Grinding machines.

Elliot Burke
Grinding machines that I have worked on, had a metal to metal sliding
surface. I have never seen turcite or Moglice, used as a sliding
surface on grinders. Grinders are too abrasive and the dust can get past
the wipers eating up the wear plate. All the machines had a carborundum
grinding type wheel, in different grit sizes. The better grinder had
refrigerated coolant systems. Burning of surfaces can happen very
easily. The best grinders have a granite base. Grinding is very hard on
a machine due to the abrasives of the wheel. Lots of coolant and a good
filtering system is a must. since tolerances are usually in .0001
constant checking of parts is necessary. Usually with air type gauges
for dimensions and straightness, and shadow gauges to look for lope,. As
the grinding takes place the wheel gets smaller, making constant
adjustments necessary. Grinders have many adjustments to get the proper
geometry between wheelhead and parts. Grinders are some of the worst
machines to have to work on due to the tolerances and the grinding
dust. The dust mixed with metal particles, turns into a byproduct like
concrete.
I have never seen a lathe produce a finish, that the use of grinding
wasn't necessary. Where I worked hydraulic cylinder rods and hydraulic
valve stems where made. After grinding chrome plating was done. Grinding
was always necessary for a quality finished part. Even after chrome
plating, polishing was used to get a super smooth finish.
When using turcite, there is a weight limit per square inch, where
the turcite will tend to squash. Moglice can take much more weight thou
I think turcite is a better sliding surface but it has its limits.
George