let's see your craftsman block grinders

[tedsters]

Yes, but sadly the last time I turned it on was the day I posted it on post #222.
At the time I was on a mission to aquire 3 bench grinders with stands to restore/repaint and give one to each of my 3 sons at Christmas. But finding 3 good grinders with stands was a problem. My sons are 6 foot plus and they all want HP!!! I taught them bad habits like "more is better even if you don't need it" and with cars "faster is always better!!" I guess apples don't fall to far from the tree. I can find 3 phase grinders with stands and harvest the stand and scrap the 3 phase grinder but those 3 phase grinders are often big and therefore the stand is too short with a block grinder for my 6' 4" son. I am still looking for stands though.

ps - I really would hate scrapping out an old USA grinder just because it is 3 phase....I know me and I would keep it forever...

ps - Tedsters has the same B & D stand. I tried to buy his but he said no but I did get his Chas Parker 974 1/2 vise.

Greg,
funny you should mention that stand i just set a correct 3/4hp B&D on it last night at my buddies its in the mix for a make over

 

[torqueman2002]

Here is a question. The first picture is from a Block that Torqueman posted a while back. It is a model 397.19670 but does not say "Industrial Rated".

View media item 46144
Here is mine with the same model number, but does say"Industrial Rated".
View media item 44807
Anyone have a clue when they stopped or started using the "Industrial Rated" term? Does this make my Block better than TM's?

Look what I found in the 1969 CM Tool Catalog.

 

[pendragon1998]

(3)
preblocks take different feet than your run of the mill block grinder. Photo below modified from jakemac's post to illustrate.
link to comparison post

(6)
My measurements for pre-block feet are as follows:

Installed in grinder base : 1-3/8" diameter x 5/16" thick
Installed in tool rest: 1-3/16" diameter x 3/8" thick

Something like the part below would probably work for pre-block grinders with an appropriate fastener, but you'd possibly have to modify it for thickness (maybe sand it down - or not). I'm ordering some and I'll report back whether they work.

Amazon link

UPDATE:

The replacement rubber speaker cabinet feet I ordered arrived, and they're close to the right diameter, but substantially thicker than the rubber feet they're replacing (as expected).

These particular rubber feet come with a metal sleeve inside them, starting about halfway through, and continuing to the top. I actually think they will do fine as is. As a matter of fact, I think the extra height will be an advantage. Although they will raise the grinder off of the quench cup / tool rest base by about 9/16", it should make it harder for water to make its way under and into the grinder frame.

As you can see in the 'before' picture, there was a little rust issue underneath my grinder frame.

In the 'after' photo, you can see how the grinder will be lifted up and have a little air flow and space for splashed water to run beneath it instead of pooling in the wiring. The feet aren't affixed to the frame yet, just sitting under it for the photo. My grinder came to me without a sheet metal cover over the frame base; I plan to cut out a new one when I have the time.

 

[kirk69nova]

CM 39719340 wont spin on its own

I originally made a dedicated thread with the info below. I was advised to post the info in this thread and include some pics which I'll add. What specifically will you want to see? Just the exterior or do you need to see the wiring as well?

I bought a CM Block grinder model 397 19340. It worked when I plugged it in prior to buying it. I brought it home and when I hit the power switch it made an audible pop and a white flash came from underneath it. I unplugged it, checked it out and did not see anything visibly burnt (I am sure something is however). I plugged it back in and, hit the power button and the motor tried to spin but would not. I spun it by hand and it came right up to speed. I have been doing this for a few months but want to fix it now. So all you "blockheads" out there where do I start to get my grinder working properly?

 

[drivesitfar]

Kirk: yes pics of the grinder, badge, and wiring if you can pull plate off. Thanks for posting here.

 

[kirk69nova]

Here are a few pics. This site is what turned me onto these block grinders. I love seeing anything old restored and all the old tools brought back to life are so cool to me. Thanks so far and hopefully Ill get this working the way it should.

 

[McBrownie]

Here are a few pics. This site is what turned me onto these block grinders. I love seeing anything old restored and all the old tools brought back to life are so cool to me. Thanks so far and hopefully Ill get this working the way it should.

Kirk,

You have a split phase, so that limits what could be wrong. The dual-voltage capacitor start models have more components. Take a look at Torqueman's post #3147 on page 158. He has some links that explain how the relay works. That might be a good place to start.

 

[torqueman2002]

A few reasons for Dressing Grinder Wheels
1. Remove grooves in the wheels face.
2. Eliminate out of roundness.
3. Sharpen the wheel.
4. Eliminate loading & glazing.
5. Square & true the face of the wheel.

Here's a couple of YouTube videos about how & why to dress grinding wheels.

The 1st one is by a retired industrial arts teacher (IIRC), and he has a number of Machine Shop related videos. {This maybe a re-post, I know I've see it previously. Heck, I might have posted it before. }

He goes by "tubalcain" & "mrpete222".

