Show us Your Vintage Bench Grinders!!!!

[trijeff]

The manufacturer of that Dayton branded grinder. Now they just make ice skate sharpening equipment but for a long time also made bench grinders. Right up there with Baldor in my book in terms of quality. Google search Wissota and you can find more info, and also be sure to look for the GJ Wissota grinder thread

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[Dibiase77]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

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[krcoomer]

I had done some research into Hartford a few years ago on another piece of equipment. I googled them today and found this. They wanted to be the next Bridgeport so they just picked a bigger town in CT it looks like. No judgment on the quality of their machinery because I have been pretty impressed with a most of the Taiwanese tools I have used for their pricepoint and anticipated use.

http://www.hartford.com.tw/en/About-Us/Brand-Story

 

[Dibiase77]

Well I just picked up this little Thor 4" for $10 at a second hand store about 30 minutes ago. Probably going to give my dad the Dayton 7" and keep this little guy for myself. I don't have a garage so space is an issue in a little laundry room that is 12' x 7'.

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[exmaxima1]

The manufacturer of that Dayton branded grinder. Now they just make ice skate sharpening equipment but for a long time also made bench grinders. Right up there with Baldor in my book in terms of quality. Google search Wissota and you can find more info, and also be sure to look for the GJ Wissota grinder thread

Wissota does make great grinders, but IMHO that's not a Wissota. It's a Taiwanese-made Dayton. I have the larger 10" version in my basement. FWIW, Wissota grinders made after the mid-70's all have an integral quench tray cast into the base. And I've never seen a Dayton branded Wissota, which makes sense since Dayton already owned a grinder company (Doerr) up until they opted to go offshore for their machines.

 

[trijeff]

I 100% defer to exmaxima's expertise. It's the wheel covers that threw me, almost certain I have seen close/identical on direct labeled Wissota before. But probably incorrect about that too lol. Sorry to all for the misinformation.

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[Dibiase77]

It's ok. The guy I bought it from had it in his for a long time. He couldn't remember when he got it. Does say made in USA FWIW. But then again so do a lot of things that were made over there. I will say this though it is super super quiet. I've used other people's grinders and they always ran loud compared to this Dayton. Either way it was worth the price.

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[454ragtop]

I'm not convinced that Dayton grinder is an import. 7" is kind of an oddball older size, don't think I've ever seen a 7" import grinder.

 

[Outlawmws]

Keep in mind Dayton is a brand name for (I thnk) Granger tools/motors, and contracted with motor companies for the motors and grinders. The Dayton in question looks a lot like Wissota to me also.

 

[Dibiase77]

Grainger owns Dayton or something like that. I was trying to do some research on it when I got it before I posted the picture. All I really know about it is that it's older than me and runs good. Thought about going back to the guys house I bought it at but I doubt he would remember much about it. He couldn't remember when he got it. It just sat in his shop for years and years.

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[exmaxima1]

It's ok. The guy I bought it from had it in his for a long time. He couldn't remember when he got it. Does say made in USA FWIW. But then again so do a lot of things that were made over there.

Can you attach a pic of the label? Does it actually read "Made in...", rather than just Chicago Illinois?

 

[exmaxima1]

I'm not convinced that Dayton grinder is an import. 7" is kind of an oddball older size, don't think I've ever seen a 7" import grinder.

7-inch is an oddball nowadays, but was a very popular size up thru the 80's. The early Dayton imports were very close in design to the Doerr (USA) models with a few key differences:

1. The tool rests looked substantial, but they were cast aluminum rests with cheap sheet metal arms.

2. They had wheel direction arrow labels. While that doesn't seem like much, I don't recall any USA grinders having direction labels.

The later (and current) Dayton imports had huge stickers on them. The OP's grinder looks to be a very early import version with a modestly sized sticker (label). Attached is a pic of a USA-made Dayton to illustrate the better tool rests and riveted logo plate on the original USA grinders.

 

[Dibiase77]

Can you attach a pic of the label? Does it actually read "Made in...", rather than just Chicago Illinois?

