OLD MATE (formerly Medgrind)
- Thread starter Timps27
- Start date
delta hotel
Well-Known Member
My top is bare and I have the original design without the cuts to help remove anything, but I don't find I need them. I like that my bottom says:
OLD MATE DESIGNS
FOUNDERS EDITION
003/120
PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTRAILIA
You can't see it unless you look at the bottom, but it also takes me back to coming home to it waiting in my mailbox after I had been in the hospital 2 weeks to find I had the 003/120 and being excited. It was a nice surprise after a hellish period.
I'd be lying though if I said I didn't want another with something cool engraved in the top.
conj
New Member
I didn't even know mine was coming without engraving. Only when I came to post here did I realise what was going on. Either way I'm still super happy with it.
Shit Snacks
Milaana. Lana. LANA. LANAAAA! (TM2/TP80/BAK/FW9)
Yeah mine only has the founders edition engravings on the bottom, top is bare, love it! May have to do a custom spiral like engraving for the top when I get a second one...
Singularity Walker
Well-Known Member
Ben's broken engraver is going to cause all new requests in the future.
I really like the clean top but I would have been proud to be able to hold it up and show an engraved bottom.
AndyO
Well-Known Member
Especially when people like me will like end up owning multiple versions of the same grinder.
I love this version without any engraving... but I kind of want to get an engraved version too when they're available again.
666Honeybadger
Unknown member
OMD-Donut featuring fluffy "Durban Poison"!
My cup of cookie!
My cup of cookie!
Singularity Walker
Well-Known Member
The new bearing is reasonable. Now a few from my Alieexpress orders have arrived I can say the new bearing was the most quiet of the bearings I've tried being near silent. It would not win any speed or spin time awards though.
Razzle_N_Dazzle
Well-Known Member
We need a spin duration test. It's very important. Let it rip
Singularity Walker
Well-Known Member
For me, neither the SKF that came pre-installed or the one with the puller really spun very well. Maybe 10 seconds tops on a free spin. Dead silent and smooth though.
The 2 others I have far exceeded it in spin time.
The cheap ceramic put over 90 seconds consistently but was way too noisy for me to use. Not magnetic.
The hybrid I have in now puts 60-70 seconds consistently and only a mild whir. Still magnetic.
I really want to know if I order one in the future, can I request a clean no engraving top like this. So nice I'd even pay the custom engraving fee for it.
The 2 others I have far exceeded it in spin time.
The cheap ceramic put over 90 seconds consistently but was way too noisy for me to use. Not magnetic.
The hybrid I have in now puts 60-70 seconds consistently and only a mild whir. Still magnetic.
I really want to know if I order one in the future, can I request a clean no engraving top like this. So nice I'd even pay the custom engraving fee for it.
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someTooL
Well-Known Member
My SS OMD and bearing puller arrived today. At least I think it is, it’s naked! Not going to lie, I was a little surprised to say that I really like it this way, super sleek. I wasn’t expecting it to arrive till after the new year. I really think the maker sent these out rush shipping without branding for the holidays 
I am extremely satisfied with the first few grinds of different strains. No matter my moisture difference, all came out the same. Not the perfect word, but fluffy kind of almost perfectly hand torn look/feel.
The build of this grinder is precision unlike any other grinder I have owned. And heavy, like a toe breaker heavy lol. And razor SHARP cutting teeth.
I could not understand love of the bearing until now. Yes, I’m spinning that thing continuously as it now sits proudly upon the desk.
I am extremely satisfied with the first few grinds of different strains. No matter my moisture difference, all came out the same. Not the perfect word, but fluffy kind of almost perfectly hand torn look/feel.
The build of this grinder is precision unlike any other grinder I have owned. And heavy, like a toe breaker heavy lol. And razor SHARP cutting teeth.
I could not understand love of the bearing until now. Yes, I’m spinning that thing continuously as it now sits proudly upon the desk.
AndyO
Well-Known Member
My SS OMD and bearing puller arrived today. At least I think it is, it’s naked! Not going to lie, I was a little surprised to say that I really like it this way, super sleek. I wasn’t expecting it to arrive till after the new year. I really think the maker sent these out rush shipping without branding for the holidays
I am extremely satisfied with the first few grinds of different strains. No matter my moisture difference, all came out the same. Not the perfect word, but fluffy kind of almost perfectly hand torn look/feel.
