Q: Which blade is recommended for Hoof Trimming?
A: We recommend Bors (Part # 37806), a light weight but powerful 6 tooth tungsten carbide saw chain blade especially designed for the hoof trimming industry. The carbide blade allows you to trim more cows before having to resharpen the teeth. Bors gives you a longer, smoother cut as the blade floats across the hoof. This will allow you to increase your production and feel less fatigued at the end of the day.
Q: Is Bors aggressive?
A: Yes. Bors smoothly and effortlessly removes hoof material in layers, leaving a smooth and concave surface where needed.
Q: How long does it take to trim a hoof?
A: About a minute or less.
Q: Do I have to learn a new technique using Bors or Squire?
A: Yes, however, it’s easy to master the simple, smooth pulling action utilizing your arms and upper body. You will greatly reduce wear and tear on your wrists and arms by eliminating the chopping motion used with the steel, carbide or titanium discs currently on the market. Detailed use instructions in downloadable pdf format - Bors Instructions PDF
Q: Can I use Bors the same way I use other rotary type cutting blades?
A: Your stance and position will stay the same, however, you’ll find that you will lose the chopping motion and wrist action currently associated with other rotary type blades. These blades cut and trim with the face of the blade flat against the hoof. Bors requires more of a smooth pulling motion from the heel to the toe, utilizing your arms and shoulders. It’s really easy and much less fatiguing. You will have to get used to the 10º to15º angle of the blade as it makes contact with the hoof, but it’s exactly the same position you would use with a grinding wheel on metal or a flap sander on wood. - Usage Tips PDF
Q: Is Bors made for high volume herds and how many cows will this blade trim?
A: Yes, we developed Bors® for high volume production, not for just occasional trimming. Extensive field tests in Florida, Georgia and Wisconsin by professional trimmers have proven that one single chain saw blade will trim around 10,000 animals before the blade
may need replacing. We’re getting the same amazing statistics from other professionals.
Q: Does King Arthur’s Tools offer other blades that can be used for Hoof Trimming?
A: Yes. The Squire 12 tooth blade is the only other blade we recommend. In fact we recommend that you make the 12 tooth Squire (Part # 37812) your second chain of choice. It is less expensive and consists of a standard saw chain in a full house design (nothing but teeth). Tests have shown Squire will trim about 25 – 40 animals between sharpening. Using Squire, when you only have a few cows to trim, allows you to save the wear on the more expensive Bors. Squire is going to get dull faster but because it’s a standard chain saw blade it’s extremely easy to resharpen with a standard chain saw or diamond file. And you can sharpen it time after time.
Extensive tests have shown that although other King Arthur’s Tools saw chain models can be used to trim hooves, they are not as effective or efficient as Bors and the Squire 12 tooth models, so we’re not going to recommend them for hoof trimming. Our other blades were developed for carving in wood and other materials. Find out more about our carving products at www.katools.com
Q: What are Bors and Squire’s dimensions?
A: Their overall blade size is 3-1/2” (88mm) in diameter with a 7/8” or 22mm center hole.
Q: What are the part numbers?
A: Bors - Part # 37806. Squire - Part # 37812.
Q: Does King Arthur’s Tools have any other chain saw blades?
A: Yes, we carry an entire line of products made for different applications and industries. All our tools are available at www.katools.com
Q: I understand King Arthur’s Tools blades can be tandem mounted. Is the use of two blades mounted together a good option for Hoof Trimming?
A: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY TANDEM COMBINATION BE USED IN HOOF TRIMMING. It’s a waste of time, money and efficiency and is not safe for the animal. Tandem combinations were designed for carving, not for use on livestock.
Q: Is Bors easy to sharpen?
A: Yes. You can easily touch up and sharpen all 6 chain saw teeth with a diamond hand file or diamond power rotary file sharpener available from King Arthur’s Tools.
Q: Can I sharpen Squire?
