How to Choose valve grinder machines?

When considering a valve grinder machine, it's essential to find the right balance of quality and functionality. The machine produced by Albertsons and Co, known as the Sioux, has proven its value over time. I have used one extensively in my import car repair shop for two decades, servicing countless exotic vehicles. The key feature is the accurate gripping of the CHUCK, which ensures precision. Despite its age, my Albertsons Sioux remains a robust and reliable machine, and at $250, it’s a bargain! However, the complexity of repairs might be beyond some users.

About eight months ago, I acquired a brand new Sioux hard seat grinder from eBay, costing around $500. It was in pristine condition, complete with stones, dresser, and numerous pilots. Even though I already had a Sioux with extensive tooling, the allure of a newer model was irresistible. Despite being from the late 1940s or early 1950s, it remains highly applicable for modern engines.

A proper valve grinding machine isn't just an upgraded bench grinder. Quality units like the SIOUX and Black and Decker versions are essentially precise machine tools when new or well-maintained. Particularly, the Sioux model with a dedicated attachment for the dresser is indispensable for efficiency. The grinder's right side, intended for valve stems, doubles as a handy tool for sizing small parts. I have personally ground hundreds of Jaguar and Maserati valve shims using my Sioux. Additionally, a coolant tank is crucial for optimal performance.

Working on heads requires more than just a couple of used machines. The diverse range of heads and valves demands a plethora of tooling. Over the years, I have accumulated at least sixty pilots but still encounter jobs that need specific ones. Worn guides and bad seats can lead to massive investments in tooling, making it feel like running a machine tool company instead of a car repair shop.

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Let's delve into a comparison of various valve grinding machines. This analysis is comprehensive and not a sales pitch.

Kwik-Way (US made)
My experience with valve grinding machines dates back to the 1980s when I began representing Kwik-Way. At that time, Kwik-Way and Sioux were the primary competitors, with machines often exchanging hands every couple of years. The cost was typically around $2,500, and despite changing times and expectations, the Kwik-Way still stands out. The finish on Kwik-Way machines remains unmatched, with a wide selection of wheel grades available. Its diamond dresser is notably efficient. However, the six-ball chuck design, while advantageous in some aspects, can suffer from quicker wear on the ramps than the hardened balls. Proper maintenance to keep grinding oil and grit out of the chuck can prolong its life.

Sioux (US made)
I have utilized a Sioux valve grinding machine since 1978 and later marketed them after transitioning from Kwik-Way to Kansas Instruments in 1990. Sioux was once a leading valve grinding machine supplier in the US, offering various wheels and sources. Although its finish wasn't on par with Kwik-Way's, it had unique features like the hybrid centerless/roller chuck design. Despite its innovative approach, it wasn’t as accurate or user-friendly as Kwik-Way. Eventually, Sioux's production ceased under Snap-On's ownership.

Tobin-Arp (US made)
The Tobin-Arp offered probably the best design quality in the market but catered mainly to high-end race shops. Its collet-style chuck and pivot arm design allowed for end-of-wheel grinding, providing superior finishes. However, its less versatile nature for different valve stem sizes often made Kwik-Way or Sioux more preferable in general shops. Tobin-Arp's production fell under Sunnen, which eventually halted its manufacturing.

IDL (Canadian made)
In the mid-'80s, Ingenious Devices Limited (IDL) ventured into the valve grinding market, bringing the first 'centerless' chuck design. This design allowed valves to rotate on their own stems, offering a pivot design for traverse and end-of-wheel grinding. Despite its early success, it never matched the Kwik-Way or Sioux in finish quality. The machine's complicated chuck design and cumbersome operation eventually led to its discontinuation under Sunnen.

Comec (Italian)
Comec's machines amalgamated the lesser designs of previous machines, resulting in limited grinding wheel sources and complex chuck systems. It struggled to achieve good finishes, making it less favored among users despite its competitive pricing to Kwik-Way.

Rottler (Indian made)
Rottler's machines are essentially copies of former designs like the IDL and Kwik-Way, with added features like digital readouts. However, their complicated chucks and issues with components like electronics and finish quality have hindered their success. Rottler's versions are priced exorbitantly compared to the original designs they replicate.

T&S 2075 Valve Grinding Machine (US made)
T&S Machines and Tools ventured into the market with a new design around 2005. The machine aimed for functionality over form, featuring a unique centerless chuck, linear ways, and a DRO for angle. Although initial attempts faced challenges, especially with encoder systems, subsequent improvements were made. Yet, profitability issues led to shelving the design despite its superior finishing capabilities.

Sioux Retrofit Chuck
Efforts were made to retrofit centerless chucks for Sioux machines for better concentricity and range. However, spindle design limitations resulted in finishing inadequacies, making complete new machines more viable.

2075 Epoxy/Granite Machine
This ultimate design iteration focused on a 0-90 degree angle for facing, superior finishes, versatile wheels, and longevity with minimal maintenance. Despite its excellence, it was not profitable, leading to a halt in production.

Summary
I’m not fond of the current expensive, complicated refacers. Many consumers are investing heavily in Indian and Italian machines, while Kwik-Way offers a great value American-made alternative with guaranteed performance. The market will continue to be monitored for competitive opportunities. For now, the Kwik-Way Machine remains a recommendable choice.

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Tim Whitley
President
T&S Machines and Tools, Inc.

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