let's see your craftsman block grinders

[chrisnazzy]

Very nice and in awesome condition! You found exactly what I've been looking for. Great score!

Found a nice 1/2 hp commercial today with the stand haven’t had one in the shop for a while, but this one was just to clean to pass up and the price was right

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[lafester]

Love it. It would be very tough to pass that one up.

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[tym]

Finally joined the club! Picked up the 1/4 HP model for $15 at an estate sale. I estimate it's from the 70s. The seller stated that his father used it to sharpen lawnmower blades and not much else.

It looks like he did that with the coarse wheel on the left, as it's pretty worn and in need of replacement. The fine wheel on the right looks barely used and I'm thinking of leaving it on.

 

[bubinga]

Its in nice shape.
You may want to just take some blue magic metal polish to the plastic shields.
That should clean them right up.
Either that or that plastic polish the have, the 3 part kit. Nova, or novis, or something like that.
No, here it is.
was gonna Get some, but never ordered it (yet).
Novus.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UCYRZU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tym]

Its in nice shape.
You may want to just take some blue magic metal polish to the plastic shields.
That should clean them right up.
Either that or that plastic polish the have, the 3 part kit. Nova, or novis, or something like that.
No, here it is.
was gonna Get some, but never ordered it (yet).
Novus.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UCYRZU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yeah, I definitely need to polish the shields. I have some Tamiya 3-stage polish around. I'm going to give that a shot first. It might not be aggressive enough, so I may wind up picking up the Novus too.

 

[McBrownie]

Had some spare time this weekend and some scrap lumber. Decided to give the Blockmeister a roommate. The new (old) roommate is a really nice 1/2hp cap start that I procured from exmaxima years ago. It has traditional stone wheels that do a great job on plane irons. It was usually sitting on a shelf, which made it hard to use at a moments notice. I made sure I had the center of gravity over the post and I'm really surprised how stable it is on the old office chair bottom. I wouldn't run across the garage with it, but it is plenty stable.

Before:
View media item 55938
After:
View media item 82931
View media item 82929
View media item 82932
It also doesn't take up any additional room in the garage and frees up some shelf space. You can tell how long the winter was by the amount of dust and junk on the lawnmower.

View media item 82930

 

[tym]

Newb question. Are these all 1/2" arbor diameter? I found some nice NOS US-made buffing wheels and would like to replace the dodgy stone on my 1/4 HP unit. HD and Lowes had craptastic selection.

And here's another pic of it after the briefest cleaning. Mfg date stamped on the bottom of 2/1/68.

 

[bubinga]

Newb question. Are these all 1/2" arbor diameter? I found some nice NOS US-made buffing wheels and would like to replace the dodgy stone on my 1/4 HP unit. HD and Lowes had craptastic selection.

And here's another pic of it after the briefest cleaning. Mfg date stamped on the bottom of 2/1/68.

don't know if they're all 1/2" But there is usually adapters with them,
If you're saying they were all say, 5/8 holes in the wheels.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Newb question. Are these all 1/2" arbor diameter? I found some nice NOS US-made buffing wheels and would like to replace the dodgy stone on my 1/4 HP unit. HD and Lowes had craptastic selection.

They are 1/2" until you reach 3/4HP I believe and some are then 5/8"...

Wheel sizes are also 6" & 7" with the 1/2" shaft depending on model, and 5/8" shaft are 8"....

 

[Ben Buck]

Bought this one from Dayton CL, $ 35.00

My first one, the right tool rest is broken, but the rest seems to be OK ?

Runs great, when the switch is shut off, coasting time is 1:42 to stop and 1:30 when the centrificals kick out. Turning by hand, bearings seem smooth.

Thing weighs 40 lbs.

I have to figure out the colors, and the center " chrome " ? piece ?

If anyone has a right wheel guard that's intact, that they would part with- that would be great !

Any help on a modest restoration would be appreciated.

 

[lafester]

Bought this one from Dayton CL, $ 35.00

My first one, the right tool rest is broken, but the rest seems to be OK ?

Runs great, when the switch is shut off, coasting time is 1:42 to stop and 1:30 when the centrificals kick out. Turning by hand, bearings seem smooth.

Thing weighs 40 lbs.

I have to figure out the colors, and the center " chrome " ? piece ?

If anyone has a right wheel guard that's intact, that they would part with- that would be great !

Any help on a modest restoration would be appreciated.

I think if you read back a few pages it was mentioned that the 1/4 hp pre block rarely came with covers. Looks like a nice grinder you have there! I have yet to see any of the older ones for sale, just the mid 60's and up.

I check all of craigslist a couple times a week to see whats out there... I think that one looks familiar.

 

[cash68]

Bought this one from Dayton CL, $ 35.00

My first one, the right tool rest is broken, but the rest seems to be OK ?

