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Milling Basics

XP_Slinger

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Morning gents,
I’m getting into milling and wondered if there are some basics of the process that would help a newb get going. Things like finding a good ripping chain, good bar etc. I’ve got a 394 on the way for the task which should be more than enough Saw for the size logs I will be working with. Any recommendations for equipment are appreciated. Thanks
 

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I must have missed it. I use square filed chain in whatever I have handy for the width I need. Setup to get s real flat surface is key.
I forgot I started this thread lol. Thanks for the reply Mike...do you stick with 404 or doesn’t it matter for what you do?
 

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3/8" for narrower kerf. I sold all the 404 except a few loops I found the other day.
That’s what I was thinking, less waste from the cut. Thanks. If nothing else milling will give me lots of square filing practice. I have a couple ideas for setting up a ripping chain.
 

mdavlee

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Lopro is an option as well if not going to real long bars. It doesn't oil as well so if you run 36" bar use a drip oiler.
 

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I’ll keep that in mind thanks. I’ll be milling smaller stuff for making ax handles , probably 25” max diameter. I’m figuring my 32” will handle that just fine taking into account the length the bucking dogs take away.
 

heritageguy20051

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I have a 36" bar for my 661 but I went with a 48" Granberg just in case I need bigger in the future. I have some woodland pro ripping chain but haven't tried it yet. I have used the Stihl RS chain with very good results. For longer bars, an auxiliary oiler is definitely a plus.

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heritageguy20051

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Getting a nice first cut is the key. I use an old aluminum ladder for now. Keep wedges handy to keep the kerf open as you go. A standard bar works fine for me. Don't get too caught up in all the gadgets.

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Getting a nice first cut is the key. I use an old aluminum ladder for now. Keep wedges handy to keep the kerf open as you go. A standard bar works fine for me. Don't get too caught up in all the gadgets.

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Good info thanks! It is very easy to get caught up in the gadgets. I’ve seen in other places that if you don’t use a thicker bar (.063ga) the cuts will be wavy. Glad to hear from your experience that this isn’t necessarily true. I’ll stick with what I have, which is way more convenient in terms of chains, files etc.
 

heritageguy20051

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Good info thanks! It is very easy to get caught up in the gadgets. I’ve seen in other places that if you don’t use a thicker bar (.063ga) the cuts will be wavy. Glad to hear from your experience that this isn’t necessarily true. I’ll stick with what I have, which is way more convenient in terms of chains, files etc.
I don't know about wavy but the .063 will oil better on longer bars. I ordered my 661 with .050. Knowing what I know now, I would've gotten the .063 but I also know the huskys seem to oil better. Really not a factor unless you're constantly running a long bar. I do recommend having several good loops ready to go. Much more sharpening involved with milling. I'm fairly new to milling myself but you certainly learn more every time.

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Not looking forward to that aspect of milling, sharpening long bar chains is a pain. But hey, if I’m gonna play I gotta pay right. On the oiling part of this, I’m hoping my 394 handles the task, I’ve learned that the 394 has a great Oiler which is why I chose it as a milling Saw. Looking forward to trying this. Unfortunately the snow has begun to fall and I’ll most likely have to wait until spring, just can’t get in the woods right now.
 

heritageguy20051

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Here's how I do my first cut. Eventually, I'll get a better setup but this is cheap and available. I'll add a few pics so you can get an idea of cut quality. All done with the Stihl RS chain. Smoother than what comes off a circle mill.
5163eb1b03b297c6adedf196484af0a0.jpg
38d9b1cbddad113d775352d5553f20aa.jpg
2a4d5ca2824fda5234d332bbbd8ec37b.jpg
4cf759b2f4a461ae8b6e26668d047fe5.jpg
785d094961d03fbf1ecfae4a67a72e45.jpg


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heritageguy20051

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Not looking forward to that aspect of milling, sharpening long bar chains is a pain. But hey, if I’m gonna play I gotta pay right. On the oiling part of this, I’m hoping my 394 handles the task, I’ve learned that the 394 has a great Oiler which is why I chose it as a milling Saw. Looking forward to trying this. Unfortunately the snow has begun to fall and I’ll most likely have to wait until spring, just can’t get in the woods right now.
You should be fine. It was a toss up for me to buy the 661 or 395. Like I Said, really not an issue until you get into the long bars. A simple add on auxiliary oiler is only a few bucks anyway if needed.

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XP_Slinger

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Here's how I do my first cut. Eventually, I'll get a better setup but this is cheap and available. I'll add a few pics so you can get an idea of cut quality. All done with the Stihl RS chain. Smoother than what comes off a circle mill.
5163eb1b03b297c6adedf196484af0a0.jpg
38d9b1cbddad113d775352d5553f20aa.jpg
2a4d5ca2824fda5234d332bbbd8ec37b.jpg
4cf759b2f4a461ae8b6e26668d047fe5.jpg
785d094961d03fbf1ecfae4a67a72e45.jpg


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That’s some fine looking work. So maybe a dumb question: full comp or skip chain? I ASSume full comp
 

heritageguy20051

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Thanks. My first projects with the mill. Running full comp.

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For me, this is just a hobby so I keep it simple. Lots of great info available in these forums. We all tend to over-think sometimes. A good mill, strong saw and sharp chain will get you going in no time.

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