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TEMCo Auto Sharpener - User Review Thread

Philbert

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This thread is for posting user reviews of the TEMCo FP1000 Auto Sharpener. If you have purchased or used one of these sharpeners, please post your comments, positive and negative, along with any constructive criticism or recommendations here.

This is not a thread to discuss a preference for filing, to advocate for square ground chain, etc. Lots of other places for those comments.

The sharpener was introduced in a separate thread, which includes specifications and links to manufacturer supplied instructional videos. Please post any general comments or questions about the grinder in that thread:
http://opeforum.com/threads/automatic-chain-sharpener-under-300.14940/

If you would like to participate in the review of the demo unit, please note the guidelines (linked below) and send me a PM.

Thanks.

Philbert

My recommendations are:
- established OPE members;
- especially those who have expressed an interest in this thread;
- who commit to giving the product a fair, unbiased evaluation;
- and commit to sharing their experiences, comments and recommendations in this thread (positive and negative);
- who actually run chain that this machine accommodates (3/8 low profile ('PICCO'), .325, full sized 3/8 pitch; 0.043 and 0.050 gauge);
- who agree to ship the machine to the next person at their own expense (up to $30?);
- who live in the US (sorry guys: even shipping to Canada gets expensive and complicated, and the AC adaptor is for 120V US).

Since TEMCo retains ownership until the end, I will ask Gun to approve the list.

I would want to keep the unit for a few weeks, since evaluation will be done on the side. Limited cutting going on right now (winter in Minnesota!), but I do have 'a few' different chains to try it on. No GTGs planned for this time of year either, but I might be able to show it to some other folks informally.

Since there are no objections or vetos against this general plan, I will discuss shipping @Philbert a unit and have him arrange the details for its future travels. Here are a couple of stipulations that I'd like to make clear:

1. TEMCo will cover any broken parts or replacements on the demo, as we normally do for any of our products.
2. OPE forum members will cover the cost of shipping the demo to each other.
3. TEMCo will donate the demo and cover the final cost of shipping it to its final location, TBD as of 1/7/19.
4. If the demo is lost or stolen, TEMCo will not cover a replacement.
5. Members of OPE will decide on the best means of shipping the unit to the next member, any rules regarding its demoing, etc.
6. Ideally, we'd like to see technical criticism of the actual unit from those demoing it. Perhaps we can start a new thread on the demo where people can ask direct questions to reviewers? What are the OPE Forum rules regarding something like this?
 

Philbert

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Disclaimer

Just to be clear, I have no relationship with Gun, his company or this product. I saw this product while looking for other stuff on eBay, thought it was interesting, and started a few threads on it.

I have a special interest in sharpening saw chains. I have tried and used a number of file guides, but as a practical matter, mostly use an Oregon 511A grinder. Due to some encouragement, I have also experimented with a bunch of inexpensive grinders.

If you are opposed to grinding chains in general, stop here. This is still a grinder, despite its novelty or utility. Maybe consider an automatic chain filer like the Vallorbe ' V Oak': http://www.vallorbe.com/en-ch/products/forestry-products/automatic-sharpener

Philbert
 

Philbert

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General

Automatic chain grinders have been around for a while: Franzen, Markusson, Oregon DynaSaw, and Logosol all sell versions targeted toward commercial users, and costing thousands of dollars. The availability of one under $500 signals a new class of sharpening product and is noteworthy for that itself.

Some initial impressions on this grinder from specifications and discussion:

PROS
Under $300 price (temporary?). This is priced in same range as many conventional, 'standard' chain grinders.

Compact size. Portable

Runs on multiple power sources:120VAC, 12VDC (might vary with market)

'Automatic' operation (once set up)

CONS
No (current) support of common .058 or .063 gauges

Not (currently) compatible with skip tooth sequences, or extra tie straps in a loop.

Uses proprietary wheels

Limited chain angle customization compared to 'some' other methods (hook, etc.)

