The story goes something like this; I have a customer in my real life job that I have visited many times over the years. He owns a grinding company and has a reputation for turning out work with tight tolerances other companies just can’t handle. He gets the work from a vast diversity of companies. While he makes no finished product, his ground parts are in an array of goods. With any long time business association, personal lives are bound to enter into the discussions. I have followed his pride in the accomplishments of his children’s swim competition and I have mentioned Wifey’s occupation as an antique seller and collector.
We had discussed some of her personal collections and the oddities she has sold to collectors through Ebay and in antique malls. “Why would people collect such unusual items?” He had remarked. “I don’t understand the fascination.”
Some time later, during one of our business meetings, he asked 
“can you ask your wife to be on the lookout for an old fashioned grinding wheel, you know the type, it’s turned by hand or foot power, and most had a seat to use, like riding a stationary bicycle?” Yes! I knew the type.
I had seen some in our travels to antique stores and garage sales and was sure Wifey would know where one might be located. But as all collectors know well, when looking for one special item they never show up.
Well, on my next visit some months later I was shown one he 
had found on the Internet, and on subsequent visits he had gathered more grinders to show me, with some still in their shipping boxes. Sadly, I knew he was hooked.
Then a catalog from Luther Dimo- Grit Grinders used on farms and in factories became available. Since it was a local Milwaukee company, his interest turned (pun) to grinders from them, and the collection now is very focused. 
With the catalog and pictures he is able to see the complete grinder and better judge the condition of any that are offered. The book itself is quite a treasure and in fine condition for its age.
In my industrial sales business I have seen many offices and lobbies with collections of all sorts, miniature cars, cycles, industrial robots, off road and farm equipment, golf collectibles, sports, and racing memorabilia. This includes products manufactured and machines used to make them. The latter shows the history of some great industrial 
companies.
While most of us would lack the room for a collection of items as large as these turn of the century grinders, I have a great appreciation for this collection and would hope your own intensity drives you to search with passion for your special interest. And if you do have lots of space especially out buildings, antique tractors, cars, wood boats or bathtubs make for interesting collectibles.
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April 23rd, 2009 at 5:04 AM
Could you recommend any specific resources, books, or other blogs on this specific NLP topic?
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:29 PM
NPL
Thank you for your interest in my posting. I know of no collectable books on grinding machines. The collector in this blog was able to find an antique catalog as a guide. A check of your local bookstore for antique tools or farm equipment may yield some results.
July 16th, 2009 at 4:06 PM
In your article “Getting Serious About Your Collection”, 1-15-08, you show a picture of several foot powered grinders. The one on the far left.metal tubing stand with seat and large stone, is exactly like one we have had for many years. I am interested in the value of it or how I can find out the value as none of my childred want it and I need to de-collect my husbands things. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. That picture is the first time I have seen one that looks exactly like the one I have. It is in good condition and can see the original red paint. Please do not publish my name or email.
July 18th, 2009 at 6:45 AM
Sherry,
The owner of that grinder has been out of town and should be back on Wednesday, I’ll talk to him and get a price range of what he pays.
The Dean
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Sherry,
Thank you for your reply to my article on grinders. I had to wait for the owner of the grinders to respond and I spoke to him today. His collection is now quite extensive and narrow in focus, but on average the cost is around $100 to $300 including shipping. Most have been purchased on-line. That may seem like quite a spread but some models are quite plentiful.
As a side note, I now have one foot operated grinder of my own, a present from my daughter and son-in-law, who also read my blog and felt I needed another collection. Guess its another item they will want codiciled into the will.
The Dean
Staff Writer
October 1st, 2009 at 12:19 AM
I enjoyed reading your article on collecting grinders. The founder of Luther Grinder Mfg Co was my grandfather, CJ Luther. He died in 1918 so we didn’t know much about him but have enjoyed learning about the scope of his business. My brother has accumulated quite a collection of Luther grinders thanks to the internet and poking around in shops and at yard sales. As it was taking over his garage I suggested he would either have to open a museum or start a sharpening service on the side.
October 1st, 2009 at 6:49 AM
Mary,
One of the great things about writing for Collectors’ Quest is the replies back from people, and as in your case, with personal stories they share with me.
Wifie is an antique dealer selling on the internet and has had extra thrills when an object she buys in Ohio or Florida is returned to its origin in some small town in Utah, or as in your case, the item has a family connection. Her best story is about a painting of one of Milwaukee’s founding fathers that she purchased at auction from a Masonic hall. It when to the grandson living in California, and he and his wife came to Wisconsin to pick it up.
Thank you for your reply.
The Dean
Staff Writer
dean-ferber@sbcglobal.net
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