Challenger by Wilton bench grinder info?

[shockwave]

We have this grinder at the shop and has been great for years but I cannot find much info on this bench grinder.

It looks like a rebranded wissota grinder

I do like the fact that both of these have oil trap built into base

Would like info on availability and if this is a rebranded wissota bench grinder

Thanks in advance

 

[exmaxima1]

we have this grinder at the shop and has been great for years but i cannot find much info on this bench grinder.

It looks like a rebranded wissota grinder

i do like the fact that both of these have oil trap built into base

would like info on availability and if this is a rebranded wissota bench grinder

thanks in advance

need pics!!

 

[shockwave]

Best picture I could find

 

[exmaxima1]

Best picture I could find

99% sure its a Wissota.

 

[sk farmer]

Wissota no longer makes grinders. They do have a few parts and will gladly share any info they have and you may be able to date it.

 

[shockwave]

Thanks I figured as much I was looking for used and understand wissota still supports there grinders just no longer making them anymore and baldor will be more money

 

[exmaxima1]

Thanks I figured as much I was looking for used and understand wissota still supports there grinders just no longer making them anymore and baldor will be more money

What is the price for the grinder? As far as parts, the only thing you will ever need to consider is bearings, and they are standard parts available anywhere. No reason NOT to buy it if the price is agreeable.

 

[Ign]

REVIVAL 9/5/15

Local pawn has this Wilton Challenger Model 153, 6", 1/2hp. I could use a decent general purpose bench grinder.

Price is $50 but they'll come down w cash.

Is it worth pursuing or should I hold out for better?

 

[Negen]

I would say that is a good deal. I would try to buy it as cheap as they will go. looks like a nice grinder.

 

[Ign]

I would say that is a good deal. I would try to buy it as cheap as they will go. looks like a nice grinder.

Yeah, the construction doesn't strike me as a ChiCom special. Honestly I'd never heard of Wissota before this thread so I wouldn't know a Wissota, but I'll search the web further later. Very little comes up in a search for Wilton Challenger 153.

I'm just not sure if this is a $50 grinder, a $20 grinder or a not-worth-the-headache grinder.

 

[1982fxr]

from what i've seen, basically,

Wissota=Baldor level grinder

 

[d.mcfarland]

My Wissota runs excellent and has seen heavy shop use in it's life.

 

[Ign]

REVIVAL 9/5/15

Local pawn has this Wilton Challenger Model 153, 6", 1/2hp. I could use a decent general purpose bench grinder.

Price is $50 but they'll come down w cash.

Is it worth pursuing or should I hold out for better?

Upon further inspection today the bottom of the tag on this unit reads Made in Taiwan. I'm guessing that rules it out as a Wissota?

 

[exmaxima1]

Upon further inspection today the bottom of the tag on this unit reads Made in Taiwan. I'm guessing that rules it out as a Wissota?

Unfortunately, it is not a Wissota. Sure looks like one, however, except for the pilot light next to the switch, so that's a new one on me. A damn good clone.

The Taiwanese grinders I've used are a level or 2 above Chinese, so it's likely still a very good grinder. Probably still worth the asking price, though I'd push for $40 if at all possible.

Good luck

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think people are confusing the Wissota made Wilton grinders and the one pictured in this thread. Wilton never made their own, just rebranded others.

 

[Ign]

So I wound up trading a Craftsman upper friction slide chest for this. Great deal for me as I had zero use for the chest. The grinder runs smooth and no vibrations on power-down. Even though it's Taiwan I suspect I'll get many years of good use from it.