let's see your craftsman block grinders

[drivesitfar]

McB: sure that one was on the same page with your $1300 regular bench grinder along with another $1500 BurrKing disk sander. I start salivating when i hear the words BurrKing grinder. I haven't seen one used since i bought a used one for $1000 for a friend about 5 years ago that was a 3 wheel that he makes knives on. it's in his will if he meets his maker to give it back to me or so he says.

TM: probably going to be hard to buy an oven and have room in your shop with all those grinders and now the full size Craftsman DP. i'll let you know if i get mine set up.

 

[torqueman2002]

Sale pending.

Thanks for looking.

BTW - I have others (1/3 & 1/2 HP) that need a good home and that will be put to work. PM me.

TM,

I sent a PM back. Sorry if I misled you, but I'm not in the market at the moment. I blew my tool budget for the remainder of 2014.
....

McB - Faults all mine. I am actually eager to start finding homes for the grinders, and I am also eager to show Mrs. Torqueman I am indeed thinning the heard.

Anyway, to open this up to the rest of the readers - I thought McB wanted a 1/2 HP Block with cap-start.

I was prepping a grinder to send out to another member and I saw I have a 1/2 HP ft Block m-397.19440 ear-marked for 'donation' to a good home.

Here's a couple of links to PB slideshows, if anyone is interested - PM me. It is ready to go.

Note: RH wheel guard cover and Q-tray are MIA.

As found fall 2011.
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/New%20Old%20Craftsman%2050%20Grinder

Pictures taken Dec 08, 2014. LH stone has been dressed with a diamond dressing tool.
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/New%20Old%20Craftsman%2050%20Grinder/December%2008%202014%20pictures

 

[0dd]

after having been watching off and on for a while i Found a block grinder on craigslist semi local to me, sadly SWMBO just put my budget on a diet.

My loss is hopefuly some one else's gain.

3/4 hp with stand
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/4791424905.html

0dd

 

[torqueman2002]

after having been watching off and on for a while i Found a block grinder on craigslist semi local to me, sadly SWMBO just put my budget on a diet.

My loss is hopefuly some one else's gain.

3/4 hp with stand
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/4791424905.html

0dd

That's a sweetheart alright! I know 3 members who'd love that, not counting me - of course!

I hope Mrs. Torqueman doesn't read this, she'll know I'm far from finishing the 12 step program.

Without exaggeration, I have been searching since May for a 3/4 or 1 HP like that for 3 members.

Maybe you could help them and yourself out.

My idea - negotiate with the 1st person on the list for an agreed price including shipping for the grinder. Then keep/sell the rare stand for the difference in price.

Here's an updated list.

BTW - The Torqueman family is headed to the Twin Cities tomorrow (Bragging alert - our son/brother is defending his Doctoral Thesis in Brain /Vision research. The end of a 5-year program. We are so very proud of him). Well, I wondered how I could work that into a post, thanks for the opportunity.

Mrs. Torqueman didn't go for my suggestion they fly and I'd leave early and drive to save on car rental and air fare.

My plan was to stop and pick-up this very grinder and send it on to the next member on the list that said yes to the grinder. Excuse the joke on the #1 program at the Torqueman home: "Say Yes to the Dress!" Our daughter is engaged.

 

[bulletpruf]

after having been watching off and on for a while i Found a block grinder on craigslist semi local to me, sadly SWMBO just put my budget on a diet.

My loss is hopefuly some one else's gain.

3/4 hp with stand
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/4791424905.html

0dd

If someone wanted to pick that up and ship it to Alabama for me, I'd gladly reimburse you for your time, purchase price, and shipping!

Scott

 

[Pupuhd]

TM & all GJ members: anyone interested in a 1/4hp block grinder for about $25. From the Philadelphia area. No parts or accessories on it. What you see is what you get.

Been emailing the seller. Had it originally for $45 and currently have him down to "$25?".

"Craftsman Model 397-19301, 1/4 hp bench grinder. Works perfect! Used very little, was installed on a workbench for a short time, then put into storage for a long time. Wheels are like new. Slight cosmetic blemish on body."

I don't want/need it, so just putting out feelers on this post. Though I could buy it for the wheels, but they're only 1/2" wide.

