Van Dorn 8" HD Bench Grinder

[Retroman]

Did a search on these and got a little info. This one popped up for sale form $100.00 seems a bit high without the correct pedestal. Thinking maybe a restore, Thoughts on the price? Its also an hour away.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Not bad on price... 2 hrs of driving hurts. Push button is cool.. looks robust.

My criteria for grinders:
1) Worthy brand/quality/size?
2)Are original rests/covers/guards in place? (especially rests)
3) On original or comparable stand?
4) Price

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

That would be a really good thing to buy in my opinion. Last for generations. Find someone to go with you to talk with…

 

[slowtwitch73]

I would ask if the seller would happen to be traveling your direction anytime soon.. maybe meet part way. Tell him not to bother bringing the base.

If you drive to him, maybe agree on a cheaper price before you drive over... "if you'd take x amount, I'll be there pronto".

 

[Retroman]

I could have a coworker pick it up for me as he lives close by. I think the grinder is welded to the stand? It’s a widow selling it so don’t really want to lowball her.

 

[Retroman]

Looked again it is not welded to the stand.

 

[Packard V8]

It’s a widow selling it so don’t really want to lowball her.

$100 for a cast iron 8" grinder is a lowball price.

jack vines

 

[exmaxima1]

Missing a rest and the eyeshields. Plan to replace bearings as the old grease would be dried out after all these years. Plus, that switch is irreplaceable if it is broken (or gets broken, which happens frequently with those grinders). I doubt the widow would expect to get her asking price, and would be thrilled if you told her you planned to restore it.

 

[slowtwitch73]

If a coworker can bring it, I'd snag it.

I would say leave the base if the seller was going to meet you.. might make it easier on them hauling it, but sounds like a non issue.

Get it!

 

[Maui]

I have the 10” version of that same grinder, and it came with a boatload of quality grinding wheels. When I turned it on I was surprised at how smoothly it ran, and was even more surprised that it wasn’t even bolted down to the table it was sitting on! Buy it, you won’t regret it. They are very high quality machines. The only piece mine is missing is the wheel cover on the one side where a previous owner had installed a wire wheel. I’ll likely have to fabricate a replacement because it is unlikely I’ll ever find one.

 

[Provincial]

I have a Black & Decker 10" version of that grinder. B&D bought out Van Dorn and kept making them just the same. It has great bearings and runs smooth. It is very powerful, so I think the power ratings are quite conservative. I'd jump on that one if you have any use for it!

 

[Retroman]

I don't seem to have much of a need for a bench grinder but that has never stopped me from buying a older quality tool.

 

[bmwrd0]

Deal.

I would grab the stand too, you never know when something like that comes in handy.

 

[Maui]

I have a Black & Decker 10" version of that grinder. B&D bought out Van Dorn and kept making them just the same. It has great bearings and runs smooth. It is very powerful, so I think the power ratings are quite conservative. I'd jump on that one if you have any use for it!

Provincial, what is the model number for your machine? I may be able to source a wheel cover for that model number that would fit on my Van Dorn.

 

[Provincial]

Model 83. If you find some tool rests, mine is missing both.

 

[Retroman]

Decided to pass on the grinder as my co-worker didn't sound to excited about picking it up. Which I get as he has family in town for thanksgiving. We got off at noon yesterday and he didn't ask about picking it up so I just let it go. If I really wanted it I could make the drive. When I told her I wasn't going to get it she offered it for $80.00

Thanks for all of your replies.

 

[lafester]

I think 99% of my finds are at least 1 hour away, usually a bit further.

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

In Texas EVERY THING is at least an hour away….