Baldor 1/2 HP Grinder <$60

[torqueman2002]

Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in awhile.

I called several days ago, no answer on 1st number & 2nd number's mail box was full. Oh well, another Baldor through my fingers.

Yesterday, though it was back at the top of the search list. So what the heck, I called and Wally said come on over.

1/2 HP Single Phase, 5/8" Arbor, 8" wheels.

Of course it didn't run, but I didn't feel any play or roughness in the bearings. I gambled $55 and got a new project. Here are pics with a little Kroil sprayed on the label to get a better picture. I don't know if it'll make a good buffer, but without wheel guards, tool rests, eye shields, and spark arrestors; I'm sure not thinking of grinding or wheeling as it is.

It has an adjustable home made stand. The base is 3/8" steel with a pipe welded to it, and another pipe fits inside with a 2nd plate drilled for mounting the grinder. The bottom feels like it weighs ~ 100#.

Quick look shows it needs a new cord and switch. I'll open it up and do a refresh or rebuild depending on what I see. Oh, there is a repaired crack on the base, below the RH grinding wheel.

It needs work, but after the 1 HP CM Block Grinder rescue (Go-Blue), I don't scare easy.

I've been looking for a Baldor for a very long time, around here you can't touch anything for under $125.

I sent off an eMail to Baldor, asking for more information on the grinder; ie: manufacture date, parts price list, .... .

It may be heresy, but there's a thread here where some one adapted CM wheel guards ($7), etc ... to a Baldor; until Baldor replacement parts could be found.

I should be working on the kitchen, but that Baldor is calling me out to the shop.

 

[Voi]

1/2 HP Single Phase, 5/8" Arbor, 8" wheels.

Quick look shows it needs a new cord and switch. I'll open it up and do a refresh or rebuild depending on what I see. Oh, there is a repaired crack on the base, below the RH grinding wheel.

I'm not familiar with the 7300 but the 5/8" arbor and 1/2 HP rating may suggest it's a 7" grinder.

The crack is on the base that cradles the main grinder body? Or did you mean the homemade stand?

I would've taken the same risk for $55, no doubt.

 

[drivesitfar]

nice score on the Baldor and it does pay to pay attention to some of the Craigs ads if you want something of quality. you'll earn the extra equity the hard way on that one, but i know you have the talent.

i just have to ask. are the Craftsman block grinders going to make friends with Big B or is he only there for a short stay?

so he was asking $60 in his ad and you walked away with it for $55? stand probably would cost that much to make one.

 

[exmaxima1]

I'm not familiar with the 7300 but the 5/8" arbor and 1/2 HP rating may suggest it's a 7" grinder.

My 7-inch Baldor is Model 7307D and looks just like it. The speed is too fast for 8-inch wheels.

 

[zkling]

Agree that is probably a 7" unit. Hope you can get it going and parts on the cheap and easy.

The speed is too fast for 8-inch wheels.

Why do you think that?

 

[exmaxima1]

"The speed is too fast for 8-inch wheels"


Why do you think that?

8-inch wire wheels get very dangerous at 3600 rpm. I prefer 1800 when the wheel exceeds 7 inches. In any case, 1/2 hp is marginal for 7", and too weak for an 8" grinding wheel. I have a 2x48 Multi-tool belt attachment (6-inch drive wheel) on my Baldor 1/2 hp machine, and I wish it had twice the power.

 

[oldldh]

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!


By the way, what is the white stuff all over everything???

Did ya'll's local cotton gin blow up???

 

[C96]

I have a Snap-on BG-500-B ½ hp 6.0 amp model from the early ‘70s. The catalog lists two ½ hp models, one listed @ 6.0 amps and one @ 4.3 amps. The 6.0 amp model is the 7” wheel and the 4.3 amp version is the 6” wheel.

Could it be since yours is listed @ 4.2 amps it is actually the 6” wheel model and that would be why the wheel guards have been removed in order to accommodate the larger 8” wheels?

Yea, I’m going to take some heat for this, but I would have no problem using it the way it is without the guards. Unfortunately, depending on what you’re doing, the guards can be a huge hindrance especially when using the wire wheel. Agreed, it is a little unsafe, just make sure to wear the appropriate safety protection, face shield etc.

Also, 8” wheels are fine @ 3450 rpm. Provided they have the appropriate rating. It’s the 10” that will usually run @ the lower 1725 rpm. His problem will be the fact it is only ½ hp @ 4.2 amps and those 8” wheels will bog down significantly if pushed to hard.

By the way, good score and good luck with it.

 

[torqueman2002]

Thanks for the replies and interest.

This is my 1st Baldor, so input is much appreciated.

My replies to questions are in blue, below.

I'm not familiar with the 7300 but the 5/8" arbor and 1/2 HP rating may suggest it's a 7" grinder.

The crack is on the base that cradles the main grinder body? <--yes, not too bad, but 1 more thing to fix. Or did you mean the homemade stand?

