Herb Grinders

partially veiled

Lo Boob Oscillator
Indeed, great review Spiral. Thanks for taking the time. Nice pictures as well. The grind quality really looks even, that's a big plus. It looks perfect for using with a whip vape, but I'd probably still want it smaller for the PD. Did you say you took the two top chambers (the full grinder portion of the piece), removed them from the body and ground the second load extra fine, then replaced the top portion on the bottom to produce keif? If so, do you just mean you picked used the grinder top upside down--so that the herb material didn't fall through the holes onto the floor or whatever--and then ground for longer than you normally would have, resulting in a still even but finer grind?? I've done the same thing with my Kelly's grinder, and I fin it works well. The only problem I had was that the KGP pieces are milled with sharp edges, and I've literally cut myself on the seams once or twice...so holding it upside down and putting pressure on one of those seams is not convenient or fun. I find the smaller KGP grinder more forgiving when used in this fashion.

Anyway, did you have a hard time putting the grinder portion back on the bottom portion after you'd done your grinding? It wasn't shedding herbs when you flipped it? Did you have to turn it again once it was mounted to empty the grinding chamber? Sorry for all the questions, I just plan to use my SC in the same way...those holes looked big, and will be using it for creating both SSV and PD sized grinds.

Finally, that sound is a little worrisome. It's bound to happen to some degree, but hopefully not an extreme degree...maybe that's why SM was thinking about lubrication? Is it that the grinder is just milled in a super tight way or something, or do you think it's the coating? max, ILR, SM???


Edit: Ah okay so maybe it's just a little bit of squealing from the deflowering? We're all entitled to that, and in fact it just adds to the excitement. :brow: Eww, just report back to us after some use, I suppose that's the best bet. :lol: It would still be nice to hear other people talk about their experience with this grinder, though.
 
partially veiled,

SpiralArchitect

? & beyond
I remember max talking about how the mixnball was 'noisy' too. It's the metal lip on the edges, which is why I think a rubber gasket could provide a solution... thing is, where do I find one of those? lol Shouldn't be too hard? I think....


Anyways, a lot of ?'s indeed. I'll try to answer it, them.... :lol:

Yeah, I just take the top 2 pieces (the teeth) stick in a nug, and grind it up. The little 'grips' on the side make this possiblie, otherwise too much torque is required and your fingers slip. I like to grind mine for a good minute or so, get it basically flakes, at least for PD time.

Yep, then just screw it back on (easy peasy) and twist her a few times, everything falls through.... not sure how effective it is at collecting kief, but I could really care less, and I don't use the 'dime trick', since I like a grinder for it's main purpose; grinding.



I use to own one of these back in the day, traded it for a sack...

grinder-electric-herb.jpg


They were kinda fun actually. I think I'm going to order one later for keep's sake. :)
 
SpiralArchitect,

partially veiled

Lo Boob Oscillator
Oh yes, the battery powered grinder. My friend had one of those, buzz buzz chop chop, did the job well. In a way that sort of reminds me of the good days, so to speak...ah when times were simplier...Anyway, I don't like plastic too much (I believe you share these sentiments :p). No real danger of the blades shaving off anything, but you'll probably loose some of the sticky stuff. That's why I like the keif grinders...I feel like it keeps everything contained, and while you're still bound to loose SOMETHING at least you probably loose less than you would if you were grinding over a table top or something...anyway, keif FTW. I miss it. I think these "non-stick" anodized grinders could potentially be bringing something worthwhile to that battle, as well...but I'll wait until I get mine to pass judgement.

BTW, for some reason, from your first description I was picturing you placing the grinder back on the base of the unit while it was on the table or whatever, instead of picking up the base of the unit and screwing it back onto the grinder BEFORE putting it all down and spinning it again. :lol: D'oh, my vaporizers are certainly doing their job tonight! Anyway, I was probably thinking this because with the small KGP, my only grinder at the moment, I have been using this "use the top two pieces of your four piece upside down" method, and then just dumping the grind on my big collection plate...I haven't used the bottom two pieces of that particular grinder at all yet :shrug:

Here is another question for you though Spiral, since they're rolling tonight. I noticed the MNB has a plain, flat bottom in it's keif tray. This is in contrast to the Mendos "ridged" bottom; you know what I mean? I'm talking about how the aluminum is etched out in very fine ridges. Is yours milled in this way?? I can take a picture if you need to see what I'm saying, as they haven't hit the mail just yet, but I think if you have the same design in the keif tray you'll know what I mean. It's just like the MM has all over the rest of the body: fine grooves or ridges. Anyway, the point is I've felt like this was a keif trap, and like I would prefer something more like the flat bottom on the MNB (SC also has these flat bottoms, it seems).

