I know...I'm jealous! BTW, I finally got the lathe home, should have your handle turned down soon as I get it set up.
Show us Your Vintage Bench Grinders!!!!
- Thread starter 48James
- Start date
I know...I'm jealous! BTW, I finally got the lathe home, should have your handle turned down soon as I get it set up.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Very nice. The stand alone is worth twice that much.
Maybe even more. A few weeks ago I was shopping with my wife at some artsy furniture shops and she came across a side table she really liked: it was essentially a few planks with an old cast iron grinder base. Price was around $800.
And I made it clear to her that I wasn't going to cannibalize my Rockwell Triple Duty to make a table!
jholder
Active member
Picked this up late last night after watching it languish on CL for a while.
I thought it was a beast until I saw some of the 12" grinders in this thread. I disassembled it from the base for transport, but it looks to be reasonably complete, though its going to require some elbow grease and a little fabrication on my part.
Some questions for the group if you don't mind sharing your experience.
Any history for The Standard Electrical Company? There is some info on the web, but some of it is contradictory, especially when looking for any type of manufacture date.
Is there any where to source a 6"x5" pane of safety glass? Or should I give up and go for lexan?
Is there a standard way to test the bearings for play? I assume a dial indicator on the shaft and moving it around, but not sure where to pickup additionally bearings if they are out of spec. (what spec?
)
It's certainly heavy duty, and will outlast me, but not sure how it compares to some of the other name brands out there. Has anyone used one of these long enough to form an opinion on it?
I thought it was a beast until I saw some of the 12" grinders in this thread. I disassembled it from the base for transport, but it looks to be reasonably complete, though its going to require some elbow grease and a little fabrication on my part.
Some questions for the group if you don't mind sharing your experience.
Any history for The Standard Electrical Company? There is some info on the web, but some of it is contradictory, especially when looking for any type of manufacture date.
Is there any where to source a 6"x5" pane of safety glass? Or should I give up and go for lexan?
Is there a standard way to test the bearings for play? I assume a dial indicator on the shaft and moving it around, but not sure where to pickup additionally bearings if they are out of spec. (what spec?
)It's certainly heavy duty, and will outlast me, but not sure how it compares to some of the other name brands out there. Has anyone used one of these long enough to form an opinion on it?
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
jholder, you did realize its 3 phase right? Do you have that or is a VFD in your future? What size wheels?
jholder
Active member
I did (pretty sure that is why it didn't sell for so long), and the VFD is already on order. It should have shipped today, but they are closed for the thanksgiving. Having three phase at the house would certainly aid my tool buying addiction though
The grinder takes (so the tag says) 10" wheels, but without having had a chance to get out there and measure, the current wheel/brush don't really _look_ like 10" wheels, but I'll get back to you once I get out there to really take stock of it's condition. The PO said it came from a paper factory (not sure if he meant mill or not) but it looks to be a pretty much rust free example except for the work coolant reservoir thingy (not sure if it has a real name). (a.k.a :The big *** cup thing that sits in the holder at the front of the pedestal)
Outlawmws
Well-known member
"The big *** cup thing" is a quench tray/cup/bucket... That will be a heck of a work horse! I have a VFD I need to get setup for a grinder I have and my little clausing mill. I was going to convert the mil to a treadmill motor, but than the VFD appeared!
Pupuhd
Well-known member
In April I acquired a 12" Cincinnati grinder with pedestal, 2hp, 3 Phase.
I added a metal enclosure box on the bottom left. It houses the VFD with all the wiring, relay, circuit breaker, cooling fan, etc.
I've only dressed the left wheel, however this beast will grind anything you put in front of it. I love this grinder for my medium to heavy duty grinding. I haven't rebuild it yet. Still need a light, new shields, ON/OFF switch at top, new tool rest. However works and sound excellent for now. Takes 55 seconds to wind down from the off position on the vfd.
The only drawback I see, and I warn you now, is that the availability and low start up cost of VFDs now opens up a new market into 3 phase vintage machinery into my shop. DARN THOSE GEEKS[emoji35].
I lost a bit of sleep last night thinking whether to buy a complete 3 phase 1943 Delta drill press listed dirt cheap. I already own a Clausing drill press with a possible vintage Craftsman DP in the near future. DAM YOU TECHNOLOGY, DAM YOU TO HELL![emoji12]
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jholder
Active member
tedsters: I'm pretty sure this will be all the grinder I need....though I did just notice a block grinder is on the list at an estate sale near here....
Pupuhd: Yeah that thing is a beast. I have a feeling, with the drop in cost of the VFDs, we'll see a shift in the cost of old 3-phase machines for the worse (for us). I picked up a southbend heavy 10 a few weeks back, and currently am on the lookout for an older drill press and possibly mill. After those.... I think I can take a break for a bit.
