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let's see your craftsman block grinders

flashman

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Apr 5, 2012
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273
Location
Niceville Florida
Okay...finished and it is a mediocre restore.

3ujyrada.jpg


Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
 
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Goldhawg

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Nov 27, 2010
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363
Anybody able to tell from this picture what size the block grinder is? I'm trying to decide if its worth me hitting an estate sale for this one. Thx!
 

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GirchyGirchy

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Nov 14, 2011
Messages
9,820
Location
Central Indiana
Any one in SE Michigan, looking for a little 1/4 H.P. $10 grinder?
Nice, complete [tool rests, wheel covers, eye shields] CM Block grinder. Can't read model number though.

I talked with the seller on Aug 6th, it was available; and it is still listed today Aug 11th.
SE Michigan - Macomb Twp
00Y0Y_8xzaFBT5PF_600x450.jpg


http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/tls/3980300613.html

Some one please go get this guy. :thumbup:

Looks exactly like mine, which I bought for $40 from a coworker. It was his FIL's.

Runs pretty well, don't have it mounted yet - going to steal an idea I saw elsewhere and mount it on a trailer hitch, and put a piece of square tubing under my bench so I can slide it on when I need it. No stand for it.

I'll post pics later, but I found a way to retrofit some new replacement eye shields onto the existing mounting ears on the grinder. The originals were trashed.
 

jakemac

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May 21, 2013
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Location
New England
WOO - HOO !!!!!! I NOW OWN A BLOCKHEAD !!!!!!!!!! :rocker:



A BIG ONE ! :p 8"



A POWERFUL ONE !! :eyecrazy: 1hp



WITH A STAND !!! :willy_nil


I went to my 2nd favorite used tool place today (wed) after looking at this weeks video on their website (a 1+ hour drive). In the background I spotted a distinctive square-ish shape. I figured that it was sitting on the table and was likely a 6" 1/4hp, but when I got there, I found that it was an 8" 1hp on a stand (I had to scrape paint off the label to check).

The asking price was $50. The owner told me that it made a noise when starting up, so we plugged it in to test it. While starting up it makes an awful wailing/howling/groaning (no real way to explain it) noise, then purrs like a kitten once up to speed. It takes 2 1/2 min to run down to a stop.

I explained that I'd have to tear it down and clean/inspect/lube it (or more) to fix the noise, as well as make new shield inserts, re-wire the light, and deal with the horrendous brushed on paint job to get it running properly. I asked if he would take $40. He agreed. It went into my truck.

Details :

Mod# 397.19360 (same as the first post in this thread)
1hp
115/230 volts
6.0/3.4 amps
5/8" arbor

The lamp is broken, it'll need a rebuild. The paint is brushed on. Some idiot painted over the data label, so it can't be read. I spent 4 hours scraping, cleaning, and squinting with a magnifying glass and flashlight to read the faded imprint of the label to get the info. I may have missed a number on the s/n, but I got all the important data, so I should be good. Eventually, a new label will have to be made. The stand was originally a "diaper load" green. I won't be restoring that color :lol:. The original color of the grinder was metallic grey with a metallic silver center panel. I may go that route, or I may get creative. IDK. It came with 2 new-ish wheels. A Norton 7", and for the box truck guys, a Snap-On 8". ;)

The re-build will have to wait, too many projects on my list. I can still use it for now, but until I have a chance to deal with that noise, I will try to keep it light duty.

Here are the pics :
 

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zkling

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Jan 23, 2007
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16,939
With all respect, my first time to say this, I hate you :bow:

:+1: Stand, 1hp, both guards, both tool rests, cast guards with dust chutes, water tray, AND to top it off you had to beat him down on price. :scared:

You do truly **** sir. That is a very nice setup for $40. I hope one day I may be that lucky to find one of those. Enjoy it. :beer:
 

jakemac

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May 21, 2013
Messages
9,035
Location
New England
Aww shucks !
I may blush. My first I hate you, and a **** from 2 members that I really respect. Thank you.
I'm having a really great day.

