ZAM Grinder
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seriousTone
Well-Known Member
I saw a bunch on the website.
TigoleBitties
Big and Bouncy
Just got the black aluminum full mag. I like the feel of it and the weight of the top piece. Grinds quite nicely and consistently. One thing you do need to watch for is to make sure your pieces of bud aren't too tall and near the very edges of the grind area. These pieces may crumble and can spill out before the magnets snap shut.
Cacahuates
Well-Known Member
My full mag is so nice but one thing I've encountered is my thumb on the top piece slips a lot and makes contact with one of the blades when I open it. I'm clumsy and they are sharp! Haven't cut myself yet but be sure to take care when opening.
TigoleBitties
Big and Bouncy
I've had the white gasket (friction slider?) from the top piece pop loose for the first time. I put it back and so far it's staying there but I'm concerned if you grind a bit rough or your fingers slip - not sure what moved it yet- then this can come loose again. Anyone else had this happen?
Bakin4Life
Oink
I have done this (just got mine a few days ago), and you're right -- it'll instantly make you wish it hadn't happened. Even worse for me, I also managed to inadvertently open the bottom section and spill about half of the contents in my lap / on the floor.
The obvious (?) cause was too much applied force to the (now-empty) top section. I had placed four smalls around the perimeter, so had a little force applied as I was grinding. And I tend to start grinding horizontally, but switch to vertical once the top / bottom are closed (better ergonomics)
Anyway... as the top section empties, less force is needed, of course.
I'm still researching
but as you know, the experience is not one you want to duplicate on a regular basis. For the record, I'd been using a BCG for a little less than a year, when I got the Zam as a backup / travel unit.
Oh... and one thing I've done... *remove* the white teflon ring to *increase* friction on the top side. There's a LOT of difference between top magnet ring strength and the bottom one (much stronger). When you think about it, it's good for the bottom one to be strong(er), so I'm not necessarily knocking that.
I've found that ring can be removed fairly easily (teflon, and it's technically an 'anti-friction', but I'm also the type of person that knows 'anal-retentive' is hyphenated )
Actually, when I got mine (in a vendor box; doubt that Vgoodiez opened it, either)... it had a spare black o-ring in a plastic bag, and I (accidentally) found out there were TWO teflon gaskets -- IIRC, *both* were installed on the grinder (I remember being surprised to find them stacked).(you may want to see if you have twin gaskets as well - ?)
With both installed, I think Zam could give an Aroma3 a run for it's money, in that it spins freely. *Too* freely, IMO. I immediately packed one away, and have gone with that -- until I gouged my finger as @Cacahuates mentioned, above. Now, I've temporarily removed the ring entirely, to increase the friction and see if that helps me with my 'herculean'
efforts to make this grinder one that I'll keep / use. As I write this post, I realize that I *should* use this grinder 100% for a time, to give it a more thorough evaluation than I already have. But my daily driver is an Anvil, and frankly, I love loading the oven from that magnetic center post in my BCG. Guess I'll have to take one for the team...
Cacahuates
Well-Known Member
What a plate are you using for the bcg and how does it compare to the zam for the anvil?I have done this (just got mine a few days ago), and you're right -- it'll instantly make you wish it hadn't happened. Even worse for me, I also managed to inadvertently open the bottom section and spill about half of the contents in my lap / on the floor.
The obvious (?) cause was too much applied force to the (now-empty) top section. I had placed four smalls around the perimeter, so had a little force applied as I was grinding. And I tend to start grinding horizontally, but switch to vertical once the top / bottom are closed (better ergonomics)
Anyway... as the top section empties, less force is needed, of course.
I'm still researching
For the record, I'd been using a BCG for a little less than a year, when I got the Zam as a backup / travel unit.
Oh... and one thing I've done... *remove* the white teflon ring to *increase* friction on the top side. There's a LOT of difference between top magnet ring strength and the bottom one (much stronger). When you think about it, it's good for the bottom one to be strong(er), so I'm not necessarily knocking that.
I've found that ring can be removed fairly easily (teflon, and it's technically an 'anti-friction', but I'm also the type of person that knows 'anal-retentive' is hyphenated )
(you may want to see if you have twin gaskets as well - ?)
With both installed, I think Zam could give an Aroma3 a run for it's money, in that it spins freely. *Too* freely, IMO. I immediately packed one away, and have gone with that -- until I gouged my finger as @Cacahuates mentioned, above. Now, I've temporarily removed the ring entirely, to increase the friction and see if that helps me with my 'herculean'
As I write this post, I realize that I *should* use this grinder 100% for a time, to give it a more thorough evaluation than I already have. But my daily driver is an Anvil, and frankly, I love loading the oven from that magnetic center post in my BCG. Guess I'll have to take one for the team...
I only use a course grind in my bcg but I find the grind from the zam (a bit finer) works great for the Anvil.
The thumb slip is purely user error on my part. I'm glad someone else hulks it like I do.
