Which saw to buy.

[old_hb]

Well, after looking at saws on Ebay, saws at discounting internet
sites and local dealers, I've narrowed my search two the following:
a used Husky 394 from a reputable ebayer; a Husky 385 from a good internet discounter, or a Stihl 66 from a local dealer. From what I can see, the ebay prices on 394 run about 325-400; the 385 (depending on the size bar and chain) can be had for about 685-725); My dealer will sell me a 66 (28" bar and chain) for about 750. Oh..... an echo discounter talked to me about top of the line echo for about 685 as well. Whatever saw I use has to power an alaskan sawmill w/out burning out. I'll welcome comments and suggestions. Thanks.

[oldsaw-addict]

I will point you toward the best available, the STIHL 066 because it is at a dealer, and most times a dealer that is local will give you the repairs services should you ever need them, an internet purchase the same is NOT true. besides if you buy from a dealer, then you can also get the saws history most likely, and I would prefer a saw that I know about the history of over one that I know nothing about the past of. and the most important reason for going with a stihl, you get 2 piston rings instead of the one that you get with a Husky, this means higher cylindr pressure, better engine cooling, more power, and most important in a saw longer engine life with proper maintainence. Your choice in the end, but I would really rather have you buy a Stihl than some cheap internet discount saw.

[rebocardo]

> Whatever saw I use has to power an alaskan sawmill
> w/out burning out

Bigger is better. I would go with the Stihl and the local dealer if he gives you a limited warranty. Especially, if you are going to bring what ever you buy in for service.

[Carl_B]

I would go for the stihl we used 066 on a procut mill would run in 6 to 8 hours a day only shut it down to refuel  or put a new log on the mill. The only thing that we had happen was that we blew the sparkplug out of the head . Had the dealer install a helicoil in the head and we were back in use. Used this saw for more than 80 hours on the mill. I still haqve the saw and it still run good.

[Frickman]

80 hours? That Stihl isn't even broke in yet. A Stihl dealer told me once that their professional saws can run as many as 1000 hours before a rebuild, given they are well maintained. If it was up to me, I'd buy a saw from the local Stihl dealer, for the above mentioned reasons. Plus, it is the most popular chain saw in the world among professional loggers, so they must be doing something right.

If you can locate one, there are even better Stihl saws for a chain saw mill. Look for an 051, 056, 075, or 076. They are no longer sold in the U.S. but there are alot of used ones around. These saws run at a lower rpm than the 66, but have a lot more torque. Torque will be more important to you than rpm. A year or so ago we sold a like new 051 with original 24" bar to a fellow to put on a chain saw mill. After he bought it he called Stihl's tech department and they told him he got a good saw for what he is using it for, maybe better than a 66. The 051 is still being manufactured in Brazil for sale in South America, so parts are readily available. All these are heavy, but that shouldn't matter much on an Alaskan sawmill.

[little_woodchucker]

I think the most important thing is to have a good service dealer.  I travel 60 miles one way to get good service on our Stihl saws.  Local dealer isn't as good as it is only a side business for him.  My husband purchased his Stihl saws over 20 years ago and they all work to this day but the place he purchased them from is out of business.  We use our saws weekly as wood is our only source of heat.  

We recently sold about 150 standing trees and the loggers used a Husky 394.  My husband purchased a Logosaw and it came with a Husky 394.  No complaints here about Husky but we haven't had them that long.  

My husband's Christmas present to me this year was a Husky 141 chainsaw that he purchased at a Farm & Fleet store.  No warranty papers to send in and there is no service dealer at Farm & Fleet so when I had a problem I was lucky to find a good service dealer.  But if he had purchased it from this dealer my cost would have been covered by a warranty.  Lucky for me it was a small problem and the dealer was good about it.  It runs great - just my size.  

Bottom line - my advise - whatever you purchase buy from a dealer who is good at servicing your saw unless you can do it yourself.  Our Stihl saws have been good to us over the years but having a good dealer who can service them properly is key.

[Hunter]

As a Mill saw either the Husky or the Stihl. I personally own alot of Husqvarna saws, 10 to be exact. I have owned alot of others but seem to always go back to my Husqvarna.
The 385 is a great saw.
Hunter

[Engineer]

I'll add one more vote to the Stihl crowd.  I had an 066 on my Logosol before I sold it, and it was one heckuva powerful saw.  I was never able to choke that saw into stopping.  I'd also think that having a local dealer for a big saw like that (or any chain saw, for that matter) would be a big bonus.

[Norm]

Welcome to the forum little woodchucker. Patty got the same saw from our son for Christmas* and it's a great little saw. I use it for small firewood and limbing around the farm. Nice light weight.

A good dealer may charge a little more for a saw but I know that if it's broke or needs a minor adjustment I can take it in and have it back in a day or so. If ya get one off the internet that's new make sure your local dealer will still work on it.

I keep an eye on the local classifieds for a used 066, one lightly used is a real bargain. I'm leary of buying something used I can't try first that costs that much.

[Oregon_Rob]

We recently sold about 150 standing trees and the loggers used a Husky 394.  My husband purchased a Logosaw and it came with a Husky 394.  No complaints here about Husky but we haven't had them that long.  

Welcome to the forum!

How is the Logsol working for you?

[Stan]

$750 for an 066? Time to buy, guy. The best price around here is $800.