Herb Grinders

[bizwaxzion]

You sold me, @MoltenTiger. Thanks for the rec.

I like that the aluminum is a bit stronger than most other premium grinders, and they advertise how the ceramic wont break or chip. Would you or anyone know which ones sold on Amazon are real? The prices seem to be all over, from $50 to $100+ for the same ones.

Edit: seems like the only authorized retailer on Amazon for SLX is from the seller "Uncle Max" (http://slxgrinders.com/info/) A couple of users here did report of the coating coming off though, which makes me a bit wary
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/herb-grinders.15/page-311#post-1099235

I bought my SLX from seller Uncle Max on Amazon - but it's cheaper from puffitup (with "puffedup" discount code).

 

[babaganush]

It's similar to your Space Case predicament, it just occurs slowly over time, or rapidly if it's scratched (some bud is impossible to grind, and it can put some serious stress on the grinder, the super strong metal holds up no worries, but the thing with non stick stuff is it's hard to adhere it down, so it breaks away if it's scraped with enough force and from something hard enough. Metal tools can't be used with it. The teeth have no chance to get ruined by the herb, but the outside metal rim can get destroyed by itself.

Damn, I was hoping it wouldnt have the same problem as my SC. I am personally trying to reduce any extra pollutants in my vape ritual and it just doesnt seem like the perfect grinder for me exists. I mean it seems every grinder on the market will eventually degrade over time with regular use, and I just wouldnt know where to draw the line. Sure I can baby the grinder like you said (clean it after every use, etc), but I dont think Ill keep up with the responsibility.

Until someone makes the first super hard coating free grinder, perhaps I should find an alternative, maybe freeze the herb and crush em with something blunt. Anyway, I very appreciate your informative and helpful response!

 

[MoltenTiger]

Damn, I was hoping it wouldnt have the same problem as my SC. I am personally trying to reduce any extra pollutants in my vape ritual and it just doesnt seem like the perfect grinder for me exists. I mean it seems every grinder on the market will eventually degrade over time with regular use, and I just wouldnt know where to draw the line. Sure I can baby the grinder like you said (clean it after every use, etc), but I dont think Ill keep up with the responsibility.

Until someone makes the first super hard coating free grinder, perhaps I should find an alternative, maybe freeze the herb and crush em with something blunt. Anyway, I very appreciate your informative and helpful response!

Yeah fair enough. I think perhaps the plain metal Mendo Mulcher is worth a look, they also have anodised finishes which are chemical based but would be better non-stick. But the plain metal is 6000 series Al and won't be worn down by herb over time.
There's also the New Vape fine grinder which has a bare metal option

 

[babaganush]

But the plain metal is 6000 series Al and won't be worn down by herb over time.

Is it confirmed that plain 6000+ Al wont wear down over time? Is it durable enough to withstand scrapes against the top and bottom teeth? I think thats probably what caused the chipping on my SC, but it also seemed the metal underneath the paint was starting to chip too. I'll definitely check them out, much appreciated.

 

[MoltenTiger]

Is it confirmed that plain 6000+ Al wont wear down over time? Is it durable enough to withstand scrapes against the top and bottom teeth? I think thats probably what caused the chipping on my SC, but it also seemed the metal underneath the paint was starting to chip too. I'll definitely check them out, much appreciated.

I'm pretty sure the Mendos are tried and trusted in terms of long term use.
They will occasionally need a clean with some alcohol, but I'm pretty sure they won't wear down. They also have a full lifetime warranty.

Looking at your pic again, it does seem like the metal has begun chipping too, which is not very good at all.

I've dropped my SLX from 1.5m to solid rock teeth down, and it barely even marked it. I think the SLX is the only grinder available with 7000 series alloy, so it is extremely tough. But I've heard good things about Mendo, just doubt they'd survive a fall like the SLX

 

[Boreus]

Hey guys, Im a bit concerned. I've had this 2pc Space Case grinder (i dont know if its aluminum or TI) for a couple of years now, but I only now noticed some peeling or chipping around the edges of the sharp tips (the silver parts), seen here:

Im not sure how long Ive had this problem for. Is this normal for a high quality grinder to do this at any point in time? Or would only a fake have this problem? Is there any trusted brands that wont have any sort of paint chipping or filing down?

My SCS did a similar thing, at least it started like that and got kind of worse. I contacted them and they told me that it had to be from misuse and offered me a 20% discount on a new grinder....

 

[C No Ego]

EEK way too many fucking teeth!!!
One would have to break up their shit into the size of BB's just to fit it in the lid of the grinder.

I cannot count how many times the grinder industry regresses, just for the sake of releasing an "innovative and new product." Looks like a headache to pack and a TON of surface areas to collect residue and require cleaning.