Pupuhd: Yeah that thing is a beast. I have a feeling, with the drop in cost of the VFDs, we'll see a shift in the cost of old 3-phase machines for the worse (for us). I picked up a southbend heavy 10 a few weeks back, and currently am on the lookout for an older drill press and possibly mill. After those.... I think I can take a break for a bit.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Pupuhd: Did you buy your VFD as is and what is the brand name and cost. or did you make your own? by the way if you did buy one is it very difficult to wire up your machines to it and can you maybe use it on more than one machine if you have a switch?
thanks
JHolder: we were just talking about eye shields on the Craftsman block thread so read back a few posts and see where IT (I forget his full GJ handle) mentions some for $5 each for the blocks. another member McB found some for $69 each which i think must be gold plated.
nice looking old grinder and looking forward to seeing it spiffed up.
thanks
JHolder: we were just talking about eye shields on the Craftsman block thread so read back a few posts and see where IT (I forget his full GJ handle) mentions some for $5 each for the blocks. another member McB found some for $69 each which i think must be gold plated.
nice looking old grinder and looking forward to seeing it spiffed up.
jholder
Active member
Well, it did have a 10x1x1......
I've got most of the major stuff torn down, but there is a metal sleeve/spacer/bushing that does not want to come off so that I can remove the inner retaining washer. I've given it a couple of light love taps, and am now letting it soak in PB and Kroil.
will take some measurements later, but the bushings feel like they could use a freshening up.
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Pupuhd
Well-known member
That entire setup was built by me. I purchased the vfd from Factorymation. Model FM50-202-C, around $175 shipped, I think. Look at the specs in the image below.
You will need to know the HP on your machine to order the correct vfd.
As far as the enclosure box and all the innards, I lucked out with that. At my local metal & surplus outfit, for $20, I got a used one with a din rail and about twenty din components inside. I did purchase a din 10amp breaker to protect the grinder motor and din relay for the future on/off vintage motor switch that will be mounted on top of the grinder motor. For now I open the enclosure and hit the on/off switch on the vfd.
I also added a master lockout switch on the front outside of the enclosure for maintenance and safety.
As far as ease of installation the vfd was easy to install. The instrution booklet was very detailed and informative. You should look into YouTube for Mr. Petes (aka tubalcane) for a small series he did on installing a similar vfd on a 3 phase drill press he has. The video series will give you more insight into vfd's and their usefulness.
As far as I've read online, yes you can install other 3 phase machines to one vfd via a switch. However I would advise against it. Why? With all the bells and whistles a vfd can offer, you can only use a few for a monster grinder like the one I have. First, you cannot use the emergency stop (e-stop) feature. Bringing that much mass to a sudden stop can cause the wheels to spin off the shafts. You need to let it spin down naturally or use the frequency decelerate feature to slow the grinder gradually. Without this feature enabled, it would take mine nearly two minutes to cost down. With the feature enabled, 55 seconds.
Also my reading tells me using the manual frequency up and down feature is a no-no. You want to keep these grinders running at there intended RPMs. Unless you have multiple 3 phase grinders, one vfd would be great. But a grinder and lets say drill press, you might enable a feature or setting you have specifically for the drill press like e-stop, reverse, frequency and accidentally switch those function onto the grinder. Personally I would have individual vfd's for each machine. More bang for your bucks as far as features. The next series Teco vfd has a detachable keypad. Other models have the onboard rotary up/down frequency dial.
Somewhere I have a chicken-scratch electric schematic of my setup as you see. If you're interested, I can post it or PM it to you directly. I know I'm like a giddie little school girl when I fire mine up. [emoji16]
I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.
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Pupuhd
Well-known member
Pupuhd: Yeah that thing is a beast. I have a feeling, with the drop in cost of the VFDs, we'll see a shift in the cost of old 3-phase machines for the worse (for us). I picked up a southbend heavy 10 a few weeks back, and currently am on the lookout for an older drill press and possibly mill. After those.... I think I can take a break for a bit.
Today I received a 1965 Craftsman block grinder, 6" wheel. So that makes three grinders so far, 6", 8" and 12". Told my wife that I'm interested in a listed 3 phase 1943 Delta floor model drill press complete and another complete vintage Craftsman drill press, with not one, but two tables. A standard and production table mounted on the column, with a table lift. This is in addition to my 1974 15" Clausing floor model drill press.
She asked, "How many drill presses do you need?" I looked at her and said, "how many pairs of shoes do you have?"
Is that a tricked question or what? [emoji47]
I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.
Radio Ron w4ron
Well-known member
Here's mine, my father bought the double shaft motor in 1950.
