Show us Your Vintage Bench Grinders!!!!

[macgee]

I would say that your old W-T is not like any Rockwell grinder. Your grinder was made by Kingston-Conley, the same company that made all the Atlas/Skil/Stanley/Miller-Falls grinders in the late 40's thru early 50's. Those are very heavy and powerful machines, different beasts from the Kingston-Conley units.

Thanks for the explanation Exmaximal,

I was kind of joking (kinda), they are different beast but since you mentioned Stanley, I'll post the one I had. Now that was a totally beast, one heavy mother *&^* for 1/2hp but very smooth. Its now at a friends shops. The light shields worked, complete and had excellent tool rests and even came with the water cup and mount. It was a very impressive machine. See scale of grinder in last pic while sitting on a Proto 9968 ToolMobile cart.

 

[drivesitfar]

Mac: I love your driveway pics almost as well as your cool tools.

BTW do you have a 120v outlet in the back of your car cause you post a lot of pics from it?

I don't think I still have the Stanley I once owned, but maybe. anyway I remember it was a BEAST. were they built by Baldor or Doerr?

Max: great information from you as per usual and thanks again for sharing your wisdom!!

ALL: speaking of old vintage tools have any of you seen the thread I started with VINTAGE Woodworking POWER TOOLS ?

here's the link and if you haven't seen JH's shop and his pics and information it's worth checking out.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=471474&highlight=power+woodworking

also feel free to post up some of your pics over on that thread even though you might have one on this one cause some threads seem to draw other members that have more to share that don't always see this one.

 

[macgee]

Drives,

My whole shop comes out of my car

Usually the only pics I take of my machinery are when I just purchased it to use it as a reference of the original condition that it came in.

As Exmax stated earlier, I believe my Stanley was made by Kingston-Conley?


PS> I do have a 120V outlet in the car, it's good to 6 amps, very helpful checking things when buying/selling something at mutually agreed meeting spots.

 

[exmaxima1]

Thanks for the explanation Exmaximal,

I was kind of joking (kinda), they are different beast but since you mentioned Stanley, I'll post the one I had. Now that was a totally beast, one heavy mother *&^* for 1/2hp but very smooth.

Yes, I agree with you on that 1/2hp Stanley. I like them so much I added a belt grinder to mine. I called it a "Frankenstein grinder"

 

[drivesitfar]

Mac: since I also take pics of my grinders, tools and vises in the back of my car I was really mentioning the 120v as more of a fun statement and then you said you actually have one.

is it wired in to the car's electric system or do you have a small generator giving you 120v access cause I think I need one that would be very helpful?

 

[larry4406]

Yes, I agree with you on that 1/2hp Stanley. I like them so much I added a belt grinder to mine. I called it a "Frankenstein grinder"

exmaxima1 - can you provide some pictures of "Frank" from the right side and with the belt removed? Do you have a build thread on this belt grinder design? I like the platen adjust, the spring loaded belt tension adjust, and tracking mechanism.

 

[exmaxima1]

exmaxima1 - can you provide some pictures of "Frank" from the right side and with the belt removed? Do you have a build thread on this belt grinder design?....

No plans as I built it on the fly, but here is the thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293283&highlight=frankenstein+belt+grinder

 

[ooba tooba]

Just posted this in another thread but seems appropriate here too. My old boss bought a building that housed a machining plant that had been in business 60 some odd years. They left this on the wall. I took it home. Not sure if it’s old, or how old it is.

 

[macgee]

Just posted this in another thread but seems appropriate here too. My old boss bought a building that housed a machining plant that had been in business 60 some odd years. They left this on the wall. I took it home. Not sure if it’s old, or how old it is.

Very true!

I guess the one benefit of being blind is always having to wear coke bottle glasses that have saved me several times. Admittedly, now a days its a very rare moment when I use a stone wheel for grinding. I have several different belt and disc grinder stations that have (with a smile) put the stone wheels out to pasture.

