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

[fech]

Looks like a 1/4-HP cast iron guy.

What's the model number and mfg. date?

Nice find, and just when you might think all those old Blocks have been found.

But, just like the last few years, when spring rolls around, the Block grinders start to make their appearance on CL, etc ....

Got the info on thread I made for it. Purrs like a kitten

 

[exmaxima1]

Got the info on thread I made for it. Purrs like a kitten

Did you start a new thread for that grinder? You have a "Pre-block" grinder and it would be among its peers on the existing Pre-Block thread. There's a 1/4hp model like yours fully restored for comparisons:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339921&highlight=pre+block+love

 

[torqueman2002]

Got the info on thread I made for it. Purrs like a kitten

So - "397.19501 would be a 1/4 hp made by Paramount/Allegretti & Co in early 1960's".

Thanks Tonellin.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6413718&postcount=4

 

[torqueman2002]

Did you start a new thread for that grinder? You have a "Pre-block" grinder and it would be among its peers on the existing Pre-Block thread. There's a 1/4hp model like yours fully restored for comparisons:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339921&highlight=pre+block+love

I really like that Blue!

 

[ndfan6464]

Did block and round tops come as goose neck or no goose neck light option? I ask cause I picked up a 1/4 HP round top and it didn't have light not even a spot for it on the back side of the center band.

 

[torqueman2002]

Did block and round tops come as goose neck or no goose neck light option? I ask cause I picked up a 1/4 HP round top and it didn't have light not even a spot for it on the back side of the center band.

I've seen a lot of different combinations, even with the same model numbers.

Some early 1/4-HP even came with out wheel guard covers.

So it may have been a strategy to offer various levels of the Blocks, with or without lamps, quench trays, ....

 

[ndfan6464]

Darn I was hoping I hit the gold mine with a rare breed so I could sell it for millions and retire early from the military. Lol

But I figured as much that they had different combos.

 

[M_George]

When you do leave the military you'll miss it terribly. It's in your blood.

 

[ndfan6464]

When you do leave the military you'll miss it terribly. It's in your blood.

I'll definitely miss certain aspects of the military but it's time for me to go. It's not the same anymore now that the politicians are are playing social experiments with us, messing with our retirement etc.

 

[M_George]

Hate to hear that. I left the US Army in 94. What I miss most is the comradery. After all these years, We still get together every year.

 

[M_George]

Looking at a pre-block on Craigs List for $40. It has the left side eye shield missing. This will be very hard to replace, so is $40 a fair price for this?

 

[torqueman2002]

Looking at a pre-block on Craigs List for $40. It has the left side eye shield missing. This will be very hard to replace, so is $40 a fair price for this?

MG - Nice little grinder there. I have seen them go for between $25 - $40, complete.

The price of Blocks is heading higher, but I would negotiate lower because of the missing eye shield.

BTW - what's the model number, mfg date, ? It looks like a 1/4-HP, is it?

Can you get a close up of the badge, maybe?

And -- what size is the eye shield?

 

[M_George]

he seems caught up in it being vintage. Said that's why it's only $40.
I'll give it a week or so and if it's still there, I'll haggle the price down. Don't think he'll day one.

Here's the sticker, or if someone else on the forum is interested, just hit me up.

 

[torqueman2002]

he seems caught up in it being vintage. Said that's why it's only $40.
I'll give it a week or so and if it's still there, I'll haggle the price down. Don't think he'll day one.

Here's the sticker, or if someone else on the forum is interested, just hit me up.

You nailed it, a 1/4-HP pre-Block, looks like 12 60, model 115.19500.

That's a pretty straight forward restore, if you choose. No cap, no relay, but it does have a start-up switch in the RH End Frame that can be broken if not un-mounted before disassembly.

I have a thread with details, should you buy this guy.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269760

It has been waiting for me to get back to it, in a box in pieces.

Now that I'm retired, I really have no excuses.

 

[HSpencer]

What is great about military retirement is the 30 year, 75% of base pay. I retired in 2002 after 30.
In our state, the governor just signed a law into effect that all military retirement is exempt from state income tax. I do know that the powers that be are messing with the mil retirement, and I wish they would just leave it the way it is.
Another great thing is the TriCare for Life which pays (or has for me anyway) paid all of wife and my cataract surgery, and two shoulder surgeries for wife.
(Not hijacking thread, but M George and ndfan6464 have made some great points)

Thanks and Best Regards
Herb

 

[ndfan6464]

So since you all got me hooked on the block I've now had 99% of the ones I own now shipped to me and every one has been a different cost. Anywhere from $35-100+, yup $100 to ship. So this has led me to digging for answers and here is how they figure shipping cost. This is USPS and UPS. Enjoy and might help you all out

 

[M_George]

I know the score, shipping can easily be a deal breaker. Lucky here, there's always several available here on the east coast in the Philadelphia area. Looking at a pre-block now and being pickey about it.