I found the mandrel adapters on ebay to allow me to mount
1/2" shaft grinding wheels and wirebrush wheel on the 5/8" dia
shafts of the motor.
I made the tables after seeing something similar on the web, they're
made of 3/4" birch plywood. Instead of painting them I just applied
several coats of Johnson's paste wax.
It's mounted to a 35" dia lazy susan that also holds my buffing wheels
and belt sander.
.
I found the mandrel adapters on ebay to allow me to mount
1/2" shaft grinding wheels and wirebrush wheel on the 5/8" dia
shafts of the motor.
I made the tables after seeing something similar on the web, they're
made of 3/4" birch plywood. Instead of painting them I just applied
several coats of Johnson's paste wax.
It's mounted to a 35" dia lazy susan that also holds my buffing wheels
and belt sander.
.
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Prryan45
New member
Old Skillsaw with Coke Cola stand. Date unknown.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Pryyan: welcome to GJ and nice first post. i like your grinder and I reeeeeeeely like your stand's base with that Coke a cola casting on it.
Prryan45
New member
Pryyan: welcome to GJ and nice first post. i like your grinder and I reeeeeeeely like your stand's base with that Coke a cola casting on it.
Thank You. The stand was a old, school warning sign that once had a tin police officer on it that told people to slow down at the school. 50's maybe. Glad you like it and awesome site you guys have here.
I used to have one of those Coca Cola bases, paid $20, sold it for around $100 if I remember correctly.
classicJackets
Well-known member
^There's one of those stands on Craigslist in either Greenville or Atlanta (can't remember) for like $350 right now.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I don't need another grinder. There, I said it. But, ..... why don't I feel any better? 
OK, some of you know I like Craftsman Block-style-motor grinders. I have restored a few and I am active in the the thread: "let's see your craftsman block grinders".
Well, a friend sent me a CL link to yet another grinder. Here's what I came home with.
I haven't put it on a scale, but this is a big boy.
Compare to a 1 HP CM Block grinder.
10" wheels on 3/4" dia. arbors.
Slide show of more pictures, (restore to follow):
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/Milwaukee%201%20HP%205030%20115V%20230V%20Essexville
I need to spend more time in this thread reading-up, there's a lot of great grinders and restore work here.
Thanks for looking.
OK, some of you know I like Craftsman Block-style-motor grinders. I have restored a few and I am active in the the thread: "let's see your craftsman block grinders".
Well, a friend sent me a CL link to yet another grinder. Here's what I came home with.
I haven't put it on a scale, but this is a big boy.
Compare to a 1 HP CM Block grinder.
10" wheels on 3/4" dia. arbors.
Slide show of more pictures, (restore to follow):
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/Milwaukee%201%20HP%205030%20115V%20230V%20Essexville
I need to spend more time in this thread reading-up, there's a lot of great grinders and restore work here.
Thanks for looking.
dngrmse
Well-known member
Nice Milwaukee.
Picked this up over the summer; seller wanted $10, but it wouldn't start, so he gave it to me for $5. Haven't had time to fool around with it though, the wiring looks suspect. It is a VanDorn 8in. I have the other tool rest as well, but it was missing the shields.
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Picked this up over the summer; seller wanted $10, but it wouldn't start, so he gave it to me for $5. Haven't had time to fool around with it though, the wiring looks suspect. It is a VanDorn 8in. I have the other tool rest as well, but it was missing the shields.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
TM: you might already know this, but when the word grinder shows up on the forum my eyes light up and i get a big smile on my mug. i'm glad you are still working on the 12 (or 100) step program or deprograming of grinder mania. you are doing well my friend and nice addition to the shop. also thanks for the back view of Big Blue your 1HP Craftsman block grinder.
can't wait to see your Milwaukee spiffed up. nice find
DMG: that's a beast and if it doesn't work or is toast inside the parts are worth 10 or 20 times what you paid for it.
can't wait to see your Milwaukee spiffed up. nice find
DMG: that's a beast and if it doesn't work or is toast inside the parts are worth 10 or 20 times what you paid for it.
Nice looking chunk of iron. It's still a steal at $5.
Somewhere in this world is a huge collection of socks, tool rests and grinder shields...
jsharpphoto
Well-known member
Has anyone heard of Mark One bench grinders? I picked up one at a garage sale for next to nothing. The specs on it seem on-par with most 50-100 bench grinders available today. I'd love more info on it.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
dngrmse, It's also missing the spark arrestors, but nice find in any case!
classicJackets
Well-known member
Somebody pick up this one in the Atlanta Area! I don't have $100 laying around or a motor to put on or I'd run it myself.