Also the 3M radial bristle brush wheels have also taken up much of the work duty that a wire wheel normally would do, in doing so I now experience less pleasure of unscheduled facial & chest acupuncture from a wire wheel.

 

[Provincial]

Based on the lettering style, I would guess that the sign predates OSHA. so pre-1971 for sure. After OSHA got going, signage got standardized, and artistic flair was discouraged!












































1

 

[calandrod]

My father in law gave me this very old Baldor. I’m trying to identify what year it is because I haven’t seen the squarish versions before. He inherited it from his Grandpa. It runs unbelievably smooth but I can’t seem to figure out what year it is. The data plate is very faded but it says “Type P8925”. Anybody here know anything about it?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[drivesitfar]

Calandrod: that's an oldie and with all that family history a gem. great stand too. I can't say i've ever seen that motor housing shape before and maybe that will help some of the others who know Baldor history.

it does look like you can maybe upgrade the shields to the Baldor lighted ones cause it looks like you've got the bolt holes already.

 

[ChefRex]

Picked this up yesterday,

[/ATTACH]Runs, but definitely needs rewiring but for $8 what do you expect?
She's a heavyweight any ideas on mfg?

 

[drivesitfar]

Shields looks like my black and decker but badge looks like Cincinnati.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Fixed up a Delta grinder built in 1947 still running strong after all these years.

 

[drivesitfar]

CA: you've gathered quite the assortment of grinders, buffers and stands in that picture. i'm sure your vise collection is pretty nice too?

thanks for sharing and nice restoration. I love those old metal shields with lights on your delta. did that stand come with it or was that a different purchase?

 

[drivesitfar]

Chef: the closer I look at your badge i can see some letters and wondering if you might have a high intensity light and magnifier to see if you can make out any brand name on your old grinder??

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

CA: you've gathered quite the assortment of grinders, buffers and stands in that picture. i'm sure your vise collection is pretty nice too?

thanks for sharing and nice restoration. I love those old metal shields with lights on your delta. did that stand come with it or was that a different purchase?

Stand came with it. Vise collection is pretty small right now kept a few cool ones but sold most of them off, guys would come over to buy one and leave with three, but I am still always hunting for them.

 

[ooba tooba]

Fixed up a Delta grinder built in 1947 still running strong after all these years.

Yeah nice work on the Delta. Sharp!

 

[drivesitfar]

CA: when you spiff up old tools as nice as you do I guess it would be hard not to sell them.

Again nice looking stand and machines you’ve gathered.

 

[breckrider]

I have an American Tool Exchange 8" bench grinder. I need new wheels for it.

It has a 3/8 inch arbor and I can't find an 8" wheel with that arbor nor can I find any bushings that will take a 5/8 inch hole to 3/8 inches.

Suggestions?

 

[drivesitfar]

Breckrider: First off WELCOME TO THE FORUM.

just curious if you read the last line on the badge? MADE IN CHINA. not that it won't do the job, but interesting that it's named AMERICAN.

if you have questions ask, but changing the wheels on older grinders is probably ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.

EDIT: I just saw you were asking where to buy wheels and adapters for your grinder and hopefully someone else that has just bought some can answer that for you. i've had almost a lifetime supply i'm using so I haven't bought a new wheel or adapter in years.

 

[exmaxima1]

I have an American Tool Exchange 8" bench grinder. I need new wheels for it.

It has a 3/8 inch arbor and I can't find an 8" wheel with that arbor nor can I find any bushings that will take a 5/8 inch hole to 3/8 inches.

Suggestions?

I can't imagine spinning 8" wheels on 3/8" shafts, and it would make my **** cringe. And for the cost of a pair of new wheels you could buy another used imported grinder. Grinders similar to yours sell for under $20 in the Chicago area.

 

[jimmyin3D]

your Craftsman block 1/2 commercial grinder with a wire wheel should be plenty good to do the job, but honestly if you wanted to push your item in real hard you can stop most any grinder until you get to 3/4 and 1 hp on a good one.

speaking of a good one a nice BALDOR is hard to beat so unless it's been abused that would be my first choice if they were all priced the same. Baldor grinders seem to be able to run 24/7 all week and still work great, but a lot of old grinders on this thread seem to be right up there and maybe a few better so do more reading while you have some time.

the little Wissota for smallish jobs should be fine but not as good as the 1/2 Block you already have.

