In 1890 George J. Ridley was in business and manufacturing a patent grinder that was primarily intended for hollow-grinding razors. In 1899 he patented a wet tool grinder, called the Auburn Tool Grinder, that avoided submerging the grinding wheel in water, which improved the life of the wheel. By 1904 the business had become E. F. Allen & Co. The latter business seems to have been very short-lived.

From 1890-05-03 Scientific American

Information Sources

• October 1904 Machinery.

  Auburn Tool Grinder.—A new tool grinder, shown herewith, is manufactured by E. F. Allen & Co., successors to George J. Ridley, Auburn, N. Y., manufacturers of the Auburn tool grinders. In this machine the water tank is located inside of base and below the touch of the grinding wheel. A disk located in a separate apartment revolves with sufficient speed to throw water up and onto the wheel. Water is admitted to the disk chamber by means of a special valve which is regulated by a hand-wheel in front of the machine. The rest is solid and substantial and is high above any obstructions so that the tool may be held in any desired position. The wheel is covered with a hood provided with an adjustable water guard. It will be seen from this description that the machine possesses several advantages in being free from levers, treadles, pump, pipes or other devices liable to get out of order or to be adjusted or operated each time the machine is used. It is automatic in action. When the machine is at rest the grinding wheel cannot be left soaking in the water, which is a very desirable feature.