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Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Fixing, Modifying and Refurbishing your Lapidary Equipment => Topic started by: John Robinson on August 15, 2017, 10:22:40 AM

Title: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: John Robinson on August 15, 2017, 10:22:40 AM
I am scrounging for equipment to get started and  I need a grinder. I have this old Craftsman grinder with a sealed motor, that is, there are no vents or holes in the motor casing. Is there a way to find out if  it a wet/dry grinder without the plumbing?
Of course I will still need to buy two expensive lap wheels but I need something to use while I am saving up for a Diamond Pacific machine.
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: Rockoteer on August 15, 2017, 12:10:48 PM
I am scrounging for equipment to get started and  I need a grinder. I have this old Craftsman grinder with a sealed motor, that is, there are no vents or holes in the motor casing. Is there a way to find out if  it a wet/dry grinder without the plumbing?
Of course I will still need to buy two expensive lap wheels but I need something to use while I am saving up for a Diamond Pacific machine.
Pictures sure would help.....
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: Slabbercabber on August 15, 2017, 01:39:58 PM
Look on the information plate for TEFC.  It stands for totally enclosed fan cooled.  It still would not be the proper choice for wet grinding as the electrical connection will still be exposed.  Belt driven is the right way.
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: lapidaryrough on August 15, 2017, 02:52:23 PM
Note to all

  GFI, trips at  100 mill-amps.

  GFIC trips at  10 mill-amps.

  Which is the LIFE saver?

  https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/electrical_incidents/gfci.html
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: Rockoteer on August 15, 2017, 05:15:45 PM
10
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: John Robinson on August 15, 2017, 07:27:45 PM
I will upload pix and the info on the motor' s plate
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: Jhon P on August 16, 2017, 06:35:30 AM
Gfi (ground fault interrupter) and gfci ( ground fault circuit interrupter) are basically the same device
The common household type trips at 4 to 6 ma. 10 to 20 ma gfci we use on things like heat cable for snow melt (costs are around $125.00) 20 to 30 ma are what is used for something like a house boat.
A 100ma is what is typical found in an industrial 480 volt three phase main breaker. And are expensive ($1,000.00 or more)
 Now that I have everyone confused you Just use your standard residential grade gfci circuit breaker, receptacle outlet or you can get a plug in type
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: John Robinson on August 16, 2017, 08:55:25 AM
Craftsman 1/4 HP
3450 RPM
Model 11519500

Also have
TriStar 5 speed drill press
1/3 hp
Model dpmini
and I do not know if it is piece of lapidary equipment
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Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: lapidaryrough on August 16, 2017, 09:03:32 AM
1750 RPM for a lapidary grinder is best.
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: Rockoteer on August 16, 2017, 09:33:57 AM
I will upload pix and the info on the motor' s plate
This is not a piece of lapidary equipment.  I am sure the wheels are for metal grinding like lawn mower blades.  The rpm's should be no more than 1725.  I, personally, would not even consider using it for my rocks.  THIS IS JMHO
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: Slabbercabber on August 16, 2017, 12:10:52 PM
Commonly referred to as Craftsman block grinder.  It has a following as a very good home use grinder.  Definitely not meant to be used wet.
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: 55fossil on August 16, 2017, 03:29:54 PM
    Anything can be a lapidary tool with a little work. You can take the grinding wheels off and replace them with pulleys. Step down the RPM's and drive a grinder, polisher or other Lapidary machine. That is a great unit with lots of HP and ball bearings....  Find a nice arbor to use with it and you are in business. You could even use it to power a saw. Put on the thinking cap and good luck,  neal
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: John Robinson on August 17, 2017, 02:37:08 PM
Thanks for all the responses!
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: Rockoteer on August 17, 2017, 09:42:44 PM
    Anything can be a lapidary tool with a little work. You can take the grinding wheels off and replace them with pulleys. Step down the RPM's and drive a grinder, polisher or other Lapidary machine. That is a great unit with lots of HP and ball bearings....  Find a nice arbor to use with it and you are in business. You could even use it to power a saw. Put on the thinking cap and good luck,  neal
Do you really think that 1/4 hp is enough?  I suppose if you stepped it down with pulleys .... but then you have to drive another arbor.
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: 55fossil on August 18, 2017, 09:28:29 AM
   Yep, 1/4 horse will do many but not all things. Turning any type of polish or sanding wheel that is not huge is easy. With an arbor and water trays you can be in business. Or the Lortone saw kits that do not come with motors are a good buy. I have purchased a 6 and 10 inch stainless diamond saw kit and they work great.
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: John Robinson on August 24, 2017, 06:48:06 PM
Cool! I have good electric motors All over the place and brother is a welder.
What kind of kits without motors are available?
BTW I also have this Dayton thing and the 1HP motor it came with... I picked it up initially thinking I could use it to Power a tumbler

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Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: Stonemon on August 24, 2017, 08:17:21 PM
A 1 hp motor will drive a lot. My 24" slab saw runs just fine with a 1 hp and my 8" diamond cabbing unit gets by with no problem with a direct drive 3/4 horse.  The key is to match the rpm's with the wheels/blade to get the proper working speed to the rock. No need to guess or re-invent anything, the info is out there if you look. Good to have the pieces on hand.
Good luck with it...
Bill
Title: Re: Do I have a wet/dry grinder and don't know it?
Post by: John Robinson on August 25, 2017, 10:14:37 AM
Well rats!
I thought I had posted on this topic last night only to find out this morning that I did not...( :tongue: I sent the wrong pix too big of a file)
I asked about the range of motorless kits that are available. I have several good electric motors.
Then that reminded me that I have this Dayton reducer (1750RPM to 36RPM) that I have with a a one HP motor attached. The motor can be wired a number of different ways (at least according to the wiring diagram on its plate. What can I use these for ?
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