Genuinely great video. No BS. I'm thinking of getting the chipper/mulcher for my business. If I do I'll be asking you to make up a set of blades for it. Cheers mate, very informative.
Thank you very much for all the useful info, your time and effort! Please teach your skills to as many people around you as possible. I am lucky to have neighbors like you, but not many do. I wish you good health and strength!
Thanks for your video... I was very disappointed with the machine when we got it... And after watching your video I went and made some proper blades as you suggested...and YES what a difference... unbelievable how they sell the machine with the crappy blades.
Should make them and sell them mate. I'm sure someone will buy them; all stock blades are crap to begin with. But I must say the forest master chipper are nice and small. Wish we have them here in Oz. Nice video mate! Good luck!
Good review ! Those blades do not last long on a cheaper wood chipper like i bought years ago. I allready replaced mine with 1.2360 steel(X48CrMoV8-1-1) . That steel is actually even called chipper steel. Tough and high abrasion resitand. Also simple to heat treat. If you ever need machete steel its a perfect steel for that.
I watched your video before I bought mine, and expected to have the same problem with the blades that you highlight at the 18 minute mark. In fact I bought a spare set of blades just in case. I've put about 6-7 hours on mine now with mostly holly, hazel and hornbeam. When I changed the oil I looked at the blades expecting the worst...and they are fine. It makes me wonder if the material you had during your first run might have had some grit or something in? I mean...they are knackered! My chipper is running fine, but I always need a bit of choke to start it, even when warm. Other than that its been great. Your video was really useful BTW.
Hi There, great to hear your blades are fine, I really do think I was unlucky and got a bad set because I was just running branches and trimmings through it and I think the drier ones chewed up the blades, have made my own since so unable to test out another set of their blades.. A good idea is to change the spark plug with a decent one and to check the air filter now and then, if the machine ever falls over the engine oil makes its way into the air filter and makes it difficult to start. Cheers.
I keep seeing this brand showing up on my social media pages, nice little machine. I personally have a fondness for GreenMech chippers myself so I’d probably stick with them if I wanted a smaller one. Looking at those blades though, they look way too soft as you say.
I'd spray some WD-40 or equivalent down the infeed chute after the last branch to help prevent the blade and rotating assembly from rusting. Good unit!
Great video. I bought mine in Canada where it was rebranded and sold in a big famous cheap tool store. I recognized it right away as it had the exact same make of engine as the Forest Master. Works amazingly for my purposes but a small stone chipped up one side of the blades. I took the blade to my local scrap dealer and their "XRF"unit identified it as 409 stainless steel. Not sure if that's entirely correct because I didn't grind any surface clean. However, I like the idea of making my own. Did you say it was O-1 tool steel? And did you quench and temper?
Hi and thanks, well the blades do seem to be some from of stainless and being made in China they may well be a low grade like 409. Also its possible that different batches of blades could be different steels etc, so its maybe pot luck on how good the blades are. Yes I used 01 with a good heat treat and temper if you can hold 01 at 815 c for 15 mins and quench it performs really well after tempering back to 58-59 hrc. 80crv2 or straight 1080 would be another choice in the carbon steels I might shoot a video on how i made mine because I had so many people asking for them I couldn't meet the demand. Cheers.
Hi , hi is the chipper going , you mentioned about making chipper blades , could you make some for me if i send you a pattern, they are quite a bit bigger than the one's you made , thx
Hi Ive had quite alot of people asking me to make blades so for the moment I just want to try and get those finished, I doubt I will make many more though because it just takes too much time away from other things I need to be doing. Cheers.
Hi pal....I just bought the FM14 version but I take on board what you are saying about the blades being too soft. Is it possible to make me some like you said you would in the video pls?
Hi, i really could do with some replacement blades, I'm on my 8th pair from forest master, how do i order some from you? I've even been using their new hardened steel blades, they don't seem any different!
Hi Stephen, your just up the road from me mate, used the chipper a dozen times since that video still using the same blade 😅 Yes see how you go with them and if you need a set drop me an email cheers.
thank you Loz.... you have helped me to decide ... I'll get a GreenMech !! costs more , but Forest Master has proven to be a wasteful purchase ... again , thanks for this
@@LozHarrop well , all thiungs change... I initially thoufght I needed poower to chip up to 4"... BUT , 'er that must be obayed , ahs decided we are having a Wood ~Burner stove in our new house... So , Ill only need a chipper up to about 1.5 inches.... as Ill use the larger branches for the fire !.... so Im on the hunt again ... any suggestions?
others have commented that they have little problem with their blades I maybe got a set badly heat treated but again it depends on how you use the thing and what material you put through it, I do know unless the blades are very sharp the machine struggles
yes I will be doing so shortly bud, I want to combine it with a new stove I have just built for a small cabin. Will get both videos done as soon as the cabin stove is fitted this week. Cheers.
