@lafester it does look like a baldor to me, I’m just hoping it really is. It starts right up even in the condition it is now!Looks like a baldor... what is the wheel size?
@southalabama that’s what it looks like to me too. Because the previous owner worked at CAT, I think is likely an inventory tag rather than a manufacturer’s label but I might be wrong.Tag lower right front says
Empire Machinery Co
I agree, the tag looks like an inventory identification number. The photo looks like a Baldor.@southalabama that’s what it looks like to me too. Because the previous owner worked at CAT, I think is likely an inventory tag rather than a manufacturer’s label but I might be wrong.
@bmwrd0 unfortunately the bottom is just as bad as the rest of it, mostly rusted. There seem to be 3 colors or layers of paint. 1 black at the top, 1 red in the middle and 1 gray at first, could be primer? I’ll try the other thread as well, thank you!I don't think that is a Baldor, it looks closer to a Stanley or vintage Craftsman. But, flip it over and look at the color under the base, that should give you some indication of what it look like when in better condition. Also, start scanning the big Vintage Grinder thread, and I am sure you will see one just like it. And last, put a pic up in that thread, as someone will chime in with what it is.
SHOW US YOUR VINTAGE BENCH GRINDERS
@nutjob that’s what I thought too, hopefully I can find a way to confirm bit even the labeling on the capacitor is all washed away by rustLooks like a Baldor to me. The 2 screw holes and each side of the on/off switch is for the switch guard plate. Looks like the cast iron wheel guards with the bottom/back exit. The eye shields don't look Baldor but this is an older model so that me be what they used back than. I suspect some type of replacement. The wheel spark guards / mounting look Baldor.
Kevin
I'm thinking his is older due to the lack of casting around the switch. Ours have heavier wheel guards and your dust ports are identical to mine.I'm not sure what the OP's is but my Baldor, although smaller, has more in common with yours than his. Namely casting around switch and on collars on sides of guards. Also dust ports are completely different on mine. Could be differences in age or maybe a knockoff.


As did many others... Doerr, standard electric, Milwaukee, Stanley, Delta, Craftsman, Walker-Turner, Boise Crane, Black & Decker, Wissota to name a few off the top of my head. I'm not saying it's not Baldor but it could be anything.
@cgrutt I agree, yours is a little more similar to mine but still looks to be more modern than mine. The screws for the tags on your are horizontal instead of vertical and it has the casting around the on/off switch. Thank you for sharing, nice baldor right there!
Yep, hope mine is older like this one:I'm thinking his is older due to the lack of casting around the switch. Ours have heavier wheel guards and your dust ports are identical to mine.
Hi @1982fxr I'm not 100% sure yet either, any idea on how to tell for sure? Thank you!I'm not convinced it's a Baldor.
@nutjob Not sure if I understand your post/questions very well,Hers some pics from a model 623E with cast iron wheel guards. A few weird things is the screw in the center of the motor housing and no holes visible for the ID plate and the motor housing is same size width as the base.
I think this is NOT a Baldor? Look at the recesses for the motor housing bolts. Real old Baldor?
Kevin
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@lafester I guess too many models unfortunately, hard to identify hahaha. If you think of any way of identifying it or its specs I will appreciate it, thank you for your help!
@cgrutt yes, it could be anything! I just hope is not a cheap imported one! Besides the help of grinder conneseours here in the forum trying to help, there are two other things that give me hope is a quality grinder:As did many others... Doerr, standard electric, Milwaukee, Stanley, Delta, Craftsman, Walker-Turner, Boise Crane, Black & Decker, Wissota to name a few off the top of my head. I'm not saying it's not Baldor but it could be anything.
@cgrutt unfurtunately there is no manufacturer's tag to inspect. I will try to see if any ink or markings can be distinguishable in the area where the tag was, it is a great idea!Not sure if it would help or not but if you pull the tag maybe it's embossed underneath or can make out any dye that may have bled through? Or lightly hitting it with some solvent (lacquer thinner, acetone) or carefully sanding to reveal anything that may be intact below the paint that's covering tag?
Oh that is great information in regards to the wheel guards, thank you @Woods_Wanderer ! I would love any of those other brands, probably even more than a Baldor hahaha, I have a thing for vintage tools so any of those would be great!Just a quick note on that, it doesn't need to be a Baldor to be worth restoring (unless maybe you just want the big name for a higher sale price). Wissota, Sioux, Doerr etc all made some great machines on par with Baldor.
EDIT: although not definite proof, the cast iron wheel guards are enough to suggest it's probably an older US-made machine.
Yep, that's what I understood. Not because it doesn't look exactly like someone else's Baldor grinder it means is not a Baldor (or any other quality model in any case).Yeah I wasn't suggesting it's a cheap import looks like a solid old vintage grinder most likely US made. Just there were so many manufacturers and they all share similar attributes its very hard to say.
@lafester the wheel housing diameter? Is that 3/4 horse power? Thank you!measure the wheel housing... 6" is 1/3 7" is 1/2 8" is 3/4
@MileHighRover I don't think so, let me check and I'll update this post.
@lafester what are the tells of a Baldor, if you don't mind sharing?Definitely a Baldor.