HAPPY DANCE ! :willy_nil
 

gearheadglen

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Joined
Apr 24, 2013
Messages
133
Location
North Jersey
acquired this 1/2 horsepower crown top on CL a while back for $50, everything is complete, even had the water tray, sorry first pic is a bit blurry
 

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softailgarage

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Apr 20, 2011
Messages
5,153
Location
Bullhead City, Az.
Finally! Checked out craigslist today and 2 things I've been looking for are up, unfortunatly I can only afford one. 1. Craftsman roll away: guy wants way too much for it's condition, however this is a rare find for this area.http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/tls/4010424495.html
2. http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/tls/4014166393.html
Can you guess which one I picked up? And less than 1/2 mile away too!
IMG_2735.JPG 397.19400
:rocker:
IMG_2736.JPG

I tried to get him down to $40.00 but he wasn't gonna budge. I'm still looking for one with the metal framed eye guard's, but this will do for now. Speaking of eye guard's, does anyone know of a way to clean them up, they're kinda foggy? As far as restoration, I promised nine4GMC I was gonna steal his paint scheme and I shall :evil: However, I have 2 sold Craftsman saw's I need to finish first.
 

jakemac

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May 21, 2013
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Location
New England
Speaking of eye guard's, does anyone know of a way to clean them up, they're kinda foggy?


Are they glass or plastic ?

If plastic, try toothpaste (a mild abrasive) and elbow grease. Set yourself up in front of the TV and have at it until they're clear while you watch your favorite shows. Depending on how bad they are, you may not get them all the way clean, but they should be useable.
 

softailgarage

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Apr 20, 2011
Messages
5,153
Location
Bullhead City, Az.
Are they glass or plastic ?

If plastic, try toothpaste (a mild abrasive) and elbow grease. Set yourself up in front of the TV and have at it until they're clear while you watch your favorite shows. Depending on how bad they are, you may not get them all the way clean, but they should be useable.

Plastic and I'll give it a shot, thanks :beer:
 
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torqueman2002

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Jun 3, 2009
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6,138
Location
SE Michigan
Thanks Torque !

30 hours later, and I'm still giddy. :bounce:
:beer:

That is one good score, and you get to fix it too. "... starting up it makes an awful wailing/howling/groaning...noise..."

I am not sure, but I think it might be the start winding is not powering-up. Try giving it a spin with your hand as it starts. If that helps it might be the start cap is open, or start relay /centrifugal switch points are not making up.

I've found the guys very helpful and knowledgeable over at www.OWWM.com Everything Electrical. They will know for sure.

Also, look for my post on cleaning and testing a start-relay on that site; and pics. of a centrifugal switch, in a post above.

Replacement parts are sometimes available at http://www.ereplacementparts.com/.

Keep us posted and good luck. :thumbup:
 
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torqueman2002

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Jun 3, 2009
Messages
6,138
Location
SE Michigan
BTW, anyone have a link to a thread where someone had made their own end caps? I've been trying to find it but can't so far.

Here's one on another site (OWWM).
http://owwm.org/viewtopic.php?p=899544#p899544

I remember a thread where the poster made a replacement like this.
P1000480s.jpg

Sheet steel was used. He started first by making two plywood 'clamps' with corresponding holes for the arbor shaft. The steel was inserted between the plywood 'clamps' and secured.

The assembly was placed in a floor press and a domed die (top to an acetylene tank) was pressed into the metal until the desired bulge was achieved.
 
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GirchyGirchy

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Nov 14, 2011
Messages
9,820
Location
Central Indiana
Speaking of eye guard's, does anyone know of a way to clean them up, they're kinda foggy?

Trash them. Even when polished they'll likely disintegrate - mine were crumbly as hell. I'd prefer something which might provide some protection!

Here's what I just came up with and am pleased with how it looks. I bought a set of these from Grainger and some of these brackets from McMaster, opened up the holes on the long side for a 1/4" bolt to pass through, and here's how it turned out. Not perfect but I think it looks fine and should hold up.

Plus, with the steel hardware, I can easily make new ones in the future by cutting some PC to a desired size and drilling a couple of holes.


_DSC1805 by GirchyGirchy, on Flickr


_DSC1807 by GirchyGirchy, on Flickr
 
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GirchyGirchy

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Nov 14, 2011
Messages
9,820
Location
Central Indiana
I remember a thread where the poster made a replacement like this.
...

Sheet steel was used. He started first by making two plywood 'clamps' with corresponding holes for the arbor shaft. The steel was inserted between the plywood 'clamps' and secured.

