The Unofficial Wissota Grinder Thread

[GarageEnvious]

Does anybody need any parts from an E33 6” grinder?

The rotor and outer shafts are shot but I salvaged what I could.

Both wheel gaurds and covers (cast iron version) as well as the cast base.





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I just bought a Wissota E-33D. Overall, it seems to be in pretty good shape. I've already replaced the AC Cord as its insulation was very brittle. It's missing one wheel shield, the two eye shields, and the entire RH tool rest. All the cast iron parts look good! One of the first tasks I intended was to fabricate the missing parts. Of course, if someone has these parts available, please let me know.

 

[GaryM909]

I picked up this Foley United with stand a couple weeks ago. It looks like it was made by Wissota. It also came with a matching stand. It’s complete except the eye shields are gone. The one stone is only 3/8th” thick and the other is about 3/32”. I am not sure what this grinder was used for. The 3/8” stones are sold as chainsaw sharpening stones. I tried putting a ½” stone on but the arbor flanges are too thick as I could only get a couple threads on. The labels are not legible.


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[XCMTB83]

Unless I missed it, I didn't see an E5 model posted yet. Anyone else own a little guy like this?

 

[Doc1976]

Since it seems that all the Wissota pros are here, ive got a technical question. I picked up this E7-P about a year and a half ago. Needed bearings, got that fixed and it's been awesome since. Week back I noticed it was taking much longer to get started than before. It also was drawing more power cause the shop fan running on the same circuit would slow as the grinder got up to speed. Now it won't get up to speed, runs real slow. Any suggestions as to where to look first?

https://imgur.com/qlneKW1

https://imgur.com/Hf5LBUO

 

[Outlawmws]

Check the circuit, make sure you are getting full voltage, especially under load.

That the fan affected it is telling.

 

[Doc1976]

Circuit is fine, do these grinders use start or run capacitors? I don't remember if I saw any when I had it apart. Could a faulty on/off switch be to blame?

 

[exmaxima1]

That model has a start capacitor. Run caps are rarely more than 15-20uF, while start caps are generally over 100 uF.

 

[Doc1976]

Well since mine is burned up, I have most all the parts if anyone is interested. If interested PM me. I will most likely post in the classifieds once I disassemble it and get photos.

 

[jbtvt]

Well since mine is burned up, I have most all the parts if anyone is interested. If interested PM me. I will most likely post in the classifieds once I disassemble it and get photos.

I was going to say it sounds like your switch isn't disconnecting, but reread and you said it began with the motor starting slow, not just running slow and pulling more current. Either way worth a tear down, might be an easy fix, loose connection or easily accessible melted insulation. If not, might be worth having the motor rewound depending on what a comparable new grinder would cost.

 

[Doc1976]

I was going to say it sounds like your switch isn't disconnecting, but reread and you said it began with the motor starting slow, not just running slow and pulling more current. Either way worth a tear down, might be an easy fix, loose connection or easily accessible melted insulation. If not, might be worth having the motor rewound depending on what a comparable new grinder would cost.

Nah, it's getting parted out or tossed. Bought a brand new machine very pleased with it so far.

 

[Bent Handle]

Found a 1/2hp e-7 today. Couldn’t pass it up. Appears to be all there. I don’t know when they went out of business but the wheels are also labeled as Wissota.

 

[exmaxima1]

That one was made in 1977, so over 40 years old. How are the bearings? I'm curious as it seems that many old grinders work great and the bearings---particularly the grease--- far outlive their design life.

 

[Bent Handle]

It runs smooth and quiet, so I’m assuming the bearings are good. When I first fired it up I was worried, one of the shields was rattling and vibrating, but a couple turns of a wing but, it was good to go. The grinder is all there it appears. I figured for $40 I couldn’t go wrong, but I’ve got a problem buying quality tools when I see them. This last week I’ve ran into more tool bargains than the last year. Not really sure what’s going on.

 

[exmaxima1]

Yep, I could not walk away from a $40 Wissota. Congrats.

 

[genog]

Old thread.....
But, here goes

Anyone know of a source of tool rests for this ole boy?

 

[seber]

Old thread.....
But, here goes

Anyone know of a source of tool rests for this ole boy?

I can't help with originals, but tool rests are pretty easy to make if you can slot the slider. Start with heavy angle iron and you wont need any welding.

 

[fascinated]

Recently I've seen numerous Wissota grinders being displayed, yet there seems to be no common thread to discuss them. Wissota bench grinders are no longer made, but there are numerous versions available on the used market. Many Blue Point/Snap On, Milwaukee, Rockwell, and Wilton grinders were made by Wissota, as well as smaller distributers having them private labeled for them. They are all outstanding grinders, and arguably among the top tier. Now is the opportunity to offer pics and discuss issues, parts, etc.