Bakin4Life
Oink
I'd been using a coarse plate for the longest time, until recently. Now I'm using the fine plate (don't have a medium), as I kinda discovered the same thing -- 'fine' appears to be better than coarse, in the Anvil. Another reason I like the BCG, of course -- interchangeable plates. 
Between the Zam's default plate and the BCG 'fine'... I kinda like the Zam's a little bit better, so far. The BCG's holes can get clogged, depending on the flower strain. But I need to use the Zam for a bit before I can say this conclusively. I think (?) the Zam's holes are a tiny bit bigger.
And, yeah... I'm not suggesting the Zam is 'faulty'. But I place a high value on ergonomics & product refinement, especially at this price point.
I will say... I didn't have a learning curve with the BCG (nor is it perfect, either).
Between the Zam's default plate and the BCG 'fine'... I kinda like the Zam's a little bit better, so far. The BCG's holes can get clogged, depending on the flower strain. But I need to use the Zam for a bit before I can say this conclusively. I think (?) the Zam's holes are a tiny bit bigger.
And, yeah... I'm not suggesting the Zam is 'faulty'. But I place a high value on ergonomics & product refinement, especially at this price point.
I will say... I didn't have a learning curve with the BCG (nor is it perfect, either).
Cacahuates
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the comparison!I'd been using a coarse plate for the longest time, until recently. Now I'm using the fine plate (don't have a medium), as I kinda discovered the same thing -- 'fine' appears to be better than coarse, in the Anvil. Another reason I like the BCG, of course -- interchangeable plates.
Between the Zam's default plate and the BCG 'fine'... I kinda like the Zam's a little bit better, so far. The BCG's holes can get clogged, depending on the flower strain. But I need to use the Zam for a bit before I can say this conclusively. I think (?) the Zam's holes are a tiny bit bigger.
And, yeah... I'm not suggesting the Zam is 'faulty'. But I place a high value on ergonomics & product refinement, especially at this price point.
I will say... I didn't have a learning curve with the BCG (nor is it perfect, either).
TigoleBitties
Big and Bouncy
I did try removing the teflon ring and I didn't love the experience of the magnet-on-magnet friction. Felt a bit too stiff and I wonder if they're any long term effects of years of friction on a magnet?I have done this (just got mine a few days ago), and you're right -- it'll instantly make you wish it hadn't happened. Even worse for me, I also managed to inadvertently open the bottom section and spill about half of the contents in my lap / on the floor.
The obvious (?) cause was too much applied force to the (now-empty) top section. I had placed four smalls around the perimeter, so had a little force applied as I was grinding. And I tend to start grinding horizontally, but switch to vertical once the top / bottom are closed (better ergonomics)
Anyway... as the top section empties, less force is needed, of course.
I'm still researching
For the record, I'd been using a BCG for a little less than a year, when I got the Zam as a backup / travel unit.
Oh... and one thing I've done... *remove* the white teflon ring to *increase* friction on the top side. There's a LOT of difference between top magnet ring strength and the bottom one (much stronger). When you think about it, it's good for the bottom one to be strong(er), so I'm not necessarily knocking that.
I don't know if my gasket got slightly stretched when it first came off but having it stay in place is a bit suspect at the moment so I'm not thinking of stacking them. Pretty sure it only came with one installed.I've found that ring can be removed fairly easily (teflon, and it's technically an 'anti-friction', but I'm also the type of person that knows 'anal-retentive' is hyphenated )
(you may want to see if you have twin gaskets as well - ?)
With both installed, I think Zam could give an Aroma3 a run for it's money, in that it spins freely. *Too* freely, IMO. I immediately packed one away, and have gone with that -- until I gouged my finger as @Cacahuates mentioned, above. Now, I've temporarily removed the ring entirely, to increase the friction and see if that helps me with my 'herculean'
I'm learning that to get the best out of the Zam, I place low-height nuggs (the lower profile the better) starting at the center of the grind area and then I put the other nuggs in a circular patter around the center nugg, staying away from the edge of the grind area.As I write this post, I realize that I *should* use this grinder 100% for a time, to give it a more thorough evaluation than I already have. But my daily driver is an Anvil, and frankly, I love loading the oven from that magnetic center post in my BCG. Guess I'll have to take one for the team...
If nuggs are too close to the edge, flower can spill out the sides and if they're too tall, the teeth won't line up nicely when turning. I'm careful too 'cause those little teeth are indeed sharp as hell. I also find the gind consistency to be on the finer side (I had been using a coarse plate on a Kannastor GR8TR V2) but it's been vaping nicely as I keep my humidity at 62%. Maybe dryer flower would be even finer.
Bakin4Life
Oink
Metal-on-metal contact, with no lubrication? For sure it will degrade, long-term. I'm only doing it for testing / evaluation, nothing more.
With regard to load... I'm really not taxing mine at all. I might have 50% surface coverage across the plate, if that. My usual stock is smalls.
