Modified a Tecomec grinder to a Silvey 510 style vice

This is a project I started on a couple years ago with the help of a friend who is an amazing machinist. The thought was to replicate a Silvey 510 style vice on a $100 Tecomec grinder. The problem with all grinders IMHO except the Silvey is the fact they clamp the chain on the bottom at the driver. When this is done it is not real accurate and the cutters moves when it is being clamped. The Silvey has a pawl system that catches the the rear of the cutter and as you pull back on the chain naturally "seats" the cutter/driver in the rails. To make this even more precise a new vice was constructed with .002" clearance for each gauge. Shims were made so that 50, 58 and 63 gauge would all fit very snug.

The grinder works well, the geometry isn't quite right compared to the Silvey but it would bore most with the minutia. Sorry didn't have good macro shots but you get the idea. The last pic is a pretty worn chain that I just ground in preparation for cutting a half dozen very large white pine. My buddy has a bunch of youngsters who just love pounding nails in trees so I prepped this one in anticipation.

 

So how does it work? Are you happy with it.

 

I ground the chain on the Oregon bar with it.

It works OK. Since I have a Silvey 510 and that is the "Gold Standard" for grinders IMHO for round ground chisel chain I have pretty high expectations.

I am already pretty set on grinders: (Green one is a Nielsen 100B for rakers, Oregon 511AX is for .325 & the Silvey 510 for 3/8ths and .404.

 

WOW, too many guns and saws too remember and 4 grinders
You are a true hoarder!!
Well done.

 

We haven't talked about apple trees, I have a LOT of them. A fair amount of LGX and LPX chain too.

 

Ok I see lots of apples but no chain..
I believe you

 

Well pics of 100' unopened rolls of chain aren't real interesting. The sad thing is I run chains down to the witness mark so the # I go through in a given season is pretty limited. Once they are past the witness mark they are saved for stumping chains and I still use them.

 

Hoarders, if this man talks of grinding chain or apples, grab a seat, listen up and take lots of notes. His knowledge in this area is exceptional.

 

And he makes hilarious videos..

 

Thank you for the kind words.

I often think of myself as a "Legend in my own mind". However when it comes to the better half, she often tells me to just be quiet due to the things I think are funny often don't go over with others who don't understand my sense of humor.