let's see your craftsman block grinders

[jakemac]

This place is just bad. I am in the market for a drill press and maybe a second grinder, and now I will of course settle for nothing less than something old and vintage because of all you Craftsmen hoarders!

Yup, it's all part of Ryan's master plan to indoctrinate an army to combat the eventually coup by the cats. Opposable thumbs will win the day and free us from our feline overlords. (just in time for Skynet to subjugate us once again)

 

[McBrownie]

Sez the guy who built the robot in the other corner of the arena.

SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY !!!
Blockmeister -vs- MegaBlock

Are you suggesting a grind-off? A block cage match? A World Series of Block?

 

[jakemac]

Behold, the Grinderdome.

Two grinders enter ......

...... One grinder leaves.

 

[Itinerant]

Not mine, just saw the listing and thought I'd share. Here's a NIB light for anyone interested.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121607023156?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

And MT, that's a couple of nice pick-ups!

 

[bluebolt]

Itinerant, thank for posting. I looked up both the model number 257.192440 and the catalog number 9-19244 but no goggle hits.

 

[bagged89s10]

Behold, the Grinderdome.

Two grinders enter ......

...... One grinder leaves.

Haha!!


~Veeps

 

[drivesitfar]

Iceman: our Blockhead leader is from your area so not surprised you are having a tough time finding a block in the wild. i did see one escape his mitts last month, but not a common thing because he has a full on love and addiction for these awesome old tools. might i suggest you ask Tourquemen (Or head PUMBA) to put you on his list and i'm sure your grinder will be in your hands soon because he is willing to share.

Jake: well i would have expected nothing less from you and your posts make me smile probably more than anybody's on GJ.

ALL: so would it be polite to ask McB and MT for some pictures or maybe a YouTube of the Blockmeister and Georgia's ultimate 1HP chewing on some tough old US steel and then shining or sharpening it back up. thoughts??

 

[exmaxima1]

Iceman:

ALL: so would it be polite to ask McB and MT for some pictures or maybe a YouTube of the Blockmeister and Georgia's ultimate 1HP chewing on some tough old US steel and then shining or sharpening it back up. thoughts??

I don't think there is really much difference between the two grinders here. I've been working on a few Blocks lately and find them very similar in potential power. For example, my 3/4hp block has a 6 amp rating, and the motor core is 1.75" long. In contrast, my 1/2hp cap start (like McB's) has a 6.1 amp rating and a 1.625" core stack. In my book, that's a draw.

The typical 1hp Block carries a 6.8 amp rating, but I don't know the dimensions of the core. I doubt it is much bigger than the 3/4hp, if any. And if you factor in the torque on its 8" wheel vs the 7" wheel on the 1/2hp version, again I suspect a close match.

Is there something I am overlooking?

Ps, I just noticed that MT's block has a 7.6 amp motor. That might be enough to make a difference. Still.......?

 

[drivesitfar]

Ex: your thinking about the power on both blocks might be sound, but McB's belt sander attachment and MT's 6 inch extension with a potential of 2 wheels might be where the difference and competition is.

it's all in fun because both should do a great job chewing up or shining and sharpening metal. if you want to enter your home made belt grinder into the mix please do and let the competition begin. then maybe i'll put a couple different wheels on my baldor buffer or if i had 3 phase i'd put this little 24 inch sanding disk grinder in the mix.

what is amazing is how well and simply made these block grinders are and how well they work even if you don't take them to the next level.

cheers

 

[McBrownie]

I don't think there is really much difference between the two grinders here. I've been working on a few Blocks lately and find them very similar in potential power. For example, my 3/4hp block has a 6 amp rating, and the motor core is 1.75" long. In contrast, my 1/2hp cap start (like McB's) has a 6.1 amp rating and a 1.625" core stack. In my book, that's a draw.

The typical 1hp Block carries a 6.8 amp rating, but I don't know the dimensions of the core. I doubt it is much bigger than the 3/4hp, if any. And if you factor in the torque on its 8" wheel vs the 7" wheel on the 1/2hp version, again I suspect a close match.

Is there something I am overlooking?

Ps, I just noticed that MT's block has a 7.6 amp motor. That might be enough to make a difference. Still.......?

I had to go out and look at the ratings of mine. My 1/2hp cap start (which used to be yours Ex) says it draws 5.2 amps according to the label. My 3/4hp (the blockmeister) says it only draws 5.0 amps. The 3/4hp "feels" more powerful. In other words, it had an easier time spinning up the multitool attachment. Could the amperage draw have to do with efficiency of the motors?

 

[alpinewhite]

I had to go out and look at the ratings of mine. My 1/2hp cap start (which used to be yours Ex) says it draws 5.2 amps according to the label. My 3/4hp (the blockmeister) says it only draws 5.0 amps. The 3/4hp "feels" more powerful. In other words, it had an easier time spinning up the multitool attachment. Could the amperage draw have to do with efficiency of the motors?

