Wazzu11js
New member
Thank you both, I appreciate the input!
Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss (with resource information)
- Thread starter torqueman2002
- Start date
Gonna try keep it original if i can, and not paint it. Rise - I'll make my comments in RED, below.
Best of luck, and please continue to post pictures and feel free to ask questions.
Thanks for the tips
Do you know of anyone who makes a good quality tool rest?
Is it normal for the centrifugal switch to also make a noise when rotated by hand?
What would you recomend as a general cleaner for pre and post blocks to remove the dirt and grease from the big cast parts?
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OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I like to start the restore process with Simple Green to remove dust, dirt, grease, ... Wipe down/rinse after with clean water.
Thanks for the tips
Do you know of anyone who makes a good quality tool rest?
Is it normal for the centrifugal switch to also make a noise when rotated by hand?
What would you recomend as a general cleaner for pre and post blocks to remove the dirt and grease from the big cast parts?
Many months ago, a member fabbed up some very nice (expensive) tool rests. Sorry, I don't recall his user name. You might also post in the larger Block thread. "let's see your craftsman block grinders" link --> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7699886#post7699886
I suppose it's possible to get some plate steel of the correct size and cut out the pattern with a hack/jig/band saw and bend in a 90* angle at the correct point. The LH is the mirror image of the RH, I think. OOOPS - sorry, just re-checked your picture. I was thinking of a different model.
Sorry, I don't know about the 'noise when rotated by hand'. If I get a chance (remember LOL), I will check a 1/4-HP that has that kind of switch assembly.
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I like to start the restore process with Simple Green to remove dust, dirt, grease, ... Wipe down/rinse after with clean water.
Many months ago, a member fabbed up some very nice (expensive) tool rests. Sorry, I don't recall his user name. You might also post in the larger Block thread. "let's see your craftsman block grinders" link --> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7699886#post7699886
I suppose it's possible to get some plate steel of the correct size and cut out the pattern with a hack/jig/band saw and bend in a 90* angle at the correct point. The LH is the mirror image of the RH, I think. OOOPS - sorry, just re-checked your picture. I was thinking of a different model.
Sorry, I don't know about the 'noise when rotated by hand'. If I get a chance (remember LOL), I will check a 1/4-HP that has that kind of switch assembly.
Awesome, thanks
Great resource - much appreciated!
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
You are welcome!
jerryd67
Active member
This is a wealth of information...thanks!!
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
You bet!
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Glad to hear it!
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
OK, quiz time.
I know on the first page of this thread I stated Craftsman grinders with model number 397.19xxx or 257.19xxxx are Block grinders.
So, when is a Craftsman grinder with a model number 397.19xxx or 257.19xxxx not a Block?
Read along for examples.
I saw these 2 examples in the local CL, and I thought others just might also find these exceptions to the rule interesting.
The 1st exhibit is a 1/3-HP m-397.19330.
Next exhibit is a 1/4-HP m-257.191200.
As far as I see, the rubber feet and tool rests, and maybe the plastic eye shields might fit a real Block. But, I suspect the tool rests are thin metal that don't belong on a Block.
I know, I'm a snob - a Block Snob.
I know on the first page of this thread I stated Craftsman grinders with model number 397.19xxx or 257.19xxxx are Block grinders.
So, when is a Craftsman grinder with a model number 397.19xxx or 257.19xxxx not a Block?
Read along for examples.
I saw these 2 examples in the local CL, and I thought others just might also find these exceptions to the rule interesting.
The 1st exhibit is a 1/3-HP m-397.19330.
Next exhibit is a 1/4-HP m-257.191200.
As far as I see, the rubber feet and tool rests, and maybe the plastic eye shields might fit a real Block. But, I suspect the tool rests are thin metal that don't belong on a Block.
I know, I'm a snob - a Block Snob.
Attachments
-Not sure if this is the best place for this but...
I was in need of wheel flange/washers for my Craftsman block grinder.
Another member had previously mentioned the DeWalt "collar, wheel".
This is Part 791543-00 and I purchased four of them from eReplacementParts for a couple of grinders that I have. I am very pleased to have found them.
They are not machined or cast parts, just pressed/stamped metal, but they fit well and eliminated the wheel wobble that I had been fussing with for some time.
If any of you have a better part to try out, I would like to know.
Hopefully this info is helpful.
I was in need of wheel flange/washers for my Craftsman block grinder.
Another member had previously mentioned the DeWalt "collar, wheel".
This is Part 791543-00 and I purchased four of them from eReplacementParts for a couple of grinders that I have. I am very pleased to have found them.
