let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

Thanks Torque!

I was able to get a couple quick measurements, not sure if these are 'exact' enough, but if you want more exact dimensions, I'd be happy to get them for you.

This thread (along with your other thread about the block grinder) was the reason I bought this grinder. I have a strong appreciation for the forums (having been a big contributor to some of the chevy and ford forums out there [I know, how could I like both ]), so the fact that these grinders have such a strong following really speaks to the quality of them. After reading that the 1hp's can be a challenge to find (which i didnt know until I typed in the model number) I immediately called and went over to get it. In that sense, you could say I took the oath/pledge before I bought my first block grinder.

I was on the verge of buying a late model grinder off craigslist and while searching on google for the 'best' bench grinders stumbled across these threads. I had read that the late model stuff was mostly made in China and I wanted something that was US made, so this was perfect. I ended up paying $160 for the grinder and stand, which I think is probably a 'fair' price based on the grinders great condition and that the 1hp's seem to be pretty hard to find. Granted the stand is not US made, which I was kinda disappointed about, the stand is very stout and with no moving parts, I suppose I can live with it. At least it is craftsman brand.

I think the stand you have is the same exact stand as mine.

Yes, we/I have been known to enable others through the Block threads.

Hey, as I tell Mrs. Torqueman: grinders, women, drinking -- pick 2.

Those stands are very heavy and can stand up to the weight/momentum of my 1/2 Baldor and I'm sure a 1-HP Block.

I measured the track on the 1-HP Block I have; it is ~15", about 3 less than your model.

Thanks.

Ah yes, Chevy vs, Ford, vs. Mopar.

I retired from GM, so you gotta guess I'm a SB fan.

 

[I8URSVT]

Yes, we/I have been known to enable others through the Block threads.

Hey, as I tell Mrs. Torqueman: grinders, women, drinking -- pick 2.

Those stands are very heavy and can stand up to the weight/momentum of my 1/2 Baldor and I'm sure a 1-HP Block.

I measured the track on the 1-HP Block I have; it is ~15", about 3 less than your model.

Thanks.

Ah yes, Chevy vs, Ford, vs. Mopar.

I retired from GM, so you gotta guess I'm a SB fan.

Well based on my username i think you can tell i'm a bowtie fan myself. I sold my C5 back in December, and before that I had an LS2 CTS-V. I'm currently without a 'go-fast' toy, but I'll get back into something fun hopefully within the next year.

I'm going to be grinding down some wheel hubs I'm retro-fitting later this week, so I'm excited to put the grinder wheels to work.

 

[Bobioz1]

For Torqueman. 257 192190 arbor/shaft = 19.25", 397 19340 arbor/shaft = 14.625"

 

[thecody59]

I got lucky today! I found a craftsman 1/3 bench grinder for $20 on craigslist last night but i was a little late and missed it but then later on in the morning this gets posted up for only $5 more dollars and has a stand so i texted them right away and picked it up after work today. The grinder works great and only the light has some damage too it. The stand is custom and very heavy. Looks like someone welded a pipe to a car rim and added a bunch of concrete to it. I am not sure if i am going to keep the stand or not but for $25 dollars for a nice running vintage craftsman bench grinder i did very good.

 

[torqueman2002]

Well done cody59.

The plastic lamp shade is available.

$4.69
https://secure.searspartsdirect.com...958/0009/397/model-39719391/0247/0721000.html

OR
$5.63
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-cover-p-973653.html

Welcome to Block grinder ownership!

 

[thecody59]

Thank you torquemanw2002 for the links. That is the only thing really wrong with it that I can see. I am not sure yet if I am keeping the stand or taking it off. It is very heavy and the bottom circular shape makes it take up a bunch of space.

 

[mhardy]

I been looking locally for a CM block grinder to restore with very little luck. If something did come up it would get snatched up very quickly. Yesterday I was able to find this gem off a local classified site for $100. It was a little more than I wanted to spend but I figured that I would spend that much just in materials and parts if I were to restore one in ok shape.

I bought this from a 92 year old guy who is the original owner. He bought a matching era drill press the same day he bought the grinder. It was for sale and in mint shape as well but I already have a very nice drill press so I passed. I offered him $75 for the grinder and he said no way. He then went milling around in his garage and came out with the brand new, never been opened, CM Tool Holder Grinder Attachment and said he would throw it in for full price. I took it.

Overall it is in really good shape. The only damage at all is some minor paint damage to the right protective glass part. It runs like it was brand new. I was shocked it had the water trench, the light and the original stand all together.

The model is 397.19580. Does everything look correct? Any one used the attachment before?

 

[bczygan]

I been looking locally for a CM block grinder to restore with very little luck. If something did come up it would get snatched up very quickly. Yesterday I was able to find this gem off a local classified site for $100. It was a little more than I wanted to spend but I figured that I would spend that much just in materials and parts if I were to restore one in ok shape.