Please be reminded that 1 HP = 745W. That equates to approximately 6.2 amps (745W / 120v). However, that calculation is for a motor with 100% efficiency. Hence, a motor that draws 6.2 amps will not truly be a 1HP motor because no motor is 100% efficient.

 

[exmaxima1]

I had to go out and look at the ratings of mine. My 1/2hp cap start (which used to be yours Ex) says it draws 5.2 amps according to the label. My 3/4hp (the blockmeister) says it only draws 5.0 amps. The 3/4hp "feels" more powerful. In other words, it had an easier time spinning up the multitool attachment. Could the amperage draw have to do with efficiency of the motors?

Absolutely. The efficiency is related to many parameters, such as core dimensions, gap size, windings ratios, etc. But I am puzzled how your 3/4 Block only has a 5 amp draw. That certainly seems very low for that era of conservative power ratings.

I checked my labels again (the 3/4hp label is in shreds) and they are correct. Both of my blocks are square tops made in 1974 FWIW.

I added a pic of the stator core in an old Atlas 1/2hp grinder. It draws 5.6 amps, and the core is a massive 3.75 ID x 3.25 long---seems hard to believe that it could only be "1/2 horsepower".

 

[exmaxima1]

Ex:

it's all in fun because both should do a great job chewing up or shining and sharpening metal. if you want to enter your home made belt grinder into the mix please do and let the competition begin. then maybe i'll put a couple different wheels on my baldor buffer or if i had 3 phase i'd put this little 24 inch sanding disk grinder in the mix.

I don't think it would be fair to add 3-phase machines in the mix, but I might compete with my homemade Dayton 1 horse (that draws 13 amps) belt grinder....

 

[mtwaterguy]

Ex: your thinking about the power on both blocks might be sound, but McB's belt sander attachment and MT's 6 inch extension with a potential of 2 wheels might be where the difference and competition is.

I'm leaving for PDX tomorrow. Won't be back until the 10/11 of April. Looking forward to assembling the 1HP and trying out the attachments.

 

[Ss95003]

Not mine. But commercial grade round top local pick up only amityville, ny

http://www.ebay.com/itm/bench-grind...413?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2edf8981ad

 

[McBrownie]

Absolutely. The efficiency is related to many parameters, such as core dimensions, gap size, windings ratios, etc. But I am puzzled how your 3/4 Block only has a 5 amp draw. That certainly seems very low for that era of conservative power ratings.

I checked my labels again (the 3/4hp label is in shreds) and they are correct. Both of my blocks are square tops made in 1974 FWIW.

I added a pic of the stator core in an old Atlas 1/2hp grinder. It draws 5.6 amps, and the core is a massive 3.75 ID x 3.25 long---seems hard to believe that it could only be "1/2 horsepower".

Ex,

Here are my labels. Probably time to get some real measurements.

 

[McBrownie]

Not mine. But commercial grade round top local pick up only amityville, ny

http://www.ebay.com/itm/bench-grind...413?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2edf8981ad

Could be haunted.

 

[firemanast]

Ex,

Here are my labels. Probably time to get some real measurements.

Did you make your labels ?

 

[exmaxima1]

Ex,

Here are my labels. Probably time to get some real measurements.

I think the issue is with how Nema standards were interpreted with the round top vs the square top models. I haven't reviewed it in depth, but I did see that the current ratings can vary by 10% and be within spec. Plus in the interim years the insulation may have improved (allowing higher temp rise), and there may have been some marketing pressure to raise the nameplate current values.

In any case, I know that 1/2hp cap start is a solid performer!

 

[mtwaterguy]

Not mine. But commercial grade round top local pick up only amityville, ny

http://www.ebay.com/itm/bench-grind...413?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2edf8981ad

It actually appears to be a non-commercial grinder. At least it's not labeled as one.

 

[harleybuilder]

A elusive monster has poked it's head out in New York ....
http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/4952867146.html

 

[bagged89s10]

A elusive monster has poked it's head out in New York ....
http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/4952867146.html

If it wasn't in Long Island I would take a ride. Too far for me to go.


~Veeps

 

[harleybuilder]

Way too far from me in IL. .

 

[Ss95003]

It actually appears to be a non-commercial grinder. At least it's not labeled as one.

I thought the crown craftsman label made it commercial but I'll defer to a block expert.

 

[harleybuilder]

Most Comercial/industrial are dual voltage, from everything I have seen and read .

 

[alpinewhite]

I need a label for a dual-voltage 3/4 HP. The one I got from Jack is for a 3/4 horse but not dual voltage. Does anyone have a pic of one I can print?

