Photo Index - Onsrud Machine Works, Inc. - W-200

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Onsrud Machine Works, Inc.
Niles, IL; Chicago, IL; Wheeling, IL

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Shaper, Wood
Machine Size:	1 1/8" spindle
Submitted By:	George R. Hoelzeman

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	W-200
Date of Manufacturer:	?
Serial Number:	Missing
Last Updated	5/10/2011 1:09:47 AM

Comments:

This was one of two machines acquired from Art Fuege. He emphasized beforehand that it was in pretty rough condition, but the machine was actually in better shape than I anticipated. Still, its best use was as a parts machine for the Black One, which is referenced in another listing (along with some details).

Art tells me this was being used up until he removed it from service at a furniture manufacturer. Frankly, I don't know how it kept from bursting into flames it was so packed with sawdust. Even the MC cables and junction box on the motor were packed with sawdust. The foot pedal was busted at some point and brutally brazed back together, and clearly no one was bothered by the fact that it had no brake pads. It has grease zerks on the ways, wheel, gears and pedal pivot. The spindle assembly looks good, which is nice since I hear the bearings for these are expensive.

This machine donated the following parts to the Black One: 2 speed motor, drum switch, table bolts, motor mounting plate, mounting bolts, shaper spindle adaptor (1 1/8" shaft), button control, some wiring, bits of MC cable housing, and other minor parts/pieces. Who knows what I'll do with it now. Maybe one day I'll get energetic and restore it as a high speed machine for router bits, etc (the motor from the Black One was a high speed motor).

Regardless, this machine obviously gave long and good service and now rests peacefully while awaiting whatever the future may bring.

9 May 2011: The Future is Now: Onsrud Gruen Restored!

I finally got tired of switching out the shaper spindle with the router bit collet on the Onsrud Blak and decided to restore the Green One. After making all the parts swaps I stripped out anything that could be damaged by moisture and stored the casing outside under plastic, on top of insulation board, and under tarps. The rest was stored in boxes in the shop.

Everything came through the period of storage without issue. The castings were media blasted, cleaned up, and painted a combination of Rust-o-leum Hammered black and green. Surprisingly, only three parts are actually missing, and none are extremely significant (although I'm keeping an eye out for them). I need the spring-loaded spindle lock, a table lock handle, and a bit nut for the shaft on the foot pedal mechanism. The cut-off style table was originally on the Black One, and was flatter than the other table. The cut-off style seems to be a relatively rare option for these machines, but there are not a huge number of examples to base that on.

Below are a few photos, before and after.

Photo 1:

Comments: Onsrud Gruen after restoration and ready to run some router bits.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 2:

Comments: Onsrud Gruen as it appeared when it arrived.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 3:

Comments: A view of the motor compartment.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 4:

Comments: The restored (sort of) brakes. Actually, I just cleaned them and attached some wood blocks.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 5:

Comments: "Brake pads? We don't need no stinkin' brake pads!" What was left of the brakes when I brought the machine home.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 6:

Comments: I like the dog's expression. From left to right: "Pup-Pup Dalmation", Heidi, "Teenie", the Black Onsrud, a bit of Green Onsrud, my knee.
Source: Anja Hoelzeman

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