I would've taken the same risk for $55, no doubt.

nice score on the Baldor and it does pay to pay attention to some of the Craigs ads if you want something of quality. you'll earn the extra equity the hard way on that one, but i know you have the talent.

i just have to ask. are the Craftsman block grinders going to make friends with Big B or is he only there for a short stay? I'm hoping they will all play nice together, it's a keeper; or maybe fix-up/flip and get a Baldor true buffer.

so he was asking $60 in his ad and you walked away with it for $55? stand probably would cost that much to make one. Yes, that's how I 'sold' it to Mrs. Torqueman!

My 7-inch Baldor is Model 7307D and looks just like it. The speed is too fast for 8-inch wheels. Thanks, that is sure good to know. I thought they looked out of proportion.

 

[Sheriff Roscoe]

Torqueman: A little stunned when I opened your thread and saw the CL pic I was eyeballing a few days ago...looks like we're local competitors for CL listings . Congrats on your 1st Baldor!

Check out this thread on the Baldor I recently picked up in Taylor. If you read between the lines, you'll conclude I have extra guards laying around now. If your grinder is 7" and you're interested, let me know. If not, the thread will at least provide some good ideas for you:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237971

 

[torqueman2002]

Thanks guys.
As before, my replies to questions and comments are in blue, below.

Ya Dun Gud, Bubba!!!


By the way, what is the white stuff all over everything??? Crazy, no?! I drove through that $hite to grab this one. I didn't want to let it slip away. Ha, I make a joke.

Did ya'll's local cotton gin blow up???

I have a Snap-on BG-500-B ½ hp 6.0 amp model from the early ‘70s. The catalog lists two ½ hp models, one listed @ 6.0 amps and one @ 4.3 amps. The 6.0 amp model is the 7” wheel and the 4.3 amp version is the 6” wheel.

Could it be since yours is listed @ 4.2 amps it is actually the 6” wheel model and that would be why the wheel guards have been removed in order to accommodate the larger 8” wheels? I'm thinking that is quite possible. I hope to find out more if I hear back from Baldor.

Yea, I’m going to take some heat for this, but I would have no problem using it the way it is without the guards. Unfortunately, depending on what you’re doing, the guards can be a huge hindrance especially when using the wire wheel. Agreed, it is a little unsafe, just make sure to wear the appropriate safety protection, face shield etc.

Also, 8” wheels are fine @ 3450 rpm. Provided they have the appropriate rating. It’s the 10” that will usually run @ the lower 1725 rpm. His problem will be the fact it is only ½ hp @ 4.2 amps and those 8” wheels will bog down significantly if pushed to hard.

By the way, good score and good luck with it.

Torqueman: A little stunned when I opened your thread and saw the CL pic I was eyeballing a few days ago...looks like we're local competitors for CL listings . Congrats on your 1st Baldor! Oh boy. Hope there's enough for everbody!

Check out this thread on the Baldor I recently picked up in Taylor. If you read between the lines, you'll conclude I have extra guards laying around now. If your grinder is 7" and you're interested, let me know. If not, the thread will at least provide some good ideas for you: Thank you for your offer, I will for sure keep you in mind! I did see your excellent thread, and have noted the Krylon paint code and other good tips and tid-bits.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237971

 

[Outlawmws]

With only 1/2 HP I'd set that one up @ 6" wheels/guards 7" wheels are hens teeth these days, and 8" will bog down.

Great find and Score! Usuck!

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's an update from Torquemans shop/garage.

I spent a few mins. taking apart, inspecting, and testing the Baldor today.

The wheel, stone, spacers, flanges, and LH roll-pin all came off without a hitch. The 1 exception is the RH roll-pin that will need to be coaxed out. This is how I found it.

Here's what the inside looked like with the feet and bottom plate removed. Someone's clumsy attempt at a power cord strain relief, dried out masking tape wire labels (crumbled like potato chips) that weren't needed because factory labels were perfect, faulty switch, and blobs of brazing to glob the bottom case back together.

I made some sketches, 'Ohmed-out' the power cord/case/windings. Here it is preped to do a hot test with a new switch (in stock), with a ground jumper to the case because the original spot is through a terminal bolted to the bottom plate - visable in the background.

Here it is, purring like a 1/2 HP kitten.

It has been taken down to it's final pieces. The bearings feel fine, but they'll get replaced along with a new power cord, and a capacitor. With a fresh coat of Krylon RTA 9206 Battleship Gray (thanks Sheriff Roscoe!), it should be good for another 40 years.

I'll post up some more pics. after the camera battery recharges.

Thanks for looking.

 

[torqueman2002]

Tear down Part II.

The bearing end-caps came off with some patient-gently persuation with a soft-faced dead blow hammer.

