I am not a chainsaw expert ,and know alot of knowledge able people are here. I am currently using a Stihl 038 magnum with a 24" bar on it for my firewood needs.I fell some trees with it and cut up logs we bring home from clearing woods and tops after timber has been harvested from friends woods. I love this saw ,but I am concerned with just having to rely on this one saw.I would love to have another saw to have for a back up.I also have had the need to run a bigger bar a few times.Plus I would like to give milling a few boards in the future. So I have been looking at craiglist and ebay and so on.I ran across this saw and its close to me,but I have read on some forum posts that this maybe a little high of a price for it. So If i could get some honest opinions on whether or not this is a good buy.I haven't called on it yet just looking. http://kokomo.craigslist.org/grd/4761668396.html
So what should I be looking at the 066 or whatever the newer model number size saws then?I was thinking that too.Just hardly ever see any large size saws in my area.I just happen to run across this one. I definetly would like to have a saw to run a 36" bar for the rare times I need a bigger bar. I think i remember reading that my 038m wouldn't be a good saw for milling.I dont know how soon that will happen ,but I would like to do it in the future. SO if I should look for a bigger model that fine. What is the opinions of just the saw in the ad?
Probably a fine saw for the price, but definitely not a saw that will like wearing a 36" bar, and really not a big step up from an 038 Mag. I personally wouldn't go with more than a 28" bar on an 044, with a 24" being ideal. If you want a milling saw I would say you'd be better off with a 90+ cc saw. 066/660, 084, 088/880, Husqvarna 395, 3120... Good luck.
That 044 has the same basic power as your 038, but spins at a higher rpm and is 3-4lbs lighter. Not something you want to add for a " Bigger" saw. It would be a good replacement for your 038. Milling requires a lot of cc and a lot of power. Something with a good oiler. The 066 along with other saws make great felling saw with long bars too.
X2.. I'd replace the 038 with the 044 (more gooder power and less weight). If you need a bar over 28" and look to mill in the future? Then 80 cc- 90 cc is where you will want to look. Be it a 064, 066/660, or a Husq 385xp, 390xp, 395xp
Thanks for all the great input!Thats what I love about this site. I do agree that my 038 is a tank to lug around ,but she is a great saw. I have been wanting a second saw for awhile ,but 2 days ago the 038 didnt want to start.Ive never had any issues with her till then.I did replace a motor mount ,and install a new air filter right before I tried to fire her up. That worry I have had in the back of my mind if this saw quits I'm in big trouble.I have an 025 which has been problem matic ,and I haven't messed with in awhile.I don't even think about it as a saw to fall back on. I didnt know the 044 was lighter than my 038.Thats good to know. I do agree that I should probably look at an 066 or something as I really want to add a bigger saw to my line up. So I guess I shall keep looking for the right one to come along
You're gonna be hard pressed to find a better deal than the 064 mentioned above. A ported 064 will make a 660 look silly!
HAHA! This saw was my primary saw for cutting wood up around the farm until i built my boiler and figured out I needed a bigger saw.I was having issues with her starting and staying running.The 038 never gave me any issues so I just use it for everything and let it sit in the shop like an forgotten old toy I did buy new filters for it and plan to work on it someday. So I dont think its going anywhere yet.LOL I so agree with you as I have wore myself out limbing with that big old 038 with its 24" bar
