using a MS261C for a sawmill

I'm not doing a lot of sawmill action - actually once I cut three living shelf pieces I may never need to cut again. Yet them I may find I like doing shelf/furniture and who the heck knows.

I've got one of those simple chainsaw jigs - I've made a few cuts but this one log I want to turn into some shelf's -the issue is I need to run a 24" bar.

I know there is no .325 pitch bars that fit my saw - but seeing some offbrand "8TEN" 3/8 pitch bars/chain that come in 24" and claiming to fit my saw.

I know this is underpowered but it's only for three slabs. Don't want to destroy my saw either.

If I go with this china offbrand -do all I need to do is switch my sprocket to 3/8? Should I NOT do this?

 

I milled a 14” diameter 8’ long hickory log with my MS290. That’s also my daily firewood saw. It worked. And the saw continues to run just fine. I think you can make it work.

 

You'll have no issues at all switching that saw to 3/8. Just get the correct rim sprocket and bar to match.
I've milled a ton of wood, and beyond. For smallish stuff, your 261 will do fine, just use a bit more oil in your mix (I've used 40/1 for all I've done) and richen the tune a bit. I've never used a dedicated milling chain either. Just adjust the angles a bit and it'll work fine (10-15 degree top plate). Now the choice of cheap chinese brand chain is another matter... . Ya get what you pay for.

 

welcome aboard

i milled a dozen or so beams with a Husqvarna 353 years ago.
I wish I knew then what I do now, or had access to this site.

it faired fine. I did finally swap top ends on that saw and there was some transfer on the cylinder. Can’t say it was the milling for sure though.

 

You can get yourself a 24" bar in .325

I'm not sure what your skill level is with working on stuff but if you plan to mill with that putting an oil pump bolt from a 461R in your oil pump isn't a bad idea, I'd do it even if I wasn't planning on milling anything and it's only a couple bucks to upgrade. It's not like having the option to have more oil on your chain is ever a bad thing.

 

Thanks folks. I was thinking about this and my pappy told me to never go cheep on chainsaw equipment. His first law on chainsaws - "That life is too short for fat women and bad chainsaws." That when you are out in the woods that few bucks you saved will often cost you an afternoon you can't get back, and just challenge you it's entire lifespan.

It's just that do really want to mill this piece of cherry. In the pic I made one cut but had to go from both sides, so not the best. Anyway I was thinking of going cheep but that violates my pappy's first law of chainsaws. Now that I think about it - let me just move my old MS290 to 3/8 sprocket and get a matching 24" bar. I can leave that setup on for when I need a longer bar. I may also mill a chain down to 10-15D for mill work on my old bench chain grinder.

Suggestions on what brand bar/chain to get? I used to only buy stihl, and still feel that way about saws - but for accessories they rake you up now.

 

I'm not well versed in my Stihls but a plastic case saw isn't the best choice for millin.

I've found these Tsumura bars to be very good steel and affordable.


As far as chain goes, I can only speak from personal experience. Stihl makes great chain but it's wayyyy over-priced. Most of what I use is Oregon LGX and EXL. Also have 2 loops of Carlton and it's very good too. Like mentioned, top plate at about 15 degrees and off to work you go.


I've been hooked on square filed/ground for a while too.

 

I used my ported 241 for milling a few logs this year. Go slow add extra oil at the end of the bar.

 

This thread was a good find for me. I bought one of the Alaskan mills and have wanted to try it but with a brand new 362 and a 261, thought they would be too small and it would be too hard on them.
I may dust the box off the CSM is in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I've never milled anything before, but may be learning how soon. I'd put my ported echo 590 on the mill before my 2095 unless it's something huge. I can still get all the parts for the 590 if something goes south, the 2095 not so much.

 

I’d figure 2095 parts still wouldn’t be horrible to find but maybe I’m wrong.

 

I’ve milled lots and while the 261 or 029 will be underpowered just go slow and take your time with a sharp chain.

 

They can be found. But not as easy as walk into the dealer and order them.

 

Well it looks like I have a new mantra to live by...

As far as the milling goes, if its just a few logs/ boards, I say run what you have and let it fly, worst case you need a new bar and chain.

Or figure what a CSM, bar, chain, etc. costs, and try to find someone with a portable mill nearby and see what they charge for the job, compare the two costs.

Just my .02