This grinder has a simpler electrical circuit than the CM Block grinders I have opened. I did not find a start-capacitor start-up switch, or a relay. The rotor looks to have 'veins' that run at an angle from LH to RH; where the 1 HP CM Block grinder does not. But there are 3 winding wires, suggesting start and run windings. Looks like I need to study-up to find out how this circuit works. [Today I received a pdf file - AC Induction Motor Fundamentals. This grinder is a Permanent Split Capacitor (Capacitor Run) AC Induction Motor]

There appears to be 'blueing' on the rotor, which is even and covers the surface, except in a few places. Could this be used to indicate if the rotor is rubbing the housing, ...?

LH bearing [FAFNIR 203PP] is held in the housing with a snap-ring.

RH bearing [FAFNIR 203PP] stayed on the rotor/arbor. There is a finger and flat washer that are between the bearing's outer face and the housing.

Next steps are to get replacement bearings, new capacitor [Sprague Clorinol, 6.0 - 330 AC, S48844, 2P19], and look into re-brazing the base.

Today I spent more on parts than my $55 initial investment; and there's more to come.

$24 Bearings
$12 Toggle Switch & Red Guard
$ 6 Power Cord
$32 Capacitor
---
$74 Sub-Total; Parts [if I was patient, I could order these parts on-line and save about 20%]

It turns out the capacitor is oil filled, guess that makes sense as it is a run-cap and why it is more $$ than the CM start-caps I've replaced.

 

[drivesitfar]

I knew this Baldor was in the right hands. with all those Block grinder tear downs this is probably a breeze and i bet if the C's don't mind having B around it won't be going to any body else's garage anytime soon. nice find and keep up the good work.

 

[torqueman2002]

I knew this Baldor was in the right hands. with all those Block grinder tear downs this is probably a breeze and i bet if the C's don't mind having B around it won't be going to any body else's garage anytime soon. nice find and keep up the good work.

Thank you.

Mrs. Torqueman is scheming; she's figuring out ways for 'us' to flip my/our inventory to make some $$ in my approaching retirement.

 

[exmaxima1]

$32 Capacitor
---
$74 Sub-Total; Parts [if I was patient, I could order these parts on-line and save about 20%]

It turns out the capacitor is oil filled, guess that makes sense as it is a run-cap and why it is more $$ than the CM start-caps I've replaced.

Wow, that's an expensive capacitor. I think I would have waited a few days to save a bundle:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Round-Motor...104?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563ca4d9e8

 

[drivesitfar]

you are not alone in that battle. keep smiling when you come from the garage shop into the house and she won't change a thing. hopefully??

just an FYI. i have maybe owned 8 Baldor grinders and buffers and usually sell one to upgrade to another one before i ever even need to change the wheels so thanks for sharing your restoration in case I end up sticking with my favorites and quit trading up.

 

[Outlawmws]

Torqueman, if you can get the 7" guards, go for it, you can still use the 6" wheels

 

[torqueman2002]

Well, CL has been good to me this last week and a half. Look what other Baldor I found.

I got it for $40. Here's a picture of it at it's new home. [Without all the snow]

 

[drivesitfar]

almost as good a deal as the grinder. looks great and you even got your dog to pose with it.

do the holes match your Baldor's base because i think some of the stands were a different bolt pattern?

 

[cbacres]

Great find.

Nice documentation of your work up . Reminds me of my Dayton when I had it apart.

I like the dog too.

 

[Parabellum]

Very nice finds, Im jealous.

 

[torqueman2002]

Thanks guys. The dog has really taken to Mrs. Torqueman, she is a Brown Lab (the dog, not Mrs. Torqueman ), but at times looks to have the ears and eyes of a bull terrier.

I'll need to make an adapter plate to match-up the grinder to the stand.

Must be there's another Baldor in my future, that mates up exactly with the grinder.

 

[Craptain]

You know you are just going to have to change your Signature.

 

[torqueman2002]

You know you are just going to have to change your Signature.

I don't know what to do!

Can a man be loyal to 2 grinders?

 

[drivesitfar]

I didn't want to be the bearer of bad news because that stand is awesome. good news though i think it is the stand for a .75 HP Baldor Buffer with 8 inch wheels. i know this because i had that stand a few years ago and a buffer that i wasn't using and a friend wanted to buy my buffer so i agreed and then found out my 7 inch Baldor grinder wouldn't fit that stand. then I sold him the stand for $100 and wish i had it back because now i have 2 baldor buffers.

don't sell that stand and if i was handy like you are i would have made a plate for my stand like you are planning on doing to fit the grinder you own and then if you do get a buffer then you are a match.

if the dog is anything like his master you are a cool dude cause he is one cool dog.

good luck with that

 

[riggs1117]

My recently acquired 1/2 hp baldor on similar stand. I paid 209 for this

 

[Trey T]

It's extremely rare around here to find a 1/2hp baldor grinder for $60 or for under $100. I have been looking off-and-on for a yr now. You did good!