Your opinion??
 
partially veiled,

SpiralArchitect

? & beyond
My opinion?

I'm so baked.... :p

Yeah, my Mendo has those microscopic ridges... I use this triangle tool, identical to Space Case's, to collect my kief. Nothing is really trapped...

Since we are on a roll indeed.... :cool:



Those ridges? Ya, no worries.

The MixNBall is smooth as a babies bottom if that makes any difference.


Oh ya, that lil pouch that came with it... makes a nice hat;

2e51seh.jpg


:lol: What are those dudes that ride around in tiny cars and wear those little red hats like Abu the monkey?
 
SpiralArchitect,

partially veiled

Lo Boob Oscillator
I believe you're thinking of the Shriners (at least, that's what we call them up here), and the hat is a fez. Awww, you're PD is going the night nights! How cute! :lol: That's one velvety soft grinder pouch...fancy.

Well now, that IS a tasty pile of keif. I didn't have the same thick plastic scrape you have, and I DID have problems getting keif out of my Mendo. Your grooves seem pretty damned clean though, and that's a blonde, fat stash. I like it. Anyway, I got a green guitar pick with my Mendo...it is nice, but it's way too flimsy to make a good scrape. It looks pretty though...it's green. :shrug: I find there are a few spots in the Mendos design the accumulate keif, however. That grey ring on the screen really threw me...I felt like I lost a lot there. I could sort of take it up using my finger, but then it's the same as pressing my finger on the table after busting up, or whatever...I'm definitely breaking glands and loosing the resin on my fingers. This is why I like the design of the SC and the MNB, where they have the chambers which slope gently to meet evenly with the screen. It looks from your pictures like there are some cracks in that meeting place, as you've mentioned they might be worrisome and a collection point. From vtacs pictures of the SC though it looks like a pretty seamless connection...more investigation??
 
partially veiled,

max

Out to lunch
greenganja said:
Nice review Spiral, thanks for sharing. I've never owned a Mix N Ball grinder before. In the past I would have normally looked past the Mix N Ball foolishly assuming that since it wasn't in the same price range as a Space Case that it must not be very good. Nice to see that it's possible to get a nice three or four chamber grinder that works like a charm at a price that is rather kind on the pocketbook. :peace:
I've posted this before, but just to make sure it's clear-the MB designer is kind of obsessed with coming up with the 'ultimate grinder' as far as both performance and convenience (but there are always tradeoffs when you attempt this), and he's working on the next version now. The Classic Screen is a traditional design, but the Double and Triple Screen grinders are currently 'oddballs of the industry'. The bottom section (kief collector) is held on with the same two small magnets that hold the top. Makes it easy for the bottom to come off if you're not careful. It adds versatility, which I appreciate. The screens are also removeable. But a lot of people (especially the stoned ones ;)) had trouble keeping the bottom on during grinding. Personally, I find it just takes an awareness of the design and the proper grip. But he had enough complaints so that he came out with a $5 'upgrade' to turn the bottom into the traditional screw on design. It's a 'press on' piece and more or less permanent once you press it on (takes some force). It also isn't the same material as the grinder (lighter weight and shiny). Personally, I don't like it and I will stay with the magnetized bottom for the versatility it offers. The removeable screens (I only use one at the time) also have the drawback of offering considerably less area than the typical screen, and that's because they're removeable. So the Double and Triple (both the same size-Triple is a little deeper) are very different in design from the Classic and other brands. You have to be aware of the differences and appreciate them, otherwise it'll be a disappointing buying experience. He does have videos on the MB site, showing each grinder being taken apart.


partially veiled said:
Finally, that sound is a little worrisome. It's bound to happen to some degree, but hopefully not an extreme degree...maybe that's why SM was thinking about lubrication? Is it that the grinder is just milled in a super tight way or something, or do you think it's the coating? max, ILR, SM???
It's the anodized coating. The sound is just metal against metal. It's not the squeaky 'skin crawling' sound you get from a regular aluminum grinder that needs cleaning. I prefer a silent grind myself, but 5-10 seconds of noise is no big deal for me and just isn't an issue. I like the no scratch finish and it does seem to stay cleaner longer than bare aluminum.
 
max,

stonemonkey55

Chief Vapor Officer
Manufacturer
SA - great review! So if I am understanding thsi correctly, do I keep grinding until everything falls thru the holes? I was grinding, taking the cap off, dumping the contents, then unscrewing and dumping out more contents. They way you made it sound (I could have read wrong) is that you keep grinding till everything falls thru, then just open it up to get all the goodies out?

