Stumpgrinder pocket question

[woodchux]

Ok we bought a used Vermeer 630 a few years ago. The machine only had three out of nine pockets installed. We used it like this for quite a while. Finally i got around to putting all nine pockets and teeth on the wheel but man the vibration increased substantially. My question is How many pockets do you guys run on your grinders ? all or just some ? Someone told me the guys in their area only run a few pockets because its easier on the engine? Ive noticed that only the outer teeth are doing any cutting anyway...

 

[John464]

from running a wheel unbalanced it sounds like you threw out the wheel so that when you did install all the teeth/pockets it was so worn (wheel/bearings) that it could not spin true.

IMO you always want to fully dress a cutter wheel. Ive heard of guys doing away with the straight teeth(plunge cutters) to replace with left and right angles, but never skip pockets all together. Ive lost teeth/pockets off a wheel and it instantly starts giving unbalanced feedback.

 

[Dadatwins]

It sounds like the bearings are worn out, or shaft could be bent on your grinder. The outer teeth do a majority of the cutting, but the back teeth push the material back, without the back teeth the front teeth are cutting and pushing so probably wearing faster. To save teeth I will rotate the front teeth to the back as they get worn. Agreed leaving teeth out would be less weight for the machine to turn but not sure of the benefit as now you have additional problems. Good luck.

 

[Bigstumps]

Are all your pockets the same??? If you mix new pockets with old you can throw out the balance if you are not careful. A lot of people like to run fewer pockets if they are running really running dull teeth. Running fewer teeth causes more impacting and is ultimately tougher on the grinder.

 

[woodchux]

Some of the pockets were a little worn so i was taking them off and noticed that the wheel is a little bent. It must have hit a speedbump or something i guess. Anyway i've ordered a new wheel $362 its just the standard vermeer wheel though. Does anyone know how much a sandvik wheel dressed out would cost?

 

[John464]

Does anyone know how much a sandvik wheel dressed out would cost?

approx $1500


while you are chainging the wheel I would change the bearings also

 

[Dadatwins]

I would also check the shaft and make sure it is still true. If you have to break it all down, now is the time to fix it right.

 

[Bigstumps]

I would also check the shaft and make sure it is still true. If you have to break it all down, now is the time to fix it right.

This is some very good advice. Do shaft and bearings while you have it apart!