Runs great, when the switch is shut off, coasting time is 1:42 to stop and 1:30 when the centrificals kick out. Turning by hand, bearings seem smooth.

Thing weighs 40 lbs.

I have to figure out the colors, and the center " chrome " ? piece ?

If anyone has a right wheel guard that's intact, that they would part with- that would be great !

Any help on a modest restoration would be appreciated.

Here you go:

Resto of my pre block

 

[timbitca]

Finally got one!

Scored this one off Kijiji for 30 $ (Canadian, even!)

Super stoked about it since I've been searching forever and this is the first one I see in the wild. It's going to need a major cleaning though.

 

[tym]

They are 1/2" until you reach 3/4HP I believe and some are then 5/8"...

Wheel sizes are also 6" & 7" with the 1/2" shaft depending on model, and 5/8" shaft are 8"....

Yep, my 1/4 HP model had a 1/2" arbor.

Since I last posted, I polished the eye shields, cleaned up the body (just blasted with air then wiped with a damp cloth), and replaced the dodgy left stone with a US-made spiral sewn buffing wheel.

Really thrilled that I finally own a block grinder! Condition is great for 50 years old. Prior owner clearly didn't use it much (just for sharpening lawnmower blades, according to the son at the estate sale where I picked it up).

 

[imgntht]

IMG: the way they measure HP on the new grinders for sale your little PRE BLOCK Craftsman 1/4 HP might have as much power as the new 1/2's. tape up the cord if you don't want to replace it (an old printer or computer cord might be a good replacement if you don't want to buy a new one that is grounded). also since the stone is maybe 60 years old I'd replace it with a new one cause if it happened to get a small crack in it then it could explode when running and stones flying can kill you or put a big hurt on you or your shop.

some of the guys ALWAYS replace the bearings and that's entirely up to you, but I think they are cheap and not hard to replace if you have the skills and a few tools.

nice find!!

Thanks for advising on replacing the stone and correcting me on this being a PRE BLOCK. I am still thinking if it is worth me keeping it or not. It's a nice to have when I need it, but I don't have continuous use for it.

Sweet find! I picked up a similar preblock a month or two ago, check it out:

1961 Preblock Grinder Restoration

I replaced the cord and repainted things, left the bearings as is because they were in great shape. It looks like someone cut one of your outer shields and removed the tool rest, maybe that is better for buffing?

Huh, didn't even notice the shield missing. Good catch! Wonder why that was...maybe the size of the object being polished necessitated it?

 

[bubinga]

Sweet find! I picked up a similar preblock a month or two ago, check it out:

1961 Preblock Grinder Restoration

I replaced the cord and repainted things, left the bearings as is because they were in great shape. It looks like someone cut one of your outer shields and removed the tool rest, maybe that is better for buffing?

Nice Job on the restore. Looks Great.

 

[lafester]

Thanks for advising on replacing the stone and correcting me on this being a PRE BLOCK. I am still thinking if it is worth me keeping it or not. It's a nice to have when I need it, but I don't have continuous use for it.



Huh, didn't even notice the shield missing. Good catch! Wonder why that was...maybe the size of the object being polished necessitated it?

I don't think many of us have continuous need, but they are sure nice to have around. Did you over pay for it? They don't take up much room and make cleaning up odds and ends so easy.

Only way I will give up one is if I find something better. Already kind of regret getting rid of my 1/3 hp round top but someday I will find it's 1/2 hp brother.

Current set up:
1/2 hp heavy duty and 1 hp both wearing round top glasses.

Final set up hopefully will be 1/2 and 2/3 hp early block or pre block.

 

[paulm12]

picked this up recently for $25. Both the grinder and the light turn on, the grinder seems to spin well, but the power cord needs to be replaced. I'll take a look at the bearings when apart. I think I will try the black hammered paint. I also need to find the thread on getting a new label
.

 

[bubinga]

Nice, I like to wire the light before the power on switch.But not really necessary.

 

[paulm12]

Bubinga: how did you route the wiring and switch? I would do that if it looks ok too.

 

[BlueHeart]

I've finally found a grinder locally. If you call an hour drive local. I paid what it was listed for on CL. $50 including the pedestal. I noticed as I drove in, a couple of clamps by the road. He threw them in.

 

[bubinga]

The black and White come In, Hot wire is black, (narrow blade of plug) white wire is neutral.I would add A ground to it too, ground to the metal of the grinder.
The white and Black go straight to the light, and jumper a wire to the neutral white wire to the motor. Black wire, positive off the light, jumper to one side of the switch. Other side of switch to motor.
Hope that makes sense.
I'll make a drawing in the meanwhile.
If anyone else can explain clearer, Jump in..............

 

[paulm12]

wow BlueHeart, that is real clean. Nice find and great deal.