I'll have to check and take a picture. I probably just assumed when I saw the Chicago Illinois. I try not to assume but it happens sometimes. I'll get a picture when I get home later.

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[anythingyoucanimagine]

I have a 8" B&D #74, type HA. I scrolled through the two big "show me your bench grinders" threads, saw that several others own similar machines (van dorn made??) but I couldn't find any pictures with definitive original paint colors.

Mine is very similar to the one in post 1610. Mine is RUSTY but two glass shields, one spark arrestor on the stone side and a small table thing on the wire wheel side.

Is flippin's machine original paint colors? Mine is bad enough that it's going to need electrolysis. Were those B&D machines grey? I've got a bunch of Delta woodworking machines so Rustoleum Smoke Grey by the gallon. Is that an accurate color?

I believe my serial number is 415837. Number 415837 is stamped onto the motor plate but it's corroded enough that I don't know what that number means.

Am I correct that the two sides are cast aluminum? Did they come from factory in any other colors than grey? Thanks.

 

[anythingyoucanimagine]

Here are pictures of the B&D grinder. Is it worth it to restore and does anyone know what color it was originally? Thanks.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I like those, think I've seen them gray on the outside part of the middle and black out at the wheels. The dead middle, a lot of B&D machines were polished. In your case, I'd do black.

 

[anythingyoucanimagine]

I like those, think I've seen them gray on the outside part of the middle and black out at the wheels. The dead middle, a lot of B&D machines were polished. In your case, I'd do black.

Thanks. I think I'd do the same. I can't maintain anything polished

 

[Tylermorris]

General bench grinder

 

[Outlawmws]

Hmm, Not liking that switch right next to an open spinning belt and pulley...

 

[Tylermorris]

Lol it works but yes very scary needs to be rewired

 

[DWise]

Bargain in central Ohio. Not mine, I have one and would love the stand, but I'm trying to down size.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/d/amlin-craftsman-grinder-on-stand/6938828203.html

 

[Rick B.]

Hmm, Not liking that switch right next to an open spinning belt and pulley...

I set mine up a bit differently.


View media item 79975

 

[Tylermorris]

I was thinking of putting the motor under the bench.

 

[Outlawmws]

I was thinking of putting the motor under the bench.

Does the housing have belt clearance? If so a good option. (planing on this for my T saw)

 

[lilredex]

I was thinking of putting the motor under the bench.

Did that to mine, sort of.....

 

[1982fxr]

Wissota does make great grinders, but IMHO that's not a Wissota. It's a Taiwanese-made Dayton. I have the larger 10" version in my basement. FWIW, Wissota grinders made after the mid-70's all have an integral quench tray cast into the base. And I've never seen a Dayton branded Wissota, which makes sense since Dayton already owned a grinder company (Doerr) up until they opted to go offshore for their machines.

I vote Doerr. If it is an early import maybe the wheel guards and tool posts were old stock USA leftovers that Doerr retrofitted until they ran out of parts?

Or they're off another grinder? The guards do look wissota-ish.

 

[paxtonm1520]

I just got this today for $40. By my calculations, that's about $1/lb for this beauty. It runs silky smooth, but needs a new switch. Can anyone tell me what Brand/Model this is? The data plate is impossible to read.

Thanks!

Michael

 

[exmaxima1]

I just got this today for $40. By my calculations, that's about $1/lb for this beauty. It runs silky smooth, but needs a new switch. Can anyone tell me what Brand/Model this is? The data plate is impossible to read.

Thanks!

Michael

Mid 40's Craftsman grinder

 

[paxtonm1520]

Any suggestions for parts sources? My left shield is broken!

 

[Outlawmws]

I think you meant the guard? That will be tough...

 

[paxtonm1520]

That is what I meant!

 

[exmaxima1]

I think you meant the guard? That will be tough...

