Cylindrical grinders: documenting centres and work capacity
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A cylindrical grinder's capacity cannot be reduced to one length and one diameter. Buyers may need the distance between centres, the relevant workholding arrangement, loading limits and details of internal-grinding equipment. Each figure needs to match the actual machine configuration.
Start with the manufacturer's record for the model and serial number. An old advert for a similar grinder can help identify a question, but it should not supply the answer.
Centre distance is only one part of the description
Kellenberger's K100 technical brochure distinguishes distance between centres, longitudinal travel, loading between centres, workhead details and internal-grinding attachments. That separation is useful when organising a used-machine file. It does not make the brochure's figures applicable to another grinder.
A buyer planning work between centres asks a different question from a buyer planning chucked work. Record the supported specification for the intended arrangement, without trying to derive one limit from another. Keep units attached to every number.
Where an attachment changes the working arrangement, identify the attachment and obtain the relevant documentation. Avoid “universal grinder” as a substitute for saying which equipment is actually supplied.
Fill in this evidence worksheet
Use a separate line for each claim. An unresolved line should remain unresolved in the advert until a suitable source has been obtained.
| Specification or item | Evidence needed | Sale-file entry |
|---|---|---|
| Machine identity | Plate and matching manufacturer record | Model, serial number and configuration |
| Distance between centres | Relevant specification | Figure, units and source |
| Workhead | Identity, interface and relevant options | Fitted arrangement and supplied workholding |
| Tailstock | Identity and included components | Known configuration, with gaps stated |
| Workpiece loading | Manufacturer information for the arrangement | Limit and qualifying conditions, if verified |
| Wheelhead arrangement | Build record and supporting documents | Fitted units rather than brochure options |
| Internal-grinding equipment | Attachment identity and associated parts | Included, excluded or unverified |
| Control or readout | Actual fitted equipment | Make, type and available records |
Photographs should support the worksheet by showing identity and inclusion. They do not prove capacity or geometry.
If records give conflicting figures, preserve both references and ask the manufacturer or a competent machine-tool specialist to resolve the conflict. Do not quietly select the larger capacity because it makes the listing more attractive.
What does the condition evidence establish?
Keep the original specification apart from present-day performance. A manufacturer accuracy figure describes a specified machine under defined conditions; it is not evidence that a used machine achieves that result now.
Record available service reports, repairs and test results with dates. If an assessment covers a particular workholding setup, do not imply that it establishes every grinding application. The service-history guide helps distinguish documented work from workshop recollection.
The surface-grinder condition guide uses the same evidence principle for a different machine type. Its workholding questions should not be copied wholesale into a cylindrical grinder record.
For optical inspection equipment being sold alongside the grinder, use the profile-projector guide to identify its own accessories and calibration evidence. Keeping the measurement kit separate makes it easier to see what any test result relied on.
Make the specialist enquiry specific
When a missing answer affects the sale description, ask a focused question. For example: “Please confirm the supplied workhead arrangement and the capacity information that applies to it.” That is more actionable than “Please check the grinder.”
The machine-tool engineer briefing guide provides a structure for agreeing the assessment. HSE's work-equipment inspection guidance also makes clear that inspection needs depend on the equipment and the circumstances. A catalogue worksheet cannot replace the relevant safety assessment.
Do not move, dismantle or adjust the grinder to discover a specification. Use accessible identity information and existing records, leaving technical examination to the competent person.
Once the worksheet distinguishes verified facts from open questions, send it to UK Auction Group for a valuation discussion. Include the release date and any supporting equipment proposed for sale. The engineering and CNC hub covers the remaining preparation decisions.
Sources
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.