Q: Who can use Merlin®?
A: The Merlin® Hoof Trimming Set is designed for professional hoof trimmers, herdsmen, dairymen and veterinarians.
Q: How safe is the Merlin®?
A: Merlin® is a safe tool when you follow the instructions and how-to tips. We add a major word of caution. If you remove the safety guard and run either the saw chain blade or green disc, it’s NOT safe! The blades were designed to cut with the teeth on the bottom and exposed left side of the blade. Removing the safety guard exposes the top half of the blade for which it is not designed to cut. Cutting with the top section of the teeth could cause binding and kickback. Just remember, it’s a miniature chainsaw. Used correctly, it’s an incredible tool. Also consider that the lightweight Merlin® is safer than 4-1⁄2” (115mm) angle grinders and that this mini grinder can be used for a lot of the trimming applications you’re doing with the bigger grinders. Don’t let Merlin®’s small size lull you into a false sense of security. Merlin® is a serious power tool–perfect for the dairy industry.
Q: I live in Norway and frequently travel to North America - is Merlin® available for worldwide use.
A: The variable speed model is available in 110 volt 60HZ for the North American and Japanese markets. For the European, United Kingdom and Australasian markets, there is a fixed speed model available in 220–240 Volt 50/60HZ.
Q: Can the KAT diamond hand sharpener and the diamond rotary power sharpeners also sharpen Merlin®’s tungsten carbide chain.
A: Yes. They’ll sharpen Merlin®, Bors® and Squire®’s saw chain teeth.
Q: Are the tools safe?
A: Yes. We have never had a chain break, disc crack or blades fly off the grinder, contrary to some of the myths out there. Not one has ever been returned through customer dissatisfaction or manufacturing defect. The simple truth is that the chain can’t break because it doesn’t move independently like a chainsaw, which rotates on a bar. The chain on every one of our products rotates as one unit locked between the top and bottom discs, the total assembly being secured by the lock nut which is further secured by its clockwise tightening when the motor turns counter clockwise. The chain can’t go anywhere as it spins in conjunction with the discs. Another design feature ensures the blades never heat up due to the cooling effect provided by the four holes and slots in each disc, maintaining their long life. Let the tool do the cutting – it’s more than capable. We are very proud of our excellent safety record. Please keep in mind that you must always use caution with a power tool. The biggest danger is complacency and lack of attention to the work. We have been told many times by users that they have been lulled into a false sense of security to the danger because the tools do such a fantastic job. You must always be alert and be aware that the blades travel between 10,000 - 11,00rpm at three times the speed of a chain saw and with twice as many teeth! Used correctly, there’s nothing better or faster on the planet.
Q: What’s the difference between an angle grinder and a disc grinder?
A: Nothing, they’re called one or the other and either of the above. Same beast, different name!
Q: I don’t have an angle grinder. What do I need?
A: Depending on your country we highly recommend a 4-1/2” (115mm) grinder using the 7/8” (22mm) arbor. In Europe 125mm grinders can be used. But read on! Nearly every 4-1/2” (115mm) and 125mm grinder is suitable for use with our blade accessories – the exceptions are U.S. 4-1/2” Skil or Skil Bosch models with a 3/8” center shaft. While our accessories will fit all except the Skil power units, we highly recommend angle grinders that have a paddle switch versus those with a thumb controlled on/off slide switch.
Q: Why do you prefer the paddle switch over the slide switch?
A: For two major reasons. 1. Reliability: In testing and demonstrations, slide on/off thumb switches have failed on nearly every above mentioned manufacturer’s grinders, which we then generally take in for repair. Sometimes, however, the cost is prohibitive. This downtime is a major inconvenience especially when you’re working and you only have one grinder. Switch failure occurs over a period of time. None of the paddle switch grinders we’ve used have failed. 2. Ease of Operation: Depressing a switch with thumb/fingers curled around the switch is slightly easier than reaching for a thumb switch located on the top of the grinder.
Further, paddle switch grinders are easier to operate using the on/off switch on the side of the grinder. The switch is depressed with the thumb or two to three fingers, depending on the manufacturer, versus the thumb controlled on/off slide switch located on top of the grinder body. Some manufacturers have paddle switches with a locking switch. With these machines you have two choices: 1) by depressing the paddle switch and then depressing the locking switch at the base of the grinder, you do not have to hold the paddle switch down continuously while working. Any sensitive pressure on the paddle switch then shuts the motor off or 2) you can choose to hold the paddle switch down without utilizing the lock switch. When you release pressure on the paddle switch, the motor turns off, and the accessory spins slowly to a stop. Let’s also make this clear. Contrary to some opinions, a paddle/kill switch will not bring any accessory to an immediate stop. Any and all accessories fitted to angle grinders, regardless of the type of on/off switch, will spin to a complete stop up to nine seconds after the switch to the motor is turned off. An important point is that there is no noticeable difference in performance with our blades using a grinder with either a paddle or thumb slide switch, which is why we state either style is suitable.
Q: Will using Bors® save me money?
A: Yes. Bors® will trim 10,000+ animals and can easily be sharpened by hand. There are no inserts to buy, no shipping charges and no manufacturer sharpening costs. With the Bors® operating cost of less than a penny per hoof, this could result in a savings of over $1,500 per year versus the cost of using other rotary tools.
Q: Do you recommend angle grinders with variable speed control?
A: Yes. Though they’re far more expensive than those above, we’ve tested and really like the Milwaukee 6154 and Makita 6354CV. The advantage is that you can dial the speed down or up. For example, you can match a slower speed to a new Bors® blade and dial it up as the chain dulls if you’re in the middle of trimming.
Q: Do I have to change the position of the safety guard?
A: We recommend using the safety guard between 23º and 90º, in the position safest and most comfortable for your operation. For detailed information refer to the instructions - Bors Instructions PDF
Q: Can I work without a safety guard?
A: No, no and heck no! It’s not good for your health or safety. If you want to remove the safety guard for any reason, don’t use our blades. Running them without a safety guard is done so at your own risk. Please don’t under any circumstance!
Q: Should I keep my grinder clean?
A: Yes, because Bors® removes hoof shavings so quickly. We highly recommend you air blow the body and the on/off switch clean on a regular basis as part of your normal maintenance. This will prevent shavings accumulating in the motor windings. Additionally, if you own a thumb slide on/off switch grinder, blow under the “off” section of the switch, but only when the power is disconnected. It’s very important to keep the switch clean. If shavings accumulate under the “off” section, during operation when you depress “off”, you may experience the switch will stay locked “on” and you’ll be pressing the switch rapidly backwards and forwards until it switches off. It’s in your best interest to keep it clean.
Q: Is the chain replaceable?
A: Yes. We recommend having one spare circlet for Bors® and one or two spare sets on hand for Squire®. With Bors®, it’s easy and takes just a few minutes to sharpen the 6 teeth on the job. However, with Squire® it’s more convenient and saves time to replace a dull chain with a sharp one rather than sharpening blunt teeth on the job. Sharpening blunt chains in your downtime helps keep your productivity up.
Q: Do the chains require oil?
A: No, the only maintenance required is to sharpen the teeth. The chain saw circlet is securely locked in place between two discs and does not move independently like a chainsaw over a bar. The only parts that wear are the teeth. This is fully explained under Support – Safety. It is recommended that chains be stored in a small container containing diesel fuel. This will help keep them free of grit and rust.
