Opinions on Tecomec Compact grinder, or any other "cheap" ( sub. $200) grinder

[jk14]

Ok so I'm looking for opinions on a cheap(under $200) round grinder. I've decided it's time to buy a grinder for my rocked/ sod cutter chains, that are too beat up for filing. I know this topic has been discussed but I'm having a tough time deciding.

The one grinder that I'm leaning toward is the Tecomec compact (11369000) for $189. However I've seen quite a few that really like the oregon knock offs that are about $100. Just curious if anyone has any experience with the Tecomec and if it's worth the extra dough vs. the Chinese knock offs.

Any other opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jakethesnake]

Bump

 

[Khntr85]

I can't speak on the grinder you are mentioning...

I got a nice usg with 6-8 wheels for $400 few weeks back....

I mean if you ain't in a hurry, my suggestion is seek out a usg for a reasonable price and have the "best" made grinder....

You can also find good used Oregons

I also have an Oregon 520, works fine!!!

 

[Icepick69]

I have a round grind with reversible switch.
I'll sell it if you want it.

 

[Wilhelm]

I wasn't sure whether I'd like ground loops and I got me a cheap supermarket grinder, was like 40-50$.

It turns out I like my chains better round filed rather than round ground and my grinder is 99.8% of the time just occupying a spot on the shelf sitting it it's original box.
I bought the grinder several years ago, considered selling it a few times - but as You noted, a cheapo grinder can come in handy for saving f-ed up chains.
Recently I used the grinder to reshape the rakers on my current TriLink work loop, came in really handy.

I can live with a 50$ grinder collecting dust, I'm not so sure I'd feel the same about a 200+$ grinder though!

Just to point out that there are even sub 100$ options out there.
Will You win any contests with one of those?
No.
Will it take off rocked out sections of a chainsaw chain tooth?
Yes.

The very rare occasions I use my cheap grinder to actually grind the cutters I tend to follow up with a round file without even using the ground loop first after grinding!

 

[Khntr85]

See he just pointed out a great point....I have a cheapo grinder that a guy gave to me, I believe it to be a harbor frieght type....well you "can" get a cutting chain from it, but all in all, I would only use it for really rocked chains now...

There is absolutely no comparison to the cheapo and a good Oregon or a Stihl USG....

I guess I have always been the type to say, if I am going to do it, might as well go all in...

My advice,(probably not worth much), get the best grinder you can afford....it will save you time, heart ache, and money....

If you are in Indiana, you can come try the Oregon 520 and the usg....hell I would give you the harbor frieght on, LOL..

 

[jk14]

Well I went ahead and ordered the Tecomec compact grinder for $189 with free shipping. I figure it'll pay for itself inside of a year vs. paying my local dealer $10/chain. I'll post up some pics. when it gets here.


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ggvMAc&usg=AFQjCNFyLBl0qz4usWTjkfZsNoi50SA6gQ

 

[jakethesnake]

Well I went ahead and ordered the Tecomec compact grinder for $189 with free shipping. I figure it'll pay for itself inside of a year vs. paying my local dealer $10/chain. I'll post up some pics. when it gets here.


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ggvMAc&usg=AFQjCNFyLBl0qz4usWTjkfZsNoi50SA6gQ

Give us a review boss. I'm sorta considering one myself

 

[jk14]

Give us a review boss. I'm sorta considering one myself

Will do, it should be here Tuesday. This will be my first attempt at a grinder so I'll have nothing to compare it to. I'm sure there will be learning curve here as well but I'll definitely let you know what I think of it.

 

[jakethesnake]

Will do, it should be here Tuesday. This will be my first attempt at a grinder so I'll have nothing to compare it to. I'm sure there will be learning curve here as well but I'll definitely let you know what I think of it.

I hear on some of those it's a fair idea to lay a new chain on it and adjust the wheel to it. I assume the degree numbers are sometimes a tad bit off. But if you use the new chain as a guide that'll let you memorize where to set it for an uneven chain. Look forward to your review man

 

[Khntr85]

Yes try and make your chain look like a new one....of course it won't look excactly the same,(that would be impossible without the same machine they use)....you can get a chain to cut as good as new, it's all up to how much effort you want to put into it....