The build of this grinder is precision unlike any other grinder I have owned. And heavy, like a toe breaker heavy lol. And razor SHARP cutting teeth.
I could not understand love of the bearing until now. Yes, I’m spinning that thing continuously as it now sits proudly upon the desk.
Yeah, I'm no longer sure that I'm a grinder fiend... I think maybe I just hadn't found the right grinder. I like my MightyRoos too, which are also Australian, but the Aroma-3 is other level in slicing through bud, I've never experienced anything like it.
I typically prefer a 4 piece grinder, and would buy a 4-piece OMD on day one if they became available - but this is so good it's worth not having the kief catcher.
Singularity Walker
Well-Known Member
While I really like the spinner aspect, my favorite part of the Aroma-3 is the grind.
I've got a large BCG, Pukk, Flowermill, Forever Grinder, and a bunch of old cheap grinders.
Not a single one gives a reliable consistency across all the matter in a grind usually having some bigger and some smaller bits.
Aroma-3 the grind has so far been very consistent with all the ground matter being made of relatively the same size bits. A nice fluffy grind a bit on the finer side of a medium, like a fine-medium.
BTW - the blank top is infinitely entertaining. I've drawn on \ decorated it then cleaned it off twice already just to watch different patterns spin.
If I could buy an XL Aroma-3 with an engraved bottom and clean unengraved top, it would be an instabuy.
Edit: Here is a complaint. I've pinched myself a few times putting the top parts onto the bottom when they didn't align right but the magnets still pulled them together. The BCG closes easier but closing isn't the primary purpose of a grinder.
I've got a large BCG, Pukk, Flowermill, Forever Grinder, and a bunch of old cheap grinders.
Not a single one gives a reliable consistency across all the matter in a grind usually having some bigger and some smaller bits.
Aroma-3 the grind has so far been very consistent with all the ground matter being made of relatively the same size bits. A nice fluffy grind a bit on the finer side of a medium, like a fine-medium.
BTW - the blank top is infinitely entertaining. I've drawn on \ decorated it then cleaned it off twice already just to watch different patterns spin.
If I could buy an XL Aroma-3 with an engraved bottom and clean unengraved top, it would be an instabuy.
Edit: Here is a complaint. I've pinched myself a few times putting the top parts onto the bottom when they didn't align right but the magnets still pulled them together. The BCG closes easier but closing isn't the primary purpose of a grinder.
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suds_n_buds
New Member
First time poster! Hello everyone -- got my Aroma-3 the other day and like some of you was surprised to see no engraving! Not too upset, although I wish it was engraved on the bottom with "Old Mate Designs" and "Made in Australia," but that's okay -- I want to keep an eye out for a 4 piece and will request engraving when that eventually happens. The grinder arsenal now includes a Kannastor GR8TR, SCS Medium, Herb Ripper, and a BCG... definitely didn't need the Aroma, but ya'll know how it is 
Have only put a couple grams through it so far, but the grind is def on the finer side of medium. Super fluffy!!! It's impressive - looking forward to seeing what else Ben comes up with in the future! Cheers!
Have only put a couple grams through it so far, but the grind is def on the finer side of medium. Super fluffy!!! It's impressive - looking forward to seeing what else Ben comes up with in the future! Cheers!
Singularity Walker
Well-Known Member
AROMA-3 just put another big notch in the why I like it column. My back is bad today, so was doing a mix of some very brown CBD and some very green THC herb.
With every other grinder I put a nug of each in, grind, then still have to mix the herb up.
However, when I opened the AROMA-3 after grinding, it was quite clear that the herb was well mixed already. No extra effort required on my part.
With every other grinder I put a nug of each in, grind, then still have to mix the herb up.
However, when I opened the AROMA-3 after grinding, it was quite clear that the herb was well mixed already. No extra effort required on my part.
AndyO
Well-Known Member
Hey mate, I hope I can ask a couple of questions - I was one of the people who requested (and loves!) my unengraved Aroma-3 so it got here before Christmas. I'm already looking for an excuse to buy a 2nd one, this time with engraving. (I also didn't realise I needed the tool, so why not spend another $200 while making an order!)
- do you have any leftover stock of any different colour bearings? A left over yellow or purple or something (+ engraving) would get me over the line. (Happy for you to surprise me if you can find something that isn't black.)
- otherwise - and I'm sure you get asked this all the time - are there plans to release a 4-piece version? The way the Aroma-3 slices through bud would, I think, make it really conducive to a keif catcher. That would be my other excuse to buy one I think.
