The BEMA FSM260 is a small manual surface grinder in a unique configuration – The machine is operated while sitting in front of it, with the table reciprocating motion facing away from the operator. The machine has cross roller slides in all three axis and a Heidenhain DRO and linear scales in two axis. The grinding standard grinding wheels the machine takes are 125mm diameter, the spindle runs at a fixed speed of 5200rpm.

The complete wheelhead is tilting 45° to either side.

Table stroke: 260mm

Wheel head cross traverse: 180 mm

Wheel head elevation: 220 mm

Maximum height between wheel and magnet: 200mm

End of 2021 I knew that I was in need of a precise surface grinder – My LIP515 was getting long in the tooth, while I had rescraped the ways for the reciprocating table motion, the cross slide and elevation was mildly worn and would have needed several hours of work, the spindle also desperate for a complete rebuild.

Another problem with the LIP515 was its travels and the resulting work envelope. Especially the clearance between the grinding wheel and the magnet was very limited. This was less a problem for the workpieces I was machining, but the fixtures that where needed to hold and manipulate them.

Especially the cylindrical grinding fixture and the punch grinding fixture where very limited on the LIP515 grinder.

The BEMA has a large work envelope for its small footprint. The unique layout is also very favorable for using rotary grinding fixtures, since accessibility and visibility are excellent.

By removing the way covers, the cross roller guides and the chain drive for the table can be seen.

The spindle of the machine is a commercial off the shelf item - A 45x160mm Fischer spindle, driven by a flat belt.

BEMA GmbH – FSM260 surface grinder https://www.bemagmbh.de/en/range-of-services/lever-operated-flat-grinding-machine/