How to Choose Valve Grinding Machine Factory?

Valve Grinding Machines

The valve grinding machine created by Albertsons and Co, known as Sioux, is a remarkable piece of equipment. In my 20 years of running an import car repair shop, this machine ground countless valves for a variety of exotic cars, showcasing its exceptional quality. Despite its age, the valve grinder still functions flawlessly, provided the chuck grips the valves accurately. Priced at $250, it is an incredible bargain, although not everyone might find it easy to repair or rebuild.

About eight months ago, I acquired a brand new Sioux hardseat grinder from eBay. It cost around five hundred dollars and came with a comprehensive assortment of stones, a dresser, and numerous pilots, including adjustable ones. This new addition complemented my existing Sioux with an extensive array of tools and continues to be useful for modern engines.

High-quality valve grinding equipment, like the SIOUX and Black and Decker machines, cannot be compared to regular bench grinders. These machines are professional-grade and essential for precision work. Having the proper attachment for the dresser is crucial to save time. The grinder's right side, designed for valve stems, is highly useful for grinding small parts to length. A coolant tank is also essential for optimal performance.

Working on cylinder heads requires more than just a couple of machines. The variety of tools needed for different types of heads and valves is extensive. I own around sixty pilots for guides, yet I still lack some for every job. Handling worn guides and bad seats can turn into a never-ending journey of acquiring machine tools.

How to Choose Valve Grinding Machine Factory?

When selecting a valve grinding machine factory, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you get the best quality machine and service. Here’s a useful guide:

1. Reputation

Investigate the factory’s reputation in the industry. Look for customer reviews and testimonials to gauge their reliability and the quality of their products.

2. Range of Products

Opt for a factory that offers a diverse range of products. This indicates their ability to cater to various needs and provides you with more options to choose from.

3. Expertise and Experience

Experience in the industry is a vital factor. A factory with years of expertise is likely to produce superior quality machines. Check how long they have been in business and the expertise of their engineers.

4. Customization Options

Good factories offer customization to meet specific requirements. This flexibility can be crucial for unique or complex valve grinding tasks.

5. After-Sales Support

Consider the after-sales support and services provided. Reliable after-sales service ensures that any issues that arise after purchase will be handled promptly and effectively.

Explore the Valve Grinding Machine Factory website for extensive information and professional advice to assist in your purchasing decision.

Valve Grinding Machine Comparison

KwikWay (US made)

In the mid-eighties, I started selling KwikWay valve grinding machines. The KwikWay machines were highly regarded for their superior finish and the variety of wheels available. The six-ball chuck design had its flaws but remained effective as long as it maintained its integrity.

Sioux (US made)

I used a Sioux valve grinding machine as early as 1978. Although widely popular, it had some issues with finishing and chuck design. Despite its unique features, accuracy was sometimes compromised. Sioux machines are no longer available new.

TobinArp (US made)

TobinArp was known for its innovative design. Although not as versatile as others, it was favored by high-end race shops. This machine had a superior finish and a collet style chuck, making it highly accurate. However, it is no longer manufactured.

IDL (Canadian made)

IDL introduced a centerless chuck design, which saw some success with racers. Despite its ingenuity, it was less refined in finish compared to KwikWay. Sunnen later acquired it, but there are no new IDL machines on the market.

Comec (Italian)

Blending various designs from different machines, Comec offered a pivoting traverse and centerless chuck design. However, achieving a good finish was challenging.

Rottler (Indian made)

Rottler cloned both the IDL and KwikWay refacers. While they made some enhancements, issues with durability and chuck design persisted. Rottler’s copies are notably expensive.

T&S 2075 Valve Grinding Machine (US made)

This machine, introduced around 2005, featured unique design elements like a centerless chuck and cast base. Although initial models had some flaws, later versions improved significantly with DRO integration and common parts with Sioux machines.

Sioux Retrofit Chuck

We designed a retrofit centerless chuck for Sioux machines, improving concentricity and range. Eventually, it was more practical to sell new machines rather than retrofit old ones.

2075 Epoxy/Granite Machine

This advanced model aimed to be the ultimate valve grinder, featuring a 0-90 degree angle for facing and exceptional finish quality. However, it was not profitable and remains shelved.

For more information on Portable Valve Lapping, feel free to contact us.

Summary

In conclusion, the current market for valve refacers is populated with expensive, complicated machines. KwikWay offers a great balance of quality and value in the US. Moving forward, we aim to stay competitive and profitable.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for Lapping Machine China. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.