I used the highly popular J & S 540 for many many years with no particular problems. As always with used m/c tools condition is everything!

Tony

I always used to do little s grinding jobs on my stent but have had a Lip like Stefans for a year or two now and oh what a difference. I know its manual but once youve learnt to rub your head and belly in opposite directions at the same time its fine, of course it may not be big enough ( 7 x 5 ) for some but it works for me.

I was a service engineer in a toolmakers shop with loads of J&S grinders. A 540 if looked after will do you well. They have a hydraulic pump in the body which powers most of the functions ie hydraulic double ended cilinder which when traversing left and right operate a latch which changes direction and the ends of these wear but can be easily repaired. It also through wear the seals on the cylinder can leak but are available and easily changed. Check oil and pressure only use hydraulic oil.

David

I have a used J&S 540 (probably from the 1970’s) bought about 15 years ago. It has a ball bearing wheelhead with infrequent use but it runs fine. It also has a Bowers rotary table, a vertical spindle grinding attachment, “Precise” high speed attachment for taps and reamers and splines, high speed slot grinding attachment and Optidress plus 2 speed motor (useful for form grinding) with automatic downfeed. Lovely machne and exceptionally well designed and constructed. Plus spares are quite easy to find. I did have to change out some electrical elements and hydraulic hose but it is all quite accessible and easy to sort out. Really not a headache.

Surface grinders, if badly worn are a PITA.  I couldn’t manage a 540 (weight and space) so eventually found an Eagle manual machine in good-ish order.  I’ve been happy enough with it, for the few times it is neeeded.