$100
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/atq/4792167072.html
$100
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/atq/4792167072.html
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McBrownie
Well-known member
That stand alone is worth the $100. Love the disclaimer: "if it falls over, it could kill you.". I don't doubt it.
classicJackets
Well-known member
If It's still there in a few days I may have to pick it up It's become a disease..
It's become a disease..drivesitfar
Well-known member
CJ: if that stand isn't cracked and just has that access cut out it's a keeper. the old style grinder is a bonus. lift with your legs because if it will kill you if it falls on you i'm betting it weighs a couple pounds.
you might want to bring a few tools and take the grinder off the stand to move it.
you might want to bring a few tools and take the grinder off the stand to move it.
I feel like I picked up a cherry of a grinder this past weekend. Although a little bigger than what I need right now, it has potential and runs as smooth as buttah. The previous owner, a nice young guy from the city, told me it was in a bowling alley all its life -- any idea when this was made? I've got some 8" wheels to mount and will test it out before I tear it down for a refurb. Were these things originally Milwaukee red or is it a faux to go battleship grey or marina blue. I'm not a traditional guy and can't say that I care about what matches what in my garage.
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That looks like a 70's model made by Doerr. It has the general style as my Dayton grinder from that same era. As far as color, I like brighter colors than stock blue/gray----paint it whatever you like.
GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
If It's still there in a few days I may have to pick it up
I saved you from the grinder. I had the same idea McBrownie had for just the base. The water tray is OK and base with the exception of the hole in the back. Some time with a grinder should clean up the rough cut hole.
drives, I had to chisel off two welded / broken bolt heads and only broke one bolt head off taking the rest apart. I will save the little lock handles but the rest is just scrap rust pitted metal
I am taking a break from vises and working on a Craftsman grinder that will end up on this stand.
Voi
Well-known member
Let me know if you want to sell any of the upper parts. I might have a similar grinder they will fit. I'm in South Dakota so shipping would be required so I'd probably have you measure a few things before spending the money.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Get: nice stand and happy it went to one of the GJ members.
I wonder if we should start bringing our plumbing propane torch to remove some of the huge vises and tools so we can take them apart to move them?
I can just see the seller's face when i'm turning on a torch and putting a flame to an old tool before i pay for it.
also thanks for the tip on the Parker double or triple swiveler vise. i'm not going to bid on it because i do like finding them in the wild and i'm saving all the Parkers for you and a few of the other guys.
also if you run into an issue on the Craftsman block and can't find an answer on the block thread just post it and i'm sure one of the block guys will help shortly if they can which they usually do.
Happy Holidays Get and all the GJ members
I wonder if we should start bringing our plumbing propane torch to remove some of the huge vises and tools so we can take them apart to move them?
I can just see the seller's face when i'm turning on a torch and putting a flame to an old tool before i pay for it.
also thanks for the tip on the Parker double or triple swiveler vise. i'm not going to bid on it because i do like finding them in the wild and i'm saving all the Parkers for you and a few of the other guys.
also if you run into an issue on the Craftsman block and can't find an answer on the block thread just post it and i'm sure one of the block guys will help shortly if they can which they usually do.
Happy Holidays Get and all the GJ members
metalmagpie
Well-known member
New to this thread. I just finished a restore on a 1970s era grinder. Have a look:
http://www.nwnative.us/Grant/shop articles/benchGrinder/projectWebPage.html
http://www.nwnative.us/Grant/shop articles/benchGrinder/projectWebPage.html
Nice job!
454ragtop
Well-known member
For some reason, I seem to think this started life as a drill grinder. Suspect someone removed the drill grinding apparatus and added that tool rest.
Jim
GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
I didn't check the notification box, so no E Mails on this thread.
Voi, The name of the manufacturer was cut out of the casting for mods. There are only two letters showing and then CO. I can't recall what they are now, C F ? maybe. It is pretty rough but if you want any of it ? all I was going the salvage was the two little lock down handles.
Drives, The grinder is an older model than a block grinder, maybe 1940 or 41
I'm waiting on some NOS bearings so I have been working on replacing wires and painting.
Merry Christmas to all !!!
Voi
Well-known member
My similar grinder has two emblems/badges. Top one says:
Hill, Clarke & Co
Machinery Merchants of Chicago
Lower emblem says:
Chicago Machine Tool Company
Chicago
Chicago Ill. U.S.A
According to Vintage Machinery the company changed its name to Hill-Clarke Machinery Co sometime around 1930 to 1936.
Chicago Machine Tool Company was a subsidiary of theirs that was in business from 1902 until 1919. So my grinder falls into this period.
Posting all this in case it helps you. I'll send a PM and we can figure out where to go from here.
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=1472
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=1911&tab=0