Super Jolly Sharpener

[Backtroller]

I found this Super Jolly for sale. What should I look for or look out for? I've never had a sharpener. He's asking $80. Does this look hydraulic?

 

[Greenthorn]

Philbert is the resident expert on sharpeners, maybe he will chime in. The one pictured is hydraulic. My buddy has a non hydraulic Jolly, and I've gotta tell you it's pretty nice, I have the Oregon 511a and it is pretty comparable, to do the job. I think he paid 95 for his new, and that was 4 years ago. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me will come around.

 

[PA Dan]

Make sure the hydraulic clamp works. I bought one a couple months ago and the clamp wasnt working. I added some fluid to it and got it to work. I did end up breaking the banjo bolt that connects the hydraulic line to the cylinder. Tecomec only sells through their distributors and the closest one was about 45 minutes away. I had them order it for me back in March. A day later I called Oregon and talked with a very nice lady. I explained that I broke the bolt and after a couple pictures sent back and forth she said ya I have that part whats your address! Had it in three days no charge. I would buy it if I were you and $80 sounds like a steal!

 

[Philbert]

Speed Sharp / Super Jolly is made by Tecomec - identical to Oregon, except for the paint in most cases, as I understand.
http://www.tecomec.com/schede/superjolly/index.htm

Bailey's used to carry them, but I only see the Oregon version currently listed at a very high price (?). Typically see them new from $375 to $550.
http://www.baileysonline.com/Chains...ly-Assisted-Chain-Grinder-115-Volt-551462.axd

Note that Oregon has just revamped their grinder line, and the newer ones will have a slightly different model number.
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/new-oregon-grinders-2015.270287/

Yours looks like an older model - note the differences in the chain gauge adjustment knob at the front of the vise ('yours' is vertical, newer models are horizontal). Some had hydraulic leaks, and apparently some parts were not available (just what I heard here on AS - you can try searching for those older threads: 'Arboristsite Oregon Hydraulic Chain Grinder' - use Google, not AS Search Feature). Take a few chains of different gauges (.043 to .080 if you have them!) and see if the clamp works. Look carefully for leaks or signs of past leakage. Run the motor and smell for signs of electrical stress. Look for chips, cracks, etc.

If it works, is in good condition, and has all the wheels, $80 is a steal. I just bought a 'next-to-new' one for $200 and thought I got a very good deal.

Molemab grinding wheels are currently on sale at Baileys for about $10 each, if you need them.

Philbert

 

[Greenthorn]

I just went and looked at my buddies, sure enough it is basically Identical to my 511a, the only difference I could see is my table tilts 10 degrees. The base bolting to the table is a little different, but that's the only difference I see, looks like a bargain.


*****edit****
I see he posted whilst I was typing, a word to the wise....go get it....cad makes some people greedy, and it only took me 10 seconds to find it on the internet......

 

[Philbert]

I called Oregon and talked with a very nice lady. . . . Had it in three days no charge.

Oregon / Blount is very helpful and generous with their customer service. You can actually call and speak to a real person; if they don't know, they get back to you.

Hard to find in today's marketplace.

Philbert

 

[PA Dan]

I second that! The woman I spoke to went out of her way to help me. She actually texted the pics from her personnel cell! She also went into detail on how to fill the reservoir which was different than the way Tecomec shows. If you buy that grinder download both owners manuals!

 

[Philbert]

it is basically Identical to my 511a, the only difference I could see is my table tilts 10 degrees.

511A has a manual, cam operated chain vise / clamp. The one in the first photo shows an 'automatic', hydraulic clamp.

There is no tilt feature on this grinder - the 'down angle' is achieved by sliding the vise forward and back. Again, take the time to search for related threads here on AS. Lot of good information on adjusting and using this model. The manual is very confusing unless you already know how to use it (manuals for current Tecomec and earlier Oregon 109179 version attached below).

Philbert

 

[Greenthorn]

Yea, I was saying my buddies is just like mine 511a, not the one pictured. I will tell you this most of the tips tricks and info I got here are from you and I appreciate it.

 

[PA Dan]

So... did the OP buy the grinder yet?

 

[Backtroller]

I'm waiting for the seller to get back to me. It might be gone already....you know how craigslist is

 

[blsnelling]

I'd love to have one of those hydraulic units.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I'd love to have one of those hydraulic units.

I have one but mine is black, not red. It works. However, I got mine for $175 at an auction. It's probably worth twice that or more. I use it for larger chains and use the Oregon 511a for the smaller ones. That way I don't have to keep changing wheels.

Biggest mistake they made was to call it a "jolly" sharpener. Somebody was loaded when that decsiion was made.

 

[PA Dan]

Picked mine up from one of the local Stihl dealers. He had listed it on Craigslist with a broken handle. When I picked it up he had a handle from a grinder he gave me. I installed it and it works perfect and you really have to look to see its not original. He threw in a brand new wheel. I paid $125 for it.

 

[Backtroller]

I guess the guy sold it. He never responded and I see the post was deleted. I really appreciate everyone's information.

 

[Greenthorn]

I guess the guy sold it. He never responded and I see the post was deleted. I really appreciate everyone's information.

Bummer!!

 

[Wood Doctor]

Picked mine up from one of the local Stihl dealers. He had listed it on Craigslist with a broken handle. When I picked it up he had a handle from a grinder he gave me. I installed it and it works perfect and you really have to look to see its not original. He threw in a brand new wheel. I paid $125 for it.

That's virtually identical to mine. Still works after three years. It's my "go to" chain sharpener.

 

[fearofpavement]

Most good deals have to be jumped on right away. If you're not sure, better to ask and possibly miss out but if you know it's something you want, you need to be going down the road instead of posting questions on the computer. Next time, you'll know what to snag. These show up from time to time if you keep an eye out. A lot of people think a grinder will greatly simplify chain sharpening. It doesn't. So they don't really use them enough to crack the code. Lots of very lightly used grinders out there...

 

[Philbert]

Also not a good idea to post a photo of something available on CL and ask, 'Is this a good deal?' on line, IMHO. There are some 'competitive' folks on AS who will ferret it out and snatch it out from under you if it is a good deal. Just a fact.

(P.S. I'm one of those folks that think a grinder simplifies sharpening . . . . but that's just me . . . )

 

[Backtroller]

I agree. I saw the ad had been posted only 20 minutes before I replied. Sent him my number and told him I was interested. Sometimes you have to wonder if your email doesn't end up in a spam junk folder.

I don't mind hand filing, but I'll keep my eyes open.