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Is this a craftsman block grinder?

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AceofSpad3s

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Hello everyone, I spotted this craftsman grinder on craigslist for $20 and I was wondering if it is the block grinder everyone talks about and if this one is any good. I don't know what size it is yet but I emailed the guy, hope it is a 8". Thanks.
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AceofSpad3s

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Sam'sAutoParts said:
Hope you got it, that is a steal. A cheap China grinder is at least $40 new, and won't last as long as a used block
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No email back yet, I got a ryobi 6in grinder that I got for $14.50 on clearance new a while back, I am probably going to use this block for wire wheels if I get it. But I am concerned that if jake is right and it is a 7", that wire wheels are going to be a ***** to get. I looked them up online and 7' wheels are pretty expensive, $30 and above. But that was just light searching, I did not look at any place in particular.
 
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lauver

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Ace,

Are you sure your grinder takes 7" wheels?

I have a block grinder with 7" grinding wheels. And let me tell you, they are hard to come by. I spent hours looking for 7" wheels online with no luck. I ended up buying some NOS military surplus 7" wheels at a flea market. I got lucky because this size is not standard anymore.

Another option is to buy used/worn 8" wheels that measure just over 7" and true them up. You should end up with a serviceable 7" wheel.

I realize you are planning on using wire wheels instead of grinding stones, but don't limit yourself over the long run. Sooner or later you'll want to run stones on your block grinder simply because it's a much better grinder than you smaller import grinder.
 
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drivesitfar

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ACE: i'm not 100% on this but i think 6 inch wire wheels will work on that grinder if you get it. if you do get it post it over on the Craftsman block thread and ask that question or PM me and i'll let you know of a few members that can answer that question if they don't see your post. you are missing eye shields on that block and the stones are pretty worn, but for $20 you are getting a water tray that cost that and the lamp and a decent size grinder.

Jake: can 6 inch wire wheels work on the 1/2 HP blocks?
 
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jakemac

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drivesitfar said:
Jake: can 6 inch wire wheels work on the 1/2 HP blocks?
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There's no reason why you couldn't put smaller wheels on a grinder. The only issue might be access, since the wheel would sit further into the guards. But then again, this would be no different than continuing to use a wheel that has worn down. So in the end, you'd be starting at the worn down stage.

The only way to fit larger wheels than intended would be to remove the guards, which isn't recommended.
 
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twertsy

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Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but personally, I would be putting stones on that 1/2hp and relegating the Ryobi to wire/polisher duty!!
 
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bluebolt

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I am pretty sure that is the split phase 6" wheel version, not the Commercial version with 7" wheels. It has 1 piece tool rests and I don't see exhaust ports on the guards.
 
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notlob

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I have that same grinder with the same faded and illegible label - takes 6" wheels. Especially given that it appears complete other than the eyeshields, $20 is a suckage price.

I buy wheels for my 7" Milwaukee bench grinder from Zoro- they have a good selection of 7" stone and wire wheels.
 
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torqueman2002

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The Blocks I have had the pleasure to own/know, have these size wheels & arbors.
1-HP & 3/4-HP Blocks --- 8" with 5/8" arbor; exception m-397.19350 7" with 1/2" arbor
1/2-HP Blocks --- 7" with 1/2" arbor
1/4-HP & 1/3-HP Blocks --- 6" with 1/2" arbor

Try the following for wheels and stones (I use Weiler).
http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Abrasives/Brushes/Power-Brushes/Wheel-Brushes?navid=12100164

http://www.mcmaster.com/#wire-wheels/=xy9nim

ENCO has 7" wheels. Their house brand is Tru-Maxx, which are made by Saint-Gobain (who also make Norton). The Bond Grade and Structure in the Aluminum Oxide wheels are N8 and abrasive type 57. In the Silicon Carbide the Bond Grade and Structure is I8 with abrasive type 39C. While Enco doesn't specify the wheels do come with inserts. Don't forget a Desmond dresser or dressing stick if you prefer. Their silicon carbine dressing stick has a grit of 24. Some also like diamond point dressers. Enco often has 15-20% discounts with free shipping, so sign up and monitor their emails for specials.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRAR?PMSECT=0000000107
:thumbup:
 
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CNGsaves

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Keep after the CL seller . . . that's worth snagging for sure.

If the CL seller did die . . . that might give you negotiating power down to $10 !! :D

Good luck.
 
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torqueman2002

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AceofSpad3s

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How much more powerful is this block compared to my 6in ryobi black friday special. I got some free points from sears and got a wheel for the ryobi and was absolutely appalled that I could stall it with little force at all. How much better would it run on the block grinder?
 
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jakemac

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There's no comparison. Think Rambo-vs-Beetle Bailey.

At some time in the last 30yrs, some penny-pincher figured out how to reformulate HP so that a lower performance (cheaper to build) motor would equate to a higher HP rating under the regulations. Which basically means that today's electric motors are weaker (primarily torque) than the same rated vintage electric motors.
 
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MilwaukeeFish

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Sorry to hijack your thread AceofSpad3s, but I just found this one on my local CL and need the knowledgeable folks here to answer the same question: block or not?

