Herb Grinders

Smelly Dog

Well-Known Member
I drop my grinder in iso for a few mins. Then give it a scrub with a tooth brush and dry with a paper towel. Doesn't take much at all to get it clean. It should not harm the grinder unless you have plastic parts. Those parts should be removed before cleaning with alcohol.


My 3pc SCS still looks brand new, the finish looks brand spanking new too, I soak my grinder in ISO and it hasn't hurt the finish at all. You are getting the same outcome I'm getting soaking the SCS, great results. I think I'll use a retired toothbrush I have to clean my grinder next time, thanks for the tip! :leaf:

I did add a tad of grinder grease I bought from puffitup.com, I used the discount code "puffedup", and the shipping was free. It's really not necessary, it does make the spinning of the grinder smoother though. http://www.puffitup.com/Grinder-Grease-Lube-for-your-Grinder-p/gg.grind-grea.htm

I posted quite an extensive review on the Gr8tr a few months back. Sorry the pics have disappeared I reorganised my photobucket and the links changed and I can no longer edit the post. If you would like to read the review, it is here:

Herb Grinders


Nice review, I love my new GR8TR solid body, I have only used the fine "vape" plate on mine so far.:tup:
 

Winegums

I make things from wood
Accessory Maker
My 3pc SCS still looks brand new, the finish looks brand spanking new too, I soak my grinder in ISO and it hasn't hurt the finish at all. You are getting the same outcome I'm getting soaking the SCS, great results. I think I'll use a retired toothbrush I have to clean my grinder next time, thanks for the tip! :leaf:
It makes sense that a tooth brush would be good for cleaning out grinder teeth hahaha.

I got fed up with Q-tips snagging on teeth and encountering tough spots that were hard to get at. I also didn't want to damage the finish on the grinder with a sharp tool.

Getting the grinder wet with iso then dipping your brush to get it wet will work for lighter duty stuff. I soak because my space case has a habit of getting material stuck in the upper corners of the lid and those are a pain to get off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

I'm still working on my Chomp Box and it's coming along really nicely. The design keeps getting simpler and costs should actually be lower than expected, (though still not cheap). I've decided on a cutting type similar to industrial metal shredders. It might take longer to grind your bud but it puts the cut material through far less stress by allowing it to expand immediately and fall into the collection tray.

I'm really considering designing a built in funnel or port on the Herb tray to make loading bowls and papers easier. I don't think a kief tray will be in the main design of this grinder, as the whole point of this grinder is to avoid generating kief.
 
Last edited:

SpeedDemon4

Member
Well I got my Kannastor today and let me tell you...It is well worth the wait. The thing grinds like a dream and the machining is top notch. I have a three piece and the GR8TR and I am in love, I dont think I will have a need to purchase another grinder for a long while. The SCS and compton will be going up for sale soon.

Pictures to follow!
 

Socks And Sandals

Well-Known Member
......................................
do you intend to reclaim the ISO after cleaning?---let it evaporate down to then get resin back to vape??

If not reclaiming I freeze unit to make material less sticky and then over clean paper brush/ scrape with guitar pick, etc to get what goodies I can and then:

I always use least invasive first, so wash in hot water and Dawn dish soap as you know that's not going to hurt anything.

Then just use brush and minimal ISO if spots need a little more. Quick brush and Dawn again. Rinse in hot water.

Others probably have their own ways too

Thanks so much for the quick responses. I'm sorry I didn't have the opportunity to reply yesterday. So what I'm understanding is to only use minimal ISO for the problem spots? I did plan on letting the entire thing soak for 30 minutes prior to beginning cleaning but If you think that isn't necessary, I'll try to use just some Dawn and an old hard toothbrush.

I don't know anything about reclaim but I don't think my grinder is dirty enough to get anything off it. I just really want to remove all the grime from the lips where the grinder spins and get the residue off of the threads.


Thanks @MinnBobber !

I drop my grinder in iso for a few mins. Then give it a scrub with a tooth brush and dry with a paper towel. Doesn't take much at all to get it clean. It should not harm the grinder unless you have plastic parts. Those parts should be removed before cleaning with alcohol.

Thanks for the advice. Does that plastic O ring just pull right off easily? I plan on getting to this over the weekend.

Also, I think it's safe to assume that using a 4 piece SCS upside down is what's causing all this grime build up on the outer top lip. I started grinding upside down 3 months ago and noticed how much the grime builds up compared to when just using this thing upright.
 
Socks And Sandals,
  • Like
Reactions: TommydCat

MinnBobber

Well-Known Member
. So what I'm understanding is to only use minimal ISO for the problem spots? I did plan on letting the entire thing soak for 30 minutes prior to beginning cleaning but If you think that isn't necessary, I'll try to use just some Dawn and an old hard toothbrush.
.....................................................
That's my method, to use Dawn first as that gets most off and then a little ISO if needed.

