RWA3006
Cave Dweller 
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718 
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 4, 2021 20:25:37 GMT -5
I have a friend who acquired this old grinder but it needs to be rebuilt because it's in pretty tough shape. I can't quite make out who made it but I can read "Salt Lake City" on one of the old emblems.
I don't have a lot of time so this job may drag on a few weeks, but I'll take you along in rebuilding this old girl. Here's some photos of todays tear-down.......
|
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 4, 2021 20:26:35 GMT -5
|
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 4, 2021 20:27:29 GMT -5
|
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 4, 2021 20:28:31 GMT -5
|
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 4, 2021 20:29:43 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Dec 4, 2021 20:30:21 GMT -5
Thanks. I like to watch deconstruction and construction. Interesting.
|
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 4, 2021 20:31:46 GMT -5
Stripped the base down to bare metal and got the first coat of epoxy paint on it. That's all for today.  |
|
Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2020
Posts: 1,494
|
Post by Brian on Dec 4, 2021 20:36:15 GMT -5
That's looking better already! I love these restoration threads. Not only is it fun to see these old tools, but seeing them restored to their old grandeur and given new life is even better.
|
|
hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
|
Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Dec 4, 2021 20:42:05 GMT -5
Overall design is similar to Raytech GSP-8. Maybe this is an earlier version?
|
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 4, 2021 20:46:46 GMT -5
Overall design is similar to Raytech GSP-8. Maybe this is an earlier version? What's noteworthy about the design is you merely unscrew two screws and flip the lid up and then you can lift the entire arbor assembly out. Very convenient, I hope I can save it from the scrap heap. Tomorrow I'll look at the arbor and see what shape it's in. Those broken SiC wheels might indicate some trauma somewhere. |
|
|
|
Post by oregon on Dec 4, 2021 20:51:23 GMT -5
I have a friend who acquired this old grinder but it needs to be rebuilt because it's in pretty tough shape. I can't quite make out who made it but I can read "Salt Lake City" on one of the old emblems.  "Dowse Lapidary Supply Inc. Utah's biggest finest rock shop" etc. I bet that's the dealer label, probably and old beacon star, Star diamond, diamond pacific or such... |
|
|
|
Post by agatewhisperer on Dec 4, 2021 20:57:33 GMT -5
Very cool, thanks for taking us along. Two screws and the arbor lifts out reminds me of the star diamond gp6 design. Looks very similar. Excited to see how this goes and what's needed.
|
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 4, 2021 21:11:45 GMT -5
I have a friend who acquired this old grinder but it needs to be rebuilt because it's in pretty tough shape. I can't quite make out who made it but I can read "Salt Lake City" on one of the old emblems. "Dowse Lapidary Supply Inc. Utah's biggest finest rock shop" etc. I bet that's the dealer label, probably and old beacon star, Star diamond, diamond pacific or such... I unleashed my google fu upon Dowse Lapidary and learned they were in business from 1974 until 1987. |
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Dec 5, 2021 0:54:09 GMT -5
Definitely a Star Diamond, the later best design. Redid more than one, they made them out of heavy enough steel that I haven't seen one with the rust outs that some of their competitors machines experienced.
|
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Dec 5, 2021 2:41:28 GMT -5
Randy, thanks for taking the time to create this thread! These are fun threads to watch...because someone else is doing the work!  |
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Dec 5, 2021 7:38:05 GMT -5
I have the older version when it was made of pot metal and one had to be careful in freeing the bearings from their mounts or breaks would occur. Ask me how I know that. Easy to work on if the bearings move on the arbor.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Dec 5, 2021 9:39:15 GMT -5
Peruano those old arbor shafts and their mounts were kinda hit and miss back in the day, in a real headscratching way. Guess I've "designed" one or two headscratchers myself, at least one much more recently than I care to admit. A generous coating of PB blaster or Kroil on everything that's supposed to move well before trying to make them move can be a good thing.
|
|
hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
|
Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Dec 5, 2021 10:03:44 GMT -5
Glad to know it's a Star Diamond. I've never seen one in person. Explains the pulley position at right-center of the shaft on this one.
Since it doesn't use the Raytech variable-speed setup, I wonder if they used the motor mount design I've seen on old Lortones. Mount plate had slots on an angle to allow for good belt tension when switching positions on the step pulley.
|
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 5, 2021 18:02:08 GMT -5
Looks like the cabinet rusted pretty badly so I'll have to use some auto body repair skills on this.   |
|
RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 3,718
|
Post by RWA3006 on Dec 5, 2021 18:04:11 GMT -5
I was glad I've been soaking the arbor with penetrating oil for a few weeks.  |
|