Having just picked up a 1975 model E-8 I will start the thread with that one. Note that this grinder is not labeled "Wissota" but instead it is "C&H Distributing". I contacted Wissota yesterday and they confirmed it is one of theirs.

Note the modern lines of Wissota grinders: the tapered motor ends, the sleek end covers, and their classic integral quench tray. I've owned (and own) a few other Wissotas, and this is the first one I've found that is cast iron. Most later models are all die-cast of some alloy, yet this W-8 has cast iron guards (a magnet does stick to them) and is VERY heavy---I'm estimating 75 lbs.

Hi folks – just bought an old Wissota 8” ¾ horse bench grinder. I know it is a beast – spins smooth, runs nicely, no end-play in bearings.



Does anybody have a parts manual that they can share?



The right wheel has an unusual tool rest – some sort of user-modified commercial product. Rotates on steel surfaces, carries a brass plate supported by a pair of set-screws and a spring (one end only). Does anybody recognize a maker or use for this tool rest? Some sort of tool sharpening?



Can anybody decode the data plate - what does the model number suffix WS indicate? Model said to be E8 WS (probably 8” diameter).



What does the s/n code indicate – it is W4-70 (is this 1970 vintage?).



I’d like to run a wire wheel – do you folks recommend using this motor – it spins 3400 rpm (requires a ¾ inch bore). My other option is a hefty old Craftsman at about 1750 rpm (1/ hp; probably a 5/8 or even ½ bore). The wire wheel will be used for removing rust and crud from various tools and machinery parts.



Dave

 

[exmaxima1]

Looks like a fixture to sharpen chisels. Clearly is adjustable for the angle. I would get a 3M pink wheel if you plan to actually sharpen chisels with your 1970 (confirmed) grinder.

3450 rpm is good for a wire wheel up to about 8" diameter. I would remove the guard so you don't get anything snapped up and caught in it.

 

[seber]

Looks like a fixture to sharpen chisels. Clearly is adjustable for the angle. I would get a 3M pink wheel if you plan to actually sharpen chisels with your 1970 (confirmed) grinder.

3450 rpm is good for a wire wheel up to about 8" diameter. I would remove the guard so you don't get anything snapped up and caught in it.

Pink wheels are good, but for sharpening, I like to go even softer with white wheels.

 

[fascinated]

chisel sharpening seems reasonable - but how explain the spring-loaded brass piece? The spring urges the brass piece (one end only) to retract in the groove located at the apex of the angle-setting portion. What purpose does the spring-and-brass-piece serve?

Also, still looking for insights on decoding the model number and the serial number and a source for a parts manual for this grinder. Anybody?

Thank you!

Dave

 

[sloupin]

Can anyone help me date this Wissota grinder? It belonged to my father, my mother gave it to me last week. I remember using it when I was a teenager, but Dad probably had it before then. '60's? Early '70's?

Series A No. B06G belt drive.

I want to use it in my shop. Haven't fired it up yet, the motor is an old Delco. It probably hasn't been used in twenty years.

 

[Outlawmws]

Your in luck; restrictions are coming off. Try dinner and a movie. Flowers may be too soon...

 

[sloupin]

Another photo of the grinder, with my shop helper. And a photo of the back of the case. What's the purpose of the hole visible just above the belt, on the right side of the photo? There is a matching one on the other side.

 

[1966Mustang]

E7-PS SN 1160.

As found on ebay...


Painted in Winter Gray. New bearings and cord.
New wheels coming.



Oval Wissota Tag SVG - needs some cleanup. Was thinking a diy etch on copper or brass would look kinda neat.

wissota-mask.svg

drive.google.com

Screenshot of what's in the SVG...

 

[exmaxima1]

Nice job. I hope I can get prices like that for mine when I give them up. Congrats.

