Grinding Valves

If you are going to work on old tractors, having old tooling with which to work makes for a more enjoyable experience.

My 14 year old Grandson is grinding valves for my Allis-Chalmers Model C tractor engine using an antique Van Norman Model F valve grinder. This particular valve grinder was in the old Careywood Garage at Careywood, Idaho which was owned by the late Chas Wallace and later purchased by my Father-in-law, Ronald Hoffman.

This valve grinder has a Patent Date of Feb. 20, 1923. This does not mean that the machine is that old, but I have reason to believe that it could easily date to the 1930‘s because a photograph of the Wallace Brother’s Garage is shown in the Bonner County Historical Society book in the Careywood section.

Chas Wallace sold the property in the mid-1960‘s when he retired, and it appears that the valve grinder was not functional at that time due to a broken drive cable. It sat unused and covered with dust until last year when I fabricated a new drive cable (parts availability being a bit problematic) and installed some new wiring.

The spindle head seems to be in serviceable condition and the valves are acceptable after grinding. I wouldn’t want to try to earn a living with this machine, but for my limited needs it suits me just fine.

KJCHRIS wrote: Glad you've got help, nothing wrong with the old tooling except finding parts.   I've a Sioux Tools Valve Shop. It came from a surplus auction at a county roads maint shop few years ago. Most of the seat stones were still in sealed boxes the re-facers belt & electric cord were mouse chewed & coolant pump for valve re-facer was stuck with dried up coolant, works fine now. Even had manual with it, newest biggest Allis Tractor in it is "WD".   Goodson in Winona, MN. have online catalog and carry lots of items for older to new automotive engine machining equip.; www.goodson.com ;  were 2 online; 1 in Illinois and 1 in N J both buy, repair, resell older units also sell parts for older valve machines and boring bars. Can't find address for either right now.