BAILEYSONLINE

Posted by: RON L. from IL on 06/09/2012

Rating:

Okay in the end all worked out; but I did have 2 issues; before I was able grind any chain. The first issue was the cast handle was broken on the first unit shipped to me; this was clearly due to the lack of packing material around the unit from the factory. I called Bailey's and they shipped a replacement back out to me the same day. Problem: "Bad Mfr's packing"; Solution: "Good customer service from Bailey's." The second issue was encountered while setting up the machine. The grinding wheel has some side run out around 0.050". Way too much for my anal retentive personality. So I removed the wheel and inspected it. It was not fractured or warped so the next was to indicate the shaft run out and end play, both were under 0.0005". Next I placed the flange on the shaft and using several washers in place of the wheel and outer flange indicated the flange face. Ta Da! There was my issue 0.003 to 0.005" runout. Okay I know where the issue is now what; what is the actual issue and how do I fix it. The inner flange is aluminum and has been machined to fix the shaft, but is a little looser than I would want it to be. The real problem is (see the drawing) the flange is machined with small radius on the bore and the shaft has no shoulder for it to fit on. So there is no mating surface for the flange to locate off of. My solution was to chuck the flange in my lathe, indicate the bore in and machine a mating chamfer to the shaft. Solution worked but this should not be an issue with a new machine. I do like the ability to grind outside in on both sides and so far the adjustments needed to swing from left to right seem simple enough however the guide finger does need some adjust for grinding to the same length. There is a fair amount of plastic on the machine. I think over time I will machine some metal replacements for parts that should be more rigid. I did build a base for it so I can move from place to place and just clamp to which ever bench is most convenient at the time for me. Over all I would give it a 3.5 out of 5; overall a good value for the money but the quality of some components should be improved. I think they will, mine was only serial number 200, the first unit was number 208. For a lower cost unit and a part-time cutter like me it is a serviceable unit.

144 people found this review helpful.

Posted by: GREG J. from UT on 02/15/2012

Rating:

I doubt I will ever be able to compare this with other nice grinders, because I love this one so much I don't ever plan to get another. This grinder is of such high quality that I feel I can get a perfect grind. I am calling my neighbors looking for more dull chains because I love using this so much. The built in light, the automatic chain clamping and the smooth operation make this a joy to run. I cannot imagine getting a better edge on my chain than I get with the MAXX. I am sure there are other great grinders out there, but this is certainly one of the greats.

167 people found this review helpful.

Posted by: ERICK W. from WI on 03/06/2011

Rating:

Ready to go as soon as it's mounted to a sturdy surface. Accurate and quick-can sharpen a chain in just a few minutes. But if you sharpen both sides of the chain with one set up you end up with burrs on the outside of the cutters on one side of the chain. No burrs requires two set ups just like other grinders. And take your time and remove as little material as possible from the cutter teeth-just like with every other grinder. But it takes some getting used to if you're used to hand filing. Instructions are not the greatest but the machine is simple and straightforward. Already sharpening chains for other people and I've only had the grinder for a week.

284 people found this review helpful.

Posted by: Jeff B. from NC on 03/02/2010

Rating:

I bought this unit after much deliberation between the Oregon unit with the hydraulic clamping and this one with an innovative mechanical clamping and I couldn't be happier! I admit I have a background in sharpening various woodworking tooling so figuring this unit out didn't take very long for me, even given the less than inspiring instructions they send with it (it took longer to find thru bolts to mount it down than it did to sharpen the first 2 chains). Actually, most chains sold today, such as Oregon & Husqvarna, have the specific angles listed on the boxes they are sold in so it's just a matter of matching the settings on the machine to the chain you're sharpening. I've always done an "acceptable" job sharpening a saw with a file but after using this machine for a half dozen chains, the file can stay in the box as far as I'm concerned. It's smooth, plenty powerful, simple, fast and produces a razor edge on everything it touches. It's build quality is such that I look forward to the many years of service I know it will provide me and I'm already getting interest from other people to sharpen their chains so the unit will probably pay for itself in a couple of years.

333 people found this review helpful.

Posted by: weisenbachers g. from A. on 11/26/2009

Rating:

This grinder has all the right features and enough power to run all day. Like one of the other reviews says worst set up and instructions I have ever seen. Nothing to guide you on wheel dressing shape, also you cant shift left to right or vice versa without re adjusting the amount of material to take off the chain. I am well experienced with grinders so I deal with it and the chains come out very true and sharp. My customers love the finished product and tell me the edge on chisel or semi-chisel is better than most sharpen jobs. I would like to know how to be able to switch left to right without extra adjustment. Over all very good rating, but cant say its for a novice operator.

307 people found this review helpful.

Posted by: jim b. from OH on 07/26/2009

Rating:

Seems to be a nice machine. The instructions are very bad in my opinion. They should have something online for setup and use like a video. I can't even find their website. I was going to buy the Stihl but also thought this would be just as good. I have always sharpened by hand. I cannot compare it to other grinders because this is the first one I have owned. I am going to throw my just sharpened chain on the saw and try it out. Again, very disappointed in the bad manual.

338 people found this review helpful.

Posted by: Creig H. from IN on 12/03/2008

Rating:

I bought one of these grinders off ebay over 5 yrs. ago long before I knew of Bailey's. It's great. More power and features than the Stihl one I was looking at and about 1/2 the money. This is a stout little unit the wheel doesn't stahl out on even 404 chain (not much 3/4" around here). Plus you get all the wheels to get you going included. I only have two negative remarks. 1 the light bulb in mine is Italian and you can't get it most places. (This might be different on the new ones?) 2 the chain stop that locates the tooth although made of steal is waring down. Both can be purchased through Bailey's or the manufacturer. After that many hrs. of use these small inconveniences are far over shadowed by the outstanding performance of this machine.

404 people found this review helpful.