Stihl MS 390 Price Guide (5 Pro Tips For Wood Processing)

Stihl MS 390 Price Guide (5 Pro Tips for Wood Processing)

The world of wood processing is constantly evolving. We’ve seen incredible advancements, from computer-aided sawmill design to electric chainsaws with the power of their gas-powered counterparts. These innovations are making wood processing more efficient, safer, and even more accessible. In this guide, I’ll be focusing on a workhorse of the wood processing world: the Stihl MS 390 chainsaw. I’ll give you a price guide and share my top 5 pro tips for wood processing to help you tackle projects of any size.

Understanding the Stihl MS 390

The Stihl MS 390 is a mid-range chainsaw known for its reliability and power. It’s a popular choice for homeowners, farmers, and even some professional loggers due to its versatility. It’s powerful enough for felling medium-sized trees and limbing larger ones, yet manageable enough for smaller tasks like cutting firewood. Before diving into the price guide, let’s get familiar with this chainsaw’s specifications.

Stihl MS 390 Specifications

Engine Displacement: 64.1 cc (3.91 cu in)
Power Output: 3.2 kW (4.3 bhp)
Weight (Powerhead Only): 6.4 kg (14.1 lbs)
Fuel Capacity: 0.68 L (23.0 oz)
Oil Capacity: 0.33 L (11.2 oz)
Guide Bar Lengths (Recommended): 16″ – 25″
Chain Pitch: 3/8″
Oilomatic Chain Type: Rapid Micro (RM) or Rapid Super (RS)

These specifications tell a story. The 64.1cc engine provides ample power for demanding tasks. The weight, while not the lightest, is manageable for extended use. The recommended bar lengths offer flexibility for different cutting needs.

Takeaway: Understanding the specifications will help you determine if the MS 390 is the right chainsaw for your needs.

Stihl MS 390 Price Guide: New and Used

The price of a Stihl MS 390 can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include whether you’re buying new or used, the location of the purchase, and any included accessories. Here’s a breakdown:

New Stihl MS 390 Price

While the MS 390 is no longer in production, it is still possible to find new units from dealers who have remaining stock. Expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $650 for a new MS 390. This price range can fluctuate based on dealer markups and any promotions they might be running.

Used Stihl MS 390 Price

The used market is where you’ll likely find the majority of MS 390s. The price of a used MS 390 depends heavily on its condition, age, and how well it has been maintained. Here’s a general guideline:

Excellent Condition: $300 – $450
Good Condition: $200 – $300
Fair Condition: $100 – $200

I’ve seen well-maintained used MS 390s fetch prices close to the lower end of the new range. Conversely, neglected saws can go for as little as $100.

Factors Affecting Price

Condition: This is the most significant factor. A saw in excellent condition with minimal wear and tear will command a higher price.
Age: Older saws, even if well-maintained, will generally be cheaper than newer ones.
Maintenance History: A saw with a documented maintenance history is worth more than one with an unknown past.
Location: Prices can vary by region. Areas with a high demand for chainsaws may see higher prices.
Accessories: Included accessories like extra chains, bars, or carrying cases can increase the price.

Where to Buy

Authorized Stihl Dealers: If you can find a new one, this is the safest option. You’ll get a warranty and the assurance of buying from a reputable source.
Online Marketplaces (eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace): These can be good sources for used saws, but exercise caution. Inspect the saw thoroughly before buying.
Local Classifieds: Check local newspapers or online classifieds for deals in your area.
Pawn Shops: Sometimes, you can find good deals at pawn shops, but be sure to inspect the saw carefully.

Takeaway: Researching prices from multiple sources before purchasing is essential. Thoroughly inspect any used saw before buying.

Pro Tip #1: Chainsaw Safety First

Before even thinking about cutting wood, let’s talk safety. Chainsaws are powerful tools, and accidents can happen in a split second. I cannot stress this enough: safety is paramount. I remember one time I was rushing to finish a firewood project before dark. I got complacent and didn’t properly secure a log. The chainsaw kicked back, narrowly missing my leg. That was a wake-up call that I still remember today.

Essential Safety Gear

Chainsaw Chaps: These protect your legs from cuts. I recommend full-wrap chaps for maximum protection.
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or a face shield are crucial to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Hearing Protection: Chainsaws are loud. Wear earplugs or earmuffs to prevent hearing damage.
Gloves: Gloves provide a better grip and protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Helmet: A helmet with a face shield and ear protection is the ultimate in safety.
Steel-Toed Boots: Protect your feet from dropped logs and potential chainsaw mishaps.

