Not sure shims are necessary.
After reading the post on this site, I decided to order the 511A knock off grinder from Northern Tool. I thought that i would need the shims and washers that everyone is taking about but I think I'm missing something. I received my Northern Tool Grinder today and it appears to be identical to the Oregon model. I must qualify this by saying that I have only read and used the Oregon manual and have not actually laid my hands on the Oregon version. By the way, the manual that comes with the Northern Tool model is almost completely useless. Just throw it away and download the Oregon manual....it even shows you how to assemble it! Anyway, I have found only one part that seems it could use improvement. The chain stop that rests against the back of the tooth is angled and causes the tooth to tilt when you pull the chain tightly against the stop. The stop simply needs to be bent so that it hits the BOTTOM of the tooth so that it doesn't tilt it. Honestly, this grinder is well worth the $100. I cut 22-25 FC a year for my wood boiler and I don't even take a file out in the woods. I take 2 chains and I'm good to go! I've sharpened about 20 chains so far and I really cant see where the shims and washers are needed. I hope someone can elighten me on where they go in the assembly. The only real problems I've had is that all of my brothers, inlaws and neighbors are bugging me to sharpen all of their used/old chains as well.
Good Luck..well worth the money!