I like the company Mendo, but not this grinder... No thank you.

if it won't fit I just sit the herb on top of the teeth and start to go down on it with the top piece. it usually starts to grind and I line it up once the metals meet

 

[babaganush]

I'm pretty sure the Mendos are tried and trusted in terms of long term use.
They will occasionally need a clean with some alcohol, but I'm pretty sure they won't wear down. They also have a full lifetime warranty.

Looking at your pic again, it does seem like the metal has begun chipping too, which is not very good at all.

I've dropped my SLX from 1.5m to solid rock teeth down, and it barely even marked it. I think the SLX is the only grinder available with 7000 series alloy, so it is extremely tough. But I've heard good things about Mendo, just doubt they'd survive a fall like the SLX

If the Mendos is the same metal as the SC, Im sure It will eventually meet the same deterioration as my SC. I really wish SLX offered a plain metal version of the 7000 series alloy without the coating and coloring. Maybe I'll send them a message if that could be a custom option.

My SCS did a similar thing, at least it started like that and got kind of worse. I contacted them and they told me that it had to be from misuse and offered me a 20% discount on a new grinder....

Damn, good to know. Someone on reddit recently posted about how their coating was rubbing off their SCS after cleaning it with a bit of iso--they offered him the same discount and told them to take the story off any social media.

I think that grinder companies should put a more emphasis on the safety of their product. We see people often scrutinize vape companies for using questionable parts in their airpaths, but most people dont think about how their grinder may be adding potentially harmful metals and chemicals to their ritual before they even put it in a bowl. I and many others would pay top dollar for a grinder that uses very solid medical grade metals (7075 T6 Al or greater), no harmful chemicals and anodization, and design measures to reduce metal on metal friction, but so far I dont see any that exists yet. I guess the grinder market is still in its infancy

Edit: just found this, seems interesting, a "surgical" stainless steel grinder: http://johannesgumprecht.de/ I cant find where I can buy one though... until then it may just be the ol scissors in a shotglass method

 

[MoltenTiger]

If the Mendos is the same metal as the SC, Im sure It will eventually meet the same deterioration as my SC. I really wish SLX offered a plain metal version of the 7000 series alloy without the coating and coloring. Maybe I'll send them a message if that could be a custom option.



Damn, good to know. Someone on reddit recently posted about how their coating was rubbing off their SCS after cleaning it with a bit of iso--they offered him the same discount and told them to take the story off any social media.

I think that grinder companies should put a more emphasis on the safety of their product. We see people often scrutinize vape companies for using questionable parts in their airpaths, but most people dont think about how their grinder may be adding potentially harmful metals and chemicals to their ritual before they even put it in a bowl. I and many others would pay top dollar for a grinder that uses very solid medical grade metals, no harmful chemicals and paint, and design measures to reduce metal on metal friction, but so far I dont see any that exists yet. I guess the grinder market is still in its infancy

Mendo use 6061-T6, I've heard of multiple people who are happy with them years down the line, so I think it should hold up long term with normal use.
Space Case just say they use 'aircraft grade' it might be the same, but it seems likely it's inferior seeing as your grinder is chipping and Mendos apparently barely scratch

there's nothing wrong with a nice set of scissors. Definitely takes more time and effort, but you can get your perfect grind consistency easily enough.
I much prefer a good grinder though, it contains it all, makes it quick and effortless to prep a mix, offers a bowl to hold ground material and serve from, and I enjoy having kief on hand too. But really sharp scissors are nice to have on hand too.

if it won't fit I just sit the herb on top of the teeth and start to go down on it with the top piece. it usually starts to grind and I line it up once the metals meet

I think the fine grind is totally worth the extra teeth, this guy crams 5.3g into it and manages a lovely yield. I'd never grind that much at once, but it seems easy enough, if there's a will there's a way

 

[babaganush]

Mendo use 6061-T6, I've heard of multiple people who are happy with them years down the line, so I think it should hold up long term with normal use.
Space Case just say they use 'aircraft grade' it might be the same, but it seems likely it's inferior seeing as your grinder is chipping and Mendos apparently barely scratch

there's nothing wrong with a nice set of scissors. Definitely takes more time and effort, but you can get your perfect grind consistency easily enough.
I much prefer a good grinder though, it contains it all, makes it quick and effortless to prep a mix, offers a bowl to hold ground material and serve from, and I enjoy having kief on hand too. But really sharp scissors are nice to have on hand too.

You're right, I cant find anything about what specific metals SC uses, they seem a bit discreet about their materials. I just assumed SC would use 6061-T6 because of the price and I thought it would be sort of a standard, but perhaps not...

