Redface idler

[Tigeze]

My 1960 redface has an R57 idler. It idles up when striking an arc no problem. It stays in high idle for 5-7 seconds. I’m able to get my grinder and turn it on, it runs at full speed for 2-3 seconds then the machine idles down and the grinder spins slow. Any reason for the machine to not be staying in high idle? The machine is completely rebuilt as well as having all new main brushes and aux brushes. Any help would be appreciated thank you.

[Leogl]

You have to pin it to high idle unless they put a electronic idler on it ?

[Tigeze]

I thought if I started to use the grinder before it idled down it would stay in high idle until I stopped using the grinder?

[12V71]

I thought if I started to use the grinder before it idled down it would stay in high idle until I stopped using the grinder?

No, it won't unless it has an idler solenoid for the grinder circuit. I had 2 of those machines that had the "Grind Eez" auxiliary idler control. Basically another normally closed solenoid valve that dumps the vacuum to the R-57 idler chamber.
Not sure why Lincoln never considered adding that to the machines.

[Tigeze]

No, it won't unless it has an idler solenoid for the grinder circuit. I had 2 of those machines that had the "Grind Eez" auxiliary idler control. Basically another normally closed solenoid valve that dumps the vacuum to the R-57 idler chamber.
Not sure why Lincoln never considered adding that to the machines.

That’s crazy I thought it would stay in high idle. Do you know where I can get a “grind eze” or if I can adjust the idler so it stays in high idle for longer than 5 seconds.

[12V71]

That’s crazy I thought it would stay in high idle. Do you know where I can get a “grind eze” or if I can adjust the idler so it stays in high idle for longer than 5 seconds.

Adjusting the idler delay wont help. And I have no idea where you would find a grind eze unit these days. It was a pretty simple unit with a tire valve that was opened by the solenoid plunger to vent the vacuum off. The tubing was teed in between the R57 and the original delay valve with the felt valve IIRC so the felt controlled the delay on both sides.

[Tigeze]

Adjusting the idler delay wont help. And I have no idea where you would find a grind eze unit these days. It was a pretty simple unit with a tire valve that was opened by the solenoid plunger to vent the vacuum off. The tubing was teed in between the R57 and the original delay valve with the felt valve IIRC so the felt controlled the delay on both sides.

Guess I’m stuck buying an electronic idler upgrade?

[12V71]

Guess I’m stuck buying an electronic idler upgrade?

I wouldn't spend that kind of money just to grind if the 57 works good. Check with some of the SA200 specialists like Stump and see if the Grind eze is still available.

[Tigeze]

I found one on weldtron but it was around $300.

[12V71]

Weldmart has the entire conversion to electric idler for about $370, looks pretty simple to install without messing with the generator wiring. That's a lot cheaper than I remember 15 years ago.