Barber-Colman #HRS Gear Hob & Tool Sharpening Grinder

Serial Number: 732 | Year of Mfg: 1965 | Type: Manual/Mechanical Precision

Overview

Available is a Barber-Colman HRS, the industry benchmark for mechanical gear hob sharpening. This machine is specifically engineered for the precise sharpening of both straight and helical (spiral) gash hobs, as well as a wide variety of form-relieved milling cutters and toolroom cutters.

Serial #732 represents the robust, all-cast-iron era of Barber-Colman. In a market where CNC sharpeners require expensive software and proprietary components, the HRS offers a "life-of-the-shop" mechanical solution. By utilizing a sine bar and change-gear lead system, this machine provides the repeatable accuracy required to maintain AGMA-quality tooling.

Specifications

• Max. Work Diameter: 10" (254mm)
• Max. Distance Between Centers: 32"
• Max. Lead Capacity: From 0.5" to Infinite (Straight Gash)
• Wheel Head Adjustment: Vertical and Swivel for precise rake angle setting
• Indexing: Manual or Automatic Mechanical via index plates
• Power: 230/460V | 3-Phase | 60Hz
• Approx. Weight: 3,850 lbs

Key Features & Capability

• Helical Sharpening System: Unlike standard tool and cutter grinders, the HRS uses a synchronized lead-screw and change-gear arrangement. This ensures that the grinding wheel follows the precise spiral path of the hob flutes, maintaining perfect radial geometry.
• Heavy-Duty Spindle: The wheel head is designed for rigidity, allowing for efficient material removal on HSS and Cobalt hobs without heat-checking or surface burning.
• Sine Bar Adjustment: Features a precision-ground sine bar for quick and accurate lead settings, essential for shops handling a diverse range of gear-cutting tools.
• Large Capacity: With 32" between centers, this unit can handle oversized hobs and long-shank cutters that smaller sharpening machines cannot accommodate.

Inventory & Included Accessories

• Change Gear Set: Includes lead gears for various helical configurations.
• Indexing Plates: Complete with a selection of plates for standard gash counts.
• Work Support: Tailstock and work head included for stable center-to-center mounting.