+1
Damn near impossible to find parts, and they will be expensive. The auction site has a pair of the original CM eyshields listed for $65 and "Clean with the average signs of use/wear.". LOL

 

[lafester]

Man I almost bought one of those Craftsmans in awesome original condition but the guy would not budge on price. Probably would have met him in the middle but he got agitated when I asked about it a couple weeks later and he pulled it down. Wish I had a pic to share but I don't think I kept one...

Anyway I finally found a Rockwell/Baldor for a decent price and brought it home today. Nice little 23-635 with a nice lighter weight home made stand for $60. What really drew me in was the condition and complete with lamp, just missing the shields.

So are the 1/3 hp baldors worth keeping around? Seemed like it was maybe a little more powerful then the craftsman 1/3 but I have not put a wire wheel on it yet.

 

[exmaxima1]

Anyway I finally found a Rockwell/Baldor for a decent price and brought it home today. Nice little 23-635 with a nice lighter weight home made stand for $60. What really drew me in was the condition and complete with lamp, just missing the shields.

So are the 1/3 hp baldors worth keeping around? Seemed like it was maybe a little more powerful then the craftsman 1/3 but I have not put a wire wheel on it yet.

I used to own that same model with the heavy cast guards, and it was a fine machine. Ran smoother than any CM grinder. Power-wise, no issues with general sharpening or shaping tasks. You got a good deal.

 

[paxtonm1520]

Man I almost bought one of those Craftsmans in awesome original condition but the guy would not budge on price. Probably would have met him in the middle but he got agitated when I asked about it a couple weeks later and he pulled it down. Wish I had a pic to share but I don't think I kept one...

Anyway I finally found a Rockwell/Baldor for a decent price and brought it home today. Nice little 23-635 with a nice lighter weight home made stand for $60. What really drew me in was the condition and complete with lamp, just missing the shields.

So are the 1/3 hp baldors worth keeping around? Seemed like it was maybe a little more powerful then the craftsman 1/3 but I have not put a wire wheel on it yet.

Very nice looking grinder! Those Baldors are solid!

 

[tym]

+1
Damn near impossible to find parts, and they will be expensive. The auction site has a pair of the original CM eyshields listed for $65 and "Clean with the average signs of use/wear.". LOL

LOL. It's clean except where it's not.

 

[lafester]

I took the grinder off the stand to check out the internals.
I don't think it has been used much!

If I keep the grinder I will wire up the lamp to always have power.

 

[exmaxima1]

So are the 1/3 hp baldors worth keeping around? Seemed like it was maybe a little more powerful then the craftsman 1/3 but I have not put a wire wheel on it yet.

As far as power, Baldor is all over the map for their ratings. Your Rockwell/Baldor is rated for only 1/3hp at 4.2 amps, while this much bigger Baldor 7307 (photo is from local ad) is rated for 1/2hp at 3.4 amps. What makes it even more confusing is that my very own 7307 has a much different amp rating, not to mention wierd math for 115 vs 230 volts.

 

[park city flyer]

Hi guys I was wondering if anyone could help me identify this bench grinder? The grinder & motor have been separately sourced from yard sales etc. the motor is an old Gryphon, but I'm not sure about the grinder...

The grinder body has the letters 'G4' cast on the inside where the pulley runs.

Picked them both up for $25 including a steel mounting stand

All comments welcome...

I think that grinder is a Prairie. I used to see them advertised in the Silvo Hardware catalog back in the '70's. I've never seen one in person.

Tom

 

[lafester]

As far as power, Baldor is all over the map for their ratings. Your Rockwell/Baldor is rated for only 1/3hp at 4.2 amps, while this much bigger Baldor 7307 (photo is from local ad) is rated for 1/2hp at 3.4 amps. What makes it even more confusing is that my very own 7307 has a much different amp rating, not to mention wierd math for 115 vs 230 volts.

Huh. There is a 3/4 with only 4.8 amps that I have been trying to get my hands on. Hopefully I'll have it soon and can test it out.

Its really been quite annoying... no response for 3 days and then 'can you come now' out of the blue. Of course I didn't see it right away and now I am again waiting for a response.