LIP Surface Grinder question…

[welds]

What do you guys think a fair price would be for this machine? I thought about posting it in the classified section or on Craigslist, but it’s not actually for sale yet. But it will probably be for sale soon, locally (Portland, Oregon area). I wish I could keep it, but am limited on shop space.

It’s a LIP surface grinder, 220V / three phase, in Tektronix machine shop green paint. Model might be a 515. Originally it was purchased and used at Tektronix in the model shop in Beaverton, Oregon. My uncle was a manager there. When Tektronix started outsourcing and downsizing, my uncle bought a bunch of their equipment and retired, then started making small parts out of his own small shop.

I watched all the YouTube videos about it, and scoured the forum here. I didn’t see much on prices though. Transport seems fairly dooable, so wouldn’t have to hire out for a forklift or equipment rigger. The top unbolts from the heavy cast base. Both sections would fit in a pickup truck or van easily.

 

[drcoelho]

I'd recommend posting this on ebay, targeting hobyists. It is a professional machine, high quality, but it is very small, and most shops will not be willing to sacrifice the work size in exchange for small foot print of this machine. BUT, this is a highly desirable machine for hobyists that have limited shop space. I would think this machine would get a premium over a more traditional machine such as a 6x12 manual surface grinder, you might check ebay for used machine pricing to get a sense about how to price it.

 

[michiganbuck]

Agree, a small machine but very handy for knife making and for someone with limited shop space. Wheels and accessories worth a few hundred.
I would guess $500 to $1,000
You might only get $200, and some collector might pay $2000.

* You should post your location.
* Asking price source here https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/lip-surface-grinder-question….405796/#post-3972984
ask for offers here on PM before posting on eBay.
Do post the chuck size and table travel left to right. 4"x 8" ?
Considered a pretty high-class small (french) surface grinder

LIP 515 Surface Grinder

LIP 515 Surface Grinder - pictures and description

www.lathes.co.uk

 

[welds]

Thank you for the replies and advice drcoelho & michiganbuck, I appreciate it very much. This surface grinder is a piece of equipment that I actually don’t have a lot of experience with, so it’s valuable to hear what to do from knowledgeable guys. My career is in fabrication & code welding, and my uncle‘s career was manual machining small parts. I inherited his shop and am in the process of merging our tooling and equipment into the space I have. I’d love to keep everything, but have to be realistic on what fits and will get used the most.

Thanks again. I think I’ll try to post it locally first and see what happens, Portland Oregon area. Maybe a knife maker will see it, like you said michiganbuck. Being a small footprint machine would be a fit. This area is a hotspot for that… Gerber, Coast, Kershaw, Leatherman, & Benchmade are here, plus a bunch of small craft companies.

 

[Richard King]

If your not familiar with machinery moving or proper skidding and strapping down I would take the grinder off the cabinet and ship on 1 big or 2 small skids. I have seen where someone uses a fork lift and they tip over, so be really careful. I have see KO-Lee grinders that look similar in design tip over on pick-up trucks as they are really top heavy. Also put a wood block between the spindle housing and the magnet to hold down the table and saddle. Buy some ratchet straps to bind it down. Don't use plastic or light weight banding material.

 

[majohnson]

I moved a Harig 612 Autostep which is really top heavy. Using a Penske box truck without any issues. Bolted it to a pallet and bolted blocks around the base. Bye sliding it all the way to the front of the box with the long side face the van wall and centering it. Then ran long wood screws through the bottom of strips of wood on the pallet into the wood deck of the Penske truck. Using straps on the top to add extra security it never move from Phoenix AZ to north of Denver. None of the blocks or pallet moved.

 

[michiganbuck]

Qt Op ( but it’s not actually for sale yet. : ( but it’s not actually for sale yet. )
if you are not intending to use it Then you should ask for offers here on Pm.
Kiwi's video below suggests that it is a very decent grinder..and that fellow is pretty sharp for a young guy.

 

[Kiwi_007]

here is a video on youtube about the Lip 515

 

[michiganbuck]

I would pull the motor belt pully and check it for balance..may be a quick fix.

This side looks better...not uncommon that a little use makes a fresh dress get a little better.
peening works but leaves the pean narks in the part.