A: Yes. Squire is made from standard saw chain material and we recommend you use the same diamond hand or rotary files for Bors or a regular metal 5/32” (4mm) chain saw file. This is also available from King Arthur’s Tools. A good tip is to mark the first tooth on either side so you know where you start and finish.
Q: If I can resharpen both Bors and Squire myself, do I ever have to send them to King Arthur’s Tools for resharpening?
A: No.
Q: Will a regular chain saw file sharpen Bors?
A: No. The tungsten carbide teeth are too hard for a standard file. You will damage the file.
Q: Can the diamond hand file also be used to sharpen my hoof knife?
A: Yes. Professionals found it so useful and invaluable for this application, they always carried the file in their pocket. In every test, they wouldn’t give them back!
Q. Can you tell me more about the Merlin Hoof Trimming Set.
A: The Merlin Hoof Trimming Set is like nothing else in the industry. It includes a miniature angle grinder made for King Arthur’s Tools by Proxxon GMBH in Germany and three (3) unique hooftrimming accessories available exclusively with this set. This powerful but lightweight tool set is available in two models. A fixed speed version (13,000rpm) for professional users and a variable speed (6,500 – 13,000rpm) model for occasional or novice users. All models come fitted with the specially designed 2” (50mm) x four (4) tooth tungsten carbide saw chain. Also included is a patented slim faced disc with tungsten carbide needles brazed to the outer disc edges in the shape of a V. This is ideal for boot preparation for injured or diseased hooves. The third accessory is a 100 grit sander for finishing show cattle.
Q. How is Merlin used and what are some applications?
A. Merlin is the perfect tool to be used in conjunction with Bors. Bors on the bigger, heavier 4-1⁄2” (115mm) angle grinder may be needed due to the volume of hoofs or condition of the hoofs, but one of the great features about the 4 tooth carbide chain on Merlin is that it can be used for routine hoof trimming independent of any other tools. Merlin can also be used: 1) like a hoof knife for trimming around sole abscesses and hairy tack, 2) for touching up hoofs 3) is superb when working on show animals 4) great tool for preparation of the hoof for a boot attachment or blocking and 5) therapeutically cleaning or fine detailing around sole ulcers or abscesses.
If the 4-1⁄2” angle grinder is just too cumbersome or not quite the right tool for the job, remember that in many cases, Merlin could be the only tool you’ll need.
Q. Which Merlin model, variable speed or fixed speed is my best option?
A. Depends on what you do. The variable speed (6,500-13,000rpm) Merlin is most often used by the novice or occasional user - where the fixed speed (13,000rpm) model is used by the full time or professional hoof trimmer.
The variable speed feature allows Merlin to be dialed, up or down, to a cutting speed and aggressiveness that the operator is comfortable working with in any of the applications referred to above.
The fixed speed (13,000rpm) model is generally used by the full time or professional hoof trimmer. The gearing of the fixed speed grinder gives this model a greater amount of torque transferred to the cutting blade. It’s like having more power at full speed if you need it for a difficult hoof or just simply want to work at full throttle.
Q: Do I need both models?
A: No. Extensive field tests showed that full time and professional hoof trimmers who started with the variable speed Merlin very quickly favored the fixed speed for production work. On the other hand, novice trimmers, vets and occasional users preferred variable speed. It’s really a comfort level. You can’t go wrong by ordering the variable speed first. If you get both models, you’ll use them. Guaranteed!
Q: Any tips from the trimmers who are using Merlin?
A. The guys who trim hooves on a regular basis and have been using our tools are now adding additional Merlins to their work station to give them easy access without losing any time. Each Merlin is small enough that it can easily be hung out of the way and available without having to transfer from one electric outlet to another. If they’re working off a tilt table, they are rigging up two Merlins, one each at the front and back of the chute. For a vertical lift chute, they’re using a total of three, one at each side on the front and one at the rear.
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 fixed speed and variable speed models are available in 110 volt 60HZ for the North American and Japanese markets. For the European, United Kingdom and Australasian markets, only the fixed speed model is 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.
