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1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 9:20 am
by Notchback
A recent addition to my garage. I gave it a fresh coat of paint and replaced one belt. Works perfect and I only paid $500 for it. It has many attachments stored underneath, I am in the process of trying to make sense of them all. I downloaded a MP3 file from Kwik-Way's website that is the last known user manual for this machine. It is a real piece of history and I was surprised to hear the previous owner wanted it out of his garage. I have a poorly shot cell phone video I will try and upload, take mercy on me for the quality.
kwik way multi purose machine.jpg

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 9:21 am
by Notchback

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 7:17 pm
by PackardV8
Very interesting. So, from the manual, what operations can the multi-purpose machine perform?

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2014 8:58 am
by Notchback
Well, the manual doesn't have much imagery, just a few hand drawn pictures. Most of it is old world verbage which is hard for a fairly young guy like myself to make heads or tails of. What I can gather, it is a general tool and die cutter. As you can see in the close-up pic below, it has centers for mounting items to grind. It has a rocker arm re-facing attachment and some attachments for sharpening various cutters and reamers. It also states that it will do Commutator grinding and Mica undercutting, not 100% on that so if you know feel free to enlighten me. I oiled all the lube points the other day. I am just really impressed everything works so smoothly. I ground a valve on it the other day and it actually came out very nice.
close-up of Kwik-Way.jpg
accessories for Kwik-Way.jpg

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2014 8:59 am
by Notchback
An old ad I found online looks exactly like this machine
kwik way ad.png

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2014 2:51 pm
by PackardV8
A machine such as that still operating and having all the bits and gubbins makes it a rare find. Have fun.

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:10 am
by buck
Guy I know uses that same machine daily. He grinds motor contacts with it. Pretty cool find.

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 12:31 pm
by rfoll
If you are into the old machinery, I have an Independent Pneumatic Thor 100 valve refacer I would be willing to part with really cheap. Works fine, but needs some tlc. I have a full manual for it . If you live on the far side of the country, it would be too expensive to ship.

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Thu May 08, 2014 12:41 pm
by Notchback
I would normally be interested but with my lack of space I am trying to keep my purchases to machines that do something different than what I currently have. However, if you have a mill I'm all ears.

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 7:17 am
by Hotz
Congratulations, beautiful machine ... =D>

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 5:31 pm
by Notchback
Thanks Hotz

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 3:43 pm
by machinedave
It looks as though you can mount a piece of stock in between the two centers. My question is will the centers rotate so you could grind a piece of stock into a precision shaft?

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 4:45 pm
by Notchback
Yep, it sure will. It drives from the right side and the left side is just along for the ride.

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 5:53 pm
by machinedave
That's a very cool piece of equipment. I would like to add one to my collection of automotive machine shop equipment if I could find one that was reasonably priced. I don't know that I would use it much in engine building but I'm sure I could find some uses in fabricating. I could see taking a shaft with a spun bearing race and welding it up and regrinding to size and many other uses.

Re: 1928 Kwik Way multi-purpose machine

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2019 6:25 pm
by 1989TransAm
That machine is in pretty good shape for its age. Good find. :D