The Unofficial Wissota Grinder Thread

[exmaxima1]

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.

 

[exmaxima1]

To make it a thread, I'll add my 10-inch Milwaukee

 

[exmaxima1]

And a small 6-inch Milwaukee as well.

 

[bobcatdan]

Pretty sure my 7" matco is Wissota. Thing is a beast!

 

[1982fxr]

I'm down to one right now, Milwaukee badged, but it's the older (?) style where the castings that cover the shafts are angled upwards. Don't have a pic right now...

 

[1982fxr]

Hard to tell what I'm talking about...

 

[1982fxr]

Don't know why that's sideways sorry

 

[exmaxima1]

Pretty sure my 7" matco is Wissota. Thing is a beast!

Yep, that's a Wissota and a new label (Matco)!

 

[exmaxima1]

Don't know why that's sideways sorry

Sorry, but that is not a Wissota. Looks like made by Doerr or a Baldor. Does it have a serial number with a "w" in it?

 

[1982fxr]

Interesting. Is any history known on Doerr? Google doesn't turn up much. The frame model starts with a "d".

Nicest non baldor I've ever seen...

 

[exmaxima1]

Interesting. Is any history known on Doerr? Google doesn't turn up much. The frame model starts with a "d".

Nicest non baldor I've ever seen...

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=3005

Also I think your grinder is from the era when Dayton owned Doerr.

 

[454ragtop]

I have one that started life as a Foley sharpener, bought it at a yard sale for $10. many years ago. Cord was shot, replaced it, and it purrs like a kitten. Still trying to think of something trick to do with the strange tilting mount it has.

 

[exmaxima1]

I have one that started life as a Foley sharpener, bought it at a yard sale for $10. many years ago. Cord was shot, replaced it, and it purrs like a kitten. Still trying to think of something trick to do with the strange tilting mount it has.

Ive seen Foleys based on CM block grinders, but never a Wissota. Post a pic.

 

[454ragtop]

Ive seen Foleys based on CM block grinders, but never a Wissota. Post a pic.

Sure, give me a day or 2.

On edit, just remembered there was one posted on the vintage grinder thread in this post http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6139549&postcount=1320
I'll still get a couple pics of mine.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's a 1-HP Milwaukee, I think it is a Wissota.

I have the eye shields, but need the tool rests.

Also, here's a 1/2-HP.

 

[nine4gmc]

I would love to find a few sizes of those Milwaukee

 

[CGT80]

Here is a Milwaukee 3/4 hp, before I cleaned it up a bit.

 

[exmaxima1]

Here's a 1-HP Milwaukee, I think it is a Wissota.

I have the eye shields, but need the tool rests.

Also, here's a 1/2-HP.

Two beautiful grinders, but neither is a Wissota-----both appear to be Doerr Electric. The shape of the motor end bells is wrong, the threaded lugs for the end covers is wrong, there are no quench trays, and there are no "w" serial numbers. Just too many hiccups to be Wissotas. Compare your 1hp to that in post #2 and you'Ll see what I mean.

 

[gungatim]

hmmmm. is this a Wissota badged Dayton?

picked it up a few years ago at a yard sale for $15 including the new wheels. it's since been cleaned up and new switch and tool rests but the pic is when I got it...was missing the switch and the left handed nut (was in pieces in a box), so I had to buy a dozen LH thread nuts to get one...still have 11 sitting on the shelf if anyone needs one.

 

[Craptain]

I'll have to get a picture of mine later today. It is converted to a drum sander one end with a chuck on the other end to take my small sanding drums.

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[exmaxima1]

hmmmm. is this a Wissota badged Dayton?

That's a tough call. It's very old, probably 60's, but might be a Wissota. It has a remarkable resemblance to Doerr of that era. Look at the attached pics, and note the shape of the base, the mounting holes, and the convex section of the guard where it attaches to the end bells. With the exception of the quench tray, it looks very much like a Doerr.

 

[Craptain]

Here is my Wissota.



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[exmaxima1]

Here is my Wissota.

In my experience the 1/3hp model is the most popular, but rare in that rosemary color. That one is in great condition for its age (looks to be 1978).