If there is a reasonable amount, I'd freeze to get material the "least sticky" and then invert over clean paper/dish and snap down/hit unit on plate to dislodge. Then "dry brush" upside down to get what your can.
Then Dawn as you're retrieved the easiest to get goodies. Remaining goodies take a lot more time and effort and materials.

ISO is fine for short periods. Many HAVE to use it to get reclaim as they soak and then dry/purge off all the ISO to get "reclaim". For me, it's a waste to use a lot of expensive ISO for just cleaning, unless needed.
So Dawn and then q-tip or toothbrush with ISO where needed conserves ISO.
 
Last edited:

Winegums

I make things from wood
Accessory Maker
So what I'm understanding is to only use minimal ISO for the problem spots? I did plan on letting the entire thing soak for 30 minutes prior to beginning cleaning but If you think that isn't necessary, I'll try to use just some Dawn and an old hard toothbrush.

I don't know anything about reclaim but I don't think my grinder is dirty enough to get anything off it. I just really want to remove all the grime from the lips where the grinder spins and get the residue off of the threads.

Don't bother with soap, the oils repel water and it might add a gross taste. Solvents are the answer to cleaning up organic messes. All that residue you're talking about is cannabinoid rich and it can be reclaimed by evaporating the solvent.

Alcohol and a tooth brush will work wonders on metal grinders.

Thanks for the advice. Does that plastic O ring just pull right off easily? I plan on getting to this over the weekend.

I have a space case but I assume they're using a Teflon ring just the same. It should slip off the grinder if you can get a thin tool under it. Even so Teflon is highly resistant to alcohol attack and it wouldn't harm it in the slightest to have a quick dunk.

Also, I think it's safe to assume that using a 4 piece SCS upside down is what's causing all this grime build up on the outer top lip. I started grinding upside down 3 months ago and noticed how much the grime builds up compared to when just using this thing upright.

Yeah, I have to use it upside down to get a finer grind which unfortunately wasn't thought of in the design. It's usually okay if I inspect the lid and remove anything before it's too compacted. I really really wish my GR8TR would arrive soon so I could just use a grinder as it is intended to be used. My prototype won't be ready for a while.

.....
ISO is fine for short periods. Many HAVE to use it to get reclaim as they soak and then dry/purge off all the ISO to get "reclaim". For me, it's a waste to use a lot of expensive ISO for just cleaning, unless needed.
So Dawn and then q-tip or toothbrush with ISO where needed conserves ISO.

IDK where you're getting your isopropyl alcohol but any medical supply will have 99% iso by the gallon for cheap. Drug stores should also carry 70% and 99% iso in 500 ml bottles for $5 or less, (ensure the only listed ingredients are isopropyl and water).
 
Last edited:

George1151

Well-Known Member
Gr8tr grinder with the jar design on the way. Should have it in a few days. I am using a crank grinder that has to used upside down and herb has to be double ground to get anything close to a medium fine grind. Will be used in a Haze. Also have a Vapir Rise but for than one the courser grinds work fine. Looking forward to trying what people seem to say is a quality product. Also be nice not to have to use upside down and mess around with double grinding.
 

max

Out to lunch
So what I'm understanding is to only use minimal ISO for the problem spots? I did plan on letting the entire thing soak for 30 minutes prior to beginning cleaning but If you think that isn't necessary, I'll try to use just some Dawn and an old hard toothbrush.
I wouldn't use soap of any kind. Some may be OK, but if the grinder is anodized some soaps can damage that coating. 70% ISO is not expensive and you can soak without using too much, but most grinders have an 0-ring and it won't take well to a solvent like alcohol. I usually take the ring off, clean it quickly with ISO and then rinse it with water. Where I live 91% ISO is readily available but costs more and offers no real advantage over the 70% solution. A toothbrush or other nylon brush is excellent for a cleaning utensil. Also cleaning frequently makes for a lot less scrubbing.
 

°k

The sound of vapor
Safety warning: if you decide to brush with ISO or any solvent wear glasses as scrubbing alcohol with energy might result in the brush sending alcohol in your eyes (especially if you don't see that well and need to take a close look at what you're doing (true story!)).
 

willieR

Been here since 2009
I haven't been here in a while. Please excuse my not reading the whole lovely thread. I used to have a couple of small micro-grinders. Lost them while moving. I have a couple of Space Case, but I like the finer grind for portable vape like the Pax or MFLB.

Is there a nice two-piece micro-grinder these days? I used to pre-grind big bud to a medium gring, then re-grind to micro

- Not crazy about the Magic Flite Grinder. Wood looks sloppy vs. Anodized Aluminum
- NewVape seems interesting but out of stock and silly expensive.
- GR8TR seems like more than I need, given I already have large grinders.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
willieR,
  • Like
Reactions: kellya86

Winegums

I make things from wood
Accessory Maker
I haven't been here in a while. Please excuse my not reading the whole lovely thread. I used to have a couple of small micro-grinders. Lost them while moving. I have a couple of Space Case, but I like the finer grind for portable vape like the Pax or MFLB.

