Do All VS618 Feedback

[gkoenig]

I've been surface grinder hunting for some time, trolling the CraigsList as I am not in the mood to pay $700 in freight. Local outfit has a 1970s vintage DoAll VS618. Looks in decent condition, going to go take a look at it with a dial indicator. Don't think I can grind on it (it has been sitting for a while).

First and foremost - this is just a machine to do the learning on and build some basic 101 grinder skills, not chase after the toolmakers. You know, make some nice square parts, put flats on end mills on occasion, pretty up some surfaces, but mostly just learn the basics of grinding. I'm not trying to be Robin Renzetti here.

Is a basic Do All a decent enough machine as far as utility and repairability is concerned? This is 100% manual (which is what I am after - don't want a hydraulic system to babysit and figure out). My plan was to get it up and running, then perhaps put a VFD on it. Dumb idea?

Any thoughts/experiences would be appreciated!

 

[eKretz]

It should do nicely for that. VFD is a good plan if you don't already have 3-phase or a phase converter etc.

 

[gkoenig]

It should do nicely for that. VFD is a good plan if you don't already have 3-phase or a phase converter etc.

The only disassembly video of a basic VS618 I could find makes it look like the motor casting is sort of a single-piece assembly with the motor integrated into it and not an off-the-shelf motor. Can I just hook a VFD up to that bad boy? I have a phase converter running the Speedio I could probably just wire it into to get going though.

 

[eKretz]

I just pulled the wires inside the electrical cabinet for my grinder's VFD hookup. Make sure the motor is wired for 240V if you're running a 240V single phase VFD. I like having the soft start and variable speed.

 

[Richard King]

Do-All is popular here in Minnesota because they were made here. A few pictures would be nice. Many have a lube tank sitting on the saddle - its a Bijur hydraulic pump. Every time the table moves it shoots hydraulic oil to the pump and it shoots way oil to the ways. They are good machines. the older ones the hydraulic tank was the base casting and the newer ones it had an external tank.

If it's the old style be sure to drain the tank before moving it. If oil splashes on the hwy you could get a fine. Then before you fire it up wipe the tank clean and add new clean oil as the hydraulic valves under the saddle (attached) are fussy and need clean oil. I would also put a couple of 2 x 4's or 4 x 4's under the spindle housing on top of the mag. and lower the head so the weight is off the nut.

Clean the Lube tank and replace the Bijur metering units. The spindle is inside a cartridge. I like them.