I bought this from a 92 year old guy who is the original owner. He bought a matching era drill press the same day he bought the grinder. It was for sale and in mint shape as well but I already have a very nice drill press so I passed. I offered him $75 for the grinder and he said no way. He then went milling around in his garage and came out with the brand new, never been opened, CM Tool Holder Grinder Attachment and said he would throw it in for full price. I took it.

Overall it is in really good shape. The only damage at all is some minor paint damage to the right protective glass part. It runs like it was brand new. I was shocked it had the water trench, the light and the original stand all together.

The model is 397.19580. Does everything look correct? Any one used the attachment before?

Tool holder would have sealed the deal for me too!

Just noticed you got the stand too. Great deal!

Bill

 

[Kaervak]

Found a nice 1/3HP block for $45. Doesn't have a lamp, but looks to be in very nice condition. Someone go get get it.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/5595761313.html

 

[bubinga]

That does look nice........

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[torqueman2002]

I'll make my comments in Red, below.

....

Overall it is in really good shape. The only damage at all is some minor paint damage to the right protective glass part. It runs like it was brand new. I was shocked it had the water trench, the light and the original stand all together.

The model is 397.19580. Does everything look correct?
Looks good from here. Thanks for posting. I/we'd love to see more, when you have a chance. BTW - welcome to the Forum and Block ownership!
Any one used the attachment before?
I believe member FrankLee has that attachment.

Found a nice 1/3HP block for $45. Doesn't have a lamp, but looks to be in very nice condition. Someone go get get it.
Tease!

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/5595761313.html

 

[torqueman2002]

I posted my experiment with the metal framed eye shield 'SHATTERPROOF GLASS' label reproduction.

LH-Reproduction, RH-Original.

More details here. --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5744276&postcount=4

I have a limited number of extra labels. PM me and I will drop some in an envelope to you for free.

Thanks for looking.

 

[paulm12]

looks good T-Man. I dont need any now, but thanks for reference info.

 

[thehorse13]

I been looking locally for a CM block grinder to restore with very little luck. If something did come up it would get snatched up very quickly. Yesterday I was able to find this gem off a local classified site for $100. It was a little more than I wanted to spend but I figured that I would spend that much just in materials and parts if I were to restore one in ok shape.

I bought this from a 92 year old guy who is the original owner. He bought a matching era drill press the same day he bought the grinder. It was for sale and in mint shape as well but I already have a very nice drill press so I passed. I offered him $75 for the grinder and he said no way. He then went milling around in his garage and came out with the brand new, never been opened, CM Tool Holder Grinder Attachment and said he would throw it in for full price. I took it.

Overall it is in really good shape. The only damage at all is some minor paint damage to the right protective glass part. It runs like it was brand new. I was shocked it had the water trench, the light and the original stand all together.

The model is 397.19580. Does everything look correct? Any one used the attachment before?

You did fantastic on this deal. You couldn't restore and add those extras for anywhere near 100 bucks.

Everything looks right on your grinder. I too have been hunting for the exact setup that you have found. Be thankful that your quest is over.

 

[McBrownie]

Here's something I did with my block grinders this morning. While I was waiting for the rain to stop, I started fooling around with a scrap piece of O1, my 3/4hp with the Multitool attachment (aka the BlockMeister), and my 1/2hp with standard stones. Then did some hand sharpening and ended up with a pretty cool striking knife.

View media item 60701

 

[mbsinmich]

Very Nice!!!

Here's something I did with my block grinders this morning. While I was waiting for the rain to stop, I started fooling around with a scrap piece of O1, my 3/4hp with the Multitool attachment (aka the BlockMeister), and my 1/2hp with standard stones. Then did some hand sharpening and ended up with a pretty cool striking knife.

View media item 60701

 

[JZiggy]

A general question for the block grinder gurus here: how do you "restore" the gooseneck lamps? Specifically the bendy metal stalk that so often gets rusty. Do you just wire wheel down to bare metal? Can you paint them...?

 

[torqueman2002]

McBrownie -
I did have to Google 'striking knife' however. So, improving Blocks are just a part of your talents.

A general question for the block grinder gurus here: how do you "restore" the gooseneck lamps? Specifically the bendy metal stalk that so often gets rusty. Do you just wire wheel down to bare metal? Can you paint them...?

JZ - I have both wire wheeled and media blasted them. Then a rattle can paint job - primer, finish (Rust-Oleum).

The tricky part is getting the rust/paint in every nook and cranny.

 

[McBrownie]

Thanks TM and MBS. I've been playing around a little more in wood working and I'm having fun making some tools more than anything else yet.

 

[harleybuilder]

A general question for the block grinder gurus here: how do you "restore" the gooseneck lamps? Specifically the bendy metal stalk that so often gets rusty. Do you just wire wheel down to bare metal? Can you paint them...?