He demonstrates on a vintage Stanley and a round top CM Block grinder.
MACHINE SHOP TIPS #97 Dressing Grind Wheels
by: tubalcain mrpete222

This next video is for LARGE industrial grinders. {It's included, in no small part, to show how big some of these guys can be.}

Dressing Wheels The Proper Way - Instructs Foundry and Shop users on proper technique for dressing Grinding Wheels. Shown by The Desmond Stephan Mfg. Co.

 

[McBrownie]

Here is another good tutorial for dressing wheels:

http://www.geigerssolutions.com/Tuning-Up-a-Bench-Grinder.html

 

[tedsters]

Anyone going thru Mansfield ohio to Michigan soon

Looking for someone going thru Mansfield ohio to Michigan need a Block Grinder picked up will help with gas i am 35 miles west of Grand Rapids

 

[torqueman2002]

Here is another good tutorial for dressing wheels:

http://www.geigerssolutions.com/Tuning-Up-a-Bench-Grinder.html

Added to the thread in my Sig. Line.

Thanks.

 

[tedsters]

Re: Anyone going thru Mansfield ohio to Michigan soon

Looking for someone going thru Mansfield ohio to Michigan need a Block Grinder picked up will help with gas i am 35 miles west of Grand Rapids

Anyone

 

[VictorBravo]

Well, this thread was instrumental in me getting a little 1/3 block grinder yesterday. I've been needing an electric bench grinder for years, and couldn't bring myself to pay for plastic tool rests from China, and couldn't justify a lot of money. But this for just a little under $40 works out fine--runs smoothly and sounds like a real machine.

The photo isn't clear, but it's a 397.19580. The bottom plate says it was made in 1966.

 

[bluebolt]

Well, this thread was instrumental in me getting a little 1/3 block grinder yesterday. I've been needing an electric bench grinder for years, and couldn't bring myself to pay for plastic tool rests from China, and couldn't justify a lot of money. But this for just a little under $40 works out fine--runs smoothly and sounds like a real machine.

The photo isn't clear, but it's a 397.19580. The bottom plate says it was made in 1966.

Nice grinder for under $40 you did well!

 

[tedsters]

Re: Anyone going thru Mansfield ohio to Michigan soon

anyone

looking for someone going thru mansfield ohio to michigan need a block grinder picked up will help with gas i am 35 miles west of grand rapids

pm me if you can

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice grinder for under $40 you did well!

 

[VictorBravo]

Nice grinder for under $40 you did well!

This thread gave me the info I needed. I had no idea what they could be worth.

 

[torqueman2002]

This thread gave me the info I needed. I had no idea ....

You have been warned. (or you should have)

This thread, and those who participate, are enablers to collecting (ahem - hoarding ).

 

[drivesitfar]

TM & McB: thanks for the videos on tuning up our stones. now i need to go shopping again looking for that old single edge razor looking stone cleaning and squaring up tool. only because that one old tool probably isn't made any longer, but i'll be looking for it now that i know what it looks like. anybody own either and how do you like using them? i probably have 10-20 of the old school stone cleaners out of cast that the one video says are good for huge grinder's stones. i do have a couple of the diamond stone cleaners that i think i'll use until the others show up.

VB: i'm not sure what part of Washington you live in, but happy to hear you found out that these old Craftsman grinders are keepers.

Kirk: nice work repairing your old block's broken starting wire that was broken.

ALL: Kirk is a new GJ member and he had a starting issue with his block grinder and started a thread asking for a little help.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=273163

He also posted on this thread as i mentioned he might find more help if our Block guys didn't see his thread. TM, Leadberry, Ex and Fretters all found his thread and helped Kirk fix his block. Jake and i and others were watching as the guys dissected that old grinder like a good Tuna suschi. success in the end and i thought i'd post the link to that thread because as this might not be a real common problem, but i know that a broken or loose wire is about all that keeps these old blocks from running.

Awesome job guys and for all those that helped a big hand even though Kirk did all the work and posted up some great pictures. by the way TM what program are you using that lets you put words to all those circles and lines?

 

[Cypherian]

Well,

I picked this one up off ebay, for 100 bucks not bad shape needs a new shield on one side and some clean up. What I am curious about is it does not have a switch so I will install one . I am not a collector per say I want working machines so modifying it is not an issue to me. The Bottom has 1964 stamped on it.






Cypher

 

[McBrownie]

I just posted this over on Kirk's thread, but thought I would post it here to give Drives a chance to poke fun at my OCD tendencies.

I noticed in Kirk's video that his light turns on and off with the grinder and it reminded me of how this drove me nuts on my split phase. So, I fixed it.

