How should I clean this old grinder?

[geomagno]

Inherited this old bench grinder with a Craftsman motor and grinder head. Want to clean this up and repaint it but would really like to preserve the Craftsman label if possible (red arrow). Anyone have one of these?
1. How would you guys try to clean this without destroying the label?
2. Does this style of grinder have a name?
3. Looks like the on/off switch was added by granddad - what would the original look like?
Thanks folks.

 

[finn]

Soap and water and a nyl bristle brush.

I’ve used diluted Simple Green or Awsome on occasion. Take it easy around paint on the tags. If it starts to come up, rince and dilute more.

Spray degreasers are sometimes problematic.

 

[FrankLee]

Inherited this old bench grinder with a Craftsman motor and grinder head. Want to clean this up and repaint it but would really like to preserve the Craftsman label if possible (red arrow). Anyone have one of these?

1. How would you guys try to clean this without destroying the label?

That would be a tall order. That looks like a water-slide decal. If you clean the grinder adequately enough to paint it, imo, the decal would be destroyed. There are re-pop labels available from @mattblast or ebay.

2. Does this style of grinder have a name?

It's a 06614, 6" Grinder.
1953 catalog: http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/2698.pdf#page=32

3. Looks like the on/off switch was added by granddad - what would the original look like?

There was no "original" switch. The Dunlap motor option in the catalog did not have a switch. Some period-correct motors do have switches in the base.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/2698.pdf#page=46

The date code on your motor is A1 53; the first week of January 1953. Oddly, the '52-'54 catalogs do not list a 1/4 hp appliance motor. Yours looks to be a split phase motor with no start capacitor.

 

[geomagno]

It's a 06614, 6" Grinder.
1953 catalog: http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/2698.pdf#page=32

Thanks for the link Frank. That helps a lot.

 

[BTL-A4]

I just restored a Craftsman grinder and was able to gently peel the label off with a sharp scraper blade. I'm surprised it came off in one piece, but I was careful.
I got a reproduction label from @mattblast and it was really nice.

When cleaning, start with least to most until you find what works:
-wipe with clean dry cloth
-damp cloth
-water and cloth
-mild soap and water with cloth
-mild detergent (Dawn dish soap) with cloth
-At some point, you can start using Scotchbrite pads. Go from least to most abrasive.
-If the abrasive pads are not working, start with brushes: old toothbrush, soft bristle brush, brass, steel.
-Then start using the more powerful chemicals like Goo Gone/Goof Off, Simple Green, Purple Power, paint thinner, kerosene
-Use acetone as a last resort

Looking forward to seeing the final result!