I polished mine by hand starting with 200 or 300 grit and went all the way to 2000 grit. .. of course I did the same to the tool rest. ..

Or you can wire wheel them and paint them or put a coat of wax on them

 

[JZiggy]

Harley: nice. Consider me inspired.

TM: glad I googled it too. I thought McB was making throwing knives (though that would also be cool).

 

[torqueman2002]

I polished mine by hand starting with 200 or 300 grit and went all the way to 2000 grit. .. of course I did the same to the tool rest. ..


Or you can wire wheel them and paint them or put a coat of wax on them

 

[mhardy]

I been looking locally for a CM block grinder to restore with very little luck. If something did come up it would get snatched up very quickly. Yesterday I was able to find this gem off a local classified site for $100. It was a little more than I wanted to spend but I figured that I would spend that much just in materials and parts if I were to restore one in ok shape.

I bought this from a 92 year old guy who is the original owner. He bought a matching era drill press the same day he bought the grinder. It was for sale and in mint shape as well but I already have a very nice drill press so I passed. I offered him $75 for the grinder and he said no way. He then went milling around in his garage and came out with the brand new, never been opened, CM Tool Holder Grinder Attachment and said he would throw it in for full price. I took it.

Overall it is in really good shape. The only damage at all is some minor paint damage to the right protective glass part. It runs like it was brand new. I was shocked it had the water trench, the light and the original stand all together.

The model is 397.19580. Does everything look correct? Any one used the attachment before?

So the only thing I would consider fixing at this point is repainting the protective glass surroundings. They are chipped a little bit on the right one. Other than that the thing looks like it was only used a few times. I am amazed at how brand new it looks.

If I was to strip them and repaint I would wan them to match close. Is there anyway of matching the original color? I wouldn't want to paint the whole thing yet I wouldn't want it not to match the middle stripe and the light? Is there paint out there that matches?

 

[Tool_Master]

This grinding stone came with the block grinder I bought last week. It too thick to let the cover come on properly. So I'm replacing it with a thinner one. Do you guys know if there is anything special about this stone?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Outlawmws]

At first I was going to say "no, pretty basic 60 grit stone", but the 2" flange requirements and dished side would indicate it's for a setup that is used for sharpening on the side. (I have a grinder that is setup for sharpening with a main stone like that, and a flat wheel geared down for fine slow work. I could even do palling on it I suppose.

 

[CalsXS2]

There's a 1/2hp for sale in the classified's.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329588

 

[Makattak81]

Bought this 1/3 HP at an estate sale for 15 bucks. Might have to do something about the homemade light. Runs perfectly.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[McBrownie]

Might have to do something about the homemade light.

List it on eBay as Steampunk/Industrial and start the bidding at $200.

 

[JZiggy]

Steampunk... maybe Steamfunk!

 

[Zeeman]

That's a nice lamp! Different for sure.

 

[torqueman2002]

.... Steamfunk!

 

[bubinga]

That's a nice lamp! Different for sure.

resourceful, for sure.

 

[WWShop]

Any special instruction about putting wire wheels on a block? I'm just concerned about what will happen when the wheel starts to fray.

 

[Vette10R]

I had to have the correct spacer in so it wouldn't rub the inside then I left the outside cover off. I'm not sure if that's the best way or not though...

 

[McBrownie]

Any special instruction about putting wire wheels on a block? I'm just concerned about what will happen when the wheel starts to fray.

Buy a good wheel and you won't have to worry as much. Safety glasses are a must and a full face shield is better.

 

[S4cruiser]

I had to have the correct spacer in so it wouldn't rub the inside then I left the outside cover off. I'm not sure if that's the best way or not though...

Pretty much the same here. Added spacers and the 1/2" face wheels I'm using work great. I picked up weiler brand as I didn't want junk. Currently still have the outside covers in and it seems to be fine.

 

[exmaxima1]

Pretty much the same here. Added spacers and the 1/2" face wheels I'm using work great. I picked up weiler brand as I didn't want junk. Currently still have the outside covers in and it seems to be fine.

I just bought a new Weiler Vortec at Menards a few days ago---made in China

 

[WWShop]

How is the china made Weiler?

 

[WWShop]

So I put on some cheap wire wheels($7) and used them for a bit and they don't seem all that great. Does the spacing look ok? I just used some washers that I had laying around. I use wire wheels very rarely and was wondering if the fraying in the picture is normal or not?

 

[exmaxima1]

How is the china made Weiler?

It's a wide (over 1") 8-inch wheel with fine wires---price was $9.95 on clearance at Menards, so I couldn't pass it up regardless of COO. I just made an extra long (1.2" hub width) bushing for it so I can mount it on my 1/2hp block grinder. I'll try it tonight and let you know.