So as I ponder chippers you guys and gals get to answer all my annoying questions

[southsoundtree]

Those handheld sharpeners really help dulling blades before changing.

I used to pay $1/inch of blade sharpening, dropped off at a hardware store. I found a different one at $0.50/inch.

Seems they are about the same as planer blades, as sharpening goes.

 

[tc262]

Just make sure whoever is doing your blade sharpening that they use a grinder with coolant. If not they will take tempering out of the blades if they get to hot.

 

[monkeylove]

Just make sure whoever is doing your blade sharpening that they use a grinder with coolant. If not they will take tempering out of the blades if they get to hot.

Lol, who ever gets my regrinding has no idea the microscope their work will be under.

 

[southsoundtree]

I'm sure that's true TC.



Seems that locally every Ace Hardware and these 2 other Builder's Supply are drop off/ pick up points for pro sharpening services. Latest one is 3-4 day turn around.




Always good to have a sharp set of blades and spare anvil on hand. You dull the chipper when you need it most.


P.S. beware the groundie who want to load the small rakings into the truck with the chipper.

 

[SuperK]

I scoured the net for an hour or so looking for a picture and only found one very poor showing of the set up. The fab work seems like it would be fairly easy for either method. @SuperK was going to fab a hydraulic lift set up for his bandit as well, I'm not sure if he has gotten to that project yet or not. The worst part will be the valving I think. The good thing is with bandits wheel design simple cuts eliminate most of the need to lift the wheel especially on a small machine.

I kinda like Royce's idea of lifting from the chute. I'm not sure what your springs are like, but mine are very easy to disconnect making the slide box almost liftable by hand on that unit. I really wish I could find a picture of the tounge jack set up as it is super simple.

I never did, I think bandit sells kits you can plug and play!

 

[southsoundtree]

http://tcia.org/TCIA/News/Membership/Bandit_Announces_Rope_Shear_Devices_for_Hand-fed_Chippers.aspx

No idea of the cost. fyi

 

[flyingsquirrel25]

http://tcia.org/TCIA/News/Membership/Bandit_Announces_Rope_Shear_Devices_for_Hand-fed_Chippers.aspx

No idea of the cost. fyi

When I bought my 1390 (with it on it) the sales man said they were coming out with a retrofit version that was going to be between 3-5K.

 

[southsoundtree]

Ouch!


Frank, might of been mentioned, a brush/log cart mount on the chipper is useful, while your fabricating. Also, a ladder mount might be helpful. A spot that accommodates a chain and padlock, too.

My arbor trolley and folding- plywood screen straps to my chipper. Very convenient, and doesn't take up truck space.

 

[monkeylove]

I got a Stein in my cart along with blades, anvil, nuts, bolts, Accusharp, and a spare blades box. Just have to get off my wallet. I've been waiting to get the chipper kinks worked out. Something is funky with the carb/governor linkage setup. I have plenty of carb left but currently get stopped about 1900 rpm. I would like to see that closer to 2500 for this little 4 banger.

 

[Jeff]

a brush/log cart mount on the chipper is useful, while your fabricating. Also, a ladder mount might be helpful. A spot that accommodates a chain

A bench vise. Awesome for saw sharpening.

 

[monkeylove]

A bench vise would be useful. Maybe a couple tubes for a rake and broom also.

 

[monkeylove]

Readjusted the governor and carb linkage this afternoon. 1200 free idle, 1000 engaged, 2500 full power engaged, 2700 full power no disc. Governor opens the carb when engine is loaded to regain rpm quickly then throttles down to 2500. Success!!!

 

[96coal449]

And I can see spring at the end of the tunnel!

 

[monkeylove]

Well until tomorrow when we are supposed to get 4-8 inches of snow. 64 degrees today, snow tomorrow, 53 by Saturday. Crazy weather.

 

[96coal449]

Yea were getting the same up here. Crazy is right. I wish it would stay one way or the other. This weekends tree work plan are probably shot now. I get the plowing too stay busy at least. Then more mud ....

 

[CTS1999]

Readjusted the governor and carb linkage this afternoon. 1200 free idle, 1000 engaged, 2500 full power engaged, 2700 full power no disc. Governor opens the carb when engine is loaded to regain rpm quickly then throttles down to 2500. Success!!!

Careful engaging the clutch at 1200 rpm. All of my chippers say not to engage or disengage above 1000 rpm. Will cause premature clutch failure.

 

[monkeylove]

Careful engaging the clutch at 1200 rpm. All of my chippers say not to engage or disengage above 1000 rpm. Will cause premature clutch failure.

I've read that but with this old Herc motor and updraft carb I don't get much choice. I tried 1000 but it stalls like crazy unless you spends forever engaging the clutch. At lower rpm there is no bumping it, it is a good 1 minute of slow clutch pressure. Seams less abusive to run a little high rather than dragging the plates for that long.

Thx for the warning though.

 

[flyingsquirrel25]

Careful engaging the clutch at 1200 rpm. All of my chippers say not to engage or disengage above 1000 rpm. Will cause premature clutch failure.

I agree. Every chipper I have used says not to engage the clutch above 1000 RPM. Even the brand new 1390 I got the end of last year..... But it idles at right around 1200 RPM...... The sticker says one thing but reality is different. I think bandit/the clutch people need to reevaluate what their stickers say. Lol

Also I wonder if the difference in gas vs diesel has an effect on the clutch when engaging (maybe less torque allows for higher rpm). I haven't had a chance to ask the tech about it yet, it's funny how they take your money and then they are impossible to reach.

 

[monkeylove]

So there seems to be a pattern with chipper knife prices. The Zenith is always about $10 bucks cheaper than the Knife Source brand. Is there any real difference in their quality. It looks like both are made with A8M steel.

 

[monkeylove]

Well I guess I'm keeping it now. I just ordered knives, anvil, hardware, and an accusharp. The current ones don't look bad and it certainly chips, but it never hurts to have a new set ready to go.