I plan on grinding a bunch over the weekend to get rid of that squeeky sound, like you said, it's not a big deal, but quieter would be nicer!
 
stonemonkey55,

max

Out to lunch
do I keep grinding until everything falls thru the holes?
I do. I find it doesn't take long at all and the holes don't clog up (unlike my oldest grinder, which has small holes :/ ). If you load pieces that have thick stems I can see it having trouble with the lumber to some extent.
 
max,

stonemonkey55

Chief Vapor Officer
Manufacturer
Awesome, that was the part I needed some clarity on and if this is the case, then I don't think it's any tougher to use at all. I was grinding, opening up what was left, dumping that out, then unscrewing the grinder to get the rest that fell thru the holes. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.... (insert bad joke)

I will be happy including this into my ritual
 
stonemonkey55,

vtac

vapor junkie
Staff member
Nice writeup, Spiral (and pictorial)! Tons of great discussion here. :)

do I keep grinding until everything falls thru the holes?
Another thing you can do is tap the sides of the grinder a few times after grinding and repeat a few times. Helps to knock stuck pieces down the holes or into the path of the teeth.
 
vtac,

stonemonkey55

Chief Vapor Officer
Manufacturer
Another thing you can do is tap the sides of the grinder a few times after grinding and repeat a few times. Helps to knock any stuck pieces down.
If only I was into studying hedge funds as I am learning about all the different facets of this culture! I'd be Warren Buffett!

I've never been so excited to go home and grind!
 
stonemonkey55,

vtac

vapor junkie
Staff member
Soon you'll be Keif Rich ards.

sm55 said:
Anyways, just reading this thread made me realize my 1 inch, generic shredder is the weakest link in my vapor set up.
And you called yourself a vapor snob. :p :D

Toys are fun!
 
vtac,

bongoman

Well-Known Member
do I keep grinding until everything falls thru the holes?
And if the grind is too coarse, you can turn the unit upside down and grind to the desired consistency.

Although you probably want to take off just the top two pieces of a screen grinder before doing this so that kif and ground herb doesn't fall back through.
 
bongoman,

max

Out to lunch
bongoman said:
do I keep grinding until everything falls thru the holes?
And if the grind is too coarse, you can turn the unit upside down and grind to the desired consistency.

Although you probably want to take off just the top two pieces of a screen grinder before doing this so that kif and ground herb doesn't fall back through.
And this is an area where the magnetized bottom section on the MixnBall Double/Triple comes in really handy. Just pull the bottom section off and turn the grinder upside down. Then just slap it back on and turn until the magnets line up. :D Then, remember to hold it properly when you return to grinding. Tradeoffs. ;)
 
max,

vtac

vapor junkie
Staff member
A threadless magnetized ground herb section could be nice considering how often it's accessed. Guess that would be tricky to pull off, magnet placement wise. Maybe some other locking mechanism. Fine line between convenience and laziness. :lol:
 
vtac,

SpiralArchitect

? & beyond
What about a locking mechanism you see on prescription bottles? Push down and turn to open.... it's about a 30 degree turn ( I just tested one)...

Makes me want to design the worlds best grinder and just blow everyone out of the market.... :/
 
SpiralArchitect,

stonemonkey55

Chief Vapor Officer
Manufacturer
And you called yourself a vapor snob. tongue biggrin

Toys are fun!
Oh man, I am busted! :lol:

I went home at lunch, did a few extra grinds, shook the grinder and all the medicine ended up in the chamber below. I am a happy man! one of the best 30 dollar investments I've made!

SA - you have found your calling, if you make one, I will buy one 4 sure!
 
stonemonkey55,

jklasd

Well-Known Member
instead of reading this 14 page thread, i got a question. i bought a wood steel peg grinder a while back because i heard from multiply people that pieces of metal would get shaved off the grinder and into your bud. is there any truth to that, because from the post i skip through most of you guys seem to have 3-4 piece metal ones and you get kief which i dont, as its only a 2 piece.
 
jklasd,

jklasd

Well-Known Member
cnc'ed?
any brands that are tried and true that i should check out by my fellow vaporists?
 
jklasd,

jx80

Well-Known Member
Chromium crusher vs Sharpstone, which one would you pick? Saw reviews for both but not sure which one to go with.
 
jx80,
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