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, 1 buffer, 1 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 12:00:00 AM

Comments:

This is the Mummert-Dixon machine seen at http://www.owwm.com/PhotoIndex/detail.asp?id=3506 after (almost) complete restoration.

The short version is thus: Everything was disassembled, stripped, media blasted, repainted and reassembled. There were at least five layers of paint (grey, darker grey, green, terra cotta, grey again) and a LOT of "filler" to smooth the rough castings. I made no effort to refill, but in some areas it might have helped.

The bearings are all sleeve bearings, and most have enough wear to seep oil. The sleeve on the rear emery wheel was replaced and the shaft turned down slightly to smooth out serious grooving issues. The shaft for the buffer/cone was completely re-made slightly larger to fit its worn bearing sleeve. In spite of their close tolerances, both leak slightly, and the fact that the machine was made with drip pans in key locations suggests that they expected it to leak.

The oilstone wheels were caked in grease and gunk but a good soaking in Kerosene and brushing with a plastic bristle brush cured that problem. Miraculously, neither wheel was damaged in any serious way. Equally miraculous is the fact that no major parts were missing, although there are threaded holes and some machined surfaces which obviously accepted attachments that are not there. There was one "mystery part" attached to the upper right side. It looked like a lever of some sort, but had no purpose without whatever it was part of. I didn't re-install it.

The motor was cleaned and re-oiled and new lead wires attached. I moved the starter box for several reasons (I like it better now). Most of the convoluted junction box and wiring connections I tossed (into my "spare parts" bin).

I repainted with Rust-o-leum's hammered finish (black) paint, and an off white for the pan and inside of the lower housing. My reasoning is that I can see the oil where it is leaking and wipe it up. Maybe it won't get as gunked up as when I got it.

In looking at the 1919 ad at the Mummert-Dixon entry, I notice several differences between that machine and this one. In addition to the various attachments absent on this machine, the oil cups are different. The 1919 ad shows the familiar cups, but this machine has cups as part of the casting, with little cast lids that swing to the side. Don't know if that means this is older or what.

The kerosene pots were an interesting note. The scrapers are wood and were painted machinery grey. When I striped them, they appear to be either mahogany or a rosewood. They seem a little lightweight for rosewood, but their color is a rich ruddy brown.

Finally, I must express my appreciation to everyone on the OWWM discussion collective, who not only tolerated my incessant and sometimes inept questions and periodic confusion, but provided the direction and advice necessary to make this restoration not only possible, but ensured that the machine actually worked at the end of the day. As one member said, it became something of a "group project."

Photo 1:

Comments: Is there really a "front" to this machine?
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 2:

Comments: I particularly like the cast iron lattice cover for the 3" wide leather belt.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 3:

Comments: The two kerosene soaked oilstones with the tool rest turned down.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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