They are not machined or cast parts, just pressed/stamped metal, but they fit well and eliminated the wheel wobble that I had been fussing with for some time.
If any of you have a better part to try out, I would like to know.
Hopefully this info is helpful.
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
MJ - thank you!
I see the dimensions are: Inside 1/2", Outside 2 1/16".
Also, if anyone is in need of an arbor nut ($3.99):
Nut,L.Wheel
Part Number: 791544-00
Nut,R.Wheel
Part Number: 791545-00
I see the dimensions are: Inside 1/2", Outside 2 1/16".
Also, if anyone is in need of an arbor nut ($3.99):
Nut,L.Wheel
Part Number: 791544-00
Nut,R.Wheel
Part Number: 791545-00
cajunfirehawk
Well-known member
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Hawk - thank you.
Torqueman is like our own Block Grinder Wiki
dogzbody1
Well-known member
Hi all
I posted previously about a blocker grinder that smoked on startup. The collective provided some advice on repair and I have to admit that even with the best intention I haven't found time to follow it given other projects.
So, does anyone in or near Racine or Milwaukee want a project? Its free for collection during the first weekend in July or other suitable time after,
Details:
Model 115.19500 (Mfrs No. S-7561). It is an old grinder in a gold color rather than gray color. If I read it correctly the date code is March of '57.
The 1/4 HP grinder is complete including the faceplate that says "For farm and home use only." It is a nice project, I just have too many other things going on and don't see getting to it;.
It worked well the first time I plugged it in but the second time it got off to a slow start and started smoking.
I posted previously about a blocker grinder that smoked on startup. The collective provided some advice on repair and I have to admit that even with the best intention I haven't found time to follow it given other projects.
So, does anyone in or near Racine or Milwaukee want a project? Its free for collection during the first weekend in July or other suitable time after,
Details:
Model 115.19500 (Mfrs No. S-7561). It is an old grinder in a gold color rather than gray color. If I read it correctly the date code is March of '57.
The 1/4 HP grinder is complete including the faceplate that says "For farm and home use only." It is a nice project, I just have too many other things going on and don't see getting to it;.
It worked well the first time I plugged it in but the second time it got off to a slow start and started smoking.
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
That is a terrific offer!
I would normally take you up on it, but like you, I have sooo many other projects.
Besides, I would have to rob parts from another 'Block' project.
You may find a taker on the other Block threads:
"Pre-Block" Grinders--Where's the Love? --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339921&highlight=pre-Block
let's see your craftsman block grinders --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794
I would normally take you up on it, but like you, I have sooo many other projects.
Besides, I would have to rob parts from another 'Block' project.
You may find a taker on the other Block threads:
"Pre-Block" Grinders--Where's the Love? --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339921&highlight=pre-Block
let's see your craftsman block grinders --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794
dogzbody1
Well-known member
I hope someone at the Journal wants it as a project, its a neat machine, I love the "for farm and home use …" tag.
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
If you don't get any takers, ..... (Oh ****, here I go again.) drop me a note in August or so, and I'll see how I am set.
If you are going to toss it, I'd pay the cost to have FedEx box it up and ship it to me.
dogzbody1
Well-known member
Deal, if nobody can collect in person before that, I'll connect.
FYI.
eReplacementparts.com no longer has the black plastic lamp shade. They have been out for a while.
SearsPartsDirect.com says they have the shade in stock - but, they DON'T. They let me order it last week, but then yesterday they cancelled my order and said they no longer have the part.
eReplacementparts.com no longer has the black plastic lamp shade. They have been out for a while.
SearsPartsDirect.com says they have the shade in stock - but, they DON'T. They let me order it last week, but then yesterday they cancelled my order and said they no longer have the part.
Attachments
cajunfirehawk
Well-known member
Glad I stocked up a few yrs back...
Glad I stocked up a few yrs back...
Good decision!
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Thanks for the update Leviton.
Sadly, the few available OEM replacement parts are becoming more scarce all the time.
Sadly, the few available OEM replacement parts are becoming more scarce all the time.
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Rick B.
Well-known member
My latest $10 CL score.
View media item 94997
View media item 94996
It's only a 1/3hp and it wasn't working but I figured the wheel covers were worth 10 bucks so I grabbed it for parts. I get it home and low and behold, it's doesn't work because one of the push-on wire terminals is broken off the switch. I hook the wires up together, plug it in and it works great! So now I have to either track down an OEM switch or mount an aftermarket toggle. Base plate has no mfg. date so it's anybody's uess. I think I'll set this one up with wire wheels
Disassembly and cleanup.
