let's see your craftsman block grinders

[S4cruiser]

Great job!
Is that an 397 1/3 hp? If so, I just created that label. See Torqueman,s post #8179 for details. Also I just ordered some of those printed on "Metallic" Paper, if you are interested I should have extras, I will pm you when they arrive if you like.

Please do - I'm in for one!

It's the exact same as the label you mentioned.

 

[mbsinmich]

Will do.
I am restoring a 397 myself, what color/kind of paint did you use?
Thanks

Please do - I'm in for one!

It's the exact same as the label you mentioned.

 

[mroneeyedboh]

Still looking for a 3/4-1hp block... I'd prefer complete and age correct shields etc.

Thanks!

Located in MD

 

[taumac]

Got a quick question. I got a 1/3 hp 1970 block

I have this light.

Here's the wiring underneath



Now question I have is my light only turns on if machine turned on. Is this correct for this model? I just asked a GJ member about his and his turns on if machine turned on or off.

 

[JZiggy]

Yes, all of the block grinders I have seen work this way. You flip them on and the light comes on too. Except for the few that have lights with switches -- those are completely independent and can be turned on and off even without the grinder running.

 

[taumac]

Yes, all of the block grinders I have seen work this way. You flip them on and the light comes on too. Except for the few that have lights with switches -- those are completely independent and can be turned on and off even without the grinder running.

The light does have a switch but doesn't matter still needs machine grinder on.

 

[Outlawmws]

It could be a replacement socket for the type that switches with the Motor. you can reroute the wire and make it always on. Connect to the incoming wires in parallel.

 

[McBrownie]

Yes, all of the block grinders I have seen work this way. You flip them on and the light comes on too. Except for the few that have lights with switches -- those are completely independent and can be turned on and off even without the grinder running.

And here is how you do that. Lamp on and off with the grinder didn't seem right to me. So, I bought some "chair" connectors (only one required) and wired the lamp so it always got power. I replaced the socket with a switched socket and fixed the problem. Here is how you re-route the wire. It's easier than it seems. Only requires that one wire is moved.

Before:
View media item 40372And after:
View media item 46178

 

[taumac]

And here is how you do that. Lamp on and off with the grinder didn't seem right to me. So, I bought some "chair" connectors (only one required) and wired the lamp so it always got power. I replaced the socket with a switched socket and fixed the problem. Here is how you re-route the wire. It's easier than it seems. Only requires that one wire is moved.



View media item 46178

Thank you! I agree with outlaw and thought I'll just run it with constant power and you just way to do it. Now I wonder if there a place around me that sells those or have to order online.

 

[Outlawmws]

You have one already, on the other post of the switch...

 

[taumac]

You have one already, on the other post of the switch...

Really, I didn't even see that. I really didn't go poking around. I not a fan of messing with 45+ year old wiring that works. I did what McBrownie said and it works great. Thanks guys. Glad that was a easy fix. LOL

 

[Vette10R]

Refreshed this guy a couple weeks ago. Turned out great but could really use a new label...

Wire wheels are on the way for this guy.

Looks good! Are those the original pieces of glass or new ones? If new where about's did you find them?

Paint looks good too! Is that rattle can?

 

[Ridjobradi]

I found another block to bring home. This one is in better condition, with all its original parts and stand. All in for $75.

 

[torqueman2002]

I'm a little late on some questions, but my comments are in blue below.

Still looking for a 3/4-1hp block... I'd prefer complete and age correct shields etc.

Thanks!

Located in MD
SE Michigan has a good supply of Blocks.

But, I know 3 members waiting for more than 2 years for a 3/4-HP or 1-HP to show-up in this area.

They are out there, but not as common as the 1/3-HP and 1/2-HP models.

Got a quick question. I got a 1/3 hp 1970 block

I have this light.


Here's the wiring underneath



Now question I have is my light only turns on if machine turned on. Is this correct for this model? I just asked a GJ member about his and his turns on if machine turned on or off.
What JZiggy and McBrownie said x2.

Here's a wiring diagram of your model, showing optional lamp wiring to allow lamp operation independent of grinder.

Yes, all of the block grinders I have seen work this way. You flip them on and the light comes on too. Except for the few that have lights with switches -- those are completely independent and can be turned on and off even without the grinder running.

And here is how you do that. Lamp on and off with the grinder didn't seem right to me. So, I bought some "chair" connectors (only one required) and wired the lamp so it always got power. I replaced the socket with a switched socket and fixed the problem. Here is how you re-route the wire. It's easier than it seems. Only requires that one wire is moved.

