Stihl 066 or Husky 394???

[Brewz]

Hi folks

I am having trouble making a decision and thought I would start a discussion to get some thoughts from you all.

I have used my long case round top 066 as my firewood saw, but after building a hot 064, the 066 feels overweight and slightly disappointing, even after improving port timing with a 288 piston.

My other saw in this size range is a Husky 2100. I like the 2100 but its AV system is not the best and parts are damn hard to find.

I am after a 90 to 100cc saw for cutting large firewood and smaller milling jobs running a 30" to 42" bar.

I am thinking of selling the 066 and 2100 and getting a nice 394 or 395.

I like the idea of the spring AV and outboard clutch to keep heat out of the case with milling and running a long bar in hardwood.

Thoughts?

 

[jb-chainsaws]

If you want rid of the 2100 first dibs!!

In all seriousness my vote would be to use the 064 unless it's more of a play saw. Failing that send the 066 over to randy and let him work his magic!

 

[Deets066]

It just depends on how big of wood you mostly cut. 30-36 the 64 is just fine. But running a 42" bar all the time would be a bit much for it. I don't have enough time on my 394 to tell ya much, I've only made a few cuts with a 32" but they are much smoother.

 

[Brewz]

I have ported the 064 and it is an amazing saw but I dont want to use it for milling. I would prefer to use a saw with an outboard clutch.
The 066 has also been ported and has a 288 piston fitted which got it running better, but its not better than the 064, just heavier.

 

[jb-chainsaws]

I have ported the 064 and it is an amazing saw but I dont want to use it for milling. I would prefer to use a saw with an outboard clutch.
The 066 has also been ported and has a 288 piston fitted which got it running better, but its not better than the 064, just heavier.

How much did you have to alter the timing to get that combo to work? You've got me interested now

 

[Deets066]

How much did you have to alter the timing to get that combo to work? You've got me interested now

It takes a fair amount of work, can't just slap it in there

 

[Brewz]

It just depends on how big of wood you mostly cut. 30-36 the 64 is just fine. But running a 42" bar all the time would be a bit much for it. I don't have enough time on my 394 to tell ya much, I've only made a few cuts with a 32" but they are much smoother.

The 064 is not going anywhere.
I do however do a lot of cutting larger timber as this is usually left behind or advertised as free because not many have the big saws to take care of it.
I guess I am deciding on the best 90-100cc saw for milling and running a long bar for bucking.
My 066 runs the 42" bar well but the oiler is a short coming, and the vibration becomes more of an issue.

Thats why I have been thinking of selling it to finance a 394 or 395.

Good to know that are smoother to use Deets.

I am rebuilding a 394 at the moment for someone else and its a lot nicer to work on than the 2100. Easier to get parts for too!.

 

[weedkilla]

Without trying to give the classic chainsaw forum advice - 3120 or 88.
Its not that much more money second hand, and when you want a big saw it might as well be properly big.
Sure, it'll take longer to find one, they are heavy and horrible, but let's face it - you aren't going to be cutting pine.

 

[Stump Shot]

I think this calls for a mill off. Try both 066 and 2100 milling first, and try to eliminate one saw. I find weight not a major factor for milling. I also find that outboard clutches stay drier especially when oil is a bit thin for the day. Think, if all those saws were in a pile, which one would you grab first? You are also in the perfect position to try before you buy, when you are done fixing that 394 cut one slab with it, see if it is worth the trouble. You do have to test your work after all, no?

 

[jb-chainsaws]

Without trying to give the classic chainsaw forum advice - 3120 or 88.
Its not that much more money second hand, and when you want a big saw it might as well be properly big.
Sure, it'll take longer to find one, they are heavy and horrible, but let's face it - you aren't going to be cutting pine.

The 880 is actually a good idea if you want a big saw, never even thought of suggesting that.

I've one that I've been meaning to put up in the trading post that needs a bit of work, I'll stick it up there this week some time

 

[Brewz]

I have big and heavy sorted.
I was planning on using this for the very large timber and for large milling

 

[mdavlee]

394/5 hands down. In the stuff you cut over there it would be better I'm sure with the better oiler.

 

[Brewz]

I think this calls for a mill off. Try both 066 and 2100 milling first, and try to eliminate one saw. I find weight not a major factor for milling. I also find that outboard clutches stay drier especially when oil is a bit thin for the day. Think, if all those saws were in a pile, which one would you grab first? You are also in the perfect position to try before you buy, when you are done fixing that 394 cut one slab with it, see if it is worth the trouble. You do have to test your work after all, no?

The 2100 is good, but parts availability makes me nervous.
I guess any of them will do the job well, I am just thinking of condensing things down to 1 saw

Your right, I will give the 394 a crack when I am done building it.

 

[Brewz]

394/5 hands down. In the stuff you cut over there it would be better I'm sure with the better oiler.

That was my thought.
My other thinking was the spring AV and outboard clutch.

After tinkering with this 394 I am really impressed with it.

 

[Brewz]

I would love to hear from some who have a good bit of time on an 066 and 394/395 and is not brand loyal

 

[mdavlee]

394/5 will mill a lot more lumber on the same or less fuel and wear you out less over the 66. The oiler is just icing on the cake for the 394/5 over a 66 series. The 661 might do just as good but it's way more money and the av isn't strong enough for 42-50" bars all the time.

 

[Brewz]

Yeah, the AV on this 394 looks to be really robust.
Im getting closer to taking pictures of the 066 and 2100 for advertising

 

[Savage Saws]

Brewz, I'm in Australia mate. I worke on Stihls mainly because all the tree crews and Aborists I do repairs and porting for run Stihls sololy. In saying this i am by no means brand loyal and i can garuntee you the 395xp is the saw you want in our timber in that size range! Great AV, will oil a 42" bar and they have a great power band stock. Parts are readily available and not stupidly expensive which is the best thing about them. Ported, well they are the most pissed off! Agressive! Roller coaster ride in the hands!

P.S. I love the 066/660 and you can mod the oiler to keep the 42" juicy but, its just not a 395xp......

Sandy,

SAVAGE SAWS

 

[Brewz]

Also, the cylinder measured 105/123/74
That gives a bloke a lot more to work with than the 94/124/80 I have found on the 2 x 066 cylinders I have

 

[Brewz]

Brewz, I'm in Australia mate. I worke on Stihls mainly because all the tree crews and Aborists I do repairs and porting for run Stihls sololy. In saying this i am by no means brand loyal and i can garuntee you the 395xp is the saw you want in our timber in that size range! Great AV, will oil a 42" bar and they have a great power band stock. Parts are readily available and not stupidly expensive which is the best thing about them. Ported, well they are the most pissed off! Agressive! Roller coaster ride in the hands!

P.S. I love the 066/660 and you can mod the oiler to keep the 42" juicy but, its just not a 395xp......

Sandy,

SAVAGE SAWS

Hi Sandy.
That's got my 066 nervous!
Is there a lot of difference between the 394 and 395?