Show us Your Vintage Bench Grinders!!!!

[lafester]

I got it! I thought it was long gone.
3/4 hp with lit Shields for $100.

Tool rests look weird and one of the shield clamps is broken but otherwise looks pretty good.

Haven't even fired it up for a test spin. Hope it runs.

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[lafester]

Ok, I just pulled it out and took a closer look. I barely even got to look at it earlier as the kind people loaded it right in for me. Wow what a beast. For a home shop this thing is pretty impressive. I struggled a little carrying just the grinder into the garage.

I fired it up and while it did seem a little slow to get going it did go right up to speed and is rock solid. No vibration even with the wire wheel and not bolted down.

So how do you date these things? The rockwell seems to have a 68 in the serial but no luck with this one. Man that little rockwell looks like a toy now.

-edit- ah I do see 780 as the s/n. I suppose that is 7/80 which seems about right. Not quite vintage but certainly built like it is.

Also kind of cool the exact same model is still being made with parts available. Might have to snag a quench cup for it although $43 is kind of steep.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Ok, I just pulled it out and took a closer look. I barely even got to look at it earlier as the kind people loaded it right in for me. Wow what a beast. For a home shop this thing is pretty impressive. I struggled a little carrying just the grinder into the garage.

I fired it up and while it did seem a little slow to get going it did go right up to speed and is rock solid. No vibration even with the wire wheel and not bolted down.

So how do you date these things? The rockwell seems to have a 68 in the serial but no luck with this one. Man that little rockwell looks like a toy now.

-edit- ah I do see 780 as the s/n. I suppose that is 7/80 which seems about right. Not quite vintage but certainly built like it is.

Also kind of cool the exact same model is still being made with parts available. Might have to snag a quench cup for it although $43 is kind of steep.

Lafester, that is a great grinder! I have almost the same exact one. The eye shields are a little different. Do yourself a favor and swap the bulbs out for LED's. Mine had a missing shield clamp too. I was able to make a new one pretty easily. Let me know if you need a close up picture.

 

[exmaxima1]

I fired it up and while it did seem a little slow to get going it did go right up to speed and is rock solid. No vibration even with the wire wheel and not bolted down...

My 1/2hp Baldor of that same era spools up very slow as well, so I always give the wheel (or belt, in my case, as I mounted a Multi-Tool on mine) a spin with my hand when I turn it on. Those capacitor-run motors don't have much start up torque.

Maybe you could add a pic of the label so we can see the model number and specs.

 

[AFSOC]

I'm not sure what qualifies as "vintage" for this thread but this 8" Bench Grinder is 35 years old. I picked this up at an estate sale, liquidating an engineer's home woodworking/machineshop. The 16' by 12' space was packed floor to ceiling with odds and ends of hardware and tools. It was frankly hard to identify contents of the space with everything covered in sawdust. There were lots of light duty machines. I spotted this Scotty's branded bench grinder. It ran up very quietly and well balanced so it went home with me for $30.

Does anyone remember Scotty's Builders Supply? It was a box store chain, very prevalent in Florida last century. They went out of business in the early 2000s. I guess they must have retailed some tools rebadged with their Scotty's name. This particular grinder is a pretty respectable machine and was very lightly used. It has an 8 amp motor, the specs are very similar to contemporary Jet JBG-8 grinders. Can anyone identify other branded versions of this Asian built machine by looking at the castings and identification plate?

 

[lafester]

Lafester, that is a great grinder! I have almost the same exact one. The eye shields are a little different. Do yourself a favor and swap the bulbs out for LED's. Mine had a missing shield clamp too. I was able to make a new one pretty easily. Let me know if you need a close up picture.

Are those Delta, or just older versions? I like them! LEDs are definitely going in asap.

My 1/2hp Baldor of that same era spools up very slow as well, so I always give the wheel (or belt, in my case, as I mounted a Multi-Tool on mine) a spin with my hand when I turn it on. Those capacitor-run motors don't have much start up torque.

Maybe you could add a pic of the label so we can see the model number and specs.

See my post above for the label pic... I even quoted you on that one for the amp discussion. How long did they use the blue labels? I think I saw one from '69 and it looks the exact same. I really want to mount my multi tool on this beast but it will take some time to modify.

Also this model has the open bell ends so I need some sort of cap if I want to take the guard off. It's weird they make them like this. I looked up replacement bell ends and they don't even stock the open ended versions.