You'll find a link to the above diagram in the thread: "Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss...". The link is in my signature line below.

Here' a link to a PB SlideShow with the diagram and others:
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/CM 009 Wiring Schematics

 

[MercLSU]

There's a NOS 1/3 HP block grinder on Ebay...not cheap, but I'd bet it sells.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Craftsman-397-19580-Bench-Grinder-NEW-IN-BOX-NEVER-USED-/252320886398?hash=item3abf7f2e7e:g:j-YAAOSwAuNW54al

ETA: Not my ad. Sorry if this isn't the appropriate place to post it, but I figure not as many block grinder fans would see it in the Ebay / Hot Deals thread.

 

[torqueman2002]

Merc - thanks for the heads-up.

NIB, turn up every so often. Interesting to see what this 1 will go for.

Sears sold more of this 1/3-HP m-397.1958x than any other model, judging by the numbers we see on CL/eBay, ....

 

[MercLSU]

Already gone...

"This listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing."

Looks like somebody made them a nice offer, but I hate when I don't know how much something really sold for.

 

[WWShop]

Found an original Craftsman grinder stand but the guy wants $80. Opinions?

 

[Ridjobradi]

I have an original stand available, if anyone is interested.

 

[exmaxima1]

Found an original Craftsman grinder stand but the guy wants $80. Opinions?

If you check the auction site, you won't find many under $100. If it's clean, the price is the going rate....

 

[S4cruiser]

I have an original stand available, if anyone is interested.

I would be very interested. Pm me a shipped price to 27705! I'm always looking but they never seem to pop up anywhere local to me.

 

[S4cruiser]

Will do.
I am restoring a 397 myself, what color/kind of paint did you use?
Thanks

Rustoleum gloss enamel in gray, Rustoleum hammered black, Rustoleum hammered silver, Rustoleum stain black and then Rustoleum clear on some parts.

Looks good! Are those the original pieces of glass or new ones? If new where about's did you find them?

Paint looks good too! Is that rattle can?

Yes - original glass that I still need to polish and install.

Yep - rattle can (took two tries). First attempt was in December when we had a warm stretch...paint didn't cure enough and the second coat crinkled like crazy so it had to all be removed and redone.

 

[Vette10R]

Rustoleum gloss enamel in gray, Rustoleum hammered black, Rustoleum hammered silver, Rustoleum stain black and then Rustoleum clear on some parts.



Yes - original glass that I still need to polish and install.

Yep - rattle can (took two tries). First attempt was in December when we had a warm stretch...paint didn't cure enough and the second coat crinkled like crazy so it had to all be removed and redone.

So was it it not warm enough for paint? I'm looking to repain't mine soon, it's all apart and ready to go. What did you do for prep and what paint did you use?

Edit: just read what paint you used sorry...

 

[Vette10R]

Here's what I recently picked up on CL, It works like new and its in pretty good shape. Needs a piece of glass and could use the paint refreshed so that's what I will be working on.

To those that have repainted yours what are you doing to prep? Just clean and hit with spray paint or completely strip the paint off? Id like to keep the colors as original as possible.

Here's a few pics...

 

[04chase]

Well I'm finally in thus club I've admired. Found this gem locally. Paid 160 for it not sure how good of a deal I got but finding one n.o.s. was pretty unbelievable

Now I'm looking for a 1hp 8" version.

Anyone have one they would part with?

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[jakemac]

Now I'm looking for a 1hp 8" version.

Anyone have one they would part with?

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

You're funny.

Nice score on the NOS block.

 

[McBrownie]

Well I'm finally in thus club I've admired. Found this gem locally. Paid 160 for it not sure how good of a deal I got but finding one n.o.s. was pretty unbelievable

Now I'm looking for a 1hp 8" version.

Anyone have one they would part with?

04,
Welcome to the block grinder club and congratulations on your find. $160 is not a screaming deal, but on the rarity of finding NOS, I think you did well. It's easy to put a $30 wreck over the $100 mark in replacement parts and it would never be as nice. Check the bottom cover plate for a date stamp. Also, I'm sure some people would be interested in a scanned copy of that manual.

Now, asking for someone here to part with a 1hp? Good luck with that!

 

[Outlawmws]

Find the guys that have said "it scares e!"

 

[CNGsaves]

04,
Welcome to the block grinder club and congratulations on your find.

Now, asking for someone here to part with a 1hp? Good luck with that!