Yes it's an excellent review. One that shows the pluses and minuses, whilst also showing ways to minimise the minuses. This is something not many reviews do.
OR... they sell replacement blades made of hardened steel that are stronger than the standard ones. So you could just buy those instead of fabricating new ones.
Filling these engines is a disaster. I have a rotovator with a similar engine. Having no dipstick you cannot know how much oil has been used or if topping up is necessary. Until now most small garden appliances had a B & S motor with the oil filler fitted with a dipstick. Oil is poured in vertically with the filler cap at same level as the fuel cap. - dead easy and convenient! Trying to fill the sump with a measured amount of oil at crankshaft level with the machine tipped at some awkward angle via an improvised funnel is very poor design. I have been searching for a shredder for a while now, this model included but with this kind of engine - then sorry, no deal.
Yes changing the oil is tricky, but not impossible. If you just add the recommended amount then that is perfect. There is a silly little dipstick on it and if there is no oil showing on it then put some in. It's not as handy as the Briggs one but also it's not possible to over fill it. Sort of horses for courses.
Genuinely great video. No BS. I'm thinking of getting the chipper/mulcher for my business. If I do I'll be asking you to make up a set of blades for it. Cheers mate, very informative.
Thank you very much for all the useful info, your time and effort! Please teach your skills to as many people around you as possible. I am lucky to have neighbors like you, but not many do. I wish you good health and strength!
thank you
Thanks for your video... I was very disappointed with the machine when we got it... And after watching your video I went and made some proper blades as you suggested...and YES what a difference... unbelievable how they sell the machine with the crappy blades.
Glad I could help
Should make them and sell them mate. I'm sure someone will buy them; all stock blades are crap to begin with. But I must say the forest master chipper are nice and small. Wish we have them here in Oz. Nice video mate! Good luck!
Thanks mate yes its a great little chipper I have made a few adjustments to it which has improved it so I may cover that in another video. Cheers.
Best unboxing and review I’ve ever seen!
Thanks mate glad you enjoyed it. 👍
Good review ! Those blades do not last long on a cheaper wood chipper like i bought years ago. I allready replaced mine with 1.2360 steel(X48CrMoV8-1-1) . That steel is actually even called chipper steel. Tough and high abrasion resitand. Also simple to heat treat. If you ever need machete steel its a perfect steel for that.
Thanks for the info mate.
Excellent solution by a top tier knife maker 👍
I watched your video before I bought mine, and expected to have the same problem with the blades that you highlight at the 18 minute mark. In fact I bought a spare set of blades just in case. I've put about 6-7 hours on mine now with mostly holly, hazel and hornbeam. When I changed the oil I looked at the blades expecting the worst...and they are fine.
It makes me wonder if the material you had during your first run might have had some grit or something in? I mean...they are knackered!
My chipper is running fine, but I always need a bit of choke to start it, even when warm. Other than that its been great. Your video was really useful BTW.
Hi There, great to hear your blades are fine, I really do think I was unlucky and got a bad set because I was just running branches and trimmings through it and I think the drier ones chewed up the blades, have made my own since so unable to test out another set of their blades.. A good idea is to change the spark plug with a decent one and to check the air filter now and then, if the machine ever falls over the engine oil makes its way into the air filter and makes it difficult to start. Cheers.
Loz Harrop, chipper blade magnate, supplier of quality compost to allotments throughout the north-west, tree/bush/shrubbery loppings removed.
Yea ill take anything except Laurel 😁😁
Hello mate can u get me a set of blades mate ?
I keep seeing this brand showing up on my social media pages, nice little machine. I personally have a fondness for GreenMech chippers myself so I’d probably stick with them if I wanted a smaller one. Looking at those blades though, they look way too soft as you say.
Thanks mate yes mine certainly were way too soft
I'd spray some WD-40 or equivalent down the infeed chute after the last branch to help prevent the blade and rotating assembly from rusting. Good unit!
Cheers James good idea 👍
Great video. I bought mine in Canada where it was rebranded and sold in a big famous cheap tool store. I recognized it right away as it had the exact same make of engine as the Forest Master. Works amazingly for my purposes but a small stone chipped up one side of the blades. I took the blade to my local scrap dealer and their "XRF"unit identified it as 409 stainless steel. Not sure if that's entirely correct because I didn't grind any surface clean. However, I like the idea of making my own. Did you say it was O-1 tool steel? And did you quench and temper?
Hi and thanks, well the blades do seem to be some from of stainless and being made in China they may well be a low grade like 409. Also its possible that different batches of blades could be different steels etc, so its maybe pot luck on how good the blades are. Yes I used 01 with a good heat treat and temper if you can hold 01 at 815 c for 15 mins and quench it performs really well after tempering back to 58-59 hrc. 80crv2 or straight 1080 would be another choice in the carbon steels I might shoot a video on how i made mine because I had so many people asking for them I couldn't meet the demand. Cheers.