Is there a nice two-piece micro-grinder these days? I used to pre-grind big bud to a medium gring, then re-grind to micro

- Not crazy about the Magic Flite Grinder. Wood looks sloppy vs. Anodized Aluminum
- NewVape seems interesting but out of stock and silly expensive.
- GR8TR seems like more than I need, given I already have large grinders.

Thanks!

The GR8TR vape isn't as costly as the fully loaded version and it comes with the finer grinding plate. I think this will suit your needs. Most grinders on the market are still designed for a rough grind ideal for combustion. Which unfortunately isn't what we need for vapes.

I look at a good grinder and vape as a long term purchase so the prices don't scare me.
 

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
biohacker,
  • Like
Reactions: kellya86

Winegums

I make things from wood
Accessory Maker
Completely disagree, perhaps it's what you need, but it depends on the vape and personal preference. And furthermore, you may want to read this thread:

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/pure-convection-to-grind-or-not-to-grind.9792/

Not everyone wants to clog their screens, destroy their lungs, or choke on the poor taste of such a finer grind. Everyone is different.
Little sensitive aren't you?

I wasn't replying to you or suggesting that everyone needs a fine grind. I was replying directly to someone else who prefers a fine grind.

Don't assume things next time and read into things too much.
 

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
Sensitive? More you like you being defensive? I understand you quoted, but the way you stated it was like a fact, that vapour requires a fine grind while combustion requires a coarse one. Touche!:peace:
 
biohacker,
  • Like
Reactions: kellya86

kellya86

Herb gardener...
Come on fellas

We are all friends here right....

Sometimes things get confused in translation, typing stuff is never the same as saying it, things get misunderstood and misinterpreted...

Let's all have a vape (course or fine), and get back to our intelligent discussions, with respect for each other....

Peace.....
 

Winegums

I make things from wood
Accessory Maker
Sensitive? More you like you being defensive? I understand you quoted, but the way you stated it was like a fact, that vapour requires a fine grind while combustion requires a coarse one. Touche!
Really?

You're the one that assumed, and replied with an argumentative post. You started this all and I'm the in the wrong for getting defensive?

SMH, this is what I get for trying to offer a little bit of advice. I'll make sure to not leave anything open to false interpetation and assumption for the future.

I'm not here to force my ideals on people. I'm here to share knowledge. I have no malicious intent.
 

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
I'll make sure to not leave anything open to false interpetation and assumption for the future.

THANK YOU. New members could have a bad impression when you make statements like you did. Much appreciated!

Most grinders on the market are still designed for a rough grind ideal for combustion. Which unfortunately isn't what we need for vapes.

Fine or coarse, it's all good! Coarse is just as ideal for vapes. Thanks!
 
biohacker,
  • Like
Reactions: Vaponly

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
That's why I said fine or coarse? They are both ideal for different people no? I prefer both?

You can't go wrong with a kannastor or SCS 2 piece in my opinion.... with the exception of perhaps getting it "too" fine? Even a space case 2 piece would serve you perfectly, or if on a budget, just a $5 acrylic will do the trick...many swear by the S&B 2 piece!
 
biohacker,
  • Like
Reactions: Vaponly

Winegums

I make things from wood
Accessory Maker
Fine or coarse, it's all good! Coarse is just as ideal for vapes. Thanks!
I don't appreciate you quoting things out of context.


Winegums- you feel the GR8TR is a really find grind?

I really wish I could comment on the GR8TR but it has yet to arrive. Others have described the grind to be finer or as fine as double grinding on their SCS or similar, with less material distress. I'm hoping this is the answer for those of us that prefer a fine grind or own a vape that needs a fine grind. This is why I suggested it to you as it fit all your conditions.

I'll be doing a side by side comparison with my Space case small Ti 4pc when I get the chance. I'm aiming to post it before 420 if I can.
 

MinnBobber

Well-Known Member
Expensive ISO? What are you using?

IMO the cost of ISO is nominal compared to anything else in this industry...
..........................................................................
Cost is just part of the equation. I prefer to not use a toxic chem, unless needed. I'd rather put Dawn down the drain instead of ISO.

Poster said he was not going to reclaim so for that I use Dawn which is a great grease and oil cutter.
For reclaiming, then I use 99% ISO which I find for about $10 a pint which I do find pricey, for soaking a big grinder in.
Toothbrush and ISO-----not so pricey ;)
 
MinnBobber,
  • Like
Reactions: willieR

willieR

Been here since 2009
Winegums- based on your great thoughts I bought the GR8TR Vape. Thank you. I am looking forward to the really fine grind that I much prefer in an oven vape like my PAX.

Regarding solvent, I keep 99% Iso around for general solvent needs around the house, as it's a safe solvent. For any of my weed paraphernalia however, I use 99% Everclear ethanol. Safe
 
Top Bottom