Value of Craftsman Block Grinder

[NC Homestead]

UPDATE: Value of another Craftsman Block Grinder

OK so now that I have found out that I need a Craftsman block grinder as well to ad to my stable I came across this guy. Way overpriced at the moment in my opinion, but I am working to calibrate my values here. Things I noticed off the bat. Missing wheel end covers, missing tool rests, eye shields are not original, and I think it looks like the wheel guard on the left has been cut, and the whole painting over the label things as well. I have been thinking about a grinder dedicated to using for just wire wheels, so the missing covers and cutaway wheel guard does not bother me so much, just trying to gauge what this thing would actually be worth maybe $10-20 dollars? What do you guys think?




Update: 6/4/2015:
So this guy just popped up on my local Craigslist this morning let's here what you have to say about this one!

"Antique 1/3 HP Model 397 Sears Craftsman Bench Grinder. Great vintage / steam punk light attached. Awesome old tool. Worked last time it was used, but that was several years ago. Don't know much about it, but it should be good to go."

 

[mtwaterguy]

What hp is it?

 

[7th Kahuna]

I'm still working out the prices myself but I will post this for research purposes. I recently purchased this one for $50. It's 1/3 hp. Dirty, damaged tool rest, damaged eye shield, missing water bowl, exposed copper / rotten power cord, and one rusty dented end cover.

I removed the eye shields and the spark arrestors to use on my own, gave it a quick wipe down and resold it immediately for $60.

If the cord hadn't been so bad I suspect I could have gotten as much as $75. I wouldn't expect the one you posted to go for less than $30, even if its low hp.

Keep in mind, if that is rattle can paint, you might be able to get it off the label with Simple Green.

 

[exmaxima1]

I removed the eye shields and the spark arrestors to use on my own, gave it a quick wipe down and resold it immediately for $60.
.

Seriously? You were able to sell that 1/3hp block w/o eyeshields ($30 to replace), quench tray ($20), spark arrestors ($5) for $60? The market in LA must be extremely lucrative!

 

[rsanter]

If it comes with that stand and all for $20 and it runs I think you should brag about that.

Bob

 

[7th Kahuna]

Seriously? You were able to sell that 1/3hp block w/o eyeshields ($30 to replace), quench tray ($20), spark arrestors ($5) for $60? The market in LA must be extremely lucrative!

Real Estate and the cost of Gasoline aren't the only things that go crazy around here.

I bought my first grinder about six weeks ago. I got lucky with that one. It is a 1/2 hp commercial mailbox grinder with original stand for $40 (discounted from $50 for missing parts). I managed to find the quench tray but it was missing the tool rests, spark arrestors, and eye shields. It also has some serious rust issues on the center tin. I thought I was just going to keep the stand and sell the grinder until it was pointed out to me by torqueman2002 and a couple other members that I had something special. Slowly I am pulling together the missing pieces.

Around here, more complete mailbox grinders or higher hp block grinders in general seem go for $75 to $140. There is a filthy 1hp block grinder with missing lamp socket and hood listed for $120. If the guy would clean it up and fix his photos he might just get it. This is his cover photo:

In summer camp we would have called that a 'dead cow'.

This 1/4 hp is also listed for $120. It's not moving either. The ad says 'original paint'. That is a craftsman stand it is sitting on.

 

[exmaxima1]

More complete mailbox grinders or higher hp grinders block grinders in general seem go for $90 to $140. There is a filthy 1hp block grinder with missing lamp socket and hood listed for $120. If the guy would clean it up and fix his photos he might just get it. This is his cover photo:

That grinder also includes a diamond wheel. I have to think those are pretty pricey, making it a decent deal for the right person.

 

[7th Kahuna]

That grinder also includes a diamond wheel. I have to think those are pretty pricey, making it a decent deal for the right person.

And nowhere in the ad does he mention that fact. I would have placed it front and center. I agree, that's what would make it a deal.

 

[Packard V8]

Guess I just don't get the recent GJ fascination for Craftsman block/mailbox grinders. I have and have had several; they're good, just not anything for which to pay top dollars. They're a decent homeowner-hobby grinder, but by no measure an industrial quality machine.

I'll have to take a photo of the old Montgomery-Ward bench grinder we have in the engine shop. It's outlasted several of the Craftsman and no one has seen, heard of or collects M-W.

jack vines

 

[bluebolt]

LOL "Blocks are the new Black".

To the OP: I would pay $40 for that grinder, rob those Baldor style eye shields off of it and sell it for $30 for the grinder, $10 for the drill sharpener and $15 for the stand or $50 for all. Parts is parts!

