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Machinery Photo Index
Manufactured/Badged by:
Yates-American Machine Co., Inc.
Beloit, WI; Roscoe, IL; Liberty, NC

Machine Specifications
Machine Class: Wood Working Machinery & Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type: Grinder, Bench
Machine Size: 7" Grinder/10" Sander
Submitted By: William Pierce
Machine Specifications
Description/Model: W Line Grinder/ DiskSander
Date of Manufacturer: 1950s
Serial Number: N/A
Last Updated 12/16/2012 4:05:03 PM

Comments:
This great combination machine was a local Craigslist find. I had not heard of green tools made by YA, but the paint surely is original--very dark green, not blue as appears in the photos, with white or very light green flecks.

I have disassembled the machine, cleaned and lubed or waxed each part, touched up the paint, and reassembled. The tool holder/slide mechanism is especially well engineered. A jointer knife up to 6" long can be locked in and slid past the wheel both ways. There are multiple adjustments available for grinding, and the holder locks positively when set. There also is a water trough, shown in photo 2. At 1725 RPM this machine should be great for grinding knives, chisels, and plane irons. It needs a better wheel, but the existing one has been dressed square. The motor has a 9/16" arbor, but a brass 1" to 9/16" bushing was supplied.

There is no manual in the publications sections of this site; however, a catalog of W Line tools is available. It appears that YA may have sold the machine base with the motor and either a single tool or one of several combinations. I did not find this particular combination in the catalog.

As I don't have a permanent location for this grinder, I have mounted it on a piece of melamine to make it easier to move. Without the board the machine is hard to pick up, since the base is smaller than the overall size.

Photo 1:

Comments: Finished
Source:
Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: From the rear
Source:
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IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: Miter gauge (with temporary plastic knob)
Source:
Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 4:

Comments: Before Restoration
Source:
Direct Link
IMG Code