In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Another Grinder Thread

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by lukem, May 20, 2014.

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  1. lukem

    lukem

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    I currently have a HF grinder. I mounted it to the workbench with some overhang to let the chain hang down. When I was walking past it the other day my jeans caught the part the holds the link in the right position and popped it right off. I don't think it would be repairable (cheap plastic) unless I got a whole new clamp assembly. While this grinder didn't do a bad job, I never really loved the results I got out of it.

    I want another grinder for sharpening my 3/8th chains. I don't want to spend more than $200. What should I get?
     
    lukem, May 20, 2014
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  2. papadave

    papadave

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    :popcorn:
    I only liked the post because you get to get a new grinder.:D
     
    papadave, May 20, 2014
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  3. Gary_602z

    Gary_602z

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    So that is what you told your wife?:) You can tell us the truth that you really had to hit it a couple of times with a hammer before you could get it to break!:rofl: :lol:

    Gary
     
    Gary_602z, May 20, 2014
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  4. lukem

    lukem

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    Ssshhhh. My wife doesn't know I'm getting a new grinder.

    The other day she asked why my saw looked so clean...didn't realize it was the new one I bought a few months ago.
     
    lukem, May 20, 2014
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  5. w8ye

    w8ye

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    Look at the Northern Tool Grinder.
    They are usually somewhere around $129.95 but you can find them on sale sometimes. If you smell around on the web you will find other ones just like it and might find one of them for $100?

    I acquired a HF grinder from somewhere but never really cared for it.
    A couple years later I came across an older style used Oregon 511A that I really like.
     
    w8ye, May 20, 2014
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  6. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    I would do a Northern Tool or a Tractor Supply Timbertuff grinder on that budget and get a spare wheel or two. Read up on the mods for 'em too. Lots of info on that over on AS.
     
    MasterMech, May 20, 2014
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  7. lukem

    lukem

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    lukem, May 20, 2014
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  8. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    MasterMech, May 20, 2014
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  9. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    Yep. The Timber Tuff and the Northern are the same grinder. They are also sold as another brand on eBay. Great little grinders that are far superior to the HF.
     
    DexterDay, May 20, 2014
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  10. swags

    swags Moderator

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    I got the timbertuff too and love it. Just dont do what I did and put the washer to hold the grinding wheel on the wrong way. That wheel will blow up.
     
    swags, May 20, 2014
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  11. w8ye

    w8ye

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    I don't care for the timber tuff wheel too much, especially if your paying good money for one.
     
    w8ye, May 20, 2014
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  12. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    I've got the timber tuff grinder and run my chain business with it.. They are great grinders. I've run hundreds of chains through it without any real issue and my customers are very happy with the results. Can't go wrong with it!
     
    Pallet Pete, May 20, 2014
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  13. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    The wheels do suck. The 1st good mod is to replace the wheels.

    A good wheel and better stops (no plastic stops/ Wing nuts instead) will take it from good to great.
     
    DexterDay, May 20, 2014
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  14. nate

    nate Banned

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    Is the top section of the timber tuff plastic or metal?

    I have an Oregon mini grinder. It was around $220. The top section is plastic so it flexes.
    Its not too much an issue with a maintenance sharpen, but if you need to remove a bit the wheel flexes away.
     
    nate, May 21, 2014
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  15. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    Mine is metal not really any flex either it's very solid.
     
    Pallet Pete, May 21, 2014
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  16. nate

    nate Banned

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    Kind of chaps my butt. I expected being Oregon and at that price it would be great quality.
    It wasn't until I used a "pro" Oregon unit that I really realized it.
     
    nate, May 21, 2014
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  17. lukem

    lukem

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    What's a good wheel?
     
    lukem, May 21, 2014
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  18. w8ye

    w8ye

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    I use a borazon coated aluminum wheel from Diamond Wheel.

    The Oregon grinding wheels are generally good if you can get a decent price on one but they are made in different locations like Italy, Mexico, Canada, and USA.
    The Pacific grinding wheel was nice but they have had a name change. (Madsens sold them)
    Molemabs from Italy have been good. (Bailey's)
     
    w8ye, May 21, 2014
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  19. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    I had a Oregon I gave away at our GTG. It was more expensive than my Timber Tuff. It worked, but you needed to push gently so you didn't flex it.

    For the money, the TT and NT are top notch.

    Here is the one I gave away.

    20140508_182119.jpg
     
    DexterDay, May 21, 2014
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  20. SmokinJay

    SmokinJay

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    Watch ebay for a oregon. I got my 511a 5 or 6 years ago with a 220.00 cyclone wheel. Still using both cost 170.00.
     
    SmokinJay, May 21, 2014
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