^ ^ ^ No doubt.

Ba, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha !!! . . . .

Could I also ask for Corvette 454 w/ 4 speed ???

 

[Pupuhd]

Now, asking for someone here to part with a 1hp? Good luck with that!

Yeah, you might have better luck finding hens with teeth.

E/w, that's one sweet find. I've been also looking for a 1hp one too. The closest I may ever get to seeing or using one is one at work in out "shared" shop. One of these days I'm going to snag it from that shop and bring it over to our carpenter shop since we don't have a grinder.

Btw, by any chance you didn't push in the tab on the box labeled "Carry Here"? Did you? Because if you did, you just degraded the value of that sweet grinder ten-fold.

 

[torqueman2002]

There's a NOS 1/3 HP block grinder on Ebay...not cheap, but I'd bet it sells.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cra...886398?hash=item3abf7f2e7e:g:j-YAAOSwAuNW54al
.....

Well I'm finally in thus club I've admired. Found this gem locally. Paid 160 for it not sure how good of a deal I got but finding one n.o.s. was pretty unbelievable
.....

Now I'm looking for a 1hp 8" version.

Anyone have one they would part with?

04chase, welcome to the Block grinder thread and ownership.

It looks like you snagged that NIB 1/3-HP m-397.19580 on eBay a day or 2 ago.

Nice!

Now, the real quandary.

Do you keep it in original-new condition, or use it like you stole it?

"Anyone have one (1hp 8" version) they would part with?"

 

[S4cruiser]

So was it it not warm enough for paint? I'm looking to repain't mine soon, it's all apart and ready to go. What did you do for prep and what paint did you use?

The temp when painted was fine...but it wasn't warm enough in between coats so the paint didn't cure. Total screw up on my part.

Prep was clean/degrease, some bondo to smooth out gouges, sand, then prime/paint.

Someone had tried go all Norman Bates on this poor grinder

 

[CalsXS2]

Man. One more day and my other 3/4 will be here. I've been waiting a month and a half. Talk about teaching you patience. Which I have none.

Funny thing is I'll probably be disappointed with it compared to my 2 other blocks I scored while waiting for it to get here,,,lol. Oh well.

 

[Vette10R]

The temp when painted was fine...but it wasn't warm enough in between coats so the paint didn't cure. Total screw up on my part.

Prep was clean/degrease, some bondo to smooth out gouges, sand, then prime/paint.

Someone had tried go all Norman Bates on this poor grinder

Well it turned out good! Thanks for the info

 

[nine4gmc]

Someone said they were giving out 1 HP 8" Block Grinders in this thread, I had to come see...

 

[nine4gmc]

Already gone...

"This listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing."

Looks like somebody made them a nice offer, but I hate when I don't know how much something really sold for.

Patience Grasshopper, time will reveal all.

Well I'm finally in thus club I've admired. Found this gem locally. Paid 160 for it not sure how good of a deal I got but finding one n.o.s. was pretty unbelievable

 

[CalsXS2]

Are you guys getting email notifications on this thread?

 

[04chase]

Already gone...

"This listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing."

Looks like somebody made them a nice offer, but I hate when I don't know how much something really sold for.

There's a NOS 1/3 HP block grinder on Ebay...not cheap, but I'd bet it sells.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cra...886398?hash=item3abf7f2e7e:g:j-YAAOSwAuNW54al

ETA: Not my ad. Sorry if this isn't the appropriate place to post it, but I figure not as many block grinder fans would see it in the Ebay / Hot Deals thread.

Merc - thanks for the heads-up.

NIB, turn up every so often. Interesting to see what this 1 will go for.

Sears sold more of this 1/3-HP m-397.1958x than any other model, judging by the numbers we see on CL/eBay, ....

Note my grinder I just got right after your mention of that

Sold for 160 fwiw.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[04chase]

Anyone know of what a 1hp is worth? There is one on the bay with a stand and the seller is very helpful . Fastenal was suggested for shipping by him and they are currently not shipping to c.a.

Looked up some quotes so far and for shipping I'm looking at near 300 bucks.





Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[mtwaterguy]

Anyone know of what a 1hp is worth? There is one on the bay with a stand and the seller is very helpful . Fastenal was suggested for shipping by him and they are currently not shipping to c.a.

Looked up some quotes so far and for shipping I'm looking at near 300 bucks.





Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Have him take it apart. Put the tube in one box and the grinder and the other stand parts in another, Should be under $100 at FedEX.