I've been trying to snag one of the rental Makita 6401's at Home Depot for a while, much thanks to member fire_N_ice who checked all the local HD lists for me several times. I had several slip through my fingers, as it were, and some others I found were a little pricey at $300. Finally found one beat up enough, I guess, at $225. It came with the standard 20" bar (used, but decent shape) and a new-looking chain, plus the other guy in the tool rental tossed in a scrench and a second chain, plus a quart of bar oil. The guy started it up fine, sounded about right at WOT (?). Only warning sign is that it made a pretty loud screech when the chain brake was on, both when starting it and when he put it back on to stop the chain after gunning it. I'll have to do some testing but it sure sounded like either the chain brake or clutch was slipping. Anyone want to hazard a guess?
Anyway, Bailey's has a 30" bar on clearance for $35, so it looks like I'll be upgrading my milling setup. Probably get the $99 big bore kit too, as I already have enough midsize saws.
Anyway, Bailey's has a 30" bar on clearance for $35, so it looks like I'll be upgrading my milling setup. Probably get the $99 big bore kit too, as I already have enough midsize saws.