Buying surface grinder question

[alexmin]

Guys,

I can buy a surface grinder in good working condition with magnetic chuck for $500.
Do you think it's a good buy for this price? The seller said it cost $10,000 new.
It's 3 phase machine and I am olanning to run it off my KMG VFD.

Here is description -
220 volt, 3 phase Surface Grinder manufactured by Abrasive Tool Co.
in Providence, Rhode Island. Model number 1 1/2, meaning 1.5 horsepower.
X axis travel is 15 inches. Y axis travel is 10 inches. Z axis is 10 in.
Grinding stone measures 1 inch by 9 inch diameter.


Thanks,
Alex

 

[deker]

If it's in good condition and runs well it's not a bad deal. Depending on where in the country you are, and general machine tool availability in your area it may be a very good deal.

It's certainly not outrageously priced, so the question you've got to ask now is "is it worth $500 to me"?

-d

 

[alexmin]

I always wanted to get a surface grinder even when I was making fixed knives only. Now I want to start making folders and that justifies a surface grinder for me.
I just want to get a good one that I won't have to replace later.
I know you can make a folder without it but surface grinder, no doubts, will make them more precise.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

If it's in good shape, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Even for twice that much.

Look for ways worn out or motor/spindle vibration. Both are pricy to fix.

If you want to check it: dress the stone, then dress the chuck, look for chatter in the finish. Grind something and measure it, see if it is actually flat. I've seen grinders with a lot of wear on them because abrasive grit accumulated between the ways and wouldn't grind flat, which is beyond useless...