I do like how the holding chamber is deep, but I wish the top compartment was a bit roomier. The ridge in the top lid appears to be there to help provide strength for the embedded teeth. Minor quibble, but I wish there was more open depth to avoid smashing the nug so much, prior to cutting. It also encourages me to break up by hand, and if I'm doing half the 'work', every time, out of necessity... I'm not pleased. I don't mind breaking it up, especially if the herb is stemmy. But *having* to do it, due to equipment limitations... means I bought the wrong equipment
Yeah, I'm a tough judge
TigoleBitties
Big and Bouncy
Well said. This smashing of the nuggs (if they're a bit tall) is what leads to slipping or a messy grind until the magnets click shut. You can avoid it by using nuggs of the right size and this is something to be mindful of. All grinders have their limitations.
seriousTone
Well-Known Member
Is the bottom and middle sections suppose to be magnet? There is a magnet on the bottom of the middle section so I'd assume so.
I'm only just getting around to using mine as I've been on a t break since I received it.
The bottom and middle plate seemed to be more friction fit and I saw there was a clear like coating around the rim above the black o ring...I thought it was kind of weird and maybe the magnet would be stronger so i decided to scrape it off with a knife, and now the bottom part just falls right off from the middle section, no magnetization at all.
I'm only just getting around to using mine as I've been on a t break since I received it.
The bottom and middle plate seemed to be more friction fit and I saw there was a clear like coating around the rim above the black o ring...I thought it was kind of weird and maybe the magnet would be stronger so i decided to scrape it off with a knife, and now the bottom part just falls right off from the middle section, no magnetization at all.
UPdownLoAD
New Member
Just got mine and used it for the first time about an hour ago. Shreds perfectly, but after pulling it apart a few times, the metal ring stuck to the middle piece. I didn't try to pry anything, I wouldn't even say normal use yet, just put it back together a few times to feel how hard to pull.... a LOT BTW..... Then this happened.
Was gonna contact VGoodiez and/or ZAM tomorrow but you posted with same issues.
seriousTone
Well-Known Member
Well looks like you have the opposite problem, your magnetization of the bottom and middle plate was too strong and mine has none.
So would you say your bottom piece felt like it snapped onto the middle piece with the same strength as the top piece does?
Mine felt like a weak friction fit but the top feels great.
I emailed zam, I'll see what he says.
If I was you, I'd probably just glue the magnet back down in there.
So would you say your bottom piece felt like it snapped onto the middle piece with the same strength as the top piece does?
Mine felt like a weak friction fit but the top feels great.
I emailed zam, I'll see what he says.
If I was you, I'd probably just glue the magnet back down in there.
Cacahuates
Well-Known Member
Same happened to mine. I just glued it back. Still comes off sometimes. It's not that bad of an issue for me. The only issue I have is my thumb sometimes slips under the lid while grinding.
Sour Dream
Blue Dream enthusiast
I actually contacted them about this back in like sept/oct because the magnet in the lid came out when the plastic ring fell off and I couldn’t get it unstuck and it snapped. He sent me a replacement lid and it’s been cool but I found out the manufacturer in china didn’t follow spec and instead of the magnet being friction fitted and stuck in there they just glued it and screwed him over on top of sending a bunch of defective units that he can’t sell.
So I’d definitely recommend contacting Zam they will get you straight
So I’d definitely recommend contacting Zam they will get you straight
Cacahuates
Well-Known Member
Thats so brutal! After such a delay and they still couldn't get it right. I hope Zam has some better luck. The full mag feels so good in hand.
seriousTone
Well-Known Member
Yeah that's why I scraped the stuff of my rim because I thought it was weird that there was a glue like substance along the product at all.
But I guess it's outside the area any plant matter would touch and I'd rather that than what it is now and not being usable at all.
But I guess it's outside the area any plant matter would touch and I'd rather that than what it is now and not being usable at all.
Sour Dream
Blue Dream enthusiast
Yea it is I feel bad for him, it definitely set back the stainless steel version but he has some new designs coming , glad he is still pushing through
Yea shouldn’t be a prob if you keep the plastic ring on there
seriousTone
Well-Known Member
Yeah it's been a week since I contacted him and haven't heard back so maybe he's hopefully just on vacation or something.
I hope that is the case but I seriously doubt it. People who run retail websites don’t take the 3 largest shopping weeks of the year off.
seriousTone
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I hope he didn't just say, fuck it, with all the problems this batch had; which does suck for him, I feel bad.
But mines unusable, I'm thinking of melting some shellac flakes and applying it to the rim as a food safe way of making the bottom at least friction fit again.
But it hardens so fast and seems like more hassle than it might be worth.
But mines unusable, I'm thinking of melting some shellac flakes and applying it to the rim as a food safe way of making the bottom at least friction fit again.
But it hardens so fast and seems like more hassle than it might be worth.
Sour Dream
Blue Dream enthusiast
I’ve always talked to him through his Reddit account and got a response pretty fast https://reddit.com/user/ZamGrinder/
Idk if that will help but yea it does suck you haven’t heard back
Idk if that will help but yea it does suck you haven’t heard back