 

[exmaxima1]

TM & all GJ members: anyone interested in a 1/4hp block grinder for about $25. From the Philadelphia area. No parts or accessories on it. What you see is what you get.

Been emailing the seller. Had it originally for $45 and currently have him down to "$25?".

.

That's a bargain for $25. I have a 1/4hp block, and while it has the shields/rests/feet/end plates, I wouldn't sell for less than twice that amount. Grab it!

 

[Pupuhd]

That's a bargain for $25. I have a 1/4hp block, and while it has the shields/rests/feet/end plates, I wouldn't sell for less than twice that amount. Grab it!

I know, I know. Im trying not to go down the path of torqueman. Few weeks ago he shipped me a 1/3hp one complete.

The little devil in my head tells me "go ahead, buuuuy it. You need another 6" grinder to put different grades of wheels on it." The good guy in my head tells me "NO, you don't need four grinders. Don't do it. Conform!"

I could fabricate the missing tool rest, spark shields and a make shift wheel guards. WHAT AM I SAYING!

 

[bczygan]

1/2 HP $55 Greenville, MI (NW of Lansing)
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4788976689.html

 

[bczygan]

1/3 HP Canton, OH $20

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tls/4751180080.html

 

[exmaxima1]

1/2 HP $55 Greenville, MI (NW of Lansing)
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4788976689.html

That was gone quickly!!

 

[drivesitfar]

Pup: that's pretty clean for $25. search back a few weeks on this thread and you'll see plenty of choices of wheels to put on that if you don't want to stick it on a shelf.

All: Ex made a thread for belt grinders that he put in the general section. it's been getting a lot of activity and one of the GJ mods just moved it over here because he sort of asked before the thread took off. anyway it's a good read so far and plenty of pictures of a belt grinder which is always a good mix with a couple blocks. here's the link.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=271667

 

[bczygan]

1/2 HP $75 no eye shields but on a stand north of Midland, MI

http://saginaw.craigslist.org/tls/4791654563.html

 

[bczygan]

1/3 HP in Cleveland area $100 very clean no tray

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/4784405929.html

 

[bczygan]

1/2 HP $45 Myersville MD no quench tray

http://frederick.craigslist.org/for/4707496685.html

 

[bczygan]

1/3 HP no photo $39 Heathsville VA (Near Richmond)

397-19580

http://richmond.craigslist.org/tls/4761772701.html

 

[Pupuhd]

Danger Will Robinson, danger!
Craftsman block grinders overload, danger!

 

[bczygan]

8" with stand and tray $60 Hyannis Mass

http://southcoast.craigslist.org/tls/4797753718.html

 

[drivesitfar]

BCZ: are you doing an appraisal for someone's estate? if i recall you have more blocks than i do along with a few of it's first cousins. thanks for sharing your research, but i didn't see a 1HP commercial one in the bunch yet. still to come??

 

[McBrownie]

That was gone quickly!!

Not a surprise. That one was the best of the bunch, in my opinion, even though the center tin switch are looked a little kludged up.

I never knew blocks were seasonal, but after almost nothing all summer, they are coming out of the woodwork. Must be the winter migration.

 

[bczygan]

BCZ: are you doing an appraisal for someone's estate? if i recall you have more blocks than i do along with a few of it's first cousins. thanks for sharing your research, but i didn't see a 1HP commercial one in the bunch yet. still to come??

Just having a little fun searching CL while binge watching Breaking Bad.

I've got my quota.

 

[bczygan]

In Denham Springs LA, near Baton Rouge Another grinder stand for $30

http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/tls/4794108650.html

 

[bczygan]

Charlotte NC $65 model 397-???

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/4796316727.html

 

[Drake9]

So I am a newb to these grinders, gotta ask, what is the big draw. Just did a quick CL search and found one about a hour away for $35, texted the guy just wondering what I am getting my self into

Here is the ad

https://slo.craigslist.org/tls/4797516396.html

Can anyone tell how big it is? 1/2hp

 

[drivesitfar]

Drake: as long as a Block grinder hasn't been abused it will not stop running and if it does it's a fairly simple fix. any pictures to share or for $35 if it runs you probably can't go too far wrong.

BCZ: how are the bad guys treating your old school teacher in this show? just curious how you are doing your nationwide search because Craigslist shut down the old Google method?