@LozHarrop if you could make a video how you made them, it would be greatly appreciated .
Hi , hi is the chipper going , you mentioned about making chipper blades , could you make some for me if i send you a pattern, they are quite a bit bigger than the one's you made , thx
Hi Ive had quite alot of people asking me to make blades so for the moment I just want to try and get those finished, I doubt I will make many more though because it just takes too much time away from other things I need to be doing. Cheers.
great video, thanks for sharing....are you still making blades? I need some too
Hi pal....I just bought the FM14 version but I take on board what you are saying about the blades being too soft. Is it possible to make me some like you said you would in the video pls?
Great vid thanks for posting
no problem cheers.
Hi Loz, i'm looking at buying this but...
How much are you charging for the proper replacement blades?
Hi, i really could do with some replacement blades, I'm on my 8th pair from forest master, how do i order some from you? I've even been using their new hardened steel blades, they don't seem any different!
Hi are you making blades for the chipper by, cheers!
Hello, I’m near Lancaster and may need some better blades myself. Got an electric one coming tomorrow
Hi Stephen, your just up the road from me mate, used the chipper a dozen times since that video still using the same blade 😅 Yes see how you go with them and if you need a set drop me an email cheers.
Hello, would you be able to send blades to France? I just ordered this grinder. THANKS .
Thanks for your video, do you send your magnificent blades to Spain?
thank you Loz.... you have helped me to decide ... I'll get a GreenMech !! costs more , but Forest Master has proven to be a wasteful purchase ... again , thanks for this
No problem mate , If i had more use for the chipper i also would have spent more money on a different machine. Cheers.
@@LozHarrop well , all thiungs change... I initially thoufght I needed poower to chip up to 4"... BUT , 'er that must be obayed , ahs decided we are having a Wood ~Burner stove in our new house... So , Ill only need a chipper up to about 1.5 inches.... as Ill use the larger branches for the fire !.... so Im on the hunt again ... any suggestions?
Are you still making blades for FM 6DD ?
Looking to buy one of these but that blade issue puts me off.
others have commented that they have little problem with their blades I maybe got a set badly heat treated but again it depends on how you use the thing and what material you put through it, I do know unless the blades are very sharp the machine struggles
Hello, how can I buy blades for my forest master from France
Do you think it's possible to carburize the original blades ?
No a waste of time imo
You could sell those homemade blades?
Yes, Loz. It looks like forest master is hopping to make a killing on those inferior cutting blades
Yea mate will be chipping away at your wallet forever 😁😁
Loz, messaged you ref a set of blades, not sure the email addy is right.
Been watching trying to figure out why the thing isn’t self feeding! Can you make me some blades please?!!
I need a set aswell
How do i buy 4 blades for this machine off you?
I’d like to buy a set of blades. How can I order some?
i think he said you can get a knife maker to knock some out
are you still selling chipper blades?
Would you make me a set with shipping to Ireland?
Can you make me some mate just ordered this machine ?
Great review. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks, looking to buy a small chipper form branches as I use anything bigger for firewood.
Hello friend, would you make me a pair of blades for me here in Italy too, thank you❤
the web link doesn't work
The season of playing rocket stove is here again, will you update the video?
yes I will be doing so shortly bud, I want to combine it with a new stove I have just built for a small cabin. Will get both videos done as soon as the cabin stove is fitted this week. Cheers.
Just, you mind your fingers Matey..!!! 😮😮😮😊
dread the thought mate 😁
Do you actually reply to any comments on here pal...there are a few people looking for you to make the spare blades as per the video, inc me
Yes it's an excellent review. One that shows the pluses and minuses, whilst also showing ways to minimise the minuses. This is something not many reviews do.
OR... they sell replacement blades made of hardened steel that are stronger than the standard ones. So you could just buy those instead of fabricating new ones.
That's the thing the guy is saying. These replacement blades aren't very hardened at all. I've bought about 3 sets and they are all the same.
Filling these engines is a disaster.
I have a rotovator with a similar engine. Having no dipstick you cannot know how much oil has been used or if topping up is necessary.
Until now most small garden appliances had a B & S motor with the oil filler fitted with a dipstick. Oil is poured in vertically with the filler cap at same level as the fuel cap. - dead easy and convenient!
Trying to fill the sump with a measured amount of oil at crankshaft level with the machine tipped at some awkward angle via an improvised funnel is very poor design.
I have been searching for a shredder for a while now, this model included but with this kind of engine - then sorry, no deal.
Yes changing the oil is tricky, but not impossible. If you just add the recommended amount then that is perfect. There is a silly little dipstick on it and if there is no oil showing on it then put some in. It's not as handy as the Briggs one but also it's not possible to over fill it. Sort of horses for courses.
and your website doesn't work either
Hi are you making blades for the chipper by, cheers!