GENERAL
Just because it does not do all chains, it may do the chains you need

Due to its novelty, it will appeal to technology guys - the ones first on their block to have a drone or Go-Pro camera, as well as guys who do not like to file / sharpen and are satisfied with a basic edge.

Philbert
 
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Philbert

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First Impressions

Received the demo unit yesterday: very good first impression. It was double boxed for shipping, with die-cut, closed cell foam packaging.
IMG_2962.jpg

The sharpener itself looks well finished and appears to be a quality product. The main housing appears to be an aluminum (?) casting with plastic guards. It is roughly about the size of a loaf of bread.

IMG_2972.jpg

It comes with LOTS of parts! 5 power accessories; 3 hex key wrenches; 2 grinding wheels (sharpening wheel comes installed); 2 wheel wrenches; a chain weight; a wheel alignment indicator; a depth gauge measuring tool; a feeler gauge; mounting screws; and a user's manual. If I was going to keep this grinder I would find or make up some type of pouches to keep the power cords together, and the small tools together, so that they do not get lost.

IMG_2967.jpg

The manual is pretty clearly written, but technical. If you are not into reading, you might have some trouble with this. Watching the YouTube videos really helps. Hopefully, TEMCo will have the manual up on their website to download. They should also make the user videos available for downloading, in case someone wants to view / refer to them later, and has limited Internet access. I may make some editing suggestions and pass them on directly to Gun, as they do not really pertain to this thread.

IMG_2969.jpg

I need to make a base for this (to clamp down to temporary work surfaces), and review the videos, before I try running any chains, so it may take me a few days.

Philbert
 
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Philbert

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Illustrated Parts Lists (no part names provided in manual)
(see attached)

Grinding wheel: >>>3.145" OD, 0.630" ID, 0.14" thick
Depth Gauge wheel: 3.295" OD, 0.630" ID, 0.20" thick

Disclaimer: that's based on my skill with a caliper!

Philbert
 

Attachments

  • FP1000 IPL.pdf
    2.3 MB · Views: 6

MarkEagleUSA

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Philbert said:
There appear to be several magnets (?) embedded in the rim of the groove, near the proximity sensor (about 10 o'clock), as well as a clamp to pinch the drive link near the cutter being ground (about 1 o'clock). These could be damaged if attempting to widen the groove. I would not do this without approval from the manufacturer.
Saw this on AS (but didn't want to post there)...

Instead of widening the groove, can the cover be shimmed at the 3 mounting screws to gain the extra clearance?
 

Philbert

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Instead of widening the groove, can the cover be shimmed at the 3 mounting screws to gain the extra clearance?

Good thought, but, no. Groove is integral in the cast aluminum housing; cover does not have anything to do with the groove width. There are also magnets (?) which appear to be related to the proximity sensor (guessing here) and a clamp that holds one of the drive links near the cutter being ground (about 1 o'clock in photo); need to be careful about those.

I measured the groove at approximately 0.060" - 0.061", with feeler gauges, so it might be possible to widen it with some patience, and abrasive cloth, to take 0.063 chain. But I will leave that to the manufacturers and designers. Not sure if there would be other consequences.

Have not tried to fit 0.058 chain yet.

FullSizeRender (48).jpg

Philbert
 

MarkEagleUSA

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Good thought, but, no. Groove is integral in the cast aluminum housing; cover does not have anything to do with the groove width.

View attachment 159984
So the groove is not made between the cover and the ridge shown in your photo... it's not visible in the pic?

Oh well, nice try but no cigar for me... :(
 

Philbert

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So the groove is not made between the cover and the ridge shown in your photo... it's not visible in the pic?
IMG_2985.jpg
This photo shows the groove better; it is part of the main casting. It sounds like Gun and his group are working on options.

Philbert
 

fearofpavement

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I realize this machine is in the early stages but I have .043, .050, .058 and .063 chains in my shop. A tool that only does part of these would have limited use. (to me) I don't actually use .058 much but do have a lot of .063 chain...
 
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