661 Stihl CC Chainsaws (5 Expert Tips For Wood Processing)

Imagine this: you’re staring down a mountain of freshly felled timber, the air thick with the scent of pine and sawdust. The sun’s beating down, and the task ahead seems monumental. You need a chainsaw that can handle anything you throw at it, a workhorse that won’t quit until the job’s done. That’s where the Stihl MS 661 C-M chainsaw comes in.

This article is all about unlocking the potential of the Stihl MS 661 C-M for serious wood processing. I’m not just going to rattle off specs and features. I’m going to share my experiences, insights, and hard-earned tips for maximizing this saw’s performance and ensuring your wood processing projects are efficient, safe, and successful. I have been using the Stihl MS 661 C-M chainsaw for over 10 years.

Unleashing the Beast: The Stihl MS 661 C-M Chainsaw for Wood Processing

The Stihl MS 661 C-M isn’t your average chainsaw. It’s a professional-grade machine designed for felling large trees and tackling demanding wood processing tasks. Its powerful engine, rugged construction, and advanced features make it a favorite among loggers, arborists, and serious firewood enthusiasts. But raw power alone isn’t enough. To truly master this saw, you need to understand its capabilities and limitations, and develop the skills to use it effectively.

Why the MS 661 C-M? A Personal Perspective

I remember the first time I used an MS 661 C-M. I was helping a friend clear a large oak tree that had fallen during a storm. The tree was massive, and my usual chainsaw was struggling to keep up. My friend handed me his 661, and the difference was immediately apparent. It powered through the thick trunk with ease, making quick work of a task that would have taken hours with my smaller saw. That experience convinced me that the MS 661 C-M was an investment worth making.

Expert Tip #1: Understanding Your Wood

Before you even fire up your chainsaw, it’s crucial to understand the wood you’re working with. Different wood species have different properties that affect how they cut, split, and season. Knowing these properties can help you choose the right cutting techniques, chain type, and seasoning methods.

Wood Anatomy and Properties: A Deep Dive

Wood is a complex material composed primarily of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The arrangement of these components determines the wood’s strength, density, and other characteristics.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: This is a fundamental distinction. Hardwoods (like oak, maple, and ash) are generally denser and harder than softwoods (like pine, fir, and spruce). Hardwoods are typically more difficult to cut but offer higher fuel value and burn longer. Softwoods are easier to cut but tend to burn faster.
Grain Structure: The direction of the wood grain affects its splitting characteristics. Straight-grained wood splits easily, while wood with knots or twisted grain can be much more challenging.
Moisture Content: This is perhaps the most critical factor in wood processing. Freshly cut (“green”) wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. Seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less. High moisture content makes wood heavier, harder to cut, and more difficult to ignite.
Density: Density affects the amount of energy stored in the wood. Denser woods like oak and hickory contain more energy per unit volume than less dense woods like poplar or aspen.

Data Point: A study by the U.S. Forest Service found that air-drying firewood to a moisture content of 20% or less can increase its heating value by as much as 25%.

Species-Specific Considerations

Oak: A dense, hardwood prized for its long burn time and high heat output. It can be challenging to split when green, but seasons well.
Maple: Another dense hardwood, known for its beautiful grain patterns. It splits relatively easily and seasons well.
Ash: A medium-density hardwood that splits easily and burns cleanly. It’s a popular choice for firewood.
Pine: A softwood that is easy to cut and ignite. It burns quickly and produces less heat than hardwoods.
Fir: Similar to pine, fir is a softwood that is easy to work with. It’s often used for construction lumber.

Personal Experience: I once tried to split a large oak log that had been lying on the ground for several months. The wood was incredibly tough and resistant to splitting. I ended up having to use a hydraulic splitter to get the job done. This experience taught me the importance of splitting wood as soon as possible after felling, before it has a chance to dry out and harden.

Expert Tip #2: Chainsaw Chain Selection and Maintenance

The chain is the heart of your chainsaw. Choosing the right chain and keeping it properly maintained is essential for efficient cutting and safe operation.

Chain Types and Their Applications

Full-Chisel Chains: These chains have square-cornered cutters that provide the fastest cutting speed in clean wood. They are more aggressive but also more prone to damage if they hit dirt or rocks.
Semi-Chisel Chains: These chains have rounded-corner cutters that are more durable and less prone to damage than full-chisel chains. They are a good choice for cutting dirty or knotty wood.
Low-Profile Chains: These chains have a smaller cutter profile that reduces the risk of kickback. They are a good choice for beginners or for cutting in tight spaces.
Ripping Chains: These chains are designed specifically for cutting wood along the grain. They have a different cutter geometry that produces a smoother, more efficient cut.