The first number in the serial number (in this case, "9") seems to have no relation to the grinder size. Could it be the MONTH?

 

[Craptain]

In my experience the 1/3hp model is the most popular, but rare in that rosemary color. That one is in great condition for its age (looks to be 1978).

The first number in the serial number (in this case, "9") seems to have no relation to the grinder size. Could it be the MONTH?

It is in excellent condition. It came from the widow of a gentleman who only did very limited hobby work with it. Almost silent and no play in the bearings. I cannot comment on model or age as I know nothing about them. But it holds up well against my Baldor and Craftsman grinders. The size I believe is referenced in the model number so possibly the 9 is the month.
Do you have any idea about production numbers?

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[Trey T]

those Milwaukee red grinder looks real good

 

[exmaxima1]

those Milwaukee red grinder looks real good

Glad you like them! Here's my Milwaukee 7-inch to round out the herd. I don't think they made any other sizes.

 

[torqueman2002]

Two beautiful grinders, but neither is a Wissota-----both appear to be Doerr Electric. The shape of the motor end bells is wrong, the threaded lugs for the end covers is wrong, there are no quench trays, and there are no "w" serial numbers. Just too many hiccups to be Wissotas. Compare your 1hp to that in post #2 and you'Ll see what I mean.

Thanks Maxima.

For those in the South Bend area, there is a CL ad for a 1/2-HP Wissota. $35

http://southbend.craigslist.org/tls/5980679831.html

 

[exmaxima1]

Thanks Maxima.

For those in the South Bend area, there is a CL ad for a 1/2-HP Wissota. $35

Too bad the guards and rests are missing, but I think it is still a fair price for that Wissota. It has 5/8" arbors and runs silky smooth, and would be a great buffer or wire wheel machine. Or add a Multi-Tool belt adapter for a real treat...

 

[Trey T]

I own two Craftsman block grinders, 3/4hp and 1/2hp, and some time I wish the wheels spread out further apart like these Wissota or Baldor grinders.

 

[A E Numan]

How about a 1965 7 inch with a MIA quench tray - and some parts.

 

[Wabash]

My Wilton badged Wissota.

 

[maxwage]

My Wissota I just scored yesterday at an indoor flea market I visit regularly. There are a couple good booths there with vintage tools and general tools.

The proprietor told me the guy just put this in his booth Monday and he almost bought it for himself. I plugged it in to test I and it purred, no wobble at all in the shaft. I feel like I stole this for only paying 20$!!!

I don't care about the missing tools rest and shields, I bought this to use her, not be a showpiece. I'll likely fabricate my own at some point. I mounted it to a 1" piece of melamine to clamp for the bench when needed.


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[exmaxima1]

How about a 1965 7 inch with a MIA quench tray - and some parts.

First Wissota I've seen with real "shatterproof" glass. That also looks to be made of cast iron---is it heavy?

 

[exmaxima1]

My Wissota I just scored yesterday at an indoor flea market I visit regularly. There are a couple good booths there with vintage tools and general tools.

The proprietor told me the guy just put this in his booth Monday and he almost bought it for himself. I plugged it in to test I and it purred, no wobble at all in the shaft. I feel like I stole this for only paying 20$!!!

Yep, I would have tossed down the cash and ran with that one as well! And new rests will be easy to fab, good luck.

 

[exmaxima1]

My Wilton badged Wissota.

I can't make out the label---is that an 8-inch (3/4hp) ??

 

[A E Numan]

First Wissota I've seen with real "shatterproof" glass. That also looks to be made of cast iron---is it heavy?

Yes it is! I,m in the process of making tool rests and end plates. I,m also going to try to make a copper quench tray.

 

[A E Numan]

So this is what I have made. New side plates,tool rests and a pattern for the cooling trough.

 

[A E Numan]

Today I made the quench tray, I'm happy with the way it turned out.

 

[A E Numan]

Here are the pictures.

 

[exmaxima1]

Here are the pictures.

You are very skilled with sheet metal---looks fantastic.

BTW, your 1/2hp Wissota appears to be much more powerful than later versions: yours is a 6amp motor, while my 1/2hp model draws only 4 amps. It even draws more than my 3/4hp model (4.4 amps)!