It really is all your fault!!

I just can't avoid large metal things anymore.

This was on our local Craigslist for a couple weeks and it called to me.

I would be happy for any info on this machine.

so far I know that it's B & S and older than a model 2

I also know that surface grinders are kinda the machinists version of a woodworkers planer, but that's the limit of my machinists knowledge.

Where on the machine should I look for model and serial number info?

What measurements determine the "size"?  overall bed? or actual travel?

Once I get the grease off how do I measure it for 'play' and wear?

What sort of things can I do with it once it's up and running?

and why cant I just stick to wrenches like a normal collector?


FEB 065 by skipskip, on Flickr




more pictures here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/skipskip/sets/72157640697222715/

Just who do you think is "normal" around here, Skip"""

Looks like a good solid piece. Needs work but it sure is a good start.

If no one here has info check out the guys at the practical machinist forum. They have a section for antique machines and history. They helped me out a few times with a lathe.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/

Please keep us posted on how it goes :)

Does it have a motor? It looks like it is probably 3 phase. It looks big enough to resurface cylinder heads. It also looks old enough to have Babbitt bearings. Don't turn the wheel until you oil it. Nice score, but a lot of work.

Oh Drool!!  Wow, a machine of my dreams.  Its flat gorgeous.
Strip it down and make this one shine!!

  It'll level a piece of metal to thousanths of an inch!
  When you get it running right you could make a whole career out of levelling old planes and blades and chisels. You can do smaller jointer beds, lots of things.
   
It probably has a 3 phase motor, but who cares. Scrounge up an old 1hp table saw motor or some such. These don't cut real deep in a single pass so they don't requite high horsepower. 
   yours Scott 

Ha ha I feel your pain brother you should see the crap in my shop!!!!

Have you googled it? I know basic use from old books online will help you when using it. The size is the table movement 6 by 12 or 6 by 18 is a fairly common small manual machine. I have a 1960's Rockwell from a HS shop. New stones are available, did you get a mag plate or some type of vise or tool holder? Like a Bridgeport you can spend more on tooling than the machine itself!

NICE Score!

And: Better you than me!

That's the kind of thing that is ver' costly, and not just in information, parts an' pieces, steep learning curve, shop space and time...you gotta consider how many marriages went south just 'cause he brought home another ton of cast iron!  Been there...Best of Luck!  wlw