Thread: What is this

Looks like an old horizontal wetstone grinder.
Does it have a motor, or will it take one?

Ok, picked it up tonight. No motor, but underneath the wheel there are three pulleys of various sizes.

I will post some more pics tomorrow.

Whetstone grinder. I seem to recall these being used for axes in earlier days.

I think it would be a bit small for that.

I was hoping it would be decent for sharpening chisels.

Originally Posted by Wongdai

I think it would be a bit small for that.

I was hoping it would be decent for sharpening chisels.

If the pulleys are different sizes then you have a three speed wet grinder - you just need a motor. An old washing machine motor would work fine.
Looks to be a good size for chisels and plane blades.
Cheers
SG

Sounds like just the thing I need.

I am wondering if anyone has some pictures on how I would attach a motor.

Here are some additional pics in case they help.

Firstly a pic for scale - definitely wouldn't be able to sharpen an axe.
Attachment 145744


Pic of the bottom area, showing two pulleys (not three as I previously thought):
Attachment 145745


I free'd up the little mini tap today. I would need to get something to plug the drain hole in the bottom, but am most interested in a setup for the motor.

Also, where would I get belts and different pulley sizes from. Oh yeah, and how fast should it spin do you think?

My guess is 100-120rpm, otherwise water will go everywhere.

EDIT: I just read that the Makita sharpener uses 560rpm. The size of the wheel will determine the speed.

looks like it could be a lapidary grinder of some sort the type used for shaping gemstones they are usually water cooled

acmegridley, you are spot on it is a gemstone lapping or Faceting machine.
Wongdai, normaly it would have a diamond grinding surface, i.e. it can be plated or impreganated the latter is acheived by adding diamond dust or other abrasive dust to the surface of the plate as it is needed. If what you have there is a solid grinding stone I would suggest it has at some time been replaced

I'm not sure if it is a standard grinding wheel or not. If it is then it is a very fine grade.

At any rate, it is no longer flat so I would need to replace it with something decent.

I will wait until I move house and then see if I can secure a motor for/to it somehow.

Give this mob a call it looks very much like one of theirs they maybe able to help Robilt Lapidary Supplies: citysearch

Originally Posted by Wongdai

Sounds like just the thing I need.

I am wondering if anyone has some pictures on how I would attach a motor.

Here are some additional pics in case they help.

Firstly a pic for scale - definitely wouldn't be able to sharpen an axe.

(image removed by moderator)

Pic of the bottom area, showing two pulleys (not three as I previously thought):

(image removed by moderator)

I free'd up the little mini tap today. I would need to get something to plug the drain hole in the bottom, but am most interested in a setup for the motor.

Also, where would I get belts and different pulley sizes from. Oh yeah, and how fast should it spin do you think?

Shouldn't be too hard to rig a motor to that - you could put them all on a thickish piece of marine ply and make the motor adjustable, ie the distance from the pulleys for good belt-tensioning - doesn't need to be fast, just smooth. great for gouges and chisels. Try and keep the water away from the motor??? Great for cleaning up old screwdrivers too. Try not to wear a track in the stone. Happy sharpening.

fer what it's worth,

richie

Do you think it will be helpful in anywork if yes then go head......