Photo Index - Mummert-Dixon Co. - 481 Oilstone Grinder

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Mummert-Dixon Co.
Hanover, PA

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Grinder, Bench
Machine Size:	3-8" wheels, one 6" buffer, one cone
Submitted By:	George R. Hoelzeman

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	481 Oilstone Grinder
Date of Manufacturer:	c. 1919 (?)
Serial Number:
Last Updated	1/31/2006 1:19:08 AM

Comments:

Won the machine in an IRS Auction for $70, which may, or may not, be too much. It was taken from service (according to the seller) in 2003 and stored outside under a tarp since July 2005. I gambled that as much oil and grease as was on the machine it would be relatively resistant to the elements, and figured it might be an entertaining project.

As the photos show, its is pretty sad shape. Several thick coats of paint which are cracking and flaking (easier to remove) and parts scattered about, including some broken pieces that I think came from a different machine (I cannot find anything broken on the machine itself). Also missing a lot of bolts, etc. but at least there were some belt clips included in the stuff that came with the machine.

On the bright side, everything seems to be there except for a tool rest for the rear grinding wheel. Critically, for my purposes, the knife holding attachment and rest for the front two wheels is there and intact. Also, no noticable cracks or other breakage on any of the castings.

The big unknown is the state of the motor. The power cord is relatively new, and the switch box is not original to the machine, so that means it was running relatively recently (turns stiffly, which does not bode well). The motor will be addressed first, then we'll have to decide if its going to return to service, or become a birdbath.

Grinder wheels turn smoothly, and the cover for the wide belt drive is a particularly nice lattice pattern. Overall, I'm very happy with it, and look forward to restoring it.

As things go, I'll post new photos.

The new photos I've posted are all "before" photos. Post-restoration photos can be found at: http://www.owwm.com/PhotoIndex/detail.asp?id=3822

Photo 1:

Comments: Rear of the machine showing belts and cast iron lattice cover.
Source: GRHStudios

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Photo 2:

Comments: View of opposite side before restoration. All the major parts are there, although not all the bolts to keep it together are.
Source: GRHStudios

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Photo 3:

Comments: Looking at the oilstones before restoration. It actually looks cleaner than it really was.
Source: GRHStudios

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