 

[1966Mustang]

From: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/show-us-your-vintage-bench-grinders.107092/post-9829399

Hello,
Long time lurker, first time posting, so I guess I'm new here!
Here's my Wissota E-7P S found on evilbay, delivered 11/2. My USPS guy got his lifting in, as this is all cast - box weight says 60lbs.
I wouldn't say it was a 'deal', but I 'needed' one and this size is perfect for what I wanted.
Got it out of it's well packaged box, plugged it in - spun right up, but definitely needed bearings from the sound. Took the guards and wheels off. Ran it to polish up the shafts with some random sand paper. Further disassembled with no problems and simple hand tools, knocked the Hoover 77203 bearings out.
A quick trip down to the local bearing place and $20.14 later I had 2 new SKF bearings (Italy made, oh well). Since I had it apart I stripped the paint off the 2 end caps and started thinking about how nice I should make this thing.
I forgot to take some chicken out to defrost, so... had some sardines and went back to reassemble to try it with new bearings. That did the trick! Nice and smooth. So, proceeded to clean up some of the other parts.
Other observations...
Serial Number: 1160
From everything I've seen it appears that the oval shaped tags are earlier, so my guess is this is from 1960?
The base has pretty heavy rusting on the front/sides, but the back and paint is fine.
The paint on this thing appears to be speckled gray with white specks... I thought it was overspray or something, but nope. Thought that was weird.
Missing the RH tool rest, LH rest is a one piece cast part, but is red in color, so not sure if it's from some other machine.
Cast guards have rectangular dust ports.
Need a round cord and bushing.
Missing it's bottom cover, but everything inside the base is clean including the paper tag to wire for 115/230v.
Would love to restore/replace the tag.
Update: angle grinder knotted-rope-cup-of-deathed the paint and crud off the base and guards. I think it's gonna get some rustoleum rustymetalprimer.
Found rubber feet...
https://www.rubberfeetwarehouse.com

 

[Kayakranger76]

Picked this “Wilton 155”. After reading this thread I believe it’s a wissota…25$ at an estate sale. Fires right up. Needs to be painted. What color were they new?

 

[exmaxima1]

Picked this “Wilton 155”. After reading this thread I believe it’s a wissota…25$ at an estate sale. Fires right up. Needs to be painted. What color were they new?

Original paint looks to be the greenish color they used early on. Closest I've found is Rustoleum "Rosemary".

Reviews for Rust-Oleum Universal 12 oz. All Surface Hammered Rosemary Spray Paint and Primer in One (6-Pack) | Pg 2 - The Home Depot

Read page 2 of our customer reviews for more information on the Rust-Oleum Universal 12 oz. All Surface Hammered Rosemary Spray Paint and Primer in One (6-Pack).

www.homedepot.com

 

[1982fxr]

We all love original looks, but that color is sooo ugly imho

 

[FordMustangKingCobra]

Just got this Wissota E6 today. I don't know very much about it but it looks pretty much original I plan on sharpening my chisels with this. All I can tell is that it was made in 1977, and I think it's missing some sort of bushing for the shields. And it's missing the right side cover

 

[rckymtnab]

I need to organize electrical but I finally got these mounted.

 

[jyanks]

Went to pick up a small baldor and it came with a surprise wissota. Not sure if the year on this one. Any ideas? Property of US government seen on the label. At any rate, it runs smoothly and I’ve put the wire wheel to use.

 

[Outlawmws]

Looks like Jan of 67 to me.

 

[jyanks]

Looks like Jan of 67 to me.

So the serial reflects the year. Neat!

 

[Paul_H]

My dad's E66 from 1977. He hardly used this and it still has the original grinding wheels. Still runs smooth.
Decided I would look after it and use it in my garage. Probably pass it down to one of my boys 20 years from now.

Can anyone help identify or guess the type/grit of the two original grinding wheels?
I'm not familiar with grinding wheel specs. Neither wheel has any label or markings.


Thanks.

 

[woodgeek]

Picked this up today. It needs some TLC but it spins right up and the bearings sound okay. I won’t know for sure until I take her apart and start the rebuild.

 

[1982fxr]

My dad's E66 from 1977. He hardly used this and it still has the original grinding wheels. Still runs smooth.
Decided I would look after it and use it in my garage. Probably pass it down to one of my boys 20 years from now.

Can anyone help identify or guess the type/grit of the two original grinding wheels?
I'm not familiar with grinding wheel specs. Neither wheel has any label or markings.


Thanks.

On the left looks like a standard issue coarse wheel.

I have no idea on the right wheel.

 

[woodgeek]

When you’re disassembling your Wissota, be careful. There’s a rotational switch attached to the right end cap.

Luckily, Torq still sells this part for less than $20.

 

[CBinID]

I bought an E6 at a garage sale a couple weeks ago, and when I started looking into the brand, I found this thread. I need something to handle a wire wheel, and the old harvest gold B&D is kind of worthless. From what I've been reading, I'm even more pleased with it now!

 

[bbrown3979]

I snagged this massive E-10, 7 extra 10 inch wheels and an E-6 for 85 CAD. Guy also threw in a 4 inch Columbian. I gave him 100 total because thats all the cash I had on me and it felt like I was robbing him.