As far as scissors go, Id prefer to use them if there really is no other alternative. I did find another 100% stainless steel grinder, and this time its actually available to buy right now:

http://www.wackywillysweb.com/proddetail.php?prod=boomersgrinder..

This might be my answer, even though its only a 2 piece. Cant really find much on it though.

 

[MoltenTiger]

You're right, I cant find anything about what specific metals SC uses, they seem a bit discreet about their materials. I just assumed SC would use 6061-T6 because of the price and I thought it would be sort of a standard, but perhaps not...

As far as scissors go, Id prefer to use them if there really is no other alternative. I did find another 100% stainless steel grinder, and this time its actually available to buy right now:

http://www.wackywillysweb.com/proddetail.php?prod=boomersgrinder..

This might be my answer, even though its only a 2 piece. Cant really find much on it though.

there was a bit of interest in the stainless boomers grinder on this thread a while back, I believe the verdict was that it was disappointing. Might have just been a rough grind... can't remember I'll see if I can dig it up

Here you go, seems there's a design flaw

 

[babaganush]

there was a bit of interest in the stainless boomers grinder on this thread a while back, I believe the verdict was that it was disappointing. Might have just been a rough grind... can't remember I'll see if I can dig it up

Here you go, seems there's a design flaw

Well thats a bummer, thanks for letting me know! I also just now discovered the Lift Innovation grinder (https://lift-innovations.com/collections/grinders). It is made out of anodized 6061-T6 AL, but it uses a SS blade over a sifting disc, so I dont see how there can be any chipping, scratching or metal on metal contact. I still need to look into it but now this may be the one!

 

[MoltenTiger]

Well thats a bummer, thanks for letting me know! I also just now discovered the Lift Innovation grinder (https://lift-innovations.com/collections/grinders). It is made out of anodized 6061-T6 AL, but it uses a SS blade over a sifting disc, so I dont see how there can be any chipping, scratching or metal on metal contact. I still need to look into it but now this may be the one!

bit of info here about that one too.
Coarse, uneven grind. Lots of cleaning, and it needs to be dissembled to do it.

here's a pic of a Mendo after a couple of years, seems the teeth have held up although it's pretty dirty

I guess you can try a new metal option, and also replace it once it's degraded. Mendo or SCS should last longer than Space Case at least.

 

[babaganush]

bit of info here about that one too.
Coarse, uneven grind. Lots of cleaning, and it needs to be dissembled to do it.

Honestly I dont even mind if the grind consistency isnt perfect, as long as I feel confident knowing theres no unwanted substances in my herb after its all over. I usually take my herb to a Magic Flight finishing grinder after anyway.

Your Mendo has held up really well! I will look into this grinder as well, thank you.

 

[MinnBobber]

Have you grinder folks tried experimenting with a quality tweezer and twisting off tiny individual calyxes?
IMO, this is least disruptive to those delicate goodies and the flavor is really true. Most vapes can fully extract or you can vape partially and then easily crush the dry pieces for a last complete extraction.
Note that my tweezer with non-stick replaceable tip will last forever....

 

[biohacker]

Have you grinder folks tried experimenting with a quality tweezer and twisting off tiny individual calyxes?

It's the only way I roll now. I have found that grinding ruins flavour too quickly. Not grinding is like an entire new world of vaping IMO.

 

[babaganush]

Think twice...I had one of these and for me the issue was the blade gumming up.

How fast does it gum up and how does that affect the grind experience? I mean it doesnt seem that difficult to take out and put in iso every once in a while to me.

Have you grinder folks tried experimenting with a quality tweezer and twisting off tiny individual calyxes?
IMO, this is least disruptive to those delicate goodies and the flavor is really true. Most vapes can fully extract or you can vape partially and then easily crush the dry pieces for a last complete extraction.
Note that my tweezer with non-stick replaceable tip will last forever....

I actually thought you were being ironic at first until I saw Biohacker's comment. Does this not take a long time to do? I mean it seems doable, but I would imagine it take a very long time if you want to go through a big session.

It's the only way I roll now. I have found that grinding ruins flavour too quickly. Not grinding is like an entire new world of vaping IMO.

Hmm, I never thought about grinding ruining flavor. Why do you think that is?

 

[MinnBobber]

I actually thought you were being ironic at first until I saw Biohacker's comment. Does this not take a long time to do? I mean it seems doable, but I would imagine it take a very long time if you want to go through a big session.

..........................................................................................................
I'll race ya
It actually is much quicker than grinding unless you are doing a really big session. Open JyARZ where bud sits in alum foil partial jacket, gently remove, twist & drop calyx into chamber, twist and drop, twist and drop etc. Tiny for micro loads or bigger twist-offs for big loads.
VS get out the grinder, place buds in it, twist and shout, empty into container, move from container into chamber, etc.

