Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss (with resource information)

[torqueman2002]

Good deal, here is that craftsman 12" disk sander.

That's cool.
It could also go in the "Show your Crown Top Love" thread. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199000&highlight=crown+top

Was just a 1/2 HP, but I dug around (after taking the picture) and I found the missing side cover plate & put it on, along with the two plastic eye shields..

Things were going reasonably cheap at that auction, but of course there was that ONE other person (younger kid) that wanted the grinder too... At $65 I let him have it. The base was just a homemade tire rim. The grinder was in really good shape though, I hope he puts it to good use.

I get uncomfortable when the price is above $10/0.10-HP, you did what I hope I could've done - walk away.

Honestly, I don't trust myself at a live auction.
There's a better Block out there for you. Patience Grasshopper. (Old fart hopes his 60's TV reference is understood )

 

[HSpencer]

Here is the Craftsman Block Grinder I found to restore.


Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[HSpencer]

This is the finished Block Grinder. It is a 1/2 HP and was purchased for $25.00 at a flea market. It is in really good shape. Just new wheels and eye shield and refinishing.

More about it on my Garage Gallery Thread linked below, page 86 and 87.

Best Regards
Thanks for looking!!

Herb Spencer

 

[EOC_Jason]

I get uncomfortable when the price is above $10/0.10-HP, you did what I hope I could've done - walk away.

Honestly, I don't trust myself at a live auction.
There's a better Block out there for you. Patience Grasshopper. (Old fart hopes his 60's TV reference is understood )

Yeah, I have a really beefy 1981 Dayton 3/4HP... My 1/2 HP CMan roundtop, my low-rpm buffer, and a cheap ryobi that I also use for buffing... Not like I needed it.

Missed out on a NICE OLD HEAVY CMan table saw, went for $25... Also forgot about the lower 26" rolling tool box... I didn't ask what it went for, I'm hoping too much... lol. There was a lot of old CMan power tools, but just stuff I didn't need, especially for the price they were going.

 

[bubinga]

Good deal, here is that craftsman 12" disk sander.

That's cool.
It could also go in the "Show your Crown Top Love" thread. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199000&highlight=crown+top

Thanks,
Think I only gave 40.00.
Came with a few other "goodies" Some little shaper fence, and some mandrels of some sort.
I mounted it on an Enco Grinder stand.
There beefyier than you would expect , dare I say ,"for a craftsman"
But maybe expected for the Era, I think it has a 103.XXXXX number on it.
You don't see too many "In the wild"
EDIT
I should clean up the motor a little better. Little paint maybe.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

HSpencer, You deserve a YOU **** for how awesome your shop is setup , I would never leave! I see you installed or someone did a new replacement lamp shade cover, assume the original was broke? And what eye shields are those? I like them, looks close to original, is that a dayton grinder I see in the background?
Good job on that block Herb!

 

[bubinga]

HSpencer, You deserve a YOU **** for how awesome your shop is setup , I would never leave! I see you installed or someone did a new replacement lamp shade cover, assume the original was broke? And what eye shields are those? I like them, looks close to original, is that a dayton grinder I see in the background?
Good job on that block Herb!

Yeah, I like the color and the finish.
That is a nice set up, the shop.
Looks like a Delta.

 

[torqueman2002]

Yeah, I like the color and the finish.
That is a nice set up, the shop.
Looks like a Delta.

That's my favorite garage/shop color 'pallet'!

That is how clean I wish my shop was.

Nothing like a little non-Block content, to highlight our (my) favorite grinders - Blocks.

 

[ndfan6464]

This is the finished Block Grinder. It is a 1/2 HP and was purchased for $25.00 at a flea market. It is in really good shape. Just new wheels and eye shield and refinishing.

More about it on my Garage Gallery Thread linked below, page 86 and 87.

Best Regards
Thanks for looking!!

Herb Spencer

Nice work buddy. Love the colors. The label, did you remove it before cleaning it and if so what did you do to reapply it? Can't tell if original or not on my phone.

I took off the original on one of mine and have been thinking of a way to reapply it. Reason why I ask

 

[smalltown]

HSpenser nice job !

