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

[M_George]

Thanks Jason, I'll print the manual to go with my grinder,

 

[cajunfirehawk]

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

Yes, you must be right, a different variant as most I see just bolt directly to a bracket that goes on thru one of the existing bolts, yours seems to have a heavier duty clamp that goes around one side of the vise?

I am sure the block guru can chime in, Dr Block? Did they make different model numbers of these fixtures?

 

[bubinga]

I made an offer on the 3/4 HP in Pittsburgh, He said, he didn't get any other offers, so he decided to order the cap.
I should have offered sooner.

 

[ndfan6464]

Yes, you must be right, a different variant as most I see just bolt directly to a bracket that goes on thru one of the existing bolts, yours seems to have a heavier duty clamp that goes around one side of the vise?

I am sure the block guru can chime in, Dr Block? Did they make different model numbers of these fixtures?

They had to of cause I have one that I bought that was never opened till I got it and it doesn't have the clamp.

 

[ndfan6464]

Here's mine in the box. Don't have a picture of it taken out. I'll get one later. As you can see mine is a different model number as well

 

[torqueman2002]

Yes, you must be right, a different variant as most I see just bolt directly to a bracket that goes on thru one of the existing bolts, yours seems to have a heavier duty clamp that goes around one side of the vise?

I am sure the block guru can chime in, Dr Block? Did they make different model numbers of these fixtures?

I don't have either of these two models, but here are pics taken from the manuals.

m-355.19595

m-355.19495

I don't recall where I found 355.19495, probably VM website.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

I don't have either of these two models, but here are pics taken from the manuals.

m-355.19595
m-355.19495

I don't recall where I found 355.19495, probably VM website.

 

[Yingpin]

I am new to this site and new to grinders and apparently have a bad habit. Found this site because of research in my Parker vise, ended up sucked in that thread and own three different vises

Wanted a grinder because of you guys too. Found my first Block locally for $30, a vintage Stanley with stand for $60, and this today for $30.

1/3 HP runs great and quiet.





I just need some time and I think I am going to start refinishing he Stanley first even though it has parts missing that I will likely never find.


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[EOC_Jason]

Ah, so really there are 3 different styles...

One that clamps around the shaft housing.
One that bolts where the tool rest would go.
One that mounts to the bench.

Great... Something else to try and collect all the variations of.... LMAO...

 

[torqueman2002]

Ah, so really there are 3 different styles...

One that clamps around the shaft housing.
One that bolts where the tool rest would go.
One that mounts to the bench.

Great... Something else to try and collect all the variations of.... LMAO...

It's OK, you're among friends. We understand, it's not a sickness, ...... it's a life style!

 

[exmaxima1]

Ah, so really there are 3 different styles...

One that clamps around the shaft housing.
One that bolts where the tool rest would go.
One that mounts to the bench.

Great... Something else to try and collect all the variations of.... LMAO...

So I'm guessing mine bolts to where the tool rest goes??

 

[ndfan6464]

So I'm guessing mine bolts to where the tool rest goes??

By the looks of it yes. Looks like.mine

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Ah, so really there are 3 different styles...

One that clamps around the shaft housing.

One that bolts where the tool rest would go.
One that mounts to the bench.

Great... Something else to try and collect all the variations of.... LMAO...

IMHO, I think maybe just two; the ones in blue above can go either way, that bottom bracket drops off and you bolt to tool rest bolt hole, AFAIK.

But the other one shown looks newer as shown by the plastic knob, so who knows

 

[EOC_Jason]

True, but if you don't have all the various mounting configurations setup in your collection, then it doesn't count... lol

Just bought a chisel today at a garage sale that needs some major grinding re-work. Can't wait to set this up and see how well it does.

 

[ndfan6464]

Man sure is quite around here these days (crickets heard in the background) must all be busy working on their grinders...Lol..Hope all is well gents.. been slow myself between having students at the academy and studying for advancement tests... Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to knock a couple out.. be well gents God bless and happy Easter

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Man sure is quite around here these days (crickets heard in the background) must all be busy working on their grinders...Lol..Hope all is well gents.. been slow myself between having students at the academy and studying for advancement tests... Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to knock a couple out.. be well gents God bless and Happy Easter

Same to you as well!
Quiet, not really...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6441522&postcount=9538

 

[EOC_Jason]

I think they come in waves... Nothing pops up on the radar for a while, then one weekend it's like a vintage tool bonanza..

 

[M_George]

Man sure is quite around here these days (crickets heard in the background) must all be busy working on their grinders...Lol..Hope all is well gents.. been slow myself between having students at the academy and studying for advancement tests... Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to knock a couple out.. be well gents God bless and happy Easter

All's well up here in Pa. Got my third block over the weekend... now the hard part...getting the time to work on them,,, LOL

Enjoy your holiday as well

 

[torqueman2002]

I've got another 1/3-HP in the blast cabinet. I got it half way completed, and will probably get to the other half tomorrow.

