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I'm ready for a chain grinder

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by CtRider, Feb 29, 2024.

  1. John D

    John D

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    In reality probably not much I have heard a lot of good things about the harbor freight grinder and I have heard a lot of good things about the Chinese copy of the Oregon grinder you can buy on Amazon for around a 100 bucks
     
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  2. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    I had the harbor freight grinder. I set it out by the road.
     
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  3. John D

    John D

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    Really what was wrong with it I am just asking I have a jolly grinder
     
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  4. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    Only one adjustment for cutter angle, inaccurate from left to right without modification, only one size wheel available from harbor freight, all plastic and flexible. I got it for $10 used. You couldn't give me another. I preferred hand filing with my Stihl 2-1 sharpeners. Much better results. I'm picking up a lightly used Tecomec super jolly Saturday.
     
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  5. Highbeam

    Highbeam

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    Yeah, I've never had a problem with needing more than one adjustment for cutter angle or lack of left to right accuracy or the one wheel size. The flex is actually something I use to my advantage so that's fine too.

    I would hope that spending 3-10x as much on a grinder will give some people some improvements but we'll all still get the wood cut. Maybe the professional sharpeners that do this for a living see some benefit.
     
  6. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    The other issue I had with the Harbor freight grinder is the inconsistent clamping of the chain holder.
     
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  7. John D

    John D

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    Thank you for your information
    Always can learn something new
     
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  8. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    You're welcome bud. The clamping thing was irritating. It would change the tooth position from cutter to cutter if you didn't pay attention.
     
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  9. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    I'll be curious to see if the Super Jolly rocks your cutters a bit. Mine does, but I've got a good system that alleviates it. Just something to keep an eye on when ya get it.
     
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  10. John D

    John D

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    Is the head a little loose I now you can shim them
     
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  11. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    Thanks for the heads up. I'll be paying attention.
     
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  12. John D

    John D

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    If the head has some play I copied this IMG_1891.png
     
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  13. KSPlainsman

    KSPlainsman

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    Yeah, it does have a little play, but I use it to my advantage a bit. Mine, you have to try to make it move side to side. It's not a sloppy type of play, if that makes sense.
     
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  14. CtRider

    CtRider

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    28" standard husky bar
     
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  15. 0rion

    0rion

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    I don't use the clamp on mine. I just use my left hand to pull and hold the chain against the stop. Ignorance is bliss in my situation I guess haha. Like I say...I'm a hobbyist at best so I definitely don't know more than the bare minimum and I'm always willing to learn. Like someone else said (which may have been in jest) I actually do use the flex of the harbor freight head. I set it a little tight and flex it to the right to get the bottom of the tooth and let it come back into the cutter as I bring it out.
     
  16. Yawner

    Yawner

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    Found an Oregon 511a for sale for $100, is that a good deal?
     
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  17. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    Id say yes if its complete. A quick search shows $380-480 new
     
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