Recommendation: For general wood processing with the MS 661 C-M, I recommend using a semi-chisel chain. It provides a good balance of cutting speed and durability. If you’re cutting clean, knot-free wood, a full-chisel chain can provide faster cutting speeds.

Sharpening Your Chain: The Key to Efficient Cutting

A dull chain is not only inefficient but also dangerous. It requires more force to cut, which can increase the risk of kickback and fatigue. Sharpening your chain regularly is essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring your safety.

Filing: Filing is the most common method of sharpening a chainsaw chain. It involves using a round file to sharpen each cutter individually.
Grinding: Grinding is a faster method of sharpening a chainsaw chain, but it requires a specialized grinder. It’s important to use the correct grinding wheel and angle to avoid damaging the chain.

Practical Tip: I always carry a small file and depth gauge with me when I’m working in the woods. This allows me to touch up my chain whenever it starts to feel dull. It only takes a few minutes to sharpen a chain, and it can make a big difference in your cutting efficiency.

Chain Maintenance Best Practices

Clean your chain regularly: Remove sawdust and debris from the chain after each use.
Lubricate your chain: Use a high-quality bar and chain oil to keep the chain properly lubricated.
Check chain tension: Make sure the chain is properly tensioned. A loose chain can derail and cause damage to the chainsaw.
Inspect your chain for damage: Look for cracked or broken cutters, and replace the chain if necessary.

Data Point: A study by Oregon Products found that using a dull chain can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20%.

Expert Tip #3: Mastering Felling Techniques

Felling a tree is a complex and potentially dangerous task. It requires careful planning, precise cutting, and a thorough understanding of tree behavior.

Pre-Felling Assessment: Safety First

Before you start cutting, take the time to assess the tree and its surroundings. Look for:

Lean: Which way is the tree naturally leaning?
Branches: Are there any dead or broken branches that could fall during the felling process?
Obstacles: Are there any obstacles in the tree’s path, such as power lines, buildings, or other trees?
Escape Routes: Plan your escape routes in advance, and make sure they are clear of obstacles.

Safety First: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.

The Felling Cut: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Undercut: This is a wedge-shaped cut made on the side of the tree facing the direction you want it to fall. It should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
The Back Cut: This cut is made on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the undercut. Leave a hinge of wood between the undercut and the back cut to control the direction of the fall.
The Push: Once the back cut is complete, use a felling lever or wedge to push the tree over.

Important Note: Never cut completely through the tree. Always leave a hinge of wood to control the fall.

Advanced Felling Techniques

Hinge Size and Shape: The size and shape of the hinge can be adjusted to control the speed and direction of the fall.
Boring Cut: This technique involves using the tip of the chainsaw to bore a hole into the tree, which can help to relieve tension and prevent the tree from splitting.
Pulling: This technique involves using a rope or winch to pull the tree over in a specific direction.

Personal Experience: I once had to fell a large pine tree that was leaning heavily towards a power line. I used a combination of the boring cut and pulling techniques to safely fell the tree away from the power line. It was a challenging situation, but with careful planning and precise cutting, I was able to get the job done safely.

Expert Tip #4: Efficient Bucking and Splitting Techniques

Once the tree is on the ground, the next step is to buck it into manageable lengths for splitting and firewood processing.

Bucking Techniques for Maximum Efficiency

Plan your cuts: Before you start cutting, plan your cuts to minimize waste and maximize the amount of usable wood.
Use a bucking saw: A bucking saw is a specialized saw designed for cutting logs into shorter lengths. It can be a more efficient tool than a chainsaw for certain bucking tasks.
Support the log: Use logs or wedges to support the log while you’re cutting it. This will prevent the log from pinching the saw and making the cut more difficult.
Cut on the compression side: When cutting a log that is under tension, cut on the compression side first. This will prevent the log from splitting or splintering.

Practical Tip: I often use a log jack to lift the logs off the ground while I’m bucking them. This makes it easier to cut the logs and reduces the risk of hitting the ground with the chainsaw.

Splitting Techniques: Manual vs. Hydraulic

Splitting wood can be a physically demanding task. There are two main methods of splitting wood: manual and hydraulic.

Manual Splitting: This involves using a splitting axe or maul to split the wood by hand. It’s a good option for small quantities of wood or for those who enjoy the physical exercise.
Hydraulic Splitting: This involves using a hydraulic splitter to split the wood. It’s a more efficient option for large quantities of wood or for those who want to reduce the physical strain.