Keeps me out of the bars.

 

[Bobioz1]

Tip for all you Blockheads out there with OE stands. I found some large rubber feet at the flea last weekend that fit the Craftsman stand almost perfect. My open wheel grinder would zombie walk around the shop when I was using it. After installing these it stays glued to the floor. I googled the part number and it looks like Grainger has them in a 5 pack for around 10 bucks. That's a 1/4 x 1-3/4 bolt.

 

[torqueman2002]

Bobioz1 - Good info. Thanks, I put a reference in post #3 above.

Thank you.

 

[Bobioz1]

Sure thing. I appreciate all the work you do on here!

 

[torqueman2002]

Sure thing. I appreciate all the work you do on here!

YW.

The stand looks great. Is that original paint or a re-spray?

 

[Bobioz1]

I repainted the base of the stand. The pole and the top mount are original paint. It and the grinder that came on it were in really nice condition.

 

[Jdc3735]

There is a craftsman 1/2 HP block grinder up for sale on Craigslist in York PA. They are asking $125. Just thought I'd share it with everyone.

 

[M_George]

Watch the flea markets, I found two of them for $20 ea and one for $25 near Allentown Pa.
That seems to be the going price in this area. Also, there is an antique mall east of Chambersburg with lots of cool old tools.

 

[ndfan6464]

The eye shield replacements, that are mentioned in page one are they worth getting or is there a better option? I restored a block for a buddy today and need to get some for it..

 

[torqueman2002]

The ones from Grainger are like the ones on a 1/3-HP Dayton. They are functional, but don't look as nice as the OEMs --- that's just my opinion.

There are nicer looking ones, with lights on eBay, but are $$$.

 

[exmaxima1]

The ones from Grainger are like the ones on a 1/3-HP Dayton. They are functional, but don't look as nice as the OEMs --- .

I bought a pair of them and they were POS. The plastic is possibly styrene, and it easily cracked in a few seconds of use.

 

[torqueman2002]

I bought a pair of them and they were POS. The plastic is possibly styrene, and it easily cracked in a few seconds of use.

That's not good.

I hope someone can post a good, affordable, alternative.

 

[cheechi]

would something like lexan be better? or poly? someone with a cnc should cut us all some nice thick oversize guards that can be mounted to the oem bracket. I think I'd pay good money for good protection especially if the 'new' options can't compete with the 40-60 year old ones.

 

[vertguy]

I actually made a set using a sheet of Polycarbonate Lexan and some square aluminum tubing. Think the total material cost was around $25 with left overs... 12x12 Lexan from Zoro and a 12 inch piece of 2x2x1/4 inch tubing from a local metal supply that sells by the foot (Speedy Metals). The ID of this tubing is 1.5 inches and only required a very small amount of sanding to fit on the cover which was quickly accomplished with a mini belt sander.

 

[elguappo]

Excellent DIY shields, very clean.
The only thing that might make them look more 'period correct' would be a frame of C channel aluminum around the edges.

 

[M_George]

Might not be original, but functionally they look to be way better.

 

[EOC_Jason]

As nice as they are, I ALWAYS wear a full face shield when using my grinders / buffers (and my shop apron so I don't get covered in crud). I either don't install the little shields or have them flipped back out of the way. All they end up doing is getting in my way when maneuvering material.

 

[6PTsocket]

I actually made a set using a sheet of Polycarbonate Lexan and some square aluminum tubing. Think the total material cost was around $25 with left overs... 12x12 Lexan from Zoro and a 12 inch piece of 2x2x1/4 inch tubing from a local metal supply that sells by the foot (Speedy Metals). The ID of this tubing is 1.5 inches and only required a very small amount of sanding to fit on the cover which was quickly accomplished with a mini belt sander.

That is a really nice job. Lexan is less brittle than Acrylic and threrefore takes impact better and is even used for bullet proofing. The down side is that it is softer and more easily scratched, not a good thing on a grinder. To solve the problem, they sell hard coated polycarbonate (Lexan). I have no idea where you can buy a square foot of it. Again, that really looks nice.

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[exmaxima1]

I actually made a set using a sheet of Polycarbonate Lexan and some square aluminum tubing.

I saw your design a few years ago and emulated parts of it in my own version. Mine is very similar, except shorter and I mill pockets to secure the carriage bolt head (as on oem shields). They work pretty good.

 

[ndfan6464]

I saw your design a few years ago and emulated parts of it in my own version. Mine is very similar, except shorter and I mill pockets to secure the carriage bolt head (as on oem shields). They work pretty good.

Dang those are ****! Wanna sell a couple?

 

[exmaxima1]

Dang those are ****! Wanna sell a couple?

Only have 1 set left. If I make more Ill let you know.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Vertguy, sweet job, care to do a group shot of all those killer tools, they all look minty fresh!