 

[Drake9]

Drivesitfar- thanks for the info, I updated the post with a link to the ad which has pictures in it

 

[drivesitfar]

Drake: that is what we call a Pre-block and still a good grinder. that one has been rode hard and missing a lot of parts so i'd probably pass and wait to find a nicer one for a bit more money.

i haven't had time to do total restorations on a block so i bought a few from wood workers that barely used theirs. i bought one from the original owner that bought it i think in 1964 and it still has original almost unused wheels on it. i didn't get it for $50 or a $100, but i'm still very happy i own it. also it's a 1/2 HP commercial version and they are a bit nicer.

where are you located because i might be willing to sell my 1/3 HP on an original stand that was also lightly used.

 

[McBrownie]

So I am a newb to these grinders, gotta ask, what is the big draw. Just did a quick CL search and found one about a hour away for $35, texted the guy just wondering what I am getting my self into

Here is the ad

https://slo.craigslist.org/tls/4797516396.html

Can anyone tell how big it is? 1/2hp

Drake,

First comes curiosity, then interest, then the hunt, then a purchase, and another, and another, and another...... You have been warned!

I agree with Drives, you can do better for $35. Take a look back a few pages at all of the posts that BC did to get an idea. It also depends what your needs are. What are your plans for your first Block?

 

[Drake9]

Thanks guys

Drive, I am stationed down at Vandenberg AFB which is on the central coast of California.

McBrownie, I do some metal working. My current grinder is mostly used for Tungsten grinding. I seem to use sanding wheels more often the grinding. That is usually via a 4 1/2 hand held.

What kind of wheels can you get for these guys? They are definitely cool, just not sure yet how I would put it to use.

 

[bczygan]

Another pedestal: $50 in Yukon PA (Near Pittsburgh)

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/4725882993.html

Note that you can get a similar stand at Sears outlet for $42, or new for not a lot more.

http://www.searsoutlet.com/Bench-Grinder-Stand/d/product_details.jsp?pid=106970&mode=seeAll

 

[torqueman2002]

Hi guys!

Torqueman reporting in from the Twin Cities area. We are going to sample a Scandinavian delicacy before we head back to warmer weather (SE Michigan, ). It is fish preserved in the traditional Scandinavian manner for those ancestors with cast iron stomachs and poor sense of smell - lutefisk.

It is good to see the CL posts, nice to see what's out there.

I'll be pulling more from my inventory - 1/3 & 1/2 rt & ft Blocks, when I get back next week.

2-day ground FedEx from MI 48334 has been running ~ $30, at least East of the Mississippi.

Drake9 - a light duty 1/4 or 1/3 HP dedicated to Tungsten or SS would be a good for a fabricator to use.

I use mine for grinding ferrous metals, cleaning fastener threads, and throwing parts to inaccessible parts of the shop!

There's a link in my Sig. Line to a thread with lots of resources on grinder set-up, safety, replacement parts, restorations, styles, ...

You can always get replies from the helpful and friendly members who frequently visit this thread, or PM me.

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: I'm 100% Norwegian and i wasn't able to eat and Lutefisk at the family functions when the great grandparents and aunts showed up with some. unless you are one with the cast iron stomach i would stick to the lefsa and crumkakka and grab some fresh salmon with a nice basil lemon sauce.

or maybe since you have all the old steel in your garage and driveway (and living room) your stomach has become partly steel.

Drake: check Craigslist or maybe Softtail another GJ member has a block they aren't using they can sell you to use.

 

[McBrownie]

What kind of wheels can you get for these guys?

All shapes and sizes.

View media item 45997
By the way, Phase 3 has experienced some scope creep and I'm replacing my workmate tops with some 3/4" Maple Appleply along with the repaint of the Block.

http://www.buyappleply.com/White_Maple_p/bap-rcmap.htm

These belts throw some dust around. I'm glad I have this thing on wheels. It's quickly turning into an outside-only tool.

 

[jakemac]

Add a dust scoop made from air duct fittings and hook it up to a shop vac. It won't solve the problem, but it will help.

 

[torqueman2002]

All shapes and sizes.

View media item 45997
By the way, Phase 3 has experienced some scope creep and I'm replacing my workmate tops with some 3/4" Maple Appleply along with the repaint of the Block.

http://www.buyappleply.com/White_Maple_p/bap-rcmap.htm

These belts throw some dust around. I'm glad I have this thing on wheels. It's quickly turning into an outside-only tool.