I'll let the engineers and electricians explain the AMPS and such if they see your post.

good luck!!

Neither the Baldor or Wissota are optimum for any heavy wire wheel duty. They are best suited for typical sharpening and deburring tasks. I have a small Wissota-made grinder rated at 1/3hp (which I thought was the smallest they made) and it won't win any contests for power. As Drives said, use the CM for that application.

So would a baldor 1/3 hp 4amp grinder (from late 50’s-early 60’s) hold its own agains the CM 1/2 6.2amp grinder? I’m going to be using a scotchbrite 3M general deburring wheel and a fine bristle wire wheel.

 

[exmaxima1]

So would a baldor 1/3 hp 4amp grinder (from late 50’s-early 60’s) hold its own agains the CM 1/2 6.2amp grinder? I’m going to be using a scotchbrite 3M general deburring wheel and a fine bristle wire wheel.

For your applications, either grinder would work fine. If you tried to use a twisted-wire wheel (rather than a simple fine wire), I would give the edge to the CM grinder.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jimmy: I'd also give the edge to the CM 1/2 HP if power mattered, but I do love old Baldor grinder buffers. if access is important i'd pick the Baldor cause it seems to have a better shape for wire wheeling and deburring.

try both if you own them and let us know which you liked?

 

[jimmyin3D]

Jimmy: I'd also give the edge to the CM 1/2 HP if power mattered, but I do love old Baldor grinder buffers. if access is important i'd pick the Baldor cause it seems to have a better shape for wire wheeling and deburring.

try both if you own them and let us know which you liked?

Will do, I’m also looking at getting a CM pre block 1/2HP 7.0amp grinder but deciding if I “need” it haha. It’s all cast iron so way heavier than the later craftsman grinders. I don’t know if the slight power difference between my 6.2amp CM is worth it.

 

[exmaxima1]

Will do, I’m also looking at getting a CM pre block 1/2HP 7.0amp grinder but deciding if I “need” it haha. It’s all cast iron so way heavier than the later craftsman grinders. I don’t know if the slight power difference between my 6.2amp CM is worth it.

The difference is more than "slight". Those old Pre-Blocks run very strong.

 

[jimmyin3D]

The difference is more than "slight". Those old Pre-Blocks run very strong.

Yeah that seems to be the consensus but I already have a 3/4 hp 6.5amp baldor that handles the tough jobs. I’m only trying to have two bench grinders so deciding between the craftsman flat top 6.2a, this baldor 4.2a I can get for cheap, or the craftsman pre block 7a(costs 3x the baldor).

It would be so much easier if I had the space haha.

 

[exmaxima1]

Yeah that seems to be the consensus but I already have a 3/4 hp 6.5amp baldor that handles the tough jobs. I’m only trying to have two bench grinders so deciding between the craftsman flat top 6.2a, this baldor 4.2a I can get for cheap, or the craftsman pre block 7a(costs 3x the baldor).

It would be so much easier if I had the space haha.

If the Baldor is a great deal, buy it. Baldors will always hold their value, so consider it an investment.

 

[drivesitfar]

EX: your wisdom is top notch about these old grinders AND you're correct Baldor grinder buffers hold their value.

love your changing AVATARS TOO!!

Jimmy: if you'd rather change out grinders instead of wheels a hitch mount on your bench might be the answer. here's a few examples and there are many more on this vise and grinder stand thread in fabrication. here's the link: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252799&highlight=vise+grinder+stand

sorry I didn't have any pics saved with grinders on the hitch mount so posted up a few with vises and pics of grinders using same hitch mount are on that thread.

 

[Tarnished]

Fixed up a Delta grinder built in 1947 still running strong after all these years.

