GRINDERS 420 Ingham St., Jackson, MI 49201 Phone 517-787-3100 www.fpmiller.com sales@fpmiller.com
INSPECTING BLANCHARD GRINDERS Craig L. Ward, CEA
You have reached a decision, due to limited budget you really can’t purchase a new or re-manufactured vertical spindle rotary grinder (VSRG). Off into the used machinery market you go but you have to ask yourself “How do I get the best machine for my money?” At F. P. Miller Company we specialize in only one brand of vertical spindle rotary grinders, the Blanchard Grinder. There are many different manufacturers of VSRG but because we repair, re-manufacture, sell parts and service Blanchard Grinders only, this article is mostly applicable to this brand (although you may find similarities in the other brands when inspecting). After you have decided on the size and base style of the Blanchard and you have located a machine to inspect, the #1 rule is inspect under power. Repairs to Blanchard Grinders can be more expensive than the price of the purchase and a thorough inspection under power can save you thousands of dollars. Buying approximately 200 Blanchard Grinders over the last ten years, I have a few simple tips for you when inspecting your next purchase. Always listen to the grinding spindle. It should sound smooth with little vibration and should have a brake on it when shutting down. Spindle repairs (windings and bearings) to standard or geared head machines can be anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. Check what wheel holder it has on the spindle. Your choices are segmented, ring or super abrasive (diamond), depending on the applications. The purchase price of wheel holders will run into the thousands of dollars and are frequently overlooked when purchasing a grinder. Run the table (magnet) in all speeds. It should sound smooth, although machines that have been run in the speed may be slightly noisier in that speed range than the others. In larger machines that have the table speed shifting lever to the left, it is common that these shifting levers become stuck in one place due to running it in one speed. This, in general, can be freed up easily. Always turn the magnet on and check to make sure it is holding correctly. I like to place a piece of metal in four different “pie” sections of the magnet to verify that it is working correctly. Magnet repairs can be as little as a collector ring and brushes or as much as a full rewind that is extremely expensive. Inspect the travels of the machine. The saddle traverse should be inspected running in and out. Problems to look for are shifting side to side during traversing, grinding in the saddle traverse gear box. If it is possible, take a look under the saddle at the rack and pinion with a flashlight. This traverse gear box and rack and pinion are used in every operation so wear is frequently an issue. While checking the rack and pinion, inspect some of the bed ways. Although the ways are very difficult to inspect because they are covered, you can determine if they are hardened and ground or soft. Check the rapid traverse (upper feed box) of the spindle up and down as well as the feeds of the spindle. Finally, inspect the lube systems. Does it appear that they have been greased/oiled regularly? Pull the dipstick(s) on the saddle. Is the oil at the right levels? Is the oil clean with no coolant in it? Inspect the electrical panel. Have the doors been left open during operation? (A telltale sign of issues) Feel free to contact us here at F. P. Miller Company, whether you buy a machine from us or just have questions about Blanchard grinders we are happy to help. You can also contact us for service, parts, rebuild, etc.
About the Author: Craig L. Ward-C.E.A.- General Manager at F. P. Miller Company. Craig has been in the used machinery industry for over 30 years and has helped F. P. Miller Co. establish itself as one of the premier Blanchard & Springfield Grinder specialists in the country. F. P. Miller Co. has over 40 Blanchard Grinders in stock. They are always buying, selling, re-manufacturing, repairing & selling parts. F. P. Miller Co. has been a proud member of the MDNA since 1965. 12
March 2017
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