Restoring Vintage Atco Moto Centers - A Journey into Precision Tooling

TLDRJoin me as I restore a set of vintage Atco Moto centers, cleaning and repairing the tooling to reveal their true potential.

Key insights

🔧The Atco Moto centers are a set of motorized grinding centers designed for precision tooling.

🔄The centers are reversible with a cone center on one end and a cup center on the other, making them versatile for different grinding applications.

🛠️The centers feature a spring-loaded mechanism to account for thermal expansion of the workpiece during grinding and allow for easy insertion and removal of the parts.

🔍The internal mechanism of the centers is precision-ground and fits together with minimal clearance, ensuring smooth and accurate operation.

⚙️The motor assembly of the centers includes a high-quality power cord and a drive plate with a replaceable bearing for smooth rotation.

Q&A

Are the Atco Moto centers suitable for all types of grinding?

Yes, the centers are reversible with a cone center on one end and a cup center on the other, allowing for various grinding applications.

Do the centers require any maintenance?

Regular cleaning and lubrication of the centers will ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Can the centers accommodate different workpiece sizes?

Yes, the centers have a spring-loaded mechanism that allows for easy insertion and removal of workpieces of different sizes.

Can the centers be used with other precision tools?

Yes, the centers can be used with punch grinders and other precision tools, expanding their versatility.

How do I replace the bearing in the motor assembly?

To replace the bearing, you will need to disassemble the motor assembly and press out the old bearing before installing a new one.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the restoration project of vintage Atco Moto centers.

02:40Inspecting the damaged case and finding marketing literature inside.

06:10Examining the tailstock support and discovering custom wiring.

09:40Disassembling the motor assembly and replacing the worn bearing.

11:30Designing a back cover with proper strain relief and protection for the power cord.