Quite the Delta collection Cro, I"m impressed.
Show us more.

 

[ooba tooba]

Oh I wish I was closer to get this one... but I’m working too much lately to make the drive. Hour and a half north of me

 

[Outlawmws]

OT, I've had several of those.. VERY light duty, and one I burned up, (after killing a couple of switches).

The big hole takes an aluminum shroud, and took a small base nightlight bulb.

They are kinda cool looking.

 

[jimmyin3D]

If the Baldor is a great deal, buy it. Baldors will always hold their value, so consider it an investment.

EX: your wisdom is top notch about these old grinders AND you're correct Baldor grinder buffers hold their value.

love your changing AVATARS TOO!!

Jimmy: if you'd rather change out grinders instead of wheels a hitch mount on your bench might be the answer. here's a few examples and there are many more on this vise and grinder stand thread in fabrication. here's the link: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252799&highlight=vise+grinder+stand

sorry I didn't have any pics saved with grinders on the hitch mount so posted up a few with vises and pics of grinders using same hitch mount are on that thread.

Yeah I ended up picking it up, it’s an Ingersoll Rand 6” bench grinder. Im pretty sure it’s a rebadged baldor (the wheel covers are a baldor 6” match) but I’m not 100% got it for super cheap though. Runs beautifully and I think I’m picking up the CM pre block grinder as well and see which one I like better and sell off the one I don’t.

Thanks for the help guys! And here are some pictures:

 

[ooba tooba]

Outlaw; I saw that posted here when I searched for info on it. Too bad. I like that 30s/40s look. Everything was made with a little more style then.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Yeah I ended up picking it up, it’s an Ingersoll Rand 6” bench grinder. Im pretty sure it’s a rebadged baldor (the wheel covers are a baldor 6” match) but I’m not 100% got it for super cheap though. Runs beautifully and I think I’m picking up the CM pre block grinder as well and see which one I like better and sell off the one I don’t.

Thanks for the help guys! And here are some pictures:

It looks like my Skil relabeled Baldor 6" grinder of the same period. Those are the heaviest 6" grinders I have ever seen.

 

[jimmyin3D]

It looks like my Skil relabeled Baldor 6" grinder of the same period. Those are the heaviest 6" grinders I have ever seen.

Yeah I was glad for the handle on top while walking back through this weird maze jungle to my car. Hopefully picking up the craftsman pre block grinder in a few days to see which one I’ll keep.

 

[Bugeyed Earl]

So this grinder popped up on the local online classified recently, and I was mostly interested in the little machine tool table, so I went to take a look.

So what I assumed was a grinder on a tiny machine table turned out to be an enormous grinder on a 24x14" table! It was living in someone's back yard and exposed to the elements, but it spun right up, so a deal was made.

The entire package weighs more than I do, but I managed to outsmart it and got it into and out of my van without too much difficulty.

As has been pointed out several times in this thread, this unit was made for Stanley by Kingston-Conley. It's a 1/2 HP grinder with a 5/8 arbor, and it takes 7" wheels. This example is missing the eye guards, but otherwise just a little rusty.

I'm amazed that that gigantic nut as a spacer doesn't throw off the balance, it spins pretty smoothly. I'm on the lookout for a pair of 5/8" arbor wheels now.

Start cap appears to be a 124mfd 110V Mallory, it also has the numbers 94153 235639, but I don't know if those mean anything today.

The table has an extra mounting plate screwed to the top with big flat head screws, they're soaking in penetrant today, and I'll flip the table over and soak the threads tomorrow.Hopefully I'll be able to bust them loose. I'm going to refinish everything soon and address the rust.

I was perfectly happy with my pair of block grinders, but I think this big Stanley is here to stay.

 

[Outlawmws]

BEE: Nice find!

Just use the caps Voltage and Mfd ratings - Its OK to go higher on Voltage and the Mfd if you are within 20-30 Mfd you should be fine.

Did it have any Tolerance for the Mfd? some times it list +20 - 40 or such silliness - bu that also says where you can go with the new caps.