OK, now I know I'm in good company.
A-1 White Maple WPF ApplePly - 3/4" - 12"x 96" = $47.41

I'm going to put you down for a 'character' witness, when they try to commit me!

Nothing's too good for a Block grinder.

 

[torqueman2002]

TM: I'm 100% Norwegian and i wasn't able to eat and Lutefisk at the family functions when the great grandparents and aunts showed up with some. unless you are one with the cast iron stomach i would stick to the lefsa and crumkakka and grab some fresh salmon with a nice basil lemon sauce.

or maybe since you have all the old steel in your garage and driveway (and living room) your stomach has become partly steel.

Drake: check Craigslist or maybe Softtail another GJ member has a block they aren't using they can sell you to use.

drivesit - I have mercifully been saved from the Lutefisk! Apparently those that thought it was a good idea when we were celebrating at Stub & Herb's, have bailed on me in the clear morning re-think.

"... lefsa and crumkakka and grab some fresh salmon with a nice basil lemon sauce ..." We're bringing the appetizers to dinner, good suggestions.

Drake - If CL or Softtail is out-of-stock, I might be able to help. PM me with details, I can put you on the 'wish/want list', and/or may have something 'in stock'.

 

[torqueman2002]

Another pedestal: $50 in Yukon PA (Near Pittsburgh)

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/4725882993.html

Note that you can get a similar stand at Sears outlet for $42, or new for not a lot more.

http://www.searsoutlet.com/Bench-Grinder-Stand/d/product_details.jsp?pid=106970&mode=seeAll

FWIW -

Let me know if you'd like a CM stand, I have 2, maybe 3 that are not spoken for and are in various conditions - from media blasted w/ slight flash rusting (3rd from left), to: needs rust removal and painting.

1st on left is not for sale, but shows 1 variation of original paint - gray and black.

$65 for media blasted stand shown; others are $55 as shown, + $10 for media blasting (it takes ~ 1 hr).

All are: + FedEx pack & ship from MI 48334.

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: I've actually been told that some lutefisk is good and maybe good for you because it looks like 100% preservative and smells horrible. i was hoping to hear you tried it and get your opinion. my part Irish California girl bride actually makes us krumkakka and cooks a mean salmon so i'll have to have my mom bring the lefsa when you and the Mrs. show up for dinner with your treats.

McB: i couldn't really understand what that was that i was looking at on that link you posted for the upgrade. sounds like a new top for the workbench?

Jake: any pictures of the idea you just posted where you can use your shop vac? I'm hoping you are high and dry again after your small flood in your shop.

All: Ex started a belt grinder thread that has some awesome grinders and sanders on it and Ainsley posted up his with this very cool vacuum system attached to his. anybody else have one to show and how to make or design and build one? I cleaned out a bolt bin yesterday at a steel shop that was closing down and with all the dust you would have thought i was there for a week instead of a few hours.

I picked up a plug thingy (can't remember what it's called) from one of my older client's that is moving into a condo and if i plug my grinder or table saw into it the shop vac or vacuum system turns on too. sounded pretty slick and i just need a system set up to use it.

 

[McBrownie]

McB: i couldn't really understand what that was that i was looking at on that link you posted for the upgrade. sounds like a new top for the workbench?

Drives, I'm only replacing the tops on the B&D Workmate. So, a 3/4" 24x24 is all that is required. The original tops on my $10 garage sale find have seen better days. By the way, I don't have steel workbench tops like you - yet. I just use MDF for mine and I swap them out when they get ratty. That is when I dig down through enough **** to uncover them. I need a weekend devoted to cleaning.

 

[jakemac]

Jake: any pictures of the idea you just posted where you can use your shop vac? I'm hoping you are high and dry again after your small flood in your shop.

Something like this :
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Heating-Venting-Cooling-HVAC-Parts-Accessories-Ducting-Venting-Register-Boxes/N-5yc1vZc5hx

I don't have one set up, but I have a 3-1/4x10x4 that I plan to hook up to my dust collector and mount to my bench for clean-ups. You can use a 4" to 2-1/2" adaptor to connect a shop vac hose.

Cut and form the open end to best collect the dust from the sander.