View media item 95121
After paint.
View media item 95122
View media item 94997
View media item 94996
It's only a 1/3hp and it wasn't working but I figured the wheel covers were worth 10 bucks so I grabbed it for parts. I get it home and low and behold, it's doesn't work because one of the push-on wire terminals is broken off the switch. I hook the wires up together, plug it in and it works great! So now I have to either track down an OEM switch or mount an aftermarket toggle. Base plate has no mfg. date so it's anybody's uess. I think I'll set this one up with wire wheels
Disassembly and cleanup.
View media item 95121
After paint.
View media item 95122
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OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Nice find.
I hope you can find an OEM switch.
You might want to take a look at this switch thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310418
And another option for the 534497198 (previously 4971958) plastic lamp shade turns out to be false. Jack's Small Engines said they had it in stock.
A week after my order was received I got the e-mail response shown in the screen capture photo below.
The search continues...!
A week after my order was received I got the e-mail response shown in the screen capture photo below.
The search continues...!
Attachments
Rick B.
Well-known member
Rick B.
Well-known member
OP
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Nice looking Block!
atch
Well-known member
QUENCH TRAY QUESTION:
I've been using one of these block grinders for over 40 years. I seldom keep water in the quench tray, though, because it builds up rust or corrosion or scale or something when I put water in it.
I've been thinking of cleaning it one more time and then clear coating or painting it. Is there a better way to keep this thing looking (and working) better?
I've been using one of these block grinders for over 40 years. I seldom keep water in the quench tray, though, because it builds up rust or corrosion or scale or something when I put water in it.
I've been thinking of cleaning it one more time and then clear coating or painting it. Is there a better way to keep this thing looking (and working) better?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
The problem with crud/rust buildup is not that the paint tray is rusting out (although it can if the paint is damaged/peeling) is that every time you dunk a hat part in some grinding residue drops to the bottom of the tray. That is what is the primary build up, and of course some is stone grit and some is steel, so the steel rusts...
I generally use cat food cans or plastic trays from the yogurt the ladies of the house eat. Those also get rusty/cruddy, but those are easily replaced.
I generally use cat food cans or plastic trays from the yogurt the ladies of the house eat. Those also get rusty/cruddy, but those are easily replaced.
atch
Well-known member
Thanx man. I keep a 3# plastic coffee can full of water right by the grinder and use that. But I'd still like to know how to keep the Craftsman tray looking nice. I assumed it is aluminum. Is that right. At midnight I'm not going to go out to the shop to check it out, though.
Were these trays originally painted? If so I'll match up the paint and repaint.
I guess I could just clean it up one last time and never use it again.
Were these trays originally painted? If so I'll match up the paint and repaint.
I guess I could just clean it up one last time and never use it again.
atch
Well-known member
Thanx. I'll try to match the paint. Rattle can if possible.
Anyone that's restored one of these have a suggestion on spray can paint mfgr./color?
Rick B.
Well-known member
I welded this one up from a piece of angle iron for small stuff. Then I sprayed it with two medium coats and three heavy coats of Rustoleum Enamel and it's been fine for about three years now.
View media item 95291
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JoCoSawdust
Well-known member
I've got two blocks in the works right now and went with Rustoleum Matte Hammered Black. The block in the foreground of this pic has been re-painted. The one in the background is original finish. Not a perfect match but damned near. The name of the paint is misleading as it's not black (more of a charcoal gray) and it's not matte.
I've been a silent lurker on this thread for about a year now and have accumulated 6 blocks (addictive). Two are daily users (love em) and finally getting around to churching a couple of them up. One will go to my daughter. Thanks to all that contribute to this thread. Lot's of valuable info here!
atch
Well-known member
Thanx man.I've got two blocks in the works right now and went with Rustoleum Matte Hammered Black. The block in the foreground of this pic has been re-painted. The one in the background is original finish. Not a perfect match but damned near. The name of the paint is misleading as it's not black (more of a charcoal gray) and it's not matte.
I've been a silent lurker on this thread for about a year now and have accumulated 6 blocks (addictive). Two are daily users (love em) and finally getting around to churching a couple of them up. One will go to my daughter. Thanks to all that contribute to this thread. Lot's of valuable info here!
Robertacabin
New member
Picked up a 1969 year craftsman block grinder ( 1/3 HP) that is very nice but missing right side tool rest/wingnut assembly. Wondering if anyone has a spare they could part with? Thanks in advance everyone.