jdleach
Stainless
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2009
- Location
- Columbus, IN USA
Greetings Gentlemen.
I have recently saved from scrapping a Grand Rapids (Gallmeyer and Livingston) model #28 surface grinder. A cursory inspection has found no real deficiencies, other than a ghastly paint finish, and anything made of rubber dissolving. I speculate it is an early post-WW2 machine due to construction details. The price was scrap value, so if something is terribly awry with the pump or regulator/valving, I can get my money out of it. The thing that impressed me was that there isn't any discernible wear anywhere. I have seen many grinders over the years wherein the crank handles and associated shafting is loose and floppy, and linkages are worn. There isn't any of that with this machine.
The story is that it was purchased from a working shop perhaps 15 to 20 years ago by a gentleman who was setting up a garage shop, and the grinder operated well at that time. Unfortunately, the old gent took the big dirt nap before he could use his machines. The son sold what his father had collected, along with this grinder to a close friend of mine around six years ago. My friend decided in the past couple of weeks to scrap it, and me, being the sucker for old iron I am, has now bought it.
I was able to secure the operation manual and other data from Vintage Machinery.org, As for operation, I am relatively well versed in Grand Rapids grinders, as they had a couple of them at a shop I work at some 25 years ago. Personally, I loved those two machines. They were heavy, smooth, and very accurate.
The one question I have for those here on the forum, is what is recommended for the hydraulic oil. The original instructions call for oils that I have yet to find an equivalent for, such as "Solnus Light", "Stan Oil #15", and "Rubilene Extra Light". The only one I had ever even heard of (and I have been in the trade for over 40 years and will be 65 at my next birthday) is "Stan Oil" from Standard oil Company.
I strongly suspect the grinder is OK. I have already purchased 2 new spindle belts, and have checked the Bijur lube system, which seems to function properly. I do however, want to drain out the old hydraulic oil and put in fresh before I start the pump.
In addition to the question about the oil, I am also soliciting any and all comments from those who are familiar with Grand Rapids grinders. As stated previously, I found the two I used to run to be dandy, well built machines, but would like to know the impressions of others.
Thanks folks.
I have recently saved from scrapping a Grand Rapids (Gallmeyer and Livingston) model #28 surface grinder. A cursory inspection has found no real deficiencies, other than a ghastly paint finish, and anything made of rubber dissolving. I speculate it is an early post-WW2 machine due to construction details. The price was scrap value, so if something is terribly awry with the pump or regulator/valving, I can get my money out of it. The thing that impressed me was that there isn't any discernible wear anywhere. I have seen many grinders over the years wherein the crank handles and associated shafting is loose and floppy, and linkages are worn. There isn't any of that with this machine.
The story is that it was purchased from a working shop perhaps 15 to 20 years ago by a gentleman who was setting up a garage shop, and the grinder operated well at that time. Unfortunately, the old gent took the big dirt nap before he could use his machines. The son sold what his father had collected, along with this grinder to a close friend of mine around six years ago. My friend decided in the past couple of weeks to scrap it, and me, being the sucker for old iron I am, has now bought it.
I was able to secure the operation manual and other data from Vintage Machinery.org, As for operation, I am relatively well versed in Grand Rapids grinders, as they had a couple of them at a shop I work at some 25 years ago. Personally, I loved those two machines. They were heavy, smooth, and very accurate.
The one question I have for those here on the forum, is what is recommended for the hydraulic oil. The original instructions call for oils that I have yet to find an equivalent for, such as "Solnus Light", "Stan Oil #15", and "Rubilene Extra Light". The only one I had ever even heard of (and I have been in the trade for over 40 years and will be 65 at my next birthday) is "Stan Oil" from Standard oil Company.
I strongly suspect the grinder is OK. I have already purchased 2 new spindle belts, and have checked the Bijur lube system, which seems to function properly. I do however, want to drain out the old hydraulic oil and put in fresh before I start the pump.
In addition to the question about the oil, I am also soliciting any and all comments from those who are familiar with Grand Rapids grinders. As stated previously, I found the two I used to run to be dandy, well built machines, but would like to know the impressions of others.
Thanks folks.