Thread: chainsaw decision advise

Originally Posted by cow

I have a Husqvarna 365 that has been a great investment on my 5 acre block but isn't big enough for slabbing obviously. I spoke to someone at the Perth wood show last year who recommended the biggest, slowest reving saw I could get and offered me the 3120 with some tweaks to optimise milling application. Also I had a brief conversation at my local chainsaw emporium and the owner mentioned that the 395 has a bigger air filter making it good for milling even tho it's a smaller saw.

The advice you received is incorrect. You want the biggest highest revving raw you can get. Cutting speed is directly proportional to chain speed and the faster the chain goes the quicker it can cut. This of course has to be backed up by enough torque to make the cut.

In terms of the 295 v the 3120. A 395 is significantly higher revving than a 3120, so straight out of the box the 395 will outcut the 3120 in small (<~24") logs. To get the 3120 to cut as fast (or faster) in these small logs the sprocket size and chain raker profile will need to be finessed. If you have some technical expertise I would also recommend replacing the carboy with a variable H jet and a coil that allows for higher revving. In larger logs the 3120 will outcut the 395. The 395 also has the advantage that it is lighter and will use less fuel. If the logs average around 24" then the 395 will easily do the job and your back will be better off. If the logs are more like 30" then I would opt for the 3120. You could easily still cut the odd 30" diam log with the 395. Remember even on a large log only a couple of cuts are at the max diam, the rest are smaller.

So I'm hoping for some advise on whether I need to spend the extra for the bigger saw or whether I'd regret not spending it. Realistically I'm not going to be felling giant redwoods but I hate making the wrong decision. I'd also be interested in whether I should look at buying from the states. I've bought lots of tools from abroad and even with duty it usually saves a significant amount. (Man we get shafted in Oz). I've done some reading on this and other forums and I note that there is a slower reving spec for the 3120 based on emissions regs for example.

Buying from the US has become increasingly difficult. Just try placing an order for a large saw and see what happens. I don't know of a single site that will ship one to you direct. You will need an agent to handle the deal and on-ship it to you. Then if anything goes wrong with it you will have a real headache trying to get it fixed under warranty, not that saw manufacturers honour a warranty if the saw has been used for CS milling?

I have no objection to other makes by the way. And sorry if this question has come up before. I did try to search on this question before posting but nothing came up although there was a lot of helpful related info esp BobL's info on Stihl v Husky inboard / outboard clutches, bar oil delivery etc. Actually I'm hoping you are listening Bob, you probably work on lots of similar wood and you've even seen the timber on my block.

If you have read my opinions on this then there is not much more to say on it.

Thanks Bob, sounds like the 395 is probably the way to go then. As for the states, my parents live there and can buy it and ship it to me. I'm not a great believer in warranties and the money saved will offset the cost of repair or mods.