Mattison Surface Grinder 3 Meters – Year 1957
Brand: Mattison
Model: 18″ x 120″
Year: 1957
Approx. Shipping Weight: 38000 lbs
Approx. Shipping Dimensions: approx 188″ x 104″
Specifications
Chuck Size: 18″ x 120″
Total HP: 48
Equipped With
Magnetic Chucks, Deep Bed paper filter system,
Machine is available for inspection. Will require a rigger to load at buyers expense. Motor rebuilt in 2012.
Mattison Surface Grinder 18″ × 120″ – Technical Evaluation (Year 1957)
1. Technical Evaluation Overview
The Mattison 18″ × 120″ is a long-bed surface grinding machine manufactured in 1957, designed for precision grinding of large, elongated workpieces. Based strictly on the provided information, the machine is equipped with a magnetic chuck measuring 18″ × 120″, which defines the usable grinding area.
The machine has a total installed power of 48 HP and an approximate shipping weight of 38,000 lbs, indicating a heavy, rigid cast-iron construction typical of large surface grinders from this era. A deep bed paper filter system is included for coolant filtration. The main motor was rebuilt in 2012, which is a relevant service intervention but does not represent a full machine overhaul.
No data is provided regarding maximum grinding height, table longitudinal speed, crossfeed type (manual or powered), spindle speed, wheel size, or achievable accuracy. These omissions limit the assessment to structural capacity, basic configuration, and known service history.
2. What to Check Before Buying
Given the machine’s age and incomplete specification set, inspection should focus on the following:
Mechanical structure and ways:
Condition of the table ways over the full 120″ travel, including wear patterns, scoring, or taper.
Flatness and holding strength of the magnetic chuck, and verification of chuck regrind history.
Condition of cross-slide and vertical feed mechanisms, including backlash and smoothness.
Spindle and drive system:
Functional testing of the grinding spindle for bearing noise, vibration, and temperature stability.
Verification of power transmission and load behavior following the 2012 motor rebuild.
Confirmation of compatible grinding wheel sizes and spindle mounting (not specified).
Coolant and filtration:
Operation and condition of the deep bed paper filter system, including pump performance and leakage.
Coolant flow adequacy across the full chuck length.
Electrical system:
General condition of wiring, starters, and controls consistent with a 1957-built machine.
Verification of electrical supply requirements and any later modifications.
Handling and logistics:
Confirmation of rigging points and load requirements, as the machine requires a rigger for loading.
3. Typical Industrial Applications
Based strictly on the chuck size, power, and construction, this machine is technically suitable for:
Surface grinding of long plates, bars, machine beds, and weldments up to 120″ in length.
Heavy stock removal followed by finish grinding where rigidity and table length are prioritized over automation.
Maintenance, toolroom, or heavy fabrication environments requiring large flat reference surfaces.
Material types, grinding tolerances, and achievable surface finish cannot be confirmed from the provided data.
4. Common Risks in Used Machines
For large, older surface grinders of this category, typical risks include:
Way wear, leading to taper or loss of flatness over long travel lengths.
Spindle bearing degradation, affecting surface finish and dimensional consistency.
Electrical obsolescence, where original components may not meet current standards.
Limited documentation, including missing manuals or electrical diagrams.
5. Maintenance and Service Considerations
With limited service history available, maintenance considerations are confined to general technical points:
Regular inspection and lubrication of table ways and feed mechanisms are essential.
Periodic spindle checks and balancing are critical for grinding quality.
Coolant filtration media and pumps require monitoring to maintain grinding performance.
Any refurbishment or accuracy restoration should be based on detailed inspection and test grinding rather than assumptions tied to the motor rebuild alone.
Final Note:
The Mattison 18″ × 120″ surface grinder is a heavy-duty, long-bed machine with substantial mass and power, suitable for large flat grinding tasks. However, given its age and the absence of key performance specifications, a complete technical evaluation requires on-site inspection, test grinding, and verification of spindle condition, way wear, and electrical integrity before making operational or investment decisions.