So far cleanup is going very well. This guy has had a pretty easy life I think. I'll get some pics this afternoon.

 

[exmaxima1]

........... I really want to mount my multi tool on this beast but it will take some time to modify....

Not sure what you mean. The MT comes with a mounting plate that should bolt right up to your Baldor. It does not require a thick spacer like a Block grinder does. I had modified my MT years ago to use 2x42 belts, and also made mine adjustable for angle by employing a sandwich type locking mechanism. I think the only issue you might have is if your arbor is 3/4" diameter, as I think the current MT is bored for 5/8"

 

[lafester]

Not sure what you mean. The MT comes with a mounting plate that should bolt right up to your Baldor. It does not require a thick spacer like a Block grinder does. I had modified my MT years ago to use 2x42 belts, and also made mine adjustable for angle by employing a sandwich type locking mechanism. I think the only issue you might have is if your arbor is 3/4" diameter, as I think the current MT is bored for 5/8"

Yes, the 3/4 arbor and the open bell which currently uses the guard as a bearing retainer. I'm about to remove the multi tool from the block grinder so I will take a closer look.

-edit- Oh and I'll probably have to remove the pins Baldor puts in the arbor for some reason. I need to adjust the wire wheel to the middle and the damn pin will be in the way. I assume it would be in the way for the mt install as well.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Oh man! If anyone has a way to mount the MT on a 3/4" arbor baldor please post it up! I just bought one last week for my non-block craftsman and it works ok but I'd love to have it on the big boy!

Lafester, those eye shields are the older type I think. If I remember correctly mine dated to the 70's.

 

[exmaxima1]

I believe your 3/4" arbor has ruled it out. BTW, the roll pin is designed to engage keyways on the shaft flanges. I would leave them alone unless you need to replace the bearings.

 

[lafester]

I think I could bore out the 3/4 but the mount plate is also too small and would need to be modified. I may end up putting it on the 1/3 hp Rockwell.

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[Fred Knox]

I just purchased this buffer from CL this weekend. It seems to run well enough, although I have not put it under any load. It is larger than most that I have seen (65 lbs., 19" long, 11" tall). It has been repainted. The badge is 2 1/2" x 2", and it completely rusted so I cannot identify the make/model. Originally I was thinking it was an old Baldor, but perhaps it is an old Kingston-Conley. I can faintly read on the badge, going from top to bottom:
807A (model?)
1/2 (HP probably)
110 (volts probably)
50/60 (Hz probably)
1
2850/3450 (RPM probably)
5.2 (Amps probably)
180062 (serial no.?)

The arbor is 5/8". Would anyone know more about this buffer (probably repurposed grinder) including manufacturer, model, characteristics, and likely manufacture date? I tried to search for Model 807A and came up empty. I wonder if it is worth investing the time/energy into refurbishing it too, as I know some of the older ones are considered better than newer vintages.

Any assistance/direction you can offer is much appreciated.

 

[lafester]

I don't know anything about it but it looks to be well built.
As easy as these are to clean up I don't see why you wouldn't at least crack it open and take a look.

I just purchased this buffer from CL this weekend. It seems to run well enough, although I have not put it under any load. It is larger than most that I have seen (65 lbs., 19" long, 11" tall). It has been repainted. The badge is 2 1/2" x 2", and it completely rusted so I cannot identify the make/model. Originally I was thinking it was an old Baldor, but perhaps it is an old Kingston-Conley. I can faintly read on the badge, going from top to bottom:
807A (model?)
1/2 (HP probably)
110 (volts probably)
50/60 (Hz probably)
1
2850/3450 (RPM probably)
5.2 (Amps probably)
180062 (serial no.?)

The arbor is 5/8". Would anyone know more about this buffer (probably repurposed grinder) including manufacturer, model, characteristics, and likely manufacture date? I tried to search for Model 807A and came up empty. I wonder if it is worth investing the time/energy into refurbishing it too, as I know some of the older ones are considered better than newer vintages.

Any assistance/direction you can offer is much appreciated.

 

[exmaxima1]

I just purchased this buffer from CL this weekend. It seems to run well enough, although I have not put it under any load. It is larger than most that I have seen (65 lbs., 19" long, 11" tall). It has been repainted. The badge is 2 1/2" x 2", and it completely rusted so I cannot identify the make/model. Originally I was thinking it was an old Baldor, but perhaps it is an old Kingston-Conley. I can faintly read on the badge, going from top to bottom:
807A (model?)
1/2 (HP probably)
110 (volts probably)
50/60 (Hz probably)
1
2850/3450 (RPM probably)
5.2 (Amps probably)
180062 (serial no.?)