Safe Operating Practices

Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the chainsaw’s operating instructions and safety features.
Inspect the Chainsaw: Before each use, inspect the chainsaw for any damage or loose parts. Check the chain tension and ensure the chain brake is functioning correctly.
Clear the Work Area: Remove any obstacles from the work area, such as rocks, branches, or debris.
Maintain a Firm Stance: Keep your feet firmly planted and maintain a balanced stance.
Use Proper Cutting Techniques: Avoid cutting with the tip of the bar, which can cause kickback.
Be Aware of Kickback: Understand the causes of kickback and how to prevent it.
Never Cut Above Shoulder Height: This is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of losing control of the chainsaw.
Take Breaks: Chainsawing can be tiring. Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
Never Operate a Chainsaw Under the Influence: This should be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning.

Takeaway: Invest in quality safety gear and always follow safe operating procedures. A few extra minutes spent on safety can prevent serious injuries.

Pro Tip #2: Mastering Chainsaw Maintenance

A well-maintained chainsaw is a safe and efficient chainsaw. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your Stihl MS 390 and ensure it performs at its best. I’ve seen chainsaws that have lasted for decades with proper care, while others fail after only a few years due to neglect.

Essential Maintenance Tasks

Chain Sharpening: A sharp chain is crucial for efficient cutting and safety. Sharpen the chain regularly with a file or a chain grinder. I prefer using a file for quick touch-ups in the field and a grinder for more thorough sharpenings.
Chain Tensioning: The chain should be properly tensioned to prevent it from derailing or binding. Check the chain tension before each use and adjust as needed.
Bar Maintenance: Clean the bar groove regularly to remove sawdust and debris. Check the bar for wear and tear and replace it when necessary.
Air Filter Cleaning: A clean air filter is essential for proper engine performance. Clean the air filter regularly with soap and water or compressed air.
Spark Plug Maintenance: Check the spark plug regularly for fouling or damage. Replace the spark plug as needed.
Fuel Filter Maintenance: A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow and cause the engine to run poorly. Replace the fuel filter annually or more often if needed.
Oil Filter Maintenance: The oil filter prevents debris from entering the oil pump. Clean or replace the oil filter as needed.
Lubrication: Ensure the chain is properly lubricated with bar and chain oil. Check the oil level frequently and refill as needed.
Carburetor Adjustment: If the engine is running poorly, you may need to adjust the carburetor. This is best left to a qualified technician.
Storage: When storing the chainsaw for extended periods, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stalls. This will prevent fuel from gumming up the carburetor. Store the chainsaw in a dry place.

Maintenance Schedule

Before Each Use: Check chain tension, inspect the chain and bar, lubricate the chain, and check fuel and oil levels.
After Each Use: Clean the chainsaw, sharpen the chain if needed, and clean the bar groove.
Weekly: Clean the air filter and check the spark plug.
Monthly: Inspect the fuel and oil filters.
Annually: Replace the fuel filter and spark plug. Have the carburetor adjusted by a qualified technician if needed.

Takeaway: Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and performance of your chainsaw. Follow a maintenance schedule and address any problems promptly.

Pro Tip #3: Wood Selection and Preparation

The type of wood you’re processing will significantly impact your approach and the final product. Different wood species have different properties, affecting everything from cutting speed to drying time to heat output (if you’re preparing firewood).

Identifying Wood Species

Being able to identify different wood species is a valuable skill for any wood processor. Here are some common species and their characteristics:

Oak: Hard, dense, and burns long and hot. Excellent for firewood.
Maple: Hard, strong, and relatively easy to split. Good for firewood and woodworking.
Ash: Splits easily and burns well, even when green. Excellent for firewood.
Birch: Dries quickly and burns with a bright flame. Good for firewood but doesn’t last as long as oak or maple.
Pine: Soft, easy to cut, and dries quickly. Good for kindling but burns quickly and produces a lot of smoke.
Spruce: Similar to pine, but slightly denser. Good for kindling and construction lumber.

Wood Preparation

Before processing wood, it’s essential to prepare it properly. This includes:

Bucking: Cutting the tree trunk into manageable lengths. The length will depend on your intended use. For firewood, I typically buck logs into 16-inch lengths.
Limbing: Removing the branches from the tree trunk. This is best done before bucking, as it makes the trunk easier to handle.
Debarking: Removing the bark from the wood. This can help speed up the drying process and reduce the risk of insect infestation. Debarking is more common for woodworking lumber than firewood.