The original wiring looked liked this:
View media item 40372
And I changed it to this:
View media item 46178
Using one of these:
View media item 46179
And then installed an old Leviton switched lamp socket:
View media item 41437
Problem solved and I can now turn the light on without having to turn the grinder on. By the way, I ordered "2" of those chair connectors and got 2 boxes of them. If anyone needs one, PM me and I'll send it in the mail.

 

[McBrownie]

Well,

I picked this one up off ebay, for 100 bucks not bad shape needs a new shield on one side and some clean up. What I am curious about is it does not have a switch so I will install one . I am not a collector per say I want working machines so modifying it is not an issue to me. The Bottom has 1964 stamped on it.

Cypher

An original non-switcher! If you want to put a switch in, drilling the hole in the tin will probably be the hardest part. Those models used a metal "round neck" Single-pole single-throw (SPST) style toggle switch. Chinese ones can be found at the big box store, or you can go old-school and get one like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CARLING-TEC...131003132420&rk=3&rkt=6&sd=281391160634&rt=nc

Now, if you want to add a vintage original style lamp, that can get a little pricey as you are competing with home decorators, believe it or not. Something like this would work:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ind...586?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item339aa6e772

Nice clean original grinder and enjoy using it.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: i'm sure i'm not the only one benefitting from yours and TM's OCD tendencies. I (we) all thank the both of you. I know threir are other members that could fall in that category and definitely add to this thread and forum that I won't name on this post. thank you for being you.

so you ordered 2 of those connectors and got 2 boxes with maybe 100 in each box. well they certainly gave them to the right guy. thanks for the offer.

TM: you have a program that allows you to put lines, circles and words on the pictures and would you mind sharing how you did that and what program you used and installed on your computer? i tried to install one of those programs about a year ago and thought i saw the same one for "free" download. i rarely use the "free" download, but it was #1 on Google and had good reviews so i did and it came with a virus that wiped out my Outlook program. i'm not against buying a program if i know it works and i can use it. care to share?

Cypher: nice to see you own a Block grinder. i like the look of the little steel on off switch or if you don't want to drill you can maybe get a switch to install in your cord so you can leave your grinder plugged in all the time. or wire up a box on your bench with a switch.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

An original non-switcher! If you want to put a switch in, drilling the hole in the tin will probably be the hardest part. Those models used a metal "round neck" Single-pole single-throw (SPST) style toggle switch. Chinese ones can be found at the big box store, or you can go old-school and get one like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CARLING-TEC...131003132420&rk=3&rkt=6&sd=281391160634&rt=nc

Now, it you want to add a vintage original style lamp, that can get a little pricey as you are competing with home decorators, believe it or not. Something like this would work:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ind...586?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item339aa6e772

Nice clean original grinder and enjoy using it.

Actually, Dorman makes a switch that's real similar to the factory on/off switch that most Autozone's stock for those mid/late 60's blocks.

 

[pendragon1998]

Using one of these:
View media item 46179
By the way, I ordered "2" of those chair connectors and got 2 boxes of them. If anyone needs one, PM me and I'll send it in the mail.

These are available on amazon too, if anyone needs them down the road.

Supco T1121 Chair Terminal, 1/4" 2 Male and 1 Female Tabs (Pack of 10)

That is 10 for $3 and free prime shipping.

 

[Leadberry]

These are available on amazon too, if anyone needs them down the road.

Supco T1121 Chair Terminal, 1/4" 2 Male and 1 Female Tabs (Pack of 10)

That is 10 for $3 and free prime shipping.

You can get a whole pack of 1/4" quick-disconnect adapters and splitters at your local Radio Shack for $2 and some change.

 

[pendragon1998]

Yeah, but I'd spend more on gas, time, and irritation driving to Radio Shack to save a buck or two than I would ordering them on Amazon. lol.

 

[jakemac]

Thanks for the link. Ordered. (just in case)

 

[dngrmse]

My Dad just picked this up in Southwest Florida, $30 at a garage sale. Missing a tool rest, he was surprised at how long it takes to spool down. I told him he got a good one. Ill post some follow up pics once he's done repainting it.

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[jakemac]

Tell him there are a whole bunch of guys on the internet that are jealous. And don't let him paint over the label !

 

[dngrmse]

No worries there; in another life he owned a body shop, and his hobby is restoring antique fans or whatever else he comes across. I can paint some, but his skill level unfortunately skipped my genes. I give it a few days; he's retired and lives for just this kind of project.

 

[McBrownie]

My Dad just picked this up in Southwest Florida, $30 at a garage sale. Missing a tool rest, he was surprised at how long it takes to spool down. I told him he got a good one. Ill post some follow up pics once he's done repainting it.

3/4hp for $30? With a stand?!?!?