The arbor is 5/8". Would anyone know more about this buffer (probably repurposed grinder) including manufacturer, model, characteristics, and likely manufacture date? I tried to search for Model 807A and came up empty. I wonder if it is worth investing the time/energy into refurbishing it too, as I know some of the older ones are considered better than newer vintages.

Any assistance/direction you can offer is much appreciated.

It's a Millers Falls, and indeed built by Kingston-Conley. Same basic grinder I built my "Frankenstein Grinder" from. Should be 5.6 amps, and the rpms you listed are 50 vs 60 hz.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/548/20382.pdf

 

[lafester]

I installed the multitool on the 6 in grinder and it fits perfectly. I have an exposed wire wheel on the other side so it really does have to work a bit to get up to speed. Seems to be plenty of power but of course I have not fully tested it yet. Honestly compared to the 1/2 hp block grinder I think this one wins.

On the big boy I went to put in a light bulb and discovered something I have never seen before....

 

[Bigblockyeti]

The aluminum socket has sheared away from the rivets that hold it in the bottom of the porcelain insulator. Looking closely at the picture I can see tiny bits of metal remaining under both rivet heads.

 

[exmaxima1]

I installed the multitool on the 6 in grinder and it fits perfectly. I have an exposed wire wheel on the other side so it really does have to work a bit to get up to speed. Seems to be plenty of power but of course I have not fully tested it yet. Honestly compared to the 1/2 hp block grinder I think this one wins. .

You’ll love that setup. My Baldor w/MT is our most used grinder at the shop. I’m curious what the diameter of the drive drum is. My setup is about 20 years old, when the drum was attached with a Browning-style tapered hub, and looks a bit larger. What is your drive diameter?

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Not sure what you mean. The MT comes with a mounting plate that should bolt right up to your Baldor. It does not require a thick spacer like a Block grinder does. I had modified my MT years ago to use 2x42 belts, and also made mine adjustable for angle by employing a sandwich type locking mechanism. I think the only issue you might have is if your arbor is 3/4" diameter, as I think the current MT is bored for 5/8"

Can you show how you modified your MT for the 2x42 belts?

 

[exmaxima1]

Can you show how you modified your MT for the 2x42 belts?

Hopefully the pics will illustrate the key mods.

 

[lafester]

The aluminum socket has sheared away from the rivets that hold it in the bottom of the porcelain insulator. Looking closely at the picture I can see tiny bits of metal remaining under both rivet heads.

For sure, but why would anyone screw in a bulb so tight it would shear off the aluminum socket? I did manage to find the part number and a source for new ones but I have already ordered a regular one off ebay for cheap. I don't think it will be hard to modify the mount bracket to a regular socket and I prefer the screw connection over solder.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

It might not have been from some hamfisted bulb installer, it could have been vibration induced metal fatigue from a bulb bouncing just a bit due to an unbalanced wheel(s).

 

[tym]

It might not have been from some hamfisted bulb installer, it could have been vibration induced metal fatigue from a bulb bouncing just a bit due to an unbalanced wheel(s).

Maybe my neighbor installed the last bulb...

 

[lafester]

Cleanup is done for now and I have the little grinders mounted and ready for work. I'm not sure what the big guy is going to be used for, probably some nice wire wheels if I can find them at a good price.

Update:
My socket came today and it doesn't fit! Well it fits fine but you can't get the bracket on or a bulb in. The socket porcelain is thicker making it both too long and too wide. Nothing is ever easy. I'll give it a shot with the sander but if that doesn't work I'll just order a stock one.




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[lafester]

You’ll love that setup. My Baldor w/MT is our most used grinder at the shop. I’m curious what the diameter of the drive drum is. My setup is about 20 years old, when the drum was attached with a Browning-style tapered hub, and looks a bit larger. What is your drive diameter?

Looks to be 5in or so.

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[trijeff]

Believe this Baldor 1/4HP is from the 50s. Steady as can be an purrs like a kitten.

