ID this honing machine

[Paul Precht]

I called the guy and he says it doesn't have a brand name anywhere he can see, I'm going to look at it Thursday as it's a few miles from my doctor that I'm going to see. Thanks for any replies, Paul.
http://scranton.craigslist.org/tls/5371603417.html

[Alan Roehrich]

Axe. Decent piece, uses Sunnen AN style stones. Takes some serious work and experimentation. If the right person develops a feel for it, you can turn out decent work with it. But you will absolutely work yourself half to death to do it. Don't buy it thinking you're going to turn out CK 10 or CV 616 level work with it, at least not without a super human effort.

[Mike Pearson]

Kwik Way or KW Products as it is now known. You have to stroke them by hand. One of my buddies had a machine just like that about 25 years ago. really not for high end performance work.

[Paul Precht]

The guy bought it a few years ago with a Van Norman 777 which he didn't know how to use, I have a 777 and they require some talent to master. He rehoned 2 blocks with it and never touched it again. I told him a Peterson air assist in clean condition can be had for that price with a little searching and if the price was not firm I would check it out and make an offer if I thought I could use it, he seamed very happy to have someone interested. If my old house sells this year I'll have a CK 10 and will get an old Stewart Warner balancer another great old machine that requires some user talent. I'll be retired later this year so I'm getting the shop ready to roll again, I'll be like a kid on an endless summer vacation.

[carl hinkson]

If your retiring you don't want that machine you will work yourself to death. Get your CK 10 you will be much happier.

[Adger Smith]

I'm a little reluctant to say this, but I'm going ahead. I think it needs to be said. First, Read everything you can about honing and honing procedures.
Well, Thanks guys. I guess I'm "Super Human" I bought a new AXE years ago and used it till late 90's and went to a CK-10, sold my CK 10 in 2005 and went back to the AXE. I sold the CK 10 to Frank Parks and he loves it. Then in 2013 I bought a Rottler with the diamond set up and Sunnen stone head...
Here is the deal. It takes time and patience as well as having a feel for what you are working on. I've been manual honing blocks since 1969( in a tank I built with a roll over fixture and a fluid pump and filter) and I (personal issues) would rather have the "Feel" than the automatic. It is total BS that these machines don't put out good work. The automatic CAN be more consistent in some cases. I still have my AXE and have taken MC cylinders out of it and blued them and "dusted" them in the Rottler with the same last grit and there is not a dimes difference. The Diamonds do make a difference.These machines are just like anything else, the person that uses it is the key. It is my opinion that the shop that has high volume and an employee needs to have the automatic machine. Let it knock the work out and go on. If you are a one or two man shop and have 4 hours to do a block right, get it. The real deal with honing Automatic & Manual is learning to control Speed of the stroke and load of the stone to get the proper degree angle & surface finish. There is a lot to it and I think every shop needs a good profilometer ( there are differences in those, too) to check work he is doing. I really like sitting and watching my Rottler work, but by spending so many years doing it manual it keeps me from making big mistakes that the automatic machine can do for you. (remember the operator) Don't let anybody scare you off if a manual fits your needs and your abilities. You can't be a hack or butcher with one and get good results. You have too have a feel for it. Ok, let all the experts flame away!! That includes you too Carl. I expect you know more about it than anyone.