Wood Drying

Drying wood is crucial for both firewood and woodworking. Green wood contains a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to burn and prone to warping and cracking.

Air Drying: The most common method for drying firewood. Stack the wood in a well-ventilated area, off the ground, and covered to protect it from rain and snow. Allow the wood to dry for at least six months, and preferably a year or more.
Kiln Drying: A faster method for drying wood, but requires specialized equipment. Kiln-dried wood is typically used for woodworking.

Moisture Content

The ideal moisture content for firewood is 20% or less. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. For woodworking, the ideal moisture content depends on the intended use, but is typically between 6% and 8%.

Takeaway: Understanding wood species and proper preparation techniques is essential for successful wood processing. Drying wood properly is crucial for both firewood and woodworking.

Pro Tip #4: Efficient Splitting Techniques

Splitting wood can be a physically demanding task, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be made much easier. I’ve split tons of wood over the years, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.

Splitting Tools

Splitting Axe: A traditional tool for splitting wood. Choose an axe with a heavy head and a long handle for maximum leverage.
Maul: Similar to a splitting axe, but with a heavier head and a broader face. Mauls are better for splitting larger, tougher logs.
Wedges: Used to split logs that are too large or too tough to split with an axe or maul. Drive the wedge into the log with a sledgehammer.
Log Splitter: A hydraulic machine that splits logs with ease. Log splitters are a great investment if you split a lot of wood.

Splitting Techniques

Choose the Right Tool: Use the appropriate tool for the size and type of wood you’re splitting.
Find the Natural Cracks: Look for natural cracks or splits in the log and aim for those areas.
Use a Solid Base: Place the log on a solid, stable base, such as a chopping block or a large stump.
Swing with Your Whole Body: Use your entire body to generate power when swinging the axe or maul.
Keep Your Feet Planted: Maintain a stable stance with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Use Wedges When Necessary: Don’t be afraid to use wedges to split stubborn logs.
Take Breaks: Splitting wood can be tiring. Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

Log Splitter Tips

Choose the Right Size: Select a log splitter with enough tonnage to handle the size and type of logs you’ll be splitting.
Maintain the Log Splitter: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to keep the log splitter in good working order.
Use Proper Safety Procedures: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when operating a log splitter. Keep your hands and feet clear of the splitting wedge.

Takeaway: Using the right tools and techniques can make splitting wood much easier and safer. A log splitter can be a worthwhile investment if you split a lot of wood.

Pro Tip #5: Optimizing Firewood Storage

Proper firewood storage is essential to ensure that the wood dries properly and remains protected from the elements. I’ve seen perfectly seasoned firewood ruined by improper storage.

Storage Location

Choose a Well-Ventilated Area: Airflow is essential for drying firewood. Choose a location that is exposed to wind and sunlight.
Elevate the Wood: Stack the wood off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up from the soil. Use pallets, cinder blocks, or a firewood rack.
Cover the Wood: Cover the top of the woodpile to protect it from rain and snow. Leave the sides open to allow for airflow.
Avoid Stacking Wood Against the House: This can attract insects and rodents and can also create a fire hazard.

Stacking Methods

Traditional Stacking: Stack the wood in rows, with each row leaning slightly inward. This creates a stable pile that is less likely to collapse.
Circular Stacking (Holz Hausen): A decorative and functional stacking method that creates a circular woodpile with a central chimney for ventilation.
Firewood Racks: Metal racks designed specifically for storing firewood. These racks keep the wood off the ground and provide good ventilation.

Storage Tips

Stack Wood Loosely: Don’t pack the wood too tightly, as this will restrict airflow.
Rotate Your Stock: Use the oldest wood first and add new wood to the back of the pile.
Inspect for Pests: Regularly inspect the woodpile for signs of insects or rodents.
Keep the Area Clean: Clear away any debris or vegetation around the woodpile to reduce the risk of fire.

Takeaway: Proper firewood storage is essential for ensuring that the wood dries properly and remains protected from the elements. Choose a well-ventilated location, elevate the wood, and cover the top of the pile.

Conclusion

The Stihl MS 390 is a capable chainsaw for a variety of wood processing tasks. While it’s no longer in production, you can still find new and used models. Remember to prioritize safety, maintain your chainsaw properly, understand wood species, use efficient splitting techniques, and optimize your firewood storage.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient wood processor and enjoying the fruits (or rather, the firewood) of your labor. Remember to adapt these tips to your specific needs and circumstances, and always prioritize safety. Happy wood processing!