 

[HSpencer]

HSpencer, You deserve a YOU **** for how awesome your shop is setup , I would never leave! I see you installed or someone did a new replacement lamp shade cover, assume the original was broke? And what eye shields are those? I like them, looks close to original, is that a dayton grinder I see in the background?
Good job on that block Herb!

cajunfirehawk

Thanks for your kind remarks. The black lamp shade is the original. It was in pretty good shape, I gave it a light sanding, and three coats of high heat gloss engine enamel. The original eye shields were servicable, but would not clean up enough to suit me. I ordered a universal grinder eye shield kit from Amazon. It worked real well. The 8 inch gri[nder in the background is a Delta which I use daily in the shop. Link to Amazon eye shield kit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01APHD95A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Thank you again for your kind comments!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Yeah, I like the color and the finish.
That is a nice set up, the shop.
Looks like a Delta.

bubinga


Thank you very much for your nice comments. You are correct, the background grinder is indeed an 8" Delta.

Thanks so much!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

That's my favorite garage/shop color 'pallet'!

That is how clean I wish my shop was.

Nothing like a little non-Block content, to highlight our (my) favorite grinders - Blocks.

torqueman2002

Thank you for this great thread, and for your comments. I appreciate them very much. I am so pleased to have finally found and restored my first block grinder. The quality of them is amazing!! I will be passing this on to my son in law when I am gone!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Nice work buddy. Love the colors. The label, did you remove it before cleaning it and if so what did you do to reapply it? Can't tell if original or not on my phone.

I took off the original on one of mine and have been thinking of a way to reapply it. Reason why I ask

ndfan6464

Thanks so much for your kind remarks!! The label is the original, and it cleaned up pretty well although worn. I wanted to keep it intact as it has the S/N on it. I did not remove it for the restore, just taped it off.

Thanks again and Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

HSpenser nice job !

smaltown

Thank you!! I was really pleased with the outcome on the "block", my first Craftsman Block Grinder. NOW WHERE is my Wilton Bullet hiding???? LOL

Best Regards
Herb

 

[HSpencer]

Couple of pics of the eye shield kit prior to install. It comes with additional hardware for most applications. All I needed was the basic brackets and plastic shields. I had good original bolts and wing nuts in place.
Link to eye shield kit in post 411, above.
Best Regards
Herb

 

[torqueman2002]

smaltown

Thank you!! I was really pleased with the outcome on the "block", my first Craftsman Block Grinder. NOW WHERE is my Wilton Bullet hiding???? LOL

Best Regards
Herb

I love my Wilton Bullets, but this Craftsman vise is cool, too.

 

[HSpencer]

I love my Wilton Bullets, but this Craftsman vise is cool, too.

Torqueman2002

Fully agree that is a great Craftsman Vise!! I would love to have it. This photo is my little
Craftsman handed me down from my dad. I painted the bock grinder to match it.

Best Regards
Herb

 

[torqueman2002]

Torqueman2002

Fully agree that is a great Craftsman Vise!! I would love to have it. This photo is my little
Craftsman handed me down from my dad. I painted the bock grinder to match it.

Best Regards
Herb

You cannot beat tools from family.

I see there's a blue and silver theme for the vise and Block. Nice.

 

[torqueman2002]

You are correct my good sir, I think they call that a generic photo, but alas, the actual item...

​

cajun - Thank you!
I received a Lowe's shipment today.

Hillman #884633 Rubber Grommet on left | OEM #5537401 Base Bushing, CM Block on right.

Not an exact size replacement to the Block feet, but a very good one.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Sweet vise Blockmeister but that rusty old traffic light needs to be donated to my shop

cajun - Thank you!
I received a Lowe's shipment today.

I can't take any credit on that part, I found that info in one of your many block factoids on this forum, all I did was try to order some online and so far out of the qty I ordered, which I wont share , 2 shipped from NC and 5 shipped from LA, at this rate lowes will be losing $ on all of the separate freight charges, seems they would just get the vendor to drop ship these instead of shipping directly from individual stores

BTW; if you like, I will do a comparison of the hillman part against a new unused circa 1974 bushing if you like

 

[1982fxr]

Where can I get a starter relay for a 397.19581 ?