Thanks.

My 3/4 HP:

Label from Jack Olsen:

 

[McBrownie]

Did you make your labels ?

No, those are originals.

 

[exmaxima1]

I need a label for a dual-voltage 3/4 HP. The one I got from Jack is for a 3/4 horse but not dual voltage. Does anyone have a pic of one I can print?

You probably need it to read "Capacitor Start" as well. What size arbor do you have? Most of the Commercial 3/4hp models, especially those with the rod-mount rests, are 5/8" arbor.

 

[bagged89s10]

I need a label for a dual-voltage 3/4 HP. The one I got from Jack is for a 3/4 horse but not dual voltage. Does anyone have a pic of one I can print?

Thanks.

My 3/4 HP:

Label from Jack Olsen:

Who on GJ has the editable photoshop version of the label? I need to make one for my 1/2HP.


~Veeps

 

[mtwaterguy]

You probably need it to read "Capacitor Start" as well. What size arbor do you have? Most of the Commercial 3/4hp models, especially those with the rod-mount rests, are 5/8" arbor.

Since the knockout for the quench tray has been removed, is this one that has had the HD base added at some later date?

 

[jrobb316]

What was the time that grinders didn't have eye shields, or have they always had them? I am looking at a vintage grinder, not a block, but I would estimate from the 60s. It doesn't have eye shields, was just wondering if they were mandated later, or if they are just missing.

edit: This is not a craftsman grinder, but i'm sure you guys know the answer to my question. Thanks!

 

[Bobioz1]

If it didn't come with the HD base it would've had mounting holes in the inner guard bells.

 

[drivesitfar]

AW: if I owned a Block and needed a label and Jack sent me one of his with the right HP on it and the cool warning on the bottom you can bet it would be the one i would put on my grinder. unless you have another one to put it on.

also as said before a couple minutes on the wire wheel for the tool rest holders and bolts and a little Johnson paste wax would do wonders for the look of the awesome paint job you did. i might even go so far as to dig out a few stainless bolts and bar stock if i had any to replace them with.

 

[Outlawmws]

What was the time that grinders didn't have eye shields, or have they always had them? I am looking at a vintage grinder, not a block, but I would estimate from the 60s. It doesn't have eye shields, was just wondering if they were mandated later, or if they are just missing.

edit: This is not a craftsman grinder, but i'm sure you guys know the answer to my question. Thanks!

Leaving buffers out if it, by the 60's I'm sure all grinders with the possible exception of those tiny subfratonal HP (1/5, 1/6...) 5" or less home owners models had some sort of eye shields.

 

[Bobioz1]

E-replacement parts shows the label for my 1hp still available. Might try looking there. If not I have a 3/4 hp commercial with a crown logo I could take picture of.

 

[altersaddle]

I am now a member of this club.

$55 from the Re-Store:



1/2 HP Commercial, model 397.21145.

Today I am on the hunt for rubber feet and a new wheel or two.

If anyone in or around Victoria, BC is looking for one, there's another one up for sale on usedvictoria for $90 - including a nice Grizzly stand. Hard to tell from the photos, but I think it's a 1/4 HP.

 

[bagged89s10]

I am now a member of this club.



$55 from the Re-Store:







1/2 HP Commercial, model 397.21145.



Today I am on the hunt for rubber feet and a new wheel or two.



If anyone in or around Victoria, BC is looking for one, there's another one up for sale on usedvictoria for $90 - including a nice Grizzly stand. Hard to tell from the photos, but I think it's a 1/4 HP.

Yes! Nice find on that commercial capacitor start 1/2HP. Same one I have.



~Veeps

 

[harleybuilder]

I am now a member of this club.

Today I am on the hunt for rubber feet and a new wheel or two.

Welcome to the club. . For a replacement feet, if you have a Lowe's store they carry Hillman # 884633 grommets that are perfect.

 

[altersaddle]

There aren't any Lowe's on Vancouver Island, the closest one is an expensive ferry ride away on the mainland.

The Canadian website doesn't have Hillman # 884633 either, so I'd have to get them from a US store.

I do have a lathe so I will make them out of rubber hose or hockey pucks if I can't find anything locally. Home Depot and Canadian Tire came up empty, but that's not a big surprise. I might try Lordco or Princess Auto tomorrow evening.

 

[McBrownie]

I am now a member of this club.

$55 from the Re-Store:



1/2 HP Commercial, model 397.21145.

Today I am on the hunt for rubber feet and a new wheel or two.

If anyone in or around Victoria, BC is looking for one, there's another one up for sale on usedvictoria for $90 - including a nice Grizzly stand. Hard to tell from the photos, but I think it's a 1/4 HP.

Very nice grinder, but 397.21145? I have never seen that model number before. Has anyone else?