Chainsaw mill recommendations?

[grapeseed]

I've just felled a couple of Norfolk Island pines and I thought I might have a crack at sawing them up using a chainsaw mill, rather than turning them into firewood. We're talking about 40cm diameter at chest height trees. Thinking to probably just cut them into 2" slabs.

Any particular brands/models that I should check out? (or avoid)?

And should I be getting a ripping bar/chain?

[grapeseed]

PS. my chainsaw is an old Still 021. Hoping I can at least have a crack with this little saw?

[BobL]

I've milled a couple of NIPs - it's easy to cut and looks nice but otherwise it's very ordinary wood.
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f132/bandsaw-milling-245683#post2270867

It tends to be full of knots so it's very difficult to get it to dry straight and when you put it thru a thicknesser the knots tend to pop out so you either cut around them or spend a lot of time bogging up knot holes.

I eventually made something useful out of it but Im not that keen to use it again.
Kids Craft bench (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f213/kids-craft-bench-246958)

Chainsaw milling is hard work so if you are going to do that I'd recommend spending your time milling something more worthwhile log.

RE: 021
Chainsaw milling is very hard on saws so an 021 (35cc) would be too small and you'll risk killing it by milling with it.
I reckon starting point for CSM is 50 cc with no more than a 16" bar

FWIW I use a 72cc Stihl with a 25" bar and 111ccc and 122cc Stihls with up to a 60" bar.

[grapeseed]

Thanks BobL, I think I might give it a miss then and see if some of the local timber guys want the butt logs, else I'll convert the lot into wood chips. Thanks for the explainer!

[John Saxton]

NIP white ants love it