How's this sound for a surface grinder?

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Dec 3, 1999
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Well, I have an offer to buy a tool-grinder that has been converted to a surface grinder.

It's in the LeatherMan production shop. I just went and looked at it, and of course the brand is totally escaping me...brain spasm.

It has an 8x24 Walker Fine Pole chuck, which in itself is a high price item.

The hang-up for me, is it's 3 phase 0.5 hp. A standard phase converter will lose about 1/3 of your total hp, so that's not leaving too much left.

But at a price of $1600, this seems like quite a machine.

Can I get some thoughts here?

Thanks,
Nick
 
I know nothing about the machine, but if the motor requires phase conversion, and it's a smaller motor anyway, would replacing the motor be a viable option?

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Oz

"Sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken!"
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Nick, I don't have a surface grinder but I've been looking for along time. I think you could find a good one for alot less than the $1600 they're asking for this one. Harbor Freight sells one for $999 and I've spoken with a couple knifemakers that have them and they are very satisfied. The cost includes the shipping. Only bugger is having a way to get it off the truck.

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Take care!! Michael

Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
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Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
Nick, I think if Benchmade has it, its is not a cheap one. The motor can be replaced with a single phase unless it is some special purpose motor. I would check the bed and ways for wear. Use a dial indicator at both ends of the bed to see if it is in need of scrapeing. It may be for sale for this reason? Bruce
 
Leatherman's factory is VERY close to the Portland Int. airport.

I was hooked up on this possible deal by calling Miller Machine sales, he just told me the machine was still at its original location and close to the airport. I somehow didn't make the connection that Leatherman is right in that neck of the woods.

L6, I have talked with other makers that have and like the HF model. The thing is though, it's without a chuck. So you have to supply one, and as I'm sure you know, a fine pole chuck is better suited for us.

In MSC that machine's same Walker chuck is $2200 (new of course).

The ways seem to be in very good condition.

They said the reason for selling it, is that it had one sole operator, and they moved him to their model shop (100 yards down the other end of the building).

He has no room for it in his new shop space, so it's being sold.

The little motor is a Baldor, so it's good, just small.

This is a heavy-duty, rigid machine. That has been my biggest dilemma, do you buy a solid, used American machine and deal with its wear........or a new lighter import and deal with a lighter weight machine with less strict tolerances ??????

I'm still not sure. I do like my tools to be new, just so I know I'm the only one that can screw them up. I worked in a production setting one summer, I know how most production end equipment is treated by its loving operators while they lovingly work through the day.


Thanks for the replies
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Good to see you posting on here Terry!
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Nick
 
This machine sounds like a decent buy. Of course it all depends on the condition. There should be no slop on the z axis as this is the critical one. a little play on the x and y should be expected on a used machine. This will not poae a problem in accuracy and can usually be fixed. Do not be intimidated by the the three phase motor. there are several ways to make it work for you. The most obvious would be to swap it for a single phase. If the motor is a standard size(56c) then a new 56c will bolt directly on using the same bolt pattern. If the motor is pre NEMA then a bracket will need to be purchased or made to make a new motor fit. The second option would be to hook the three phase motor into a variable frequency drive. this is a motor speed control that will convert single phase power into three phase with no deratement. surplus vfd's are available from dealers electric in brooklyn NY. The third option is to build your own roto-phase converter out of an old three phase motor. this is done by wiring the roto phase motor in line with the machine motor and manually staring the roto motor with a pully or other device. remember it takes a motor twice the size of the one you are attempting ot convert to power it up. Given the choice between a harbor freight pos and a well made piece of machinery there is no choice. When properly cared for, machines made in the US during the height of the industrial revolution were made to last a lifetime. And they do.
 
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do you buy a solid, used American machine and deal with its wear........or a new lighter import and deal with a lighter weight machine with less strict tolerances ??????
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As a rule of the thumb, I'd always prefer a high quality older machine over a cheap new imported POS. I've seen some heavy duty machines still going fine after 50 years of use. There is no substitute for quality.
 
What brand of machine is it?

If it is a K.O.Lee, or a Cincinnati-Milicron, BUY IT!!!! Make sure to get any tool grinding accessories that it may have (powered workhead, air bearing, centers).

As for the chuck, I agree. It is a quality chuck, and the machine will do MUCH better than some imported chinese POS.

Mike
 
I dont want to discourage you.....but I have a large tool and cutter grinder and it doesnt work so hot to surface grind anything, the reason being is that tool and cutter grinders are set up for in and out and back and forth.....and although they will go up and down....that is NOT their best feature and the screws load up and it will go down thou and then three and then two etc......it sounds like this is a good machine and a wise buy......but I would try it out and hopefully take someone along who knows about surface grinders......their most critical feature is the fine downfeed!!

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http://www.mayoknives.com
John 1:14
 
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