OLD MATE (formerly Medgrind)

[Shit Snacks]

Nvm, they just use a weaker barring now. Damn that sucks. I guess I'll have to buy another one myself. I think the manufacturer should offer the grinder with no bearing if we have to stump up the cash for a semi decent one ourselves. It would save us money in the total cost

If I recall correctly, it's not weaker, in fact it may even have been more expensive, and maybe lasts longer with less maintenance...

 

[Jon345]

NTN black bearings I have go about 5 seconds. The blue one I got first goes 15 or so seconds

Seems like old mate downgraded the bearings then...

 

[RedZep]

If I recall correctly, it's not weaker, in fact it may even have been more expensive, and maybe lasts longer with less maintenance...

Oh, that's a good trade off then imo.

 

[volcano]

I think it was a combination of spinning resistance and tolerance to limit rocking

 

[Gorf]

I think it was a combination of spinning resistance and tolerance to limit rocking

I agree. All else being equal a longer spinning bearing often has looser tolerances and/or less "preload." I don't need my OMD to spin for a fortnight, I just want that bearing to prevent metal on metal contact between the pieces.

It really is a luxury grinder.

 

[mcscruffy]

If I recall correctly, it's not weaker, in fact it may even have been more expensive, and maybe lasts longer with less maintenance...

This is it. The NTN bearing is smoother and higher quality, just doesn't spin very long. It will outlast the others he's used but honestly any bearing in these should last a lifetime.

The suggestion of selling without a bearing as an lower cost option is interesting though and I think there would be enough interest from people not me to move some volume.

 

[Omegatron]

A lot of higher quality bearings come prepacked with grease at a fill rate of about 60%. If you want it to spin longer, just use a razor blade on the inner diameter of the seal, pop it out gently. Clean the bearing out with ISO and pop the seal back in. Any quality bearing w/ the inertia of the SS will spin for a long time after that. Ben is using top quality bearings

 

[BushRanger]

At the time the other option was the NTN bearing?

This is it. The NTN bearing is smoother and higher quality, just doesn't spin very long. It will outlast the others he's used but honestly any bearing in these should last a lifetime.

I went with NTN bearing when Ben was still having them. They didn't perform well, not spinning correctly when grinder was not loaded and pressure applied, rather only inner circle of bearing was spinning around the grinder post center, creating friction. Sometimes even with loaded grinder bearing didn't spun as it should. Some oil might help but still...
Ben then happily sent 2 replacement bearings, bearing press, and a titanium pipe...free of charge! Excellent customer service!