Oregon 511AX Vise Update

[kstill361]

This may have already been discussed but if your 511AX vise fails, they will send you a replacement no questions asked. I have a new one on the way.

Also come mid May they will be replacing the vise with a new updated cam lock vice for anyone with issues on their AX grinder. It looks to me like they are going to send out the same vise they are putting on their 520's.

I have the old 109179 hydro grinder that I've had for 10 yrs and just ordered the 551462 today. It should be here tomorrow or Wed. I also have the 511AX which I like but the vise is CRAP!

I just noticed Northern Tool is now selling the 2015 grinders. It looks like all they changed are the colors and the vise on the 520. The hydro model looks just like the 551462 besides the colors. Maybe I'll paint mine before I use it lol.

 

[Philbert]

Just curious - can you describe what failed/went wrong with your vise?

Some more info on the new grinders:
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/new-oregon-grinders-2015.270287/

Philbert

 

[kstill361]

One of the 2 white plastic rollers on the shaft under the jaws stripped out not from opening to wide but I'm assuming from tightening with too much pressure.

 

[kstill361]

That 520 vise looks like it will work on the 511AX And after mid May they won't be sending any more 511AX vises out for warranty replacements. Customer service told me they will be replacing them with the cam lock and I bet it will be the 520 vise. She told me when the new one she's sending me wears out to just call and she will send me the updated version.

 

[Philbert]

I have the older, 511A with the cam vise. I still managed to wear the clamping plate with it. Fortunately, the design lets you shift the plate over a few times.



Philbert

 

[kstill361]

Does the cam vise lock more than one DL tight like on the AX model? That's what I like about the ax vise. I also modified my 109179 rails to hold more links tight. At first it would always rock the tooth back as I was grinding. I'll get a pic.

I made this mod so the rail would clamp 2 DL and now the cutter will not rock back on me at all.

 

[kstill361]

Just curious - can you describe what failed/went wrong with your vise?

Some more info on the new grinders:
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/new-oregon-grinders-2015.270287/

Philbert

Here is a pic of the plastic rollers under the rails. The first pic is good but the second pic shows where the right roller is cross threaded on the shaft. Customer service said not to worry about sending it back. They are sending a new vise with rails at no charge!

 

[Philbert]

Does the cam vise lock more than one DL tight like on the AX model?

No. On my grinder it basically clamps one drive link in front of the cutter I am sharpening. I learned (from a member here on A.S.) to fully seat each cutter as I tighten the cam so that it is held uniformly and securely.

Here is a pic of the plastic rollers under the rails. The first pic is good but the second pic shows where the right roller is cross threaded on the shaft.

If a full replacement vise was not available, could those rollers be easily replaced by disassembling the part you are showing? In other words, could Oregon/Tecomec make a rebuild kit for these vises?

Philbert

 

[kstill361]

No. On my grinder it basically clamps one drive link in front of the cutter I am sharpening. I learned (from a member here on A.S.) to fully seat each cutter as I tighten the cam so that it is held uniformly and securely.



If a full replacement vise was not available, could those rollers be easily replaced by disassembling the part you are showing? In other words, could Oregon/Tecomec make a rebuild kit for these vises?

Philbert

Yea that's like my older hydro, that's why I cut the rail so it would clamp 2 drivers and now it doesn't rock. The new hydro models have a similar vise to the AX to clamp 3 drivers. I just ordered the 551462 for this reason.

I'm not sure, I haven't looked it over real good yet. I will investigate further later. I'm sure the complete shaft should be replaceable but since they offered a whole new vise with rails, I jumped on it.

 

[kstill361]

I think it's time to build a new work bench!

 

[kstill361]

Thank you Oregon for standing behind your product!! I called Monday morning about the broken vise and received a complete new vise on Wednesday morning!!