Restore it to use...or just use as is?

[Teter09]

Hey guys!

I picked up a small Baldor grinder, only 1/3 HP but it fills a good slot for me since I already have a Craftsman 3/4 HP Block grinder (which I restored and pics are on here).

It was a Craigslist find and only $25. Turns on and runs wonderfully, when I turn it off it probably takes a minute or two to stop on its own. ********* eye guards that say Stanley (??) with dual bulbs that work great, though the electrical wires running from the base to each guard are a bit old and soft. I believe its old enough to warrant soft wiring since on the front label I see a 4/53 in the 'Rating' slot ,which I believe could be date of manufacture?

So here are some pictures, would you restore it or leave it? It will be a user, no doubt about that. I prefer older machines, so all of them I've acquired and kept needed to be torn down to re-lube, replace worn bearings, etc....but this one runs in tip top shape so I'm torn. Restore it so its as pretty as my other machines...just to get dirty again, or leave it as is....I can't decide. I probably will fabricate a new tool rest for the left side since it was missing.

What would you do?

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[rsanter]

To me it doesn't look that bad. I would clean a few things up and put it to use

Bob

 

[AlexNGreen]

Give it a paint job

 

[SunnyBeach]

Keep it around, see if you use it, then decide if it warrants a rehab.

I have spent too much time fixing/building stuff that then sits and does not get used.

 

[Packard V8]

I'd buy every $25 Baldor I could find.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just put it to work.

jack vines

 

[jabberwoki]

Restore it!!!!!

 

[Aberdale]

Nice grinder. I agree with Jack. $25 is a great deal.

If it were mine, (and it runs well), I would just give it a quick cosmetic refresh. Partially disassemble it, sand it, paint it with rattle can machinery gray, and reassemble. It would take me about 4 hours.

Then find a bench or pedestal to put it on.

'dale

 

[outdoorsman310]

use the dog **** out of it!! I have an old dunlop grinder and it works great. I think i changed or repacked the bearings but can not remember now.

 

[69supercj]

That looks like a pretty quick and easy clean, sand and paint job to me. Great score by the way......................and that deserves a YOU ****!!

 

[Beachside Hank]

You, like the owner before you, are only the temporary custodian of this tool. Giving it a mild facelift with wirebrush and paint would be an easy afternoon spent with this benchtop warrior of old, and help preserve it for the next guy. By the way, cleaning the badge with a pencil eraser, and a clear coat with spray lacquer will brighten it up without harm.

 

[drivesitfar]

definitely clean the glass. I'd have to say that $25 for a working Baldor with eye shields and lights in them that actually runs is better than a YS.

it sounds like it will last another 50 years so shine it up and give us some Baldor **** pics after you are done.

 

[Teter09]

By the way, cleaning the badge with a pencil eraser, and a clear coat with spray lacquer will brighten it up without harm.

I had never heard of this...and I've read a LOT of threads on restorations, thank you very much!

I was leaning towards cleaning it up originally, but thought since I KNOW I will be using it why bother. Mild rust really, nothing I'm worried would affect it, But it seems most here are about as **** as I am in terms of cleaning up their acquisitions!

 

[gilwest]

I like the looked of weathered old tools myself. I would use as is.