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General Vintage Technology Discussions For general discussions about vintage radio and other vintage electronics etc. |
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30th Oct 2013, 3:06 pm | #1 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Reading/Fakenham, UK.
Posts: 1,320
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Mystery object
While tidying my garage, I found the object in the photos. It's about seven inches long - it's lying on a sheet of A4 for scale.
The 'handle' appears to be made of black plastic, but the rest is of non-magnetic metal. It has three groups of loose toothed wheels - some of the teeth line up and others don't. This is a real mystery. It looks new, or at least unused. I keep finding it but am reluctant to throw it away in case I discover what it's for. I can only assume it came with something else - to help set it up. But I don't have any fancy gear I can associate it with. Any ideas welcome - I know forum members have a very wide range of experiences and skills so I guess someone might know what it is. Regards, Ian |
30th Oct 2013, 3:08 pm | #2 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK.
Posts: 21,192
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Re: Mystery object
It's a grinding wheel dresser similar to this:-
http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Equ...FQXHtAodIEoAWA
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Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron. |
30th Oct 2013, 3:27 pm | #3 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Posts: 5,549
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Re: Mystery object
I would vote for an Artex edging wheel. It would be run around the edges of the ceiling to create a formal edge.
It does not look sturdy enough to be a grinding wheel dresser. |
30th Oct 2013, 4:14 pm | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,637
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Re: Mystery object
You won't find out what it is until you do throw it away. It's one of the fundamental laws of the Universe.
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30th Oct 2013, 5:14 pm | #5 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Reading/Fakenham, UK.
Posts: 1,320
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Re: Mystery object
Ah-haaa!! Yes, a grinding wheel dresser - although I didn't know there were such things! I guess it could have appeared around the same time I was gifted a new grinding wheel - whether I wanted/needed one or not.
So I was right in supposing it came with something else. I'll have to look up the wheel instructions to discover when and how to dress the wheel, or find a how-to-use-it Youtube video! Thanks. Ian |
30th Oct 2013, 7:02 pm | #6 |
Nonode
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Kirk Michael, Isle of Man
Posts: 2,346
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Re: Mystery object
The "teeth" on the dresser are very hard, so in use there is quite a bit of flying abrasive grit, so use with caution and goggles.
Hold it firmly down on the rest, and advance it slowly to the wheel. DO NOT PRESS. Just move it carefully side to side for as long as it takes (NOT long) to get a clean surface on the wheel. Needless to say, you must ONLY use it on the outer periphery. Never use the side of the wheel with a normal grindstone. Les. |
30th Oct 2013, 7:07 pm | #7 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Re: Mystery object
They are a bit scary to use (even for me!) I prefer the diamond point ones. www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24741832 (bottom of page)
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30th Oct 2013, 8:46 pm | #8 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 5,737
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Re: Mystery object
Definitely an old fashioned grinding wheel dresser, with toothed (tungsten carbide?) wheels. Many years ago they were superseded by cheap industrial diamond dressers which are widely used in industry and by wooodturners, model engineers etc. Some use a single diamond which you guide across the toolrest, but unless used with skill, will leave grooves in the wheel. (typical grindstones run at 2,88 RPM so if you pause for a fraction of a second, the wheel will not just be 'dressed' but scored). Others diamond dressers have much smaller diamonds fixed onto a wider tool head and are easier to use, don't leave grooves and only take a few seconds to dress the wheel. EG:
http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalo...amond-Dressers (No connection except as an occasional customer). At below a tenner, they're cheaper than the toothed wheel ones used to cost, which were really quite a crude device, with the wheels clattering away as they rotate, driven by contact with the grindstone.
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David. BVWS Member. G-QRP Club member 1339. |
31st Oct 2013, 12:25 am | #9 |
Octode
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, UK.
Posts: 1,522
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Re: Mystery object
Both types of dresser have their uses.
The star type dresser will open up a loaded or clogged wheel and is used when rough grinding and with softer metals. A diamond dresser leaves a much closer surface which will give a finer or sharper finish, but is more likely to load up and glaze. There are also dressing sticks which are a good compromise between the two. Rob.
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31st Oct 2013, 12:34 am | #10 |
Heptode
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Southend, Essex, UK.
Posts: 802
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Re: Mystery object
I had one of these but now use a diamond dresser - but both make one hell of a mess!
I unbolt the grinder and do it outside. Alan |