Wife gave the go ahead for another saw.

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Stlshrk

Member
Mar 4, 2008
166
VA
I'm in the market for a backup or spare saw. And I was in the store when I came upon a used ms361 Stihl for $359 w/ a new 20" 3/8 bar and chain. It doesn't look like it was used very hard. I was honestly thinking that I'd get something smaller like a 260, but I'm thinking that the deal may be too good to pass up. Any thoughts on having two of the same saw?
 
Pro's for getting that second 361:

1. It's good to have at least two saws. You pinch a bar, kill a saw, let the BIL borrow it, etc., and you still have another to use.
2. It's good to have two awesome saws (361 qualifies), especially when you might need one for parts after it has been discontinued.
3. If in good condition, that's price is too good to pass up.

With that being stated, many firewooders like to avoid too much overlap in saw capabilities by getting around 20cc separation between saws. Examples: 346XP and 372XP ; 260/261 and 441/460; 361/362 and 660; 5100s/5105 and 7900.

My favorite saws are my NE346XP (~50cc), MS361(~60cc), and Makita 7901 (~80cc). The 346XP is just so darn fun to run that I rarely use my 361 anymore. If I'm in bigger wood, then it's the 7901. (And, no, the 361 is not for sale, LOL!)
 
Sounds like a very good deal.
The bar and chain would set you back $75.00 for a new set and used saws always seem to need a new set prior to running.
 
I guess it depends on what you expect from the saw. If it's a true backup and you are happy with your current 361 then I'd get it. If you want a smaller limbing, house chore saw that can also act as a backup then I'd go smaller (top handle like Redd suggested). I don't think you'll notice a big difference in the feel of a 260 or 361. A 260 is maybe a 1lb lighter and slower. Don't get me wrong here I own a 026 and love it but it won't run like a 361.
 
Buy it, flip it for profit on the bay, and then get what you want. The price is right
 
Bocefus78 said:
Buy it, flip it for profit on the bay, and then get what you want. The price is right

+1 but bet you will love it!
 
greythorn3 said:
bogydave said:
Good price.
Make a great second saw, may become the primary :)

Some 361s have a recall : http://www.stihlusa.com/recalls/recall_ms361.html

hey dave is that the saw your runing?

No.
I have an 30 yr old Husq 61 with parts missing, no chain brake, wired up throttle & choke but it runs if needed)
, just got a 359 last fall (few gallon thru it, seems OK so far & easy starting & it idles :) ) (both 20")
& a 14", 38 yr old craftsman.
 
All good ideas. I was thinking in the back of my head about buying it and then maybe selling it since I already have the twin brother. In fact, cut a cord and a little today w/ the 361 that I've had for 7 years. Maybe I'll call Monday and see if he still has it.
 
361 great firewood saw i want it.
 
smokinjay said:
Bocefus78 said:
Buy it, flip it for profit on the bay, and then get what you want. The price is right

+1 but bet you will love it!
+2!! Thats a great price on a 361, and like SmokinJay said, you will probably fall in love with it!!
 
Bigg_Redd said:
Scotty Overkill said:
smokinjay said:
Bocefus78 said:
Buy it, flip it for profit on the bay, and then get what you want. The price is right

+1 but bet you will love it!
+2!! Thats a great price on a 361, and like SmokinJay said, you will probably fall in love with it!!

You read the paer where he already HAS a 361, no?
Well, why not have another? Almost like having two delmonico steaks instead of one, no?
 
Well, just some follow up on what I did here.

Yes, already LOVE the 361 I have. But it didn't matter as that saw (other 361 that was for sale) was gone when I went back. I did end up going w/ the 20cc gap, mentioned earlier, and picked up an Echo CS400. Hopefully I can put it through its paces this weekend. No, it isn't the screamer that the 361 is, but I already have that. I was just looking for the lighter, limber, and back up saw. Wish me luck! It was hard to turn down for $130.
 
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