Old Blue Point Bench Grinder

[CdaGuinn]

I've been looking for an older USA made bench grinder for a little while, and came across a deal on CL I couldn't pass up.

It's a Blue Point BG250F that shows up here as available in 78 and 79.
http://www.collectingsnapon.com/catalogs/catalogs.php?loggedin=0&catalogPage=3381

It's a 1/4HP motor with most of the parts that starts fast and runs smooth. The pics aren't that great, and I'll fix that this weekend.

I called Wissota (I've been lurking here on GJ for some time as well) and they started making the Blue Points in 1980 as the BG250E. I've called Baldor, Leeson, Milwaukee (the Milwaukee 4900 appears to be identical), and left a message for Doerr Electric (US Motors 888-637-7333, they're useless) and no answer on the who actually made this model.

Anyone know anything more? Any tips on parts and preventative maintenance?

Thanks!

 

[exmaxima1]

I've been looking for an older USA made bench grinder for a little while, and came across a deal on CL I couldn't pass up.

It's a Blue Point BG250F that shows up here as available in 78 and 79.
http://www.collectingsnapon.com/catalogs/catalogs.php?loggedin=0&catalogPage=3381

It's a 1/4HP motor with most of the parts that starts fast and runs smooth. The pics aren't that great, and I'll fix that this weekend.

I called Wissota (I've been lurking here on GJ for some time as well) and they started making the Blue Points in 1980 as the BG250E. I've called Baldor, Leeson, Milwaukee (the Milwaukee 4900 appears to be identical), and left a message for Doerr Electric (US Motors 888-637-7333, they're useless) and no answer on the who actually made this model.

Anyone know anything more? Any tips on parts and preventative maintenance?

Thanks!

I have the same grinder (mine is branded Dayton) and can tell you it's NOT a Wissota---it's an older version made by Doerr. I made mine into a belt grinder for deburring parts. There's a 3M Scotchbrite wheel on the opposite end.

The Milwaukee 4900 is indeed the same, but AFAIK it is still a Doerr. The later Milwaukee 4931 is absolutely a Wissota as I bought one a few months ago. Pics attached for comparison---note the difference in the guard end plates and the quench tray (on the Wissota)

BTW, what was the "deal you couldn't pass up"?

 

[CdaGuinn]

$40 cash!

With the fast start up and smooth operation, even with crappy wheels, will I need to/ should I go in and clean it up on the inside at all?

Are you aware of the Doerr model number and/ or parts availability?

The snap on catalog said that the right side was manufactured wider for a wire wheel, I'm guessing I can mount a 1" wheel without removing the guard?

I like that belt mod! Yours must be more than 1/4 hp?

Thanks!

 

[exmaxima1]

$40 cash!

With the fast start up and smooth operation, even with crappy wheels, will I need to/ should I go in and clean it up on the inside at all?

Are you aware of the Doerr model number and/ or parts availability?

The snap on catalog said that the right side was manufactured wider for a wire wheel, I'm guessing I can mount a 1" wheel without removing the guard?

I like that belt mod! Yours must be more than 1/4 hp?

Thanks!

I don't think any parts are still available, but there's nothing really to wear except the bearings, and they are easy to get. My Dayton is 1/3hp, but it looks identical to yours. AFAIK my guards are equal width, but I don't use them for my application anyway. You got a decent price for a nice grinder