"Van Dorn" HD 6" Bench Grinder

[Dan in Pasadena]

Yes, I did a search and found ONE thread about this name tool:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431009

I was given this bench grinder by an employee years ago:





He'd acquired it when a relative passed and is NOT a tool guy/DIY'er at all. It has sat unused for years. He finally just gave this to me along with a Taiwan-made combination belt/disc sander. The sander is ok-ish. But this Van Dorn is a really nice heavy duty American made tool. Label says a division of Black & Decker in tiny font. Online indicates B&D bought VanDorn in 1928 and THIS link:

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=1746&tab=4

Oh, and just found this thread too:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=358693

...shows an 8" model very similar in appearance to mine with same push button On/Off switch and similar tool rest to the ONE mine has. It's missing the other tool rest and the end covers and the push button power switch doesn't work. BUT, when plugged in it starts immediately and runs smooth as can be. I want to find a replacement switch but there are no numbers, nothing to identify what I'm looking for.

Should I just remove it and make the rounds of local electrical shops? Any ideas guys?

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Oh and one more (bad) picture of the backside of the switch. No identifying information at all. Can anyone give me an idea where to start looking for a replacement? Tried eBay and maybe I'm not using the right search words but nothing does up. Any/sall help appreciated.

 

[Bears Fan]

Dan, cool old bench grinder, that would look really nice restored.

Can you find one of the old classic push button house switches to replace it with?

https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Accents-Antique-Reproduction-Button/dp/B0002EWEMQ

 

[nadogail]

That is definitely an "Old Goodie" my guess it dates from the '50s or before.

 

[gizardlizard]

Where I work, we had some old plastic injection molding machines from Van Dorn.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

The switch was made by Cutler-Hammer. IDK if you can get a direct replacement.

Tommy

 

[exmaxima1]

Van Dorn must have made the same grinders for Black & Decker at one time. A local guy offered a similar grinder to me a few weeks ago, but with the broken switch and cloth wiring I stepped away. Attached pic is not the actual pic, but same model.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thank. you. guys for the suggestions.

Tommy, how did you happen to know that that switch is made by Cutler-Hammer? I'll. definitely look into them.

exmaxima - They took off the Van Dorn name sometime in the 60's but they're the same grinder. Van Dorn was bought by B&D way back in. 1928.

 

[exmaxima1]

Tommy, how did you happen to know that that switch is made by Cutler-Hammer? I'll. definitely look into them.....

The switch has their logo "C-H" right on the back

 

[motorcitykid]

I’ve just bought one similar and would like to hear your thoughts after using it for a few years? Thanks

 

[Stuart in MN]

You could keep an eye on eBay (search for 'Cutler Hammer new old stock switch') and something may eventually turn up. I did find this one that's similar, but also overpriced: https://www.ebay.com/itm/335276263257?epid=1710651152 Another option is you may be able to drill out the rivets holding the switch together and fix whatever is wrong inside, but that's a last ditch option.

Edit: sorry, I didn't notice this was an old thread bumped to the top until after I posted.