Comparison:

Feature	Manual Splitting	Hydraulic Splitting
Speed	Slower	Faster
Physical Effort	High	Low
Cost	Lower	Higher
Portability	High	Low

Personal Experience: I used to split all of my firewood by hand. It was a great workout, but it was also very time-consuming and tiring. A few years ago, I invested in a hydraulic splitter, and it has made a huge difference in my firewood processing efficiency. I can now split a cord of wood in a fraction of the time it used to take me.

Safety Considerations for Splitting

Wear appropriate PPE: Always wear eye protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots when splitting wood.
Use a stable base: Make sure the wood is placed on a stable base before you start splitting it.
Keep your hands clear: Keep your hands clear of the splitting area to avoid injury.
Use a splitting wedge: If the wood is difficult to split, use a splitting wedge to help you.

Expert Tip #5: Firewood Seasoning and Storage

Seasoning firewood is the process of drying it to reduce its moisture content. Properly seasoned firewood burns more efficiently, produces more heat, and creates less smoke.

The Science of Seasoning

Moisture Content: Freshly cut wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. Seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less.
Air Circulation: Air circulation is essential for seasoning firewood. It helps to remove moisture from the wood.
Sunlight: Sunlight can also help to dry out firewood.
Time: The amount of time it takes to season firewood depends on the wood species, climate, and storage conditions. Generally, it takes at least six months to season firewood properly.

Data Point: A study by the University of Maine found that air-drying firewood for one year can reduce its moisture content by as much as 50%.

Seasoning Techniques

Stacking: Stack the firewood in a single row, with gaps between the pieces to allow for air circulation.
Elevating: Elevate the firewood off the ground to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
Covering: Cover the firewood with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow. However, make sure to leave the sides open to allow for air circulation.
Location: Choose a sunny, well-ventilated location for your firewood pile.

Practical Tip: I use pallets to elevate my firewood off the ground. This helps to prevent the wood from rotting and makes it easier to load and unload the firewood.

Storage Best Practices

Dry Location: Store your seasoned firewood in a dry location, such as a shed or garage.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Pest Control: Take steps to prevent pests, such as insects and rodents, from infesting your firewood.

Personal Experience: I once stored a large pile of firewood in a damp, unventilated shed. The firewood became moldy and started to rot. I learned the hard way the importance of storing firewood in a dry, well-ventilated location.

Project Planning and Execution: Bringing It All Together

Now that you have a solid understanding of the key principles of wood processing, it’s time to put it all together and plan your next project.

Defining Your Goals

What type of wood are you processing?
What is the intended use of the wood?
How much wood do you need to process?
What is your budget?
What is your timeline?

Selecting the Right Tools and Equipment

Chainsaw: The Stihl MS 661 C-M is an excellent choice for large-scale wood processing.
Chain: Choose the right chain for the type of wood you’re cutting.
Splitting Axe or Maul: For manual splitting.
Hydraulic Splitter: For efficient splitting of large quantities of wood.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Measuring Tools: Tape measure, marking crayon.
Lifting and Moving Equipment: Log jack, wheelbarrow, tractor with a loader.

Creating a Safe and Efficient Workspace

Clear the area: Remove any obstacles from the work area.
Establish designated work zones: Separate the felling, bucking, splitting, and stacking areas.
Ensure adequate lighting: Provide adequate lighting for working in low-light conditions.
Maintain a clean and organized workspace: Keep your tools and equipment organized and readily accessible.

Executing the Project: Step-by-Step

Felling: Carefully fell the trees, following the techniques outlined earlier in this article.
Bucking: Buck the logs into manageable lengths for splitting.
Splitting: Split the wood using either manual or hydraulic methods.
Stacking: Stack the firewood in a single row, with gaps between the pieces to allow for air circulation.
Seasoning: Allow the firewood to season for at least six months.
Storing: Store the seasoned firewood in a dry, well-ventilated location.

Conclusion: Mastering Wood Processing with the Stihl MS 661 C-M

The Stihl MS 661 C-M is a powerful and versatile chainsaw that can handle even the most demanding wood processing tasks. By understanding the principles of wood anatomy, chain selection, felling techniques, bucking and splitting methods, and firewood seasoning, you can maximize the performance of this saw and ensure your wood processing projects are efficient, safe, and successful.

Remember, wood processing is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. And always prioritize safety. With the right tools, knowledge, and attitude, you can transform a pile of logs into a valuable source of heat and enjoyment. So, get out there, fire up your MS 661 C-M, and start processing!