The assembly was placed in a floor press and a domed die (top to an acetylene tank) was pressed into the metal until the desired bulge was achieved.

Yeah, that's the one I was trying to find, but just can't come up with it.
 

toolmaven

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Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
72
Location
New Jersey
This is my old Craftsman. 1/4 HP, 6" wheels, from 1954, I believe. It was my grandfathers. it is all cast iron & steel, with laminated safety glass shields, not plastic. It is very stout and seems to out power so-called 1/2 HP grinders made recently. It is on a stand from a much bigger industrial grinder, and that is on a dolly so I can move it. I may have missed them, but I haven't seen others looking quite as vintage.
 

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Goldhawg

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Nov 27, 2010
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363
It's at least a 3/4.......

Well, it turned out not to be the coveted 3/4 hp, but it is a commercial 1/2; silky smooth w/no vibration. And when you turn it off, it spins the larger stones forever. WooHoo! And did I mention the estate sale price? $25!!!

I was working that day but I have a friend in our church that forwards all the estate sale emails; I asked her if she was going so she was and picked it up for me. The guy selling tried to talk her out of buying it; he said she should come to the next one where they had an almost new one for only $5 more. Fortunately she didn't bite and made the purchase--this thing is awesome! I just got it today when she brought it into church.
 

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toolmaven

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Feb 28, 2008
Messages
72
Location
New Jersey
Jakemac, thanks for the compliment. He took care of all his tools really well. The grinder has not been refinished. The base, I got when working in a scrap yard. I wore out a twisted cup brush removing the rust, and gave it a coat of grey industrial enamel over Rustoleum red. I put a sheet metal panel where the push button switches once were, and cut a 1/4 thick steel top. I drilled & tapped two holes for the 'lil Craftsman's mounting bolts.

I don't know where I should post the picture, but I also have his Bilious green 1940's or earlier tool chest. He did signs, and he repainted it in the most garish left over color. No name on the chest - round knobs & very heavy steel. I still have the can of matching paint, too.
 

ritzblitz

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Joined
May 5, 2013
Messages
239
Location
Quakertown, PA
I got this block grinder for free today. It is a commercial one, and is it a crown top? What does crown top even mean? And what does commercial mean as far as differences?

Overall it is decent, takes a year to spool down since there is no brake, and overall the quality is not near my Rockwell or Stanley grinders. But it was free from an old lady down the road. I'd like to sell it and give her most of the money.
 

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jakemac

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May 21, 2013
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New England
I got this block grinder for free today. You **** :drool: It is a commercial one, and is it a crown top? What does crown top even mean? The outline of the logo looks like Bart Simpson's head
simpson-emoticon-bart.gif
And what does commercial mean as far as differences? Don't know :dunno:

Overall it is decent, takes a year to spool down since there is no brake, and overall the quality is not near my Rockwell or Stanley grinders GASP! Shut your mouth! :scared:. But it was free from an old lady down the road. I'd like to sell it and give her most of the money. Good job ! :thumbup:

:bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:
 
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larryq

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Jul 12, 2011
Messages
2,421
Could anyone recommend replacement bearings for these units? I'm going to restore an 8" 3/4 HP and could use the advice, including how difficult it is to replace the bearings.

I've heard of SKF but am unsure who else is out there or where to buy online, what sort of bearing to get, to avoid, etc. Thanks!
 

montanafordman

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Feb 10, 2013
Messages
621
Location
Meridian, ID
I was able to order a spare set of bearings for my 6" block grinder from sears. Most of the parts are no longer available but some, like bearings are.
 

torqueman2002

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Jun 3, 2009
Messages
6,138
Location
SE Michigan
Could anyone recommend replacement bearings for these units? I'm going to restore an 8" 3/4 HP and could use the advice, including how difficult it is to replace the bearings.

I've heard of SKF but am unsure who else is out there or where to buy online, what sort of bearing to get, to avoid, etc. Thanks!

I've had good luck taking the old bearings into a local supplier who measures and cross references the bearings. I've done this a handful of times on 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 H.P.; but not 3/4.

For details, follow this link to my current rebuild of a 1 H.P. Block motor grinder.
http://tinyurl.com/Go-Blue-Block-Grinder

I have had success with some replacement parts for CM grinders through the following link, slow (20 days) compared to Amazon, but they have parts listed as not available on Sears parts website. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/
 
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