 

[BlueHeart]

The black and White come In, Hot wire is black, (narrow blade of plug) white wire is neutral.I would add A ground to it too, ground to the metal of the grinder.
The white and Black go straight to the light, and jumper a wire to the neutral white wire to the motor. Black wire, positive off the light, jumper to one side of the switch. Other side of switch to motor.
Hope that makes sense.
I'll make a drawing in the meanwhile.
If anyone else can explain clearer, Jump in..............

Probably not verbally.

 

[bubinga]

pretty crude, others, Am I showing this OK?
I know I could go down and wire it properly, in about a half hour or less,
But may be not explaining clearly.
feel free to simplify or correct, if needed.

 

[paulm12]

got it, tx

 

[BlueHeart]

wow BlueHeart, that is real clean. Nice find and great deal.

Thanks Paul. I've been looking for what seems forever. It is pretty clean, but not perfect. I tried cleaning up some surface rust with Evapo-Rust, but it ate away some of the paint too. The plastic shields are cloudy, but not cracked. It takes almost 2 1/2 minutes to stop after shutting off.

 

[bubinga]

Probably not verbally.

I tried...............
As stated, I know I could go down and wire it properly, in about a half hour or less,
But may be not explaining clearly.

 

[bubinga]

IOW's You want to jump your light before the switch, Not after.
Sorry, I'm more hands on than "book Smart"

 

[BlueHeart]

I tried...............
As stated, I know I could go down and wire it properly, in about a half hour or less,
But may be not explaining clearly.

You did better than I could.

 

[bubinga]

You did better than I could. [emoji106]

If no one comes along and clears it up to you I will try to throw together a short video tomorrow showing it done practically another words hands on. Let me know please

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[paulm12]

I'm good, thanks

 

[BlueHeart]

If no one comes along and clears it up to you I will try to throw together a short video tomorrow showing it done practically another words hands on. Let me know please

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

You might need to stop using the Tapatalk app.
Paulm was the poster looking for help wiring. I was saying, "I probably can't explain it better verbally, but here's a picture of the wiring up close."

 

[lafester]

Thanks Paul. I've been looking for what seems forever. It is pretty clean, but not perfect. I tried cleaning up some surface rust with Evapo-Rust, but it ate away some of the paint too. The plastic shields are cloudy, but not cracked. It takes almost 2 1/2 minutes to stop after shutting off.[emoji481]

That looks great and a great deal. I paid 150 for the one pictured above with a similar condition pedistal.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

 

[bubinga]

You might need to stop using the Tapatalk app.
Paulm was the poster looking for help wiring. I was saying, "I probably can't explain it better verbally, but here's a picture of the wiring up close."

Ohhhhhhh,
Yeah, I use Tapatalk when I've gone to bed, and regular browser on my PC .
GJ in Chrome I find is too small on my phone

 

[bubinga]

Bubinga: how did you route the wiring and switch? I would do that if it looks ok too.

The black and White come In, Hot wire is black, (narrow blade of plug) white wire is neutral.I would add A ground to it too, ground to the metal of the grinder.
The white and Black go straight to the light, and jumper a wire to the neutral white wire to the motor. Black wire, positive off the light, jumper to one side of the switch. Other side of switch to motor.
Hope that makes sense.
I'll make a drawing in the meanwhile.
If anyone else can explain clearer, Jump in..............

pretty crude, others, Am I showing this OK?
I know I could go down and wire it properly, in about a half hour or less,
But may be not explaining clearly.
feel free to simplify or correct, if needed.

got it, tx

Ok, Makes sense then?
Clear on the wiring?
Its A simple circuit.
A Little electrical I'm OK,
Electronics, Not so much..........................LOL
No, it wasn't tapatalk, it was me getting mixed up.

 

[bubinga]

You might need to stop using the Tapatalk app.
Paulm was the poster looking for help wiring. I was saying, "I probably can't explain it better verbally, but here's a picture of the wiring up close."

Thanks BlueHeartI got y'a.
I understand now.

 

[SwampCat]

Looking for the rubber feet the grinder sits on. Found the Hillman # 884633 as a suggestion. I have one of these, trying to find more. Looking on Lowes website, the picture shows a REGULAR grommet ? Not the same as the ONE I have. Is the Lowes picture just a general picture of a normal grommet? Will the 884633 be what is needed, as in a smaller top, with a larger bottom ? Local store does not have enough anyway. Nearest store with a bunch of them is 35 miles away. Anybody else stock Hillman stuff ? Thanks.

 

[exmaxima1]

Looking for the rubber feet the grinder sits on. Found the Hillman # 884633 as a suggestion.

You might have better luck buying Lau 38220901. It comes as a bag of 12, but they come in handy if you get the "Block Bug". Google it for availability

 

[brokeboater]

Any opinions on this unit and it's worth? It's a bit of a drive for me but if it's worth it I may do it. Thanks for any help