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[Gilgamesh1]

I just purchased this buffer from CL this weekend. It seems to run well enough, although I have not put it under any load. It is larger than most that I have seen (65 lbs., 19" long, 11" tall). It has been repainted. The badge is 2 1/2" x 2", and it completely rusted so I cannot identify the make/model. Originally I was thinking it was an old Baldor, but perhaps it is an old Kingston-Conley. I can faintly read on the badge, going from top to bottom:
807A (model?)
1/2 (HP probably)
110 (volts probably)
50/60 (Hz probably)
1
2850/3450 (RPM probably)
5.2 (Amps probably)
180062 (serial no.?)

The arbor is 5/8". Would anyone know more about this buffer (probably repurposed grinder) including manufacturer, model, characteristics, and likely manufacture date? I tried to search for Model 807A and came up empty. I wonder if it is worth investing the time/energy into refurbishing it too, as I know some of the older ones are considered better than newer vintages.

Any assistance/direction you can offer is much appreciated.

Exmaxima is correct, it is made by Kingston-Conley. I have the same one but badged Blue Point. Check back a few pages (p.90 of this thread).
If it runs just leave it and use as a buffer. I looked into restoring mine as a grinder too but found no info or parts. I couldn't even source the bearings. I don't know what exact year you have but mine first appeared in the snap on catalogue in 1945.

 

[Gilgamesh1]

Nice one Trijeff, I like the look of those older Baldor badges and the smooth housings with fewer bolts.

 

[J.C.]

Picked up a vintage grinder stand today - apparently it's cast steel and pre-WWI... I haven't had a close look to see if there's any kind of maker's mark yet or done a spark test. It came out of an old fabrication shop where it had apparently been for the last 49 years and it was vintage when it arrived there...

It is ridiculously heavy even with the top section removed (fab shop made the top bit with the water bucket).

 

[Rick B.]

General bench grinder

Nice old General. I have a similar setup.

View media item 79975

 

[beltdrive]

Here's a home-engineered farmer's grinder station that offers two motors turning 2 buffing wheels, 2 wire brushes, and one grinding wheel. It is pretty ingenious the way the arbor is set up with bearings. It really is a neat 'folk art' piece. The last pic is my old Stanley 586...gave 5 bucks for it...runs great.

 

[tym]

^ Your Stanley looks almost identical to a Blue Point I picked up at an upholstery store sell-off late last year. Side guards were trashed so I have it set up like yours. Cannot for the life of me find the left-handed screw for the LH arbor.

 

[bagged89s10]

^ Your Stanley looks almost identical to a Blue Point I picked up at an upholstery store sell-off late last year. Side guards were trashed so I have it set up like yours. Cannot for the life of me find the left-handed screw for the LH arbor.

I think they are identical. I have a blue point and i’m putting stanley lighted eye shields on it.

funny I just saw the ad for that in marketplace.

 

[bagged89s10]

is anyone running buffing adapters on their bench grinders? I would love to have the spiral thread pinhole adapters on one of my grinders to buff with. I just don’t know how well any of them work.

https://www.shop.buschbuffingproducts.com/Adapters-and-Accessories_c25.htm

 

[trijeff]

I hear ya Bags ... have never seen them in operation myself and really curious. Right now I just have the regular clamp setup used on grinding wheels and enough grinders where I don't have to worry about changing wheels loaded with the different rouge

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[tym]

I think they are identical. I have a blue point and i’m putting stanley lighted eye shields on it.

funny I just saw the ad for that in marketplace.

If you need any bits, let me know and I can rustle through the box of parts with the grinder motor.

 

[jordan_paul]

I just picked up a 6" Ford-Smith bench grinder which came with the table and vice for fifty Canadian dollars. I bought it from an old guy and he said it was made in the 1950's. I'm going to mount the bench grinder to a pedestal and scrap the table.

 

[KMinAF]

Picked this up from the state surplus warehouse yesterday. There is no switch though. Did people plug them into a switch box?

 

[bagged89s10]

Picked this up from the state surplus warehouse yesterday. There is no switch though. Did people plug them into a switch box?

that’s the first block grinder i’ve seen without a switch hole cutout.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Picked this up from the state surplus warehouse yesterday. There is no switch though. Did people plug them into a switch box?

that’s the first block grinder i’ve seen without a switch hole cutout.

I've seen it a few times, but not often. Like the extreme base model in the 50's and 60's, by end of the block period I think they all had switches.

 

[wrenchguy]

I just picked up a 6" Ford-Smith bench grinder which came with the table and vice for fifty Canadian dollars. I bought it from an old guy and he said it was made in the 1950's. I'm going to mount the bench grinder to a pedestal and scrap the table.

hope it works out, looks neat.