Nice find and a great early '70's round top. There is a bit of debate that goes on regarding spin down times. I'm in the camp that believes that long spin down times means that the bearings are dry (no grease) and need replacing. It's easy to do and will result in a smoother running machine. Check back a few page for sizes and sources. Can't wait to see that one cleaned up and ready to go another 40 years.

 

[torqueman2002]

drivesit - I use a T-shaped, diamond embedded stone dresser.

Similar to this one on Amazon,
Rectangular Tip T Shaped Diamond Dressing Dresser Tool
http://www.amazon.com/Rectangular-Shaped-Diamond-Dressing-Dresser/dp/B00PZODOTA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419217272&sr=8-1&keywords=Rectangular+Tip+T+Shaped+Diamond+Dressing+Dresser+Tool

TM & McB: thanks for the videos on tuning up our stones. now i need to go shopping again looking for that old single edge razor looking stone cleaning and squaring up tool. only because that one old tool probably isn't made any longer, but i'll be looking for it now that i know what it looks like. anybody own either and how do you like using them? i probably have 10-20 of the old school stone cleaners out of cast that the one video says are good for huge grinder's stones. i do have a couple of the diamond stone cleaners that i think i'll use until the others show up.
....
Awesome job guys and for all those that helped a big hand even though Kirk did all the work and posted up some great pictures. by the way TM what program are you using that lets you put words to all those circles and lines?

For this picture:

I right clicked the picture and 'Opened with Paint'. It's a MicroSoft program that, I think, comes with Windows, maybe MS Office?

Here's a screen shot.

 

[torqueman2002]

Well,

I picked this one up off ebay, for 100 bucks not bad shape needs a new shield on one side and some clean up. What I am curious about is it does not have a switch so I will install one . I am not a collector per say I want working machines so modifying it is not an issue to me. The Bottom has 1964 stamped on it. ... Cypher

Cool.

Must be the economy model. Funny, the 1/4 HP pre-Block grinders had switches and no wheel guard covers, yours has no switch, but it does have guards.

 

[torqueman2002]

Thanks for the link. Ordered. (just in case)

Me too!

Thanks.

And, they got me to buy these also.

Supco T1122 Connector, 1/4" 2 Male and 1 Female Tabs (Pack of 10) - $2.09, free shipping with Prime. Heck, they'll be here in time for Christmas stocking stuffers!
http://www.amazon.com/Supco-T1122-Connector-Male-Female/dp/B0071NCK5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419220474&sr=8-1&keywords=Supco+T1122+Connector%2C+1%2F4%22+2+Male+and+1+Female+Tabs+%28Pack+of+10%29

 

[torqueman2002]

My Dad just picked this up in Southwest Florida, $30 at a garage sale. Missing a tool rest, he was surprised at how long it takes to spool down. I told him he got a good one. Ill post some follow up pics once he's done repainting it.

[/URL][/IMG]

Your Dad did well!

Yes, that is up there in the Want List.

3 members have been looking for a similar one since at least May. They're out there, but you have to be in the right place at the right time to land one.

I have the older cousin to his m-397.19571.

 

[torqueman2002]

I thought others might like to know that free pdf copies of Sears Craftsman Tool catalogs are available for downloading.

Rose Tools Scanned Catalog Archives use to host the files. They have been re-located to:
http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/rose-tools-catalog-archives/index.html

Because there are 32 Sears catalogs in the archives, they are listed on a separate page.
http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/rose-tools-catalog-archives/sears/index.html

Below is a screen capture of their current Sears listing.

For Sears publication reprints, which include old catalogs, manuals, parts list ....; follow the following link and then, Filter results by Publication Type: "Sanders/Grinders".
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3

 

[exmaxima1]

Cool.

Must be the economy model. Funny, the 1/4 HP pre-Block grinders had switches and no wheel guard covers, yours has no switch, but it does have guards.

I have the exact same block grinder and it was very simple to add a switch with dust boot. Those 1/4hp grinders have more power than many current 1/2hp models.

 

[torqueman2002]

I have the exact same block grinder and it was very simple to add a switch with dust boot. Those 1/4hp grinders have more power than many current 1/2hp models.

"Those 1/4hp grinders have more power than many current 1/2hp models."
You betcha! But, don't tell the CL sellers!

 

[McBrownie]

I thought others might like to know that free pdf copies of Sears Craftsman Tool catalogs are available for downloading.

Rose Tools Scanned Catalog Archives use to host the files. They have been re-located to:
http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/rose-tools-catalog-archives/index.html

Because there are 32 Sears catalogs in the archives, they are listed on a separate page.
http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/rose-tools-catalog-archives/sears/index.html

Below is a screen capture of their current Sears listing.

For Sears publication reprints, which include old catalogs, manuals, parts list ....; follow the following link and then, Filter results by Publication Type: "Sanders/Grinders".
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3

TM, Thanks for posting these links. Are these also on your Block grinder resource thread?