 

[bubinga]

What is great about military retirement is the 30 year, 75% of base pay. I retired in 2002 after 30.
In our state, the governor just signed a law into effect that all military retirement is exempt from state income tax. I do know that the powers that be are messing with the mil retirement, and I wish they would just leave it the way it is.
Another great thing is the TriCare for Life which pays (or has for me anyway) paid all of wife and my cataract surgery, and two shoulder surgeries for wife.
(Not hijacking thread, but M George and ndfan6464 have made some great points)

Thanks and Best Regards
Herb

Wonderful Herb, good for you.

 

[M_George]

Wow, starting to look like were going to need a Form for all the old vets in GJ.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

So since you all got me hooked on the block I've now had 99% of the ones I own now shipped to me and every one has been a different cost. Anywhere from $35-100+, yup $100 to ship. So this has led me to digging for answers and here is how they figure shipping cost. This is USPS and UPS. Enjoy and might help you all out

I avoid UPS and USPS (exemption: flat rate!) on heavy packages like the plague, fedex ground is always cheaper, IMHO. Also, ask the sender to take those old stones off if they have the mechanical know how, thats a few extra pounds there and for cryin out loud I don't need an old light bulb

 

[ndfan6464]

I avoid UPS and USPS (exemption: flat rate!) on heavy packages like the plague, fedex ground is always cheaper, IMHO. Also, ask the sender to take those old stones off if they have the mechanical know how, thats a few extra pounds there and for cryin out loud I don't need an old light bulb

HAHAH the old bulb! That's funny. Every single one has come with the old bulb. Luckily they all survived..

I agree with the FEDEX cost and they pack way way better then the other two. Just received my newest block from FedEx and it was bubble wrapped as if it was fine China. Love it...

 

[M_George]

ndfan6464, Just wondering how bad your hooked... how many do you have so far?

 

[ndfan6464]

Wow, starting to look like were going to need a Form for all the old vets in GJ.

I agree hahaha and since you mentioned that I looked on the main board page to see where I could start one and nothing really matched. There is no "general" discussion page so didn't want to piss off any moderators and get kicked by starting one..

 

[ndfan6464]

ndfan6464, Just wondering how bad your hooked... how many do you have so far?

I now have 8 and I finally caught my unicorn, 1/2 Round top. I know not nearly as many as you and others but I went into this only wanting and needing one. But a month and half later I've well reached and more that needing of only one..HAHAH...

 

[M_George]

I doubt we'd get kicked. Maybe just get our heals locked,,, every Vet has experenced that a time or two

 

[ndfan6464]

I doubt we'd get kicked. Maybe just get our heals locked,,, every Vet has experenced that a time or two

HAHAH yes yes I have...

 

[M_George]

I only have two, but have only been interested for about a month. Hoping to come across one of the big 1hp models. Besides, with all my other tool addictions, I'm running out of room.

 

[M_George]

Actually, I've locked a few as well...

 

[ndfan6464]

Oh I am not far behind you on the room situation. The newest tool I just got has pretty much taken it last bit of what I got...Lol... It's a 1930 Craftsman Band saw.

 

[M_George]

Wow, did you pot it yet?

 

[ndfan6464]

Wow, did you pot it yet?

I used Fastenal for shipping. $175 to ship 165 lbs. Not bad. CA to SC

 

[M_George]

Very cool, are you going to paint it Navy blue? Actually I been following the old ban saws and drill presses as well. I've noticed that the old tools, including hand tools will run circles around many of the new ones.

 

[ndfan6464]

I am going to PM you. Don't want to take away from this thread or hijack it

 

[EOC_Jason]

he seems caught up in it being vintage. Said that's why it's only $40.
I'll give it a week or so and if it's still there, I'll haggle the price down. Don't think he'll day one.

Here's the sticker, or if someone else on the forum is interested, just hit me up.

4.5 Amps for a "1/4 HP"... That's pretty beefy... More like 1/3+ HP...

 

[exmaxima1]

4.5 Amps for a "1/4 HP"... That's pretty beefy... More like 1/3+ HP...

Or 1/2hp for some brands...

 

[EOC_Jason]

Found this little gem on eBay, paid ~$35 shipped...

 

[elguappo]

I used Fastenal for shipping. $175 to ship 165 lbs. Not bad. CA to SC

I have that same Lyon parts cabinet in the background and love it.

 

[bubinga]

Found this little gem on eBay, paid ~$35 shipped...

That's Good. (price, and those are nice)

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Found this little gem on eBay, paid ~$35 shipped...

If you mount it to a block grinder, there is a left over base mounting bracket to mount it to a work table, if you don't plan to use that I would be interested, pm to discuss, thanks.

 

[EOC_Jason]

If you mount it to a block grinder, there is a left over base mounting bracket to mount it to a work table, if you don't plan to use that I would be interested, pm to discuss, thanks.

I know what you're talking about, but this particular model doesn't have that part. It only has the attachment to bolt around the grinder. Sorry.

I scanned the manual into PDF if anyone wants it: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3uIlT5d94fuMWZTNEE0M3BFM00