About this tool grinder...

[kb58]

I've been looking for a proper tool grinder for months, and while Baldors come up once in a while, they're always both very far away and very expensive. While I know that they're the top of the heap for reliability and brand, I also know that tool steel doesn't care. As long as the bearings are good, is there any reason why I shouldn't consider one like this (below)? I can't tell what brand it is and have included several pictures in hopes someone recognizes it. Anyone have one? Any issues to watch for?

Thanks in advance!

 

[NC Rick]

Even bearings can be replaced! I'd be happy with that one. I don't know much though, never had one. I haven't seen a used 500 for less than $500.

 

[kb58]

Answering my own question, I took a few guesses and found out that it's a Rockwell. Even found a refurb site: http://docsmachine.com/projects/rockwell/rockwell.html

 

[middle.road]

Grab it (if the cost is right)
It's a delta 23-501.

I missed out on one here back in Sept that went for $300.

Spin it up should be nice and smooth.

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=30218

 

[ErichKeane]

If it is reasonably priced, I'd jump at it. I bought an import brand one 'new' about a year ago from all-industrial (though cannot find the listing!) for ~$350 that I'm reasonably happy with. The key is the wheels themselves actually. The tables are so-so on the cheaper-imports (Grizzly even imported the clone for a while), but good enough.

 

[kb58]

Even bearings can be replaced! I'd be happy with that one. I don't know much though, never had one. I haven't seen a used 500 for less than $500.

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll say how much it was if I buy it

 

[Ulma Doctor]

rockwell made great grinders, no worries as to the quality

 

[pontiac428]

I would love to add a Delta/Rockwell carbide grinder to my stable.

 

[middle.road]

This is the one from Sept, I was wrong it was a blador and it went for $418.
When I power it up at the preview it purrrrrred like a kitten.

 

[kb58]

Bought it for his asking price of $120 - doesn't help when another potential buyer is already there! Was only able to jump on it because I have the week off. Normally, all the good deals go to retired guys mid-week...

The green wheel is worn but usable, though that side is missing its retaining nut. The diamond wheel was in pretty poor shape, and surprisingly, also wobbles a bit and should probably be replaced. Where should I be looking for replacement wheels?