Bought the Kool-Aid, but . . .
I have been sharpening with a chain grinder for a number of years. Learned a lot of things; still open to learning more, Got pretty comfortable using conventional ('vitrified') aluminum oxide (AO) wheels, and with 'resinoid' wheels. But read many enthusiastic posts about CBN wheels, so finally broke down and bought a set of 1/8" and 3/16" wheels for my Oregon 511A grinder from Diamond Wheel, Inc. Used them on a few loops, and to twist a quote from 'Thelma & Louise', still haven't found out 'what all the shouting is about'.
Used them side-by-side with 'pink', 'brown', and resinoid wheels on similar chains, switching back-and-forth between loops. They definitely produce less dust than conventional wheels, and don't produce the smell that resinoid wheels give off. But they were not any faster, and the finish was not any better IMO.
Specifically, I am having a problem where they are more likely to raise the chrome plating right at the edge. I can dress the AO wheels if they do this, but not sure what to do with these CBN wheels. Is there a 'break-in' period? Do I need to dress them with that white stick when new? I have a call in to the sales office, but would be interested to hear from others if they have or have 'solved' this problem.
Philbert
