Esteem Grinder Mods

Jonathans

Jonathans

Joined
Jan 9, 2008
Messages
588
I recently purchased an Esteem grinder from Brett. I went with a Leeson 2hp VFD model.
Not that the Esteem requires any mods, but there's something wrong with my brain that won't let me leave something as it is, and I need to personalize it. My goal was for a variable height, pedestal mounted grinder that could be vertical or horizontal. I also wanted to utilize the same motor and VFD for a disc grinder. I want to be able to use it both standing and sitting as I have a bad back from being the human forklift when I was younger.
I started with a brainstorm session with my son who came up with the yoke idea. From there I went to Sketchup to make it so on a virtual level mock up.
It's a work in progress, but here is what I have so far.
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Got a couple more holes to drill and tap and then make the mount for the pedestal.
I'll come back with some more pics once I make more progress.
 
Very nice brother. Your yoke idea is very close to how I had my2 Baders set up before the fire. I used two sets of yokes and a shaft though. It worked very well for me.
Good job one the mods the look good and should work great for you.

Brett Mathews
Esteem Grinders
 
Well, this is as far as I've got to so far.
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Grinder base mounted with extra tool rest bar socket. I'll get some paint and clean that tool bar mount up tomorrow.
Had to add the nut as the receiver tubing was only 3/16 thick and not thick enough for substantial thread engagement for the tightening lever.
 
Looking forward to seeing this as I've debated doing the same with mine. Thanks for posting what you're doing!
 
Today I worked on finishing the extra tool bar/tool rest mod. I just flip the bar 90 degrees when flipping the grinder to horizontal. I'll be needing to fab a longer tool rest.
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I also completed the tool bar disc grinder setup. It's powered via a belt and saved me the cost of a separate motor and VFD. Since my grinder will be pedestal mounted, side access to the disc shouldn't be a problem.
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Always fun to see grinders being tweaked. Looks like the toolrest needs to be modified so that on horizontal mode makes use of the full platen.
 
You tilting base is a neat design and the welding looks nice. Well done! I also think that adding a second tool slot was good thinking and a simple solution.
 
LARRYZ10 said:
You tilting base is a neat design and the welding looks nice. Well done! I also think that adding a second tool slot was good thinking and a simple solution.
Click to expand...

Seems like tool rests are an after thought on many grinders. possibly the thought is the end user will make it their own but providing a tool arm slot is fairly easy.
 
No PT doc, As far as the tool rest goes it is not the thought that the end user will make there own work rest. I provide a very functional work rest that does not need to modified in order to use it in either horizontal or vertical position. I personal do not see ANY real benefit to having a extra tooling arm slot vs. the way I make them. Maybe there a benefit on a KMG or other grinders where the work rest is not adjustable. Also fyi if he used the work rest as it was made it would have made much more of the platen usable in the horizontal position. That said I like it when some one gets creative and I think Jonathan did a great job with his mods. Very nice work brother.

PT doc I wanted to send you a PM regarding your negative vibe regarding the Esteem grinders (whats up with that) but you are not a paid member.
PT Doc said:
Seems like tool rests are an after thought on many grinders. possibly the thought is the end user will make it their own but providing a tool arm slot is fairly easy.
Click to expand...
 
Brett Mathews said:
No PT doc, As far as the tool rest goes it is not the thought that the end user will make there own work rest. I provide a very functional work rest that does not need to modified in order to use it in either horizontal or vertical position. I personal do not see ANY real benefit to having a extra tooling arm slot vs. the way I make them. Maybe there a benefit on a KMG or other grinders where the work rest is not adjustable. Also fyi if he used the work rest as it was made it would have made much more of the platen usable in the horizontal position. That said I like it when some one gets creative and I think Jonathan did a great job with his mods. Very nice work brother.

PT doc I wanted to send you a PM regarding your negative vibe regarding the Esteem grinders (whats up with that) but you are not a paid member.
Click to expand...

Definitely no negative vibe. I recommended in another post that the guy go with the esteem grinder. My comment was about the many grinders that do not have a second tooling arm.

I also pointed out that your standard rest the way the gentleman set it up did not allow for full platen usage. These are just my opinions. Adding a second tool arm is a great idea when it allows full use of the various attachments that we all have.

I think you make a very nice grinder and hope you keep on cranking them out! Peace!
 
Jonathans, great job on the mods! I also have one of Brett's grinders I hope it is ok with you if I use a few of your ideas to mod my grinder.
Brett, The grinder is still doing great! I am glad to see you are still at it.
 
PT Doc thanks for your kind response and clarifying, Please forgive me
PT Doc said:
Definitely no negative vibe. I recommended in another post that the guy go with the esteem grinder. My comment was about the many grinders that do not have a second tooling arm.

I also pointed out that your standard rest the way the gentleman set it up did not allow for full platen usage. These are just my opinions. Adding a second tool arm is a great idea when it allows full use of the various attachments that we all have.

I think you make a very nice grinder and hope you keep on cranking them out! Peace!
Click to expand...
 
Thanks brother!!! Glade to hear the grinder is still running great for you.
flatblackcapo said:
Jonathans, great job on the mods! I also have one of Brett's grinders I hope it is ok with you if I use a few of your ideas to mod my grinder.
Brett, The grinder is still doing great! I am glad to see you are still at it.
Click to expand...
 
Good workmanship there, and good ideas. I'm building another grinder with plans to make it switchable from vertical to horizontal. I like the idea of having the pivot point in middle, keeps the weight down for flipping.

Ken H>
 
Have at it Flatblackcapo! Few of my ideas originated from myself. I mostly glean what I can from examples from other folks.
Let me know if you have any questions.
 
Can I ask where you got the handles? I'd like to get a couple of those to replace some key screws.

Brett, I like the new platen.
 
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