Surface Grinder

Tom Militano

Tom Militano

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Joined
Feb 27, 1999
Messages
1,160
I read occasionally on Blade Forums about knifemakers finding equipment in old junk yards and other overlooked places. I have been looking for a surface grinder for awhile now. I really didn't want the bench top one that Harbor Freight sells, it's only 6" X 12" I have passed this place almost daily for the last 20 years and never stopped and looked around until yesterday. I bought a KO Lee surface grinder with a fine pole 6" x 18" magnetic chuck for $500. It's needs cleaning up and painting and a little work, but it's in pretty good shape, besides, it has power feed. I also found a lathe that we are doing a little horse trading on. The man that owns the yard collects knives, isn't that a good surprise. I also picked up a couple of dc motors, the only ones he had on hand, a 1hp and a 2hp. Think I'll go buy some lottery tickets, I'm on a roll.
Tom
 
i got a floor standing surface grinder off a guy who collects knives. it was nicely kept, no wear on the parts, and no rust. it's about a $3,000 machine, with a brown and sharp magnet chuck. all he wanted was a knife, hehe. glad you also got a good deal. you better buy a couple lottery tickets while your on this hot streak!
 
Dont bother to clean it up! I will give you $1000 for the K.O.Lee as is
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Finding used machinery in Fl is a joke! Any equipment that's of any use is grabbed up by the small job shops.Then they run it until it's worn beyond repair
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I have spent enough on gas, driving to look at used machines to have bought a NEW Surface Grinder AND a Bridgeport
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AHHHHHHHHHHRGH,
Neil

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Talonite! Pictures are now up on my website!!
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html
 
I think I'll hold on to it Neil. I don't think I'll ever run up on a deal like that again.
Tom
 
Congrats on your purchase! BTW, how did you transport that machine? That's usually my problem: transport and where to put it. I already have a lathe in my bedroom - temporarily - along with boxes of stuff for the lathe.

I'm looking for a good magnetic chuck. The permanent magnet kind NOT the electric ones. They cost ove $600 new over here in Germany. Has anybody tried the one Harbor Freight sells?

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www.wilkins-knives.com


 
Kevin, I have a friend that has a wrecker and a roll back truck. Picked it up with the wrecker and set it off the roll back outside my shop. I want to leave it outside until I get it cleaned up and painted. I don't know anything about Harbor Freight's magnetic chucks, the one I bought has a 6" X 18" fine pole chuck on it. I spent 8 years in Germany, '64 to '67 and '70 to '75. Are you stationed over there?
Tom
 
I understand your frustrations Dr. Lathe. Used equipment in Texas is a rare find too. I'm fortunate to work as a machinist and my employer is REALLY nice by allowing me to use the the equipment and tooling(but it has cost me a couple of knives).
Even with the contacts I have, it is hard to find equipment. It's either totaled or a great deal and I don't have the cash at the time. ARRRGGGHH!
I do have my eye on a 12" SouthBend and a horizontal mill. Should get a good deal- might cost me a couple of knives lol.

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"Boy, if ya don't screw up once in a while, ya ain't learnin' nuthin'" - An old cowboy
 
try living in the middle of the pacific and trying to find used equipment...i looked for a decent lathe for two years....finally found one that is older than i am and im 52.

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
Talk about a day late and a penny short!

I was over in Lafayette, Louisiana last weekend where a friend of mine runs a family owned machine shop. I mentioned to him that if he ever runs across a milling machine to let me know. He told me he just sold a Bridgeport knockoff (with digital readouts)for $1500 two weeks before!!! I am still sick...

C Wilkins
 
Good buy on the k o lee. Be carefull about the spindles though, they have a tendency to go aout and can be expensive to replace. You could convert it to a belt sander type surface grinder. I have seen a number of makers do this.
 
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