 

[torqueman2002]

Sweet vise Blockmeister but that rusty old traffic light needs to be donated to my shop

I can't take any credit on that part, I found that info in one of your many block factoids on this forum, all I did was try to order some online and so far out of the qty I ordered, which I wont share , 2 shipped from NC and 5 shipped from LA, at this rate lowes will be losing $ on all of the separate freight charges, seems they would just get the vendor to drop ship these instead of shipping directly from individual stores

BTW; if you like, I will do a comparison of the hillman part against a new unused circa 1974 bushing if you like

I really like the traffic light. The, metal ones are stupid expensive, that one is plastic. I found a website that refurbishes lights and sells kits to update them for home/shop use.
https://www.trafficlights.com/index.php?p=home

I credit you for actually ordering and posting the feet you got from Lowe's. Now I can post a link to actual pictures!

Yes, Lowe's sent 2 separate shipments for my order too.

A comparison to a new Block foot would be great.

 

[bubinga]

Where can I get a starter relay for a 397.19581 ?

not 100 % sure, but you might want to take a picture of the terminals,
and ask at an electrical group,
Cause maybe something universal from a Auto parts store would work.
Someone will probably know if a auto pts. store one will work, or know better where to get one.

 

[torqueman2002]

Where can I get a starter relay for a 397.19581 ?

Are you sure it needs replacing?

These are not like the automotive Potential (or Voltage) relays that are activated by voltage.

These are Current (or Magnetic/Amperage) Starting Relays. http://www.achrnews.com/articles/92424-know-your-potential-starting-relays

I'll check some links I have to find how to test these guys. But basically, they work on the current produced in the windings to Open the relay contacts at about 75% of maximum speed.

Edit
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/i531to0m...Ynu0qa/Current & Potential Relays r1.pdf?dl=0
http://www.fixya.com/support/t2299794-older_sears_bench_grinder_wont_run_1_3
http://www.sensata.com/klixon/motor-protector-4cr.htm

What are the symptoms?

A bad Block relay:

If it does not energize the start-up circuit (thin wires in the coil windings) the grinder will not start, but hum, maybe vibrate. If this is the symptom, spinning the grinder manually, very fast (~75% of max speed) the grinder should run.

If it does start and run, but the relay sticks ON, the start-up circuit will remain energized, and if not turned OFF will burn the thin windings (may let out the magic smoke). This is almost always a fatal failure, because the cost to rewind the coil is prohibitive.

 

[bubinga]

not 100 % sure, but you might want to take a picture of the terminals,
and ask at an electrical group,
Cause maybe something universal from a Auto parts store would work.
Someone will probably know if a auto pts. store one will work, or know better where to get one.

wonder if this one would work
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...id=SPDxGPROD&gclid=CNudj_Cm19ICFYuNswodkxwJEQ

 

[bubinga]

Are you sure it needs replacing?

These are not like the automotive relays that are activated by voltage.

These are Potential Starting Relays. http://www.achrnews.com/articles/92424-know-your-potential-starting-relays

I'll check some links I have to find how to test these guys. But basically, the work on the current produced in the windings to Open the relay contacts at about 75% of maximum speed.

I knew That!

 

[bubinga]

If It is Bad, Sears Parts direct DOES NOT HAVE IT
You probably already checked.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part/search.html?q=4948851

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Was just a 1/2 HP, but I dug around (after taking the picture) and I found the missing side cover plate & put it on, along with the two plastic eye shields..

Things were going reasonably cheap at that auction, but of course there was that ONE other person (younger kid) that wanted the grinder too... At $65 I let him have it. The base was just a homemade tire rim. The grinder was in really good shape though, I hope he puts it to good use.

I bet you could have bought it and sold just that light shade on ebay and made most of that back, that was clean, should have bought that one, IMHO.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I bet you could have bought it and sold just that light shade on ebay and made most of that back, that was clean, should have bought that one, IMHO.