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Seller says it's a 2hp from Sears. I'd like to know the skinny on it and if it's worth going after before I contact the seller. Thanks for the help :)
 
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softailgarage

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It's an older model, 1960's. You can tell by the metal eye guards. How much does the seller want? I usually wont pay more than $40.00 in that condition. Ask the seller to turn it over, there is a date stamp on the bottom plate.
 
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exmaxima1

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softailgarage said:
It's an older model, 1960's. You can tell by the metal eye guards. How much does the seller want? I usually wont pay more than $40.00 in that condition. Ask the seller to turn it over, there is a date stamp on the bottom plate.
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+1
Looks like a 1/3 hp model. With the missing rest, tray, and end cover, $40 max seems spot on
 
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drivesitfar

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Ace: I agree with Jake and if you have a few minutes maybe put the same wheel on both grinders and let us know what you get for results.

MF: That grinder isn't a 2 HP grinder and more likely a 1/3 HP block. if its in great shape it's probably worth more than $40, but the guys here already own a few so they can wait for another one to pop up if they find one more expensive. Also that one looks like it's had a rough life so it might need new bearings and a few other things to spiff it up so the $40 is about right. if it runs very smooth it's worth a bit more and personally i like the blocks with the metal framed eye guards because they look better.
 
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jakemac

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MilwaukeeFish said:
Sorry to hijack your thread AceofSpad3s, but I just found this one on my local CL and need the knowledgeable folks here to answer the same question: block or not?

01111_i7JvYJAqGFq_600x450.jpg


Seller says it's a 2hp from Sears. I'd like to know the skinny on it and if it's worth going after before I contact the seller. Thanks for the help :)
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It's not possible for that to be a 2hp. They didn't make them that big. They stopped at 1hp.

It's more likely that it's a 1/2hp and the "1/" is faded out on the label. It's missing a side cover, guide, quench tray, possibly the rubber feet, and there is no light. IMO $40 would be the top I'd pay for it, but it would have to run with no noisy bearings. I'd put it more in the range of $25-$35.
 
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MilwaukeeFish

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jakemac said:
It's not possible for that to be a 2hp. They didn't make them that big. They stopped at 1hp.

It's more likely that it's a 1/2hp and the "1/" is faded out on the label. It's missing a side cover, guide, quench tray, possibly the rubber feet, and there is no light. IMO $40 would be the top I'd pay for it, but it would have to run with no noisy bearings. I'd put it more in the range of $25-$35.
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$25 is what I was thinking of offering the seller for the grinder after I see it, and see it running. His price is a "best offer". While the listing says "great working condition": all of the missing parts tells me that the tool likely has not been taken care of very well.

Thanks to everyone for the help on this one. :beer:
 
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AceofSpad3s

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What should I check for when I got pick it up? I haven't got it yet since I keep debating if I need it but I finally decided to get it since I sold a little buffalo vise for a $10 and I can just sell the ryobi on cl.
 
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AceofSpad3s

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Finally got my *** in gear and picked it up and holy ****, it is night and day difference compared to the ryobi. Picked up a bunch of **** today so I might make a post about all of that and the grinder. Also am thinking about a 10in cman 100 series tablesaw with a cast iron extension for $40, thinking about it but I already got a tablesaw.
 
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jrobb316

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MilwaukeeFish said:
$25 is what I was thinking of offering the seller for the grinder after I see it, and see it running. His price is a "best offer". While the listing says "great working condition": all of the missing parts tells me that the tool likely has not been taken care of very well.

Thanks to everyone for the help on this one. :beer:
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If you're in Milwaukee go pick this one up http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/5106335443.html
I'm sick of looking at it when I search, i'd be on it but I already have 2 of that model.
 
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AceofSpad3s

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jakemac said:
Told ya !
Now that we've got you hooked, you're doomed. Bwahahaha :evil:
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Ah ****, I already got a vise problem, now this. I bought 4, columbian 43 1/2, Dunlap 3.25, and two 1.5" jaw vises this weekend, I don't know what I will do with a block grinder problem.
 
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jrobb316

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It is my experience that a block grinder vice is easier to deal with than a vise vice. Of course you want to collect every HP, but you're only after one brand. So they are harder to find. With vises now you have 6, 7, 8 brands, swivel and non, rear swivelers, the possibilities are endless :scared: and of course a regular sized vise won't do, you need 6, 7, or 8 inchers too
 
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drivesitfar

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ACE: we can say it didn't happen if you don't post any pictures so can you post a few of the block and then take up a few more posts full of all the other vises and tools?

glad you believed us when we told you a block is a better grinder than a newer imported one.

good luck on keeping cash in your wallet because even though i'm still looking for blocks and vises i haven't bought many lately, but now i want a welder, dumb truck, fork lift, and i'm sure there will be a few more as i keep learning about them.

cheers
 
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jrobb316

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drivesitfar said:
ACE: we can say it didn't happen if you don't post any pictures so can you post a few of the block and then take up a few more posts full of all the other vises and tools?

glad you believed us when we told you a block is a better grinder than a newer imported one.

good luck on keeping cash in your wallet because even though i'm still looking for blocks and vises i haven't bought many lately, but now i want a welder, dumb truck, fork lift, and i'm sure there will be a few more as i keep learning about them.

cheers
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Acetylene torch, air compressor, full array of pneumatic tools, press, drives has the market on vises now he's eying up the rest :lol_hitti
 
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