Question about older bench grinders

[SocketDeviler]

I often come across 30+ year old bench grinders at estate/garage sales. Some are priced decently and some not so much. I like older hand tools but feel less confident about older power tools but that basically boils down to my lack of experience. Any advice on what to look for when inspecting a grinder outside of obvious wear and tear? It's not something I would use much but I'd like one all the same. Thanks!

 

[Packard V8]

1. Is it a name brand you recognize?
2. Is it single-phase 110/220v?
3. Does it have guards, shields, switch?
4. Does it start smoothly, spin up quietly, take a long time to spin down? If it vibrates while running, remove the stones. Most are out of balance themselves.
5. If it meets all the above and you still pull the trigger, send it to me.

I have six old grinders, from 1/4hp to 3/4hp and always looking for another.

thnx, jack vines

 

[SocketDeviler]

Thanks, Jack. Gotta say, I rarely see any with guards. Sometimes there's no electricity at these sales so I have passed on some of the better looking ones. Any preference of hp?

 

[Packard V8]

I've got 1/4hp, 1/3hp, three 1/2hp and two 3/4hp. With fine stones, wire wheels, coarse stones, use most of them every day.

jack vines

 

[rsanter]

it needs to be an industrial or industrial style one
the homeowner ones are generally not going to worth the money
bigger is better

bob

 

[oldtools]

Is Baldor the best? Saw an old one for $30, but don't know if it work. What are some other good brands. I have a HF right now. It is OK but I would like to upgrade.

 

[Vinko]

Baldor is very good. I've gotten a few of them for about $35 or so. One 8" and 12".

 

[pfbz]

Picked this one up today...

here

 

[91bronc300]

Wow, you wouldn't catch a modern bench grinder advertised as 1/3 HP with a 6.2 amp motor!

Wilton has a 5 amp bench grinder they try to pass off as 1 HP

Not a bad grinder though ( I have one), but 1 HP? C'mon

Nice score, I think it's a good color green too. You try and see if you could bog it down at all?

 

[Greatbear]

Baldor or USA-made Dayton are excellent grinders.

 

[Sancho]

The older craftsman industrial grinders are pretty well regarded as well. I usually judge things by weight, how it free spins, and smell if there is no power.