It was a younger kid going after it against me. He didn't bid on much other stuff so I cut bait sooner rather than later and let him have it. I just keep telling myself that will hold a special place in his garage and will get a lot more use out of it than I would with all my grinders that I already have... lol

 

[6PTsocket]

wonder if this one would work
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...id=SPDxGPROD&gclid=CNudj_Cm19ICFYuNswodkxwJEQ

Sears actually says it is a grinder start ing relay. The contacts are the same. The fact that the original parts list says there are no replacements availble means nothing. Their "technical people" just read the info you have already read amd have no additional info. and no technical knowledge. The light shade says "store pickup available" and when I tried to order it that way after selecting store pickup, the option was not available at checkout. Two "chats" later confirmed it is not. They don't have a clue. By the way, the shade replacement part number is a Husqvarna number and can be bought from any outdoor equipment place that carries parts for any of the AYP (American Yard Products) brands, Husqvarna,Red Max,Dixon, Roper, Poulan, etc. When Poulan was an independent company they bought Allegretti/Paramount and many mergers later AYP is the successor to the people that made the grinders.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[6PTsocket]

If It is Bad, Sears Parts direct DOES NOT HAVE IT
You probably already checked.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part/search.html?q=4948851

Sears does have it. The relay listed with the grinder is not available. The replacement listed elsewhere as grinder start relay should work perfectly. The replacement is a Klixon 100 series current relay that is rated to work with any single phase motor, whether split phase or capacitor start, up to 15 amps. Part number 534220174. $17.37.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[M_George]

I found a source I would like to share with the group.
I needed feet for my block grinder before mounting it to a stand. I went to Lowe's to see if I could find something that would work. But to my surprise, they carried replacement's listed as rubber grommets. if they don't have them in stock, they will order them and ship them to your house shipping free. The cost was about $1.50 ea.

 

[ndfan6464]

I found a source I would like to share with the group.
I needed feet for my block grinder before mounting it to a stand. I went to Lowe's to see if I could find something that would work. But to my surprise, they carried replacement's listed as rubber grommets. if they don't have them in stock, they will order them and ship them to your house shipping free. The cost was about $1.50 ea.

M_George. Good find. You should see page 21 on this thread

 

[EOC_Jason]

I found a source I would like to share with the group. I needed feet for my block grinder before mounting it to a stand. I went to Lowe's to see if I could find something that would work. But to my surprise, they carried replacement's listed as rubber grommets. if they don't have them in stock, they will order them and ship them to your house shipping free. The cost was about $1.50 ea.

Yep, that was talked about on the previous couple pages... Glad you found them though, they really make a difference.

 

[M_George]

Ahh, I see Torqueman beet me to the punch. That's OK, he's the main-man for black grinder info.

 

[torqueman2002]

I always say, the more info. the better.

Thanks M George, and everyone.

Also, 6PTsocket - can you post the link where you found the Klixon relay?

I wonder how critical the drop-out current is for the relay. Perhaps a relay from another 1/3-HP Block will work, but will one from a 1/2-hp? How about 3/4 or 1-HP?

Isn't the current draw through their start-up circuits/windings likely to be different?

 

[torqueman2002]

I found a possible source for start-up relays.
http://lewuselectric.com/relay.htm

 

[WWheeler]

Sears does have it. The relay listed with the grinder is not available. The replacement listed elsewhere as grinder start relay should work perfectly. The replacement is a Klixon 100 series current relay that is rated to work with any single phase motor, whether split phase or capacitor start, up to 15 amps. Part number 534220174. $17.37.

I always say, the more info. the better.

Thanks M George, and everyone.

Also,6PTsocket - can you post the link where you found the Klixon relay?

I wonder how critical the drop-out current is for the relay. Perhaps a relay from another 1/3-HP Block will work, but will one from a 1/2-hp? How about 3/4 or 1-HP?

Isn't the current draw through their start-up circuits/windings likely to be different?

I think this is what he was referring to (edit: just noticed it's the same one bubinga had linked):

Bench Grinder Motor Start Relay
Part #: 22013974
Substitution: 534220174
$17.37 In Stock
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/cra...74/0009/257/model-257192150/0247/0721100.html

 

[torqueman2002]

Thank you.