- I got my first one with a magnet - would you get the 2nd one with or without? Will it spin for longer without a magnet, or is the magnet purely functional in holding the lid on? Is the difference between lids enough to justify 2 different grinders?
Cheers mate, no rush on a reply.
Razzle_N_Dazzle
Well-Known Member
You might be better off emailing him directly rather than replying to his comment here.
I haven't recieved mine yet but I hear the 3 piece is super heavy for a grinder. I can't imagine how heavy a 4 piece would be. In another post of his he lists his plans for 2024 and a 4 piece was not a part of it. Right now he seems to be focusing on other things like an XL version and fine/course grind plates.
I was also curious about any left over colored bearings. I mentioned it in the notes of my order that I'd be interested in getting one if possible.
Also IMO, it wouldn't be worth getting a whole extra grinder just for the magnet alone. If you wanted another one for the engraving, or a different grind plate in the future when they are released, that is more worth it.
conj
New Member
I ordered mine the day before the site changed to black bearing only, it arrived with the black installed and the blue bearing I asked for was with the bearing puller.
Side thought, I used to skate back in the day, has anynody tried bearings made for skateboards? Bones, etc
666Honeybadger
Unknown member
For sure!
The colored ones that were included originally actually are skateboard bearings iirc? (Lickety splits by Better Bearings i think.)
And i also bought a couple in a skate shop as spares (MOTO bearings deluxe).
Edit: i ended up using an all white ceramic bearing, mainly for convenience because it can be submerged in alcohol for cleaning. Maybe not the best looker but sure spins like a champ!! Easily outspins all the other bearings i've tried.
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Razzle_N_Dazzle
Well-Known Member
I'm sad I was late to the party. I would've loved to get a founders edition grinder. It's so cool.
vapviking
Old & In the Way
Kinda proud of mine, 11 months in and still flawless. I've cleaned 3X, only once removing the bearing using some mechanic sockets and a woodworking clamp. But I do plan to get the puller and swap out for a ceramic bearing sometime.
I tried to catch the beautiful swirls on the top (they are on the bottom as well). They are simply milling marks, but in a beautiful mandala-like pattern.
Scratches, for me, only enhance the all-business look of this grinder.
Old Mate, indeed!
I tried to catch the beautiful swirls on the top (they are on the bottom as well). They are simply milling marks, but in a beautiful mandala-like pattern.
Scratches, for me, only enhance the all-business look of this grinder.
Old Mate, indeed!
666Honeybadger
Unknown member
Kinda proud of mine, 11 months in and still flawless. I've cleaned 3X, only once removing the bearing using some mechanic sockets and a woodworking clamp. But I do plan to get the puller and swap out for a ceramic bearing sometime.
I tried to catch the beautiful swirls on the top (they are on the bottom as well). They are simply milling marks, but in a beautiful mandala-like pattern.
Scratches, for me, only enhance the all-business look of this grinder.
Old Mate, indeed!
Hey, founders edition unite!!!
Number 21 checking in!
Still like my number for its symmetry 021/120
Had some green bits stuck to it so gave it a rubbing for the picture! Came out pretty unscratched to my surprise since it's used all the time but i do tend to keep it on it's own little placemat
Also have the bear top! Still happy with that look, my bearing could look funkier but it sure spins funky!!
edit: spelling
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vapviking
Old & In the Way
Great number symmetry!Hey, founders edition unite!!!
Number 21 checking in!
Still like my number for its symmetry 021/120
Had some green bits stuck to it so gave it a rubbing for the picture! Came out pretty unscratched to my surprise since it's used all the time but i do tend to keep it on it's own little placemat
Also have the bear top! Still happy with that look, my bearing could look funkier but it sure spins funky!!
edit: spelling
Reminder, in US, New Year's eve is 12-31-23.
My #56 is special, pretty specific to me as it was my Draft Lottery number from the original drawing in Washington in 1969. Almost got me a ticket to war in Viet Nam. I was very fortunate and failed the physical exam (a high school football knee injury), they didn't want me!
It was Ft Hamilton, Brooklyn, a stone's throw from Whitehall Street.
Just like Arlo Guthrie, at the end I sat on a bench waiting to see the specialist.
"Mother raper's!!! Father stabbers!!... Father rapers!"
Now, my grandchildren wonder why I cry along with the song every year...
Thanks folks, for indulging me. Now, let's get back to vaping!