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Mill recommendation

Dustin4185

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Ok, I am ready to bite the bullet on a mill for this 395. I feel bad about milling with a new saw, but there is some nice walnuts that just fell in a storm Saturday night that don't need to go to waste. I have the ability to fab stuff as long as it can be done with a mig welder, band saw, plasma cutter and drill press. I don't have a lathe or mill without going to bum time on one from a friend. I figure by the time I do all that, I could just about buy a Granberg or similar. Here are my questions:

1) What is a reasonable size mill for a 395 in southern hardwoods?
2) What brands are out there other than Granberg?
3) Is the package deals (Mill, bar, chain, aux oiler, etc) from Granberg worth the $$$?
4) At what length bar do I need a helper handle and/or auxiliary oiler?

Other than screwing around with one of those clamp on deals that use a 2x4 to rip beams with, I have no experience milling with a saw. I have read a lot on here about it and it is starting to make my head spin. I know there are a lot of help on this site and I look forward to those responses.
 

mountainlake

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Rather than wearing out your 395 on a slow cutting chainsaw mill I'd just get a low priced bandsaw mill which can be bought new for around $3000, faster cutting, less gas, less wood waste and you don't wear out the expensive chainsaw. Steve
 

mdavlee

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36" granberg is what I'd get if that is big enough for the walnut trees. I like milling with square filed chain but it's more aggravating to file on a mill.
 

srcarr52

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My home made Alaskan style mill has a 31.5" cut from a 36" bar. I normally run full comp semi chisel with an 8 pin on a ported 395. I ran a lo-pro chain for a while but it wouldn't hold up on a full width cut in oak. At 32" I didn't need an aux oiler but at 36" it became a necessity.
 

MustangMike

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I agree, too bad it is currently out of stock. I had to get one now cause the property where I have several logs (Red Oak & Hickory) is being sold. I paid more for what I think is the same thing, but it is getting it done (with my Chinese 660 w/Cross MMWS P&C):

Got 4 nice 2.25" X 7.5' boards, plus 2 nice end pieces, from the first of the 3 Hickory pieces.
 

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Jon1212

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I agree, too bad it is currently out of stock. I had to get one now cause the property where I have several logs (Red Oak & Hickory) is being sold. I paid more for what I think is the same thing, but it is getting it done (with my Chinese 660 w/Cross MMWS P&C):

Got 4 nice 2.25" X 7.5' boards, plus 2 nice end pieces, from the first of the 3 Hickory pieces.
Wow! They went fast. Bruce brought in thirty of them.
 

Wolverine

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I bought the 48" MKIII and ran a 37" bar for a good while(no extra oil needed @ that length imo). Excellent results on the 394. I went larger for that Justin Case scenario, and it did come up. I borrowed a 50" bar to get the job done. Definitely need an aux oiler at that length. And I can't say I'd take on a log that large again unless it was special. I have since worn out the 37 and bought a 42 to replace it. Glad I went with 48 so I could mill wider.
20161113_140350.jpg
20161201_120100.jpg

Mike got me hooked using square full chisel. Cuts fast and holds up rather well, in fact better that round in my experience. He also pointed out the best price I could find on one:
http://www.toolcenter.com/ALASKAN_MKIII_CHAIN_SAW_MILL.html

I'd highly recommend the Granberg. The new style looks bullet proof.
 
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