Tips....keep wheel dressed and shaped.....use taps....do not take much materiel off at once...set up machine so it's as "zeroed" as you can possibly get it....go slow, don't rush and it's a good addition to the team


You can see pages and pages of chains, tips, and different techniques in our grinder thread...I would read threw it, may save you a lot of time and headache..

 

[Sierrawoodsman]

I have the old tecomec type 185 mini grinder. I picked it up used on craigslist for $25. Came with two new wheels. It's a little underpowered and lacks adjustability, but it still works great. The good thing about having an "under powered grinder" is that you seldom burn a cutter.I primarily use it set to 35° for keeping the gullets cleaned out on my Square chain. Does a beautiful job of that.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Icepick69]

I have the old tecomec type 185 mini grinder. I picked it up used on craigslist for $25. Came with two new wheels. It's a little underpowered and lacks adjustability, but it still works great. The good thing about having an "under powered grinder" is that you seldom burn a cutter.I primarily use it set to 35° for keeping the gullets cleaned out on my Square chain. Does a beautiful job of that.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I shop for the cheapest also. Cheaper the better

 

[jk14]

My new tecomec grinder came in today. I had some time to put it together and play around with it a little. Seems to be a pretty well built solid machine.

I wish I had the more expensive oregon and a cheap knock off to compare side by side with this one. Although I can't make a direct comparison with the cheaper machine, one thing I like about the Tecomec is the fact that parts are available if needed.

Anyway after assembling the machine i had a little time to give it a go. So I put a new stihl 33rs chain in the vice to eyeball the angles and ended up at 30° and 55°. Next I put a one of my rocked chains on the machine, set the chain and head stop and away we go. I think it turned out pretty well for the very first chain. I guess the only way to find is set the rakers and put it in wood.

 

[jk14]

Pics. of the first attempt. Any opinions/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[jk14]

Some side by side pics. with new 33rs on the right and my first ground chain on the left.

 

[Homemade]

I know you purchased yours already but, I bought the lime green timber tuff model. It's a Chineese Oregon knock off but it works for me. I payed $99 and put a $99 cbn wheel on it. That made a huge difference over the pink wheels it came with.

My biggest complaint is the chain stop. It's poorly designed and always loosens up and walkes off the side while doing a chain. And the chain won't grind equal lengths when switching sides. Always have to address the length when switching sides.

My advice is take your time. I'll take two or three laps on one chain just taking a small amount each time. Don't adjust your cutter length any shorter mid way around. That will help keep them all the same length. I also don't do the, "bring down the grinder and push it into the cutter". I bring the head straight down and if the doesn't touch the cutter, then I take another lap.

On a mildly used chain I find a grandberg style file guide to be the same time to sharpen but for anything beyond that, I'll grind it.

I also mounted mine on a piece of angle iron and put it in the vice. Then I can put it on the shelf when not using it and I'm not taking up the precious bench space.


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[Khntr85]

Some side by side pics. with new 33rs on the right and my first ground chain on the left.

Good deal...

Let us know how she cuts for you....

Also what wheel sizes came with the grinder

 

[jk14]

I hear on some of those it's a fair idea to lay a new chain on it and adjust the wheel to it. I assume the degree numbers are sometimes a tad bit off. But if you use the new chain as a guide that'll let you memorize where to set it for an uneven chain. Look forward to your review man

Good deal...

Let us know how she cuts for you....

Also what wheel sizes came with the grinder

It came with 3 pink Tecomec branded wheels ( 1/8", 3/16", and a 15/64" for rakers). I do plan on getting a 3/16" diamond/ CBN wheel once I get my skills dialed in.

I put the first chain on the 064, filed the rakers and made a few test cuts....me likey. Just have to see how it holds up.

 

[Khntr85]

Sounds good man...if you like it now, wait til you get more aquatinted with it....you will make little tweaks here and there, and you will be very happy with the results...

I still think most people that are put off my grinders are the ones that use it like a chop saw, or have had a shop burn their chain severely....