 

[7th Kahuna]

Jack, curious to see that grinder. I agree with your point, though around here, a decent Craftsman is still generally a good deal less expensive than a Rockwell or Dayton or some of the other recognizable brands. They are also far more common. I'm not sure I have ever seen a Montgomery Ward (Powr Kraft). I have seen a few KMart models and I'll definitely take the Craftsman over that. Duro made a number of tools for Wards. I wonder if they made some of the grinders too.

I am reminded of a conversation I had with a guy about his dad's 'junk' JC Penny radial arm saw. Penncraft I believe was the brand. His tune changed a bit when it was pointed out it was made by Rockwell.

 

[NC Homestead]

I just think the design is ****, and stand out from the usual round shape. Honestly has nothing to do with the real/perceived quality of the tool. But I am all about some grinding workhorses , regardless of the brand, if the come along at a good price!

BTW who makes some quality buffers?

 

[bluebolt]

Baldor is one of the best quality buffers out there.

 

[NC Homestead]

I guess my next question is... is there any real fundamental difference between a grinder and buffer?

 

[bluebolt]

Buffers usually have longer shafts sticking out for better access to the parts you are buffing.

 

[biowrench]

That grinder also includes a diamond wheel. I have to think those are pretty pricey, making it a decent deal for the right person.

Seen that one in person, it kind of is a dead cow. At half as much it'd be worth the trouble to address the issues.

 

[SweetD]

Guess I just don't get the recent GJ fascination for Craftsman block/mailbox grinders. I have and have had several; they're good, just not anything for which to pay top dollars. They're a decent homeowner-hobby grinder, but by no measure an industrial quality machine.

jack vines

With all due respect jack, not everyone requires an industrial quality machine. The C-Man block grinders, in my opinion (and many others), are at least a slight notch above a decent homeowner-hobby grinder. They serve my weekend tinkering needs quite well!



Dave

 

[7th Kahuna]

Seen that one in person, it kind of is a dead cow. At half as much it'd be worth the trouble to address the issues.

I'm glad you mentioned that. I actually try to exclude that guys ads from my search results. Something about them just never feels right.

 

[biowrench]

I'm glad you mentioned that. I actually try to exclude that guys ads from my search results. Something about them just never feels right.

He's not shady, just shrewd, way proud of his stock, and a little paranoid. Getting to the place requires a lot of back and forth, he takes you on a treasure hunt of increasingly specific directions.

 

[NC Homestead]

Update: 6/4/2015:
So this guy just popped up on my local Craigslist this morning let's here what you have to say about this one!

"Antique 1/3 HP Model 397 Sears Craftsman Bench Grinder. Great vintage / steam punk light attached. Awesome old tool. Worked last time it was used, but that was several years ago. Don't know much about it, but it should be good to go."

 

[exmaxima1]

Update: 6/4/2015:
So this guy just popped up on my local Craigslist this morning let's here what you have to say about this one!

"Antique 1/3 HP Model 397 Sears Craftsman Bench Grinder. Great vintage / steam punk light attached. Awesome old tool. Worked last time it was used, but that was several years ago. Don't know much about it, but it should be good to go."

Looks to be complete except for 1 eyeshield. What was the price??

 

[NC Homestead]

Looks to be complete except for 1 eyeshield. What was the price??

My bad he is asking $99
Although for some reason he thinks it is a 1939 model????

 

[jakemac]

Update: 6/4/2015:
So this guy just popped up on my local Craigslist this morning let's here what you have to say about this one!

"Antique 1/3 HP Model 397 Sears Craftsman Bench Grinder. Great vintage / steam punk light attached. Awesome old tool. Worked last time it was used, but that was several years ago. Don't know much about it, but it should be good to go."

1 - The guy doesn't know what Steampunk is.
2 - He doesn't know what an Antique is. (at best he could get away with "vintage")
3 - He must use ebay "asking" prices as his pricing guide.
4 - Apparently sticking the pointy end of the power cord into a wall socket to see if it runs is too complicated for this guy. I mean really, it's not like it would affect the overpriced asking price if it didn't run, right ?

 

[NC Homestead]

1 - The guy doesn't know what Steampunk is.
2 - He doesn't know what an Antique is. (at best he could get away with "vintage")
3 - He must use ebay "asking" prices as his pricing guide.
4 - Apparently sticking the pointy end of the power cord into a wall socket to see if it runs is too complicated for this guy. I mean really, it's not like it would affect the overpriced asking price if it didn't run, right ?

