1968 Thor industrial grinder

[Nader]

Don't see these often, and a Google search doesn't reveal much. It's an ex-Boeing tool, and runs nicely. Came with a nice light. The grinder is beefy, despite it's conservative 1/3 HP rating. I'm torn between freshening it up with paint, versus leaving the patina of 45 years of hard use.

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm guessing that is its 2nd paint job already. I'd clean it up and paint it.

 

[jabberwoki]

I`d restore it to it`s former glory.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Damn that's cool! and I say freshen up that blue/ivory as well!

 

[Nader]

Finished painting it. I've gone with a certain vintage oil company's race livery. I've been known to paint that scheme on a vehicle or two . Here are a couple of hints. Did the bike ('66 Honda CB160) in rattle can Rustoleum, and the car ('69 Alfa Romeo Spider) in boat paint.

 

[930dreamer]

Let's see some painted pics of "Thor".

 

[Nader]

The grinder also needed a fresh cord and plug. Wired in a neoprene covered 12 AWG cord on it, and finished up with a nice USA-made Hubbell angle plug in nylon. I think this is the fastest (looking) grinder in the neighborhood!

 

[930dreamer]

Very nice.

 

[davesnothere]

Damn, I woulda left her alone, but that does look awesome cleaned up.

 

[nine4gmc]

Love it man, nice job!

 

[gatewaysysop]

Holy hell, that is a nice restoration!

 

[Outlawmws]

Great job! and in ten years, who will know it's "fresh" paint? And it will still look good unless you abuse it!

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Awesome!

 

[darkk]

I have a THOR die grinder I've had for around 35 years and it was old and beat up when I got it. Still works really well. Surprising what a little oil will do for a tool.

 

[jabberwoki]

You sir are the man... That looks ****** fantastic if you were closer i`d bring over a piece of scrap just to grind it.

Hang on you are close, I`m on my way.

 

[Nader]

Ahh, Jabberwoki, I'd welcome you and your scrap metal... so long as you bring your chainsaw and ladder; I've got a few cedars that are out of hand.

I figured that since this was a retired industrial tool, it's best days were behind it. But that doesn't mean that it would be entirely useless. I thought that it would enjoy an easy retirement in my garage doing light work with a wire wheel and sand-flapper. It seemed to run fine without load (which is why I went ahead with the cosmetic restoration), but when actually putting it to work on this project, the old Thor let out its smoke! I'm disappointed, but have grown invested and attached enough to this old grinder to get it repaired. I'm sure there is no shortage of electric motor repair outfits in the Seattle area (servicing Boeing and its numerous sub and sub-subcontractors).

 

[91bronc300]

Far out. It looks great.

It's almost goofy to me how epically beefy the stand is for the measly job of holding up that grinder

 

[jabberwoki]

Ahh, Jabberwoki, I'd welcome you and your scrap metal... so long as you bring your chainsaw and ladder; I've got a few cedars that are out of hand.

I figured that since this was a retired industrial tool, it's best days were behind it. But that doesn't mean that it would be entirely useless. I thought that it would enjoy an easy retirement in my garage doing light work with a wire wheel and sand-flapper. It seemed to run fine without load (which is why I went ahead with the cosmetic restoration), but when actually putting it to work on this project, the old Thor let out its smoke! I'm disappointed, but have grown invested and attached enough to this old grinder to get it repaired. I'm sure there is no shortage of electric motor repair outfits in the Seattle area (servicing Boeing and its numerous sub and sub-subcontractors).

Well there is a good place in tacoma that can do it called Center electric. And i`m glad you are going to see it through.

 

[fireman164]

I just bought one of these on cl, its painted grey with a black stripe down the middle , wish I knew the original color, any help ?

 

[fireman164]

this looks amazing , nice work!!

 

[fireman164]

Thor I just bought , looking for correct pedistal or thor guards . thanks for any help

 

[bimmer1980]

Nice grinders!

I like the refreshed paint job--those colors turned out nice...

 

[oldldh]

You're the first in your neighborhood with a high speed racing grinder...

Gulf colors are FAST!!!!

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!

 

[Steinmetz]

As usual, the addition of an extra layer of paint did nothing to enhance the functionality of this old war-horse. I think you need to disassemble it and get the armature checked at a reputable motor shop.

 

[e-tek]

Looks great - nice save!

As usual, the addition of an extra layer of paint did nothing to enhance the functionality of this old war-horse. I think you need to disassemble it and get the armature checked at a reputable motor shop.