Oh my! Enco surface grinder, getting tighter in the shop

I managed to clean everything and put it back together before dark. I need to make a mess and pump a bunch of oil through the oiler to get the ways coated thoroughly. I still need to get a new switch before I power it up again,

Mark
 
That first look had me wondering just how worn it would be, but looks to be in pretty nice shape. After seeing the Tormach cnc grinder in another current post, makes me wonder how hard would it be to retrofit an older manual sg to eliminate all of that wheel turning? Nice score. Mike
 
I got a new switch on order, I'll need to get a wheel dresser also. Has anyone bothered to put a DRO on the Z axis for more precion on downfeed? Not sure I have a dire need for precision to .0001, or if it's even possible with spindle deflection on something this light. I'm curious if anyone has thoughts on this.

Mark

P.S. here is a pic back together.

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Just make your own, like this one. I made this one so it would be low profile, so it could remain on the mag chuck while I am working on the part, and so I can sneak over and dress the wheel as needed, which tends to get put off otherwise. I have found that the best way to turn out good work on a surface grinder is to keep the wheel well dressed. Loaded wheels cause many issues, none of them good. The angle of the nib should be around 10-15 degrees, so I make them 12.5 degrees.:rolleyes: The nib should be rotated to a new position regularly to keep the diamond sharp. Very easy project, perfect for anyone new to surface grinding. The sky is the limit, make as many of them as you think you may have a use for, to any designs that suit your fancy, and see how they work out... Store bought ones are no fun, and too expensive for what they are... Here are some other ideas, most of them commercial:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?...-27&sk=&cvid=C7E0A1E576A04852BE5270EDBF485DAD
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If you put a DRO on a surface grinder, use a 1 micron resolution scale for the up and down direction (and that is Y, not Z on a surface grinder), or even higher resolution if you are going to be doing really fussy work. For the cross feed (Z axis), 5 microns is sufficient. There is little use for a table traverse (X axis) readout.
 
Fomogo,
Actually, I saw that machine, but wondered if anyone had a low buck simple upgrade. I haven't had time to surf the interests today. I will dig around tomorrow.

Bob,
Never even thought about homemade. I'll look into it.

Mark
 
Bob,
You replied while I was pecking out a reply on my phone. I only would worry about the downfeed. I have seen reference to spindle axis as Z, that's why I identified it as such. My accuracy needs likely will never be aerospace precision, but it never hurts to have.
Thanks

Mark
 
Bob,
Never even thought about homemade. I'll look into it.
Making the dresser is also a good first project for your surface grinder, fairly easy, and immediately useful when finished.
I have seen reference to spindle axis as Z, that's why I identified it as such.
The up/down is the Y, and that is the place where you really can use a good DRO. Z, yes, to a lesser extent. To many machinists, everything is a Bridgeport WRT nomenclature. A horizontal mill has the same nomenclature as the surface grinder, because it is laid out the same. To many CNC folks, they just call it whatever the whim of the day is. Communication is the goal...
 
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Made a new switch plate and installed the new switch. Looks good and it even works!
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Nothing much to do other than getting a diamond dresser and start using it.

Mark
 
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