LMAO @ Jake, It get's a little bit better... So I texted the guy and he has no clue about the grinder just "selling it for a friend" who's dad passed away. So I ask to drop by and take a look, maybe help show him where the pointy end of the power cord goes, and see if she runs and makes any funny noises.... Nope wants to meet at the library, looks like I better bring an extension cord! Don't get me wrong I have no problems with people not wanting Craigslist buyers showing up at their house for safety reasons, there are some real whackjobs out there! But you gotta meet somewhere where you can demonstrate that the electrical device you are selling actually works.

So what is a fair price to offer this guy. $50? seems to be in good Cosmetic shape, may not even need a new coat of paint just some cleanup and buffing?

Will

 

[exmaxima1]

So what is a fair price to offer this guy. $50? seems to be in good Cosmetic shape, may not even need a new coat of paint just some cleanup and buffing?

I doubt he would take 1/2 his asking price. I think $60-75 is more what the seller is expecting. And yet he might expect his full asking price unless you can demonstrate there are issues that warrant substantial discounts.

It will be interesting to hear how the testing went down at the library....

 

[jakemac]

So what is a fair price to offer this guy. $50? seems to be in good Cosmetic shape, may not even need a new coat of paint just some cleanup and buffing?

Will

I'm cheap, so I wouldn't go over $50. But at 1/3hp it would have to purr like a kitten.
Dirt and a touch of rust wouldn't bother me. More rust and the price goes down.

My last two 1/2hp blocks were purchased for $40 or less, one with the original stand. I walk away if the price is higher. But your area may have a different pricing scale.

Surprise him at the library, bring a generator with you to plug it in.

 

[7th Kahuna]

At least a grinder is pretty quiet. I answered an ad for a skil saw once. The guy asked me to meet him at the bowling alley. I figured they must have an outdoor patio or something. They may have, but no, this guy heads straight inside, down the stairs to the lanes and proceeds to plug the sucker into a wall outlet while there are active games in progress. He fires it up, gives it a good go and starts to hand it to me so I can give it a try. Needless to say, all eyes were on us. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Since then, I am a bit more careful about where i meet people.

Yes, I did buy the saw.

We have already discussed my market, but $50 seems like it would be a deal. Offer him $50, if he doesn't take it, touch base with him again in a week. You already got the drill press, I think there is a limit to how many 'scores' any one player receives in a 10 day period.

 

[jakemac]

................ I think there is a limit to how many 'scores' any one player receives in a 10 day period.

[GASP !!!!!] Say it isn't so !

 

[NC Homestead]

I think there is a limit to how many 'scores' any one player receives in a 10 day period.

Bite your tongue that is HERESY!

Now on to the haggling... well apparently he was not to hot on the $50 offer, but he was not completely dismissive. Apparently the peeps he is selling for are going to be having/participating in some kind of group antique/vintage yard sale next weekend. If it is still around by then I can see it, plug it in, and do some face to face negotiations. Plus who knows what else I could find there!

 

[7th Kahuna]

Hey, ignore the rules at your own risk.



I do

 

[NC Homestead]

Well I heard back from them today, They were willing to come down to $60. I thought long and hard on it... If it were complete I probably would have went up to $60, so I asked if they were sure the other eye shield was not laying around, or perhaps if they even had the manual... but nope. Looks like I am going to have to take my chances and show up at the yard sale to see if I can plug it in and see how she sounds. I am bummed that they are starting the sale next Thursday though as I will not be able to get out until Saturday, and I was some vintage Craftsman tool boxes in the background of one of the pictures as well and a few old tools!

 

[NC Homestead]

OK So I found the posting on CL for their garage sale and noticed a couple goodies in the pictures, so I struck a deal. I would give him $60 for the grinder and I get to go through the toolboxes and tools the day before the sale starts and get first crack at making an offer on anything that I might find and want! Here are the pictures anyone that caught my eye, anyone want to feature a guess as to what was interesting LOL...

 

[jakemac]

My guess about the wooden round top box is that it's a sewing machine. Depending on what brand it is, I might be in for $10-$25 if I needed one (which I don't, already have an old White).

 

[NC Homestead]

Jake - Good call man! I have been burning up the vintage tool box thread trying to figure out what kind of tool box that was.

Any idea on the manufacturer of that vise?

Of course I am interested in the Craftsman tool box and the cantilevered tool box which I am thinking is craftsman as well... Any ideas on the value of those?

 

[jakemac]

I could be wrong, but the vise has an import feel to it.

The first toolbox - $15-$25 in repainted (spray-bombed) condition.
The cantilever, I'm not sure. About the same ?