And @babaganush --

Hmm, I never thought about grinding ruining flavor. Why do you think that is?

Grinding ruining flavor may be a wee bit of a stretch BUT:
... what's going to leave those delicate trichs and goodies intact better, a gentle twist and tiny whole structure goes into chamber OR perform a thousand separate chops/cuts/shreds to the delicate flowers and then put that into chamber??

Ground bud will certainly extract quicker as now there are thousands of tiny exposed bits but for full and complete/natural /true flavor.
You can easily experiment.

I ended up with Vetus brand med grade tweezer with ceramic tip for non-stick element.
Different strokes , just another option for vaping-----options are always good

 

[asdf420]

How about hemp plastic if you're worried about residue? "good performance" shouldn't matter so much for microdosing with a medium to coarse grind? and hopefully it would result in getting effects more efficiently than not grinding
I just have a cheap "gstar" 3 piece unknown metal grinder from amazon..

 

[babaganush]

..........................................................................................................
I'll race ya
It actually is much quicker than grinding unless you are doing a really big session. Open JyARZ where bud sits in alum foil partial jacket, gently remove, twist & drop calyx into chamber, twist and drop, twist and drop etc. Tiny for micro loads or bigger twist-offs for big loads.
VS get out the grinder, place buds in it, twist and shout, empty into container, move from container into chamber, etc.

And @babaganush --


Grinding ruining flavor may be a wee bit of a stretch BUT:
... what's going to leave those delicate trichs and goodies intact better, a gentle twist and tiny whole structure goes into chamber OR perform a thousand separate chops/cuts/shreds to the delicate flowers and then put that into chamber??

Ground bud will certainly extract quicker as now there are thousands of tiny exposed bits but for full and complete/natural /true flavor.
You can easily experiment.

I ended up with Vetus brand med grade tweezer with ceramic tip for non-stick element.
Different strokes , just another option for vaping-----options are always good

That makes sense, I appreciate the recommendation. Flavor aside, I still prefer very fine grinds, because I like to increase the surface area to get the most out of my bowls.

It began gumming up immediately. The minute the blade drags through a couple of buds performance begins to decline. Also there is a tendency once things are gummy and that is fast if your buds are sticky, for small buds being pulled under the chamber area and blade. I will put this another way, I could not get rid of it fast enough. I like to clean my grinders very frequently. The Lift grinder was just too much work for me to love.

There is a reason this grinder did not take over the world.

That sucks to hear, but I still might prefer grinding and having to clean it out once in a while vs using scissors or tweezers to grind my herb every time. Then again id save $100 using the tweezer method. Ill try it out for a while and see if I can get used to it.

How about hemp plastic if you're worried about residue?

What do you mean by this? Hemp plastic grinders?

 

[biohacker]

That sucks to hear, but I still might prefer grinding and having to clean it out once in a while vs using scissors or tweezers to grind my herb every time. Then again id save $100 using the tweezer method. Ill try it out for a while and see if I can get used to it.

TBH I mostly just pick apart the buds with my fingers now. But IMO there is a time and a place for all variations of grind consistencies, from the very fine to the ultra coarse, but I will always prefer unground over anything else. Like my diet and lifestyle, I like my herb as unprocessed as possible!

 

[babaganush]

Like my diet and lifestyle, I like my herb as unprocessed as possible!

Definitely a respectable position. If I had the opportunity I wouldnt even vape altogether--edibles all the way when it comes to unprocessed and healthy choices.

 

[asdf420]

What do you mean by this? Hemp plastic grinders?

Non-toxic plastic like hemp plastic or PLA without additives... probably a complete joke. might be ok for coarse..

the Cycle looks nice.

 

[supremedepoulet]

Currently using the S&B grinder, i would like to find something more durable and less plastic.
I was looking the NewVape grinder, but for 50$, I dont know it is worth it ?

 

[JCharles]

Currently using the S&B grinder, i would like to find something more durable and less plastic.
I was looking the NewVape grinder, but for 50$, I dont know it is worth it ?

Get a Super Wepon II unless you really need a fine grind.

The SWII is the perfect medium coarse grind most vapes do well with.

And the vapes that prefer a fine grind will need less cleaning with something chunkier.

One other note, with a 4 piece for medium coarse, grind right side up and don't shake the grinder. A fine grind can be achieved holding the grinder upside down and giving it a bit of a shake with the included kief coin.


Basically an SWII can do it all - has a lifetime warranty - and @InterplanetaryTanner is a stand up forum member!!