zigtel
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2015
Posts: 4
|
Post by zigtel on Aug 6, 2015 4:04:59 GMT -5
A very new newbie here. I don't have this machine in my possession, been asked if I want it. So, I’m trying to do some research on the green machine in the photo. I’ve searched under Older Lapidary Arbors -brand name may be Dunbar? - Dunbar Arbors, Dunbar Lapidary, Dunbar Grinding Wheels, bunch of different combos, but nothing. Any of you Lapidary folks have any tips or know what to search for? Brand, make, model, proper name of said machine, anything. Really any help would be so so stellar! Thank you!!!
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Aug 6, 2015 7:33:38 GMT -5
You might have something produced by Dunbar Commercial Enterprises, a company that is involved with surface grinders and bearings for other machines. I'm tempted to suggest that the machine was intended for metal work and not for lapidary (lack of tray or cooling features (on basis of what I can see). But that does not prevent you from adapting it to your use with due caution for dust, heat, and convenience. The name Dunbar shows up with some frequency in companies listed in Vintagemachinery.com site so it may be worth exploring further.
|
|
|
Post by jakesrocks on Aug 6, 2015 9:44:36 GMT -5
It looks exactly like a Poly arbor. I wonder if Poly didn't subcontract with this Dunbar & produce these for them. Even the color is right for a Poly arbor. In any case they were an excellent arbor that just doesn't wear out. The best ever made.
On the negative side, hoods and pans are very difficult to find for them. Especially the wider hoods which will take an expando wheel.
If the bearings are smooth & quiet, and the price is under $100.00, it's a good deal.
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Aug 6, 2015 10:40:30 GMT -5
My thoughts exactly, Don.
zigtel, here's a photo to compare-
Hmmm, maybe a little different. And this one does not have the original shields.
Edit to add - And welcome to the forum! Jean
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Aug 6, 2015 11:47:53 GMT -5
Arbors are pretty simple. Nobody made their own bearings so replacement bearings are available (Poly used very standard bearings). You can buy the Lortone tin pans/hoods and be all set. If bearings and belt in good shape it would be nice unit. If you are mechanically inclined bearings are pretty easy to replace (30 years in HVAC trade disclaimer).
|
|
obsidian man
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2015
Posts: 23
|
Post by obsidian man on Aug 6, 2015 12:41:09 GMT -5
wow I have three poly arbors all d-14, sold a d-12 with no guards and replaced the bearings, painted it, and lost about $20.00 selling it. but I new the person buying it wanted one bad. all three of mine have the original paint on them and all three are different colors. have several other poly arbors, will post pictures later. looking for 1 wide 8"wheel cover for one of them. having three keeps me from changing sanding belts! plus you can't buy a better arbor. I have taken apart all of mine and the pictures of the dunbar says poly all over it! it's a keeper!
|
|
obsidian man
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2015
Posts: 23
|
Post by obsidian man on Aug 6, 2015 12:43:15 GMT -5
wow I have three poly arbors all d-14, sold a d-12 with no guards and replaced the bearings, painted it, and lost about $20.00 selling it. but I new the person buying it wanted one bad. all three of mine have the original paint on them and all three are different colors. have several other poly arbors, will post pictures later. looking for 1 wide 8"wheel cover for one of them. having three keeps me from changing sanding belts! plus you can't buy a better arbor. I have taken apart all of mine and the pictures of the dunbar says poly all over it! it's a keeper!
|
|
obsidian man
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2015
Posts: 23
|
Post by obsidian man on Aug 6, 2015 12:52:40 GMT -5
if your bearings are bad, you can get new ones, even on e-bay. I purchased a pair of bearings for one of mine, and they were too small by about 1/8" so I wraped bycycle innertube strips around the bearing. pressed them in, and it runs smooth! don't be paranoid about tearing it apart. they are absoulety simple. which works for me. note: If you need to buy a motor to run it look into industrial sewing machine motors for about another $20.00 it has a variable speed from 0-3500rpm. I love it because I use that one to polish at any speed I want. you will have to figure out its operation on the clutch. it has a magnet to stop the clutch, so I glued it on the back of the controls. best motor I ever purchased for this application. I also put one on my homemade 5-gallon bucket tumbler note: the picture to the left<
|
|
|
Post by jakesrocks on Aug 6, 2015 13:06:03 GMT -5
Obsidian man, you're not the only one looking for wide hoods & pans. I have 4 D14's and a D12. So far I've found 3 wide hoods & 1 pan.
|
|
zigtel
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2015
Posts: 4
|
Post by zigtel on Aug 6, 2015 18:03:02 GMT -5
Wow! Thank you all for the information! You've all been such a great help!
|
|
zigtel
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2015
Posts: 4
|
Post by zigtel on Aug 16, 2015 3:05:24 GMT -5
if your bearings are bad, you can get new ones, even on e-bay. I purchased a pair of bearings for one of mine, and they were too small by about 1/8" so I wraped bycycle innertube strips around the bearing. pressed them in, and it runs smooth! don't be paranoid about tearing it apart. they are absoulety simple. which works for me. note: If you need to buy a motor to run it look into industrial sewing machine motors for about another $20.00 it has a variable speed from 0-3500rpm. I love it because I use that one to polish at any speed I want. you will have to figure out its operation on the clutch. it has a magnet to stop the clutch, so I glued it on the back of the controls. best motor I ever purchased for this application. I also put one on my homemade 5-gallon bucket tumbler note: the picture to the left< Thanks so much for this information! Now that I have the arbor in my hands, and can poke around it, the info about the industrial sewing machine motor is a great help, that was the only thing missing.
|
|