle as I don't want to bugg%r the saw and the cutting speed is sometimes incredibly slow. The maximum I can go is about 11" which is OK as the lathe has a maximum of 12" diameter over the bed. The smallest stuff I cut up is 5 or 6 inch diameter and it goes through that a bit faster. Spock would have said "Its milling Jim but not as we know it."

 

 

 

Yes I'd love an MS660 or 880 but for very the very occasional use "milling" I just can't justify spending that sort of money, even for a decent second hand saw. If you are just cutting up small bits to get some pretty blanks for turning - and you are willing to be incredibly patient - you can get away with a smaller saw. It has rescued some lovely pieces from the firewood pile.

 

 

You're more likely to bugger up your saw by NOT running the saw on full throttle.

[billpierce]

if you keep you eye out you can get older 80cc plus stihls, dolmars and occaisonally huskys for £200 or less - just seen an stihl 050 for £20 on gumtree. ideal milling saws - often no brake, but torquey and spray oil everywhere!