Photo Index - Ekstrom, Carlson & Co. - 111

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Ekstrom, Carlson & Co.
Rockford, IL

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Sander
Machine Size:	6x78 (6x80)
Submitted By:	George R. Hoelzeman

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	111
Date of Manufacturer:	unknown
Serial Number:	233
Last Updated	12/27/2008 9:44:16 PM

Comments:

For some time I've needed an edge sander, but the big ones were all either too expensive or too big for my (increasingly) limited shop space. A discussion on smaller edge sanders on the .org site in late Summer of '08 pointed to the Ekstrom 111 as a good smaller machine, easy to work on, and not too expensive - all attractive features. On a whim, I checked out the IRS Auction site and waddayaknow - there's an Ekstrom 111, end table and all. I managed to win the auction for what I considered a reasonable price.

Eric Lavelle picked it up from the auction site in Pacific, MO. Allen Hunt pottered it in Maryville, IL for a few weeks until Jim Page picked it up on his way back from Dayton, OH. It was pottered again for another week at Jim's place in Van Buren, MO until I had a chance to drive up and get it in early December(a few days ahead of a nasty ice storm).

The machine looked very good and was basically complete, but most of the parts were frozen. A little work with WD40 and Silikroil got everything working again. A couple set screws and bolts were pretty well sanded to nothing, and one grease zerk was broken - minor things to replace. Bolts were replaced with set screws to eliminate exposed bolt heads. One adjustment handle was bent but straightened without much problem. The motor works quite well, although bearings may need replacing sooner than later. I cannot read the voltage/amperage, but it runs fine on 220v 3phase. The attached power cord came with a NEMA L1930P plug, which Jim Page, et al, tell me is way off for this machine (apparently it is a 277/480v 4 line plug).

I didn't take time to paint the machine, although it would be more attractive if I had - maybe in the Summer. Right now, I need it to get to work.

End tables are often absent on these, I'm told. According to the literature on the 111, the end table was an extra/option. It is likely that many who purchased sanders of this dimension declined that option. This one came without a floor stand/base, so I built one from oak timbers left over from building the house.

The plate base for the end roller has been reworked at some point. The original cast bracket for the shaft on the end roller has been ground away and replaced with shop-made brackets attached to the plate with allen head bolts. If both brackets are in place, it interferes with the adjustment of the plate and thus, tensioning of the belt. After studying photos of original machines and further dicussion at the .org site, I concluded that I could remove the interfering bracket. That having been done, the machine can now handle a 6x80 belt.

It is remarkable what a significant timesaver this machine has been. Thanks to all who gave advice and helped in the ruckering process for this machine!

Photo 1:

Comments: The Ekstrom 111 in all its radiant glory. It even came with a dust hood.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 2:

Comments: The smooth curves of the machine's backside. It is a remakably simple, yet efficient, design.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 3:

Comments: A view which includes the heavy oak base. The legs are 5"x5" solid oak, the stretchers are 2 1/2" thick.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 4:

Comments: The often missing and highly desirable end table. I didn't think I'd use it much since I have a spindle sander, but this is a very handy setup.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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