let's see your craftsman block grinders

Pupuhd · Dec 13, 2014

McBrownie said:
All shapes and sizes.

View media item 45997
By the way, Phase 3 has experienced some scope creep and I'm replacing my workmate tops with some 3/4" Maple Appleply along with the repaint of the Block.

I purchased my workmate from Sears back in 1987. If taken care of properly they last forever. I've used mine for carpentry, I'm a Carpenter by trade, and it's still going with original top. Your idea there to clamp your grinder to it is great. I used mine to primarily to clamp my 8-1/4" Hitachi miter saw. Great idea.

McBrownie · Dec 13, 2014

jakemac said:
Cut and form the open end to best collect the dust from the sander.

Thanks Jake. Looks like I'll start getting more use out of my Shopvac too.

torqueman2002 · Dec 13, 2014

1/2 HP ft Block grinder within ~70 miles round trip from me. $50.

PM me if anyone is interested.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/4803550328.html

McBrownie · Dec 13, 2014

Pupuhd said:
I purchased my workmate from Sears back in 1987. If taken care of properly they last forever. I've used mine for carpentry, I'm a Carpenter by trade, and it's still going with original top. Your idea there to clamp your grinder to it is great. I used mine to primarily to clamp my 8-1/4" Hitachi miter saw. Great idea.

Mine was left outside by the previous owner, thus the $10 garage sale price. In case you didn't see this, I also built a dolly for it that I really like. It's 3/4" shorter than my workbench. That way, I can clamp a top in the workmate and have a portable workbench extension. Plus, I can pop the workmate out of the dolly and use it like a regular workmate.

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whitedogone · Dec 15, 2014

I guess I have a block as well. It has been sitting in a box in the attic of my garage for the last 10 years. It has always seemed to vibrate quite a bit since new. Maybe I should try to figure out what's wrong with it if anything.

Jeeper · Dec 15, 2014

Question for you block heads...is this a block grinder? It has the same shape but is newer....me thinks.

http://austin.craigslist.org/tls/4806321317.html

Outlawmws · Dec 15, 2014

It's probably just an out of balance/round wheel.

whitedogone · Dec 15, 2014

Outlawmws said:
It's probably just an out of balance/round wheel.

IIRC, it does it without any wheels on it. Maybe a bent shaft. I'll check it with the dial indicator when I get home. What kinda runout would be acceptable?

drivesitfar · Dec 15, 2014

Jeeper: some of call that the toy block grinder with the plastic parts. keep looking and you'll no a "real" block when you see it. bring a magnet and if it sticks to the block it probably is one.

jakemac · Dec 15, 2014

Jeeper said:
Question for you block heads...is this a block grinder? It has the same shape but is newer....me thinks.

http://austin.craigslist.org/tls/4806321317.html

It's an underpowered BLO (block like object).

torqueman2002 · Dec 15, 2014

Jeeper said:
Question for you block heads...is this a block grinder? It has the same shape but is newer....me thinks.

http://austin.craigslist.org/tls/4806321317.html

Quick answer - Nope.

See my sig line for link to more information on CM lock grinders, including what constitutes a Block.

whitedogone · Dec 15, 2014

whitedogone said:
I guess I have a block as well. It has been sitting in a box in the attic of my garage for the last 10 years. It has always seemed to vibrate quite a bit since new. Maybe I should try to figure out what's wrong with it if anything.

I got into mine tonight after work. a few observations:

1. The shafts have little runout (no more than .001)
2. The armature doesn't have any end play or radial play
3. The armature does not spin as freely as I would think (but no "bad"bearing feel) just bearing drag.
4. The "cooling" fins on the armature seam to have a huge amount of "out of Round-not centered" when spinning the shaft. About 1/8" at least. Is that normal?

torqueman2002 · Dec 15, 2014

I interrupt this thread for a Public Service announcement.

1/3 HP CM rt Block grinder m-397.19580, Madison WI. Posted 6 hours ago.

This seems like a lot of money for a 1/3 HP Block. But consider this: pristine condition, metal eye shields, includes: tool rests, spark arresters, and wheel guard covers. Plus - very heavy duty stand. I have this kind of stand under a Baldor. It is worth $90 used. IMHO.

http://madison.craigslist.org/bfs/4806483254.html

Warning: The LH stone shows evidence of grinding of non-ferrous metal (AL). It should be discarded or carefully dressed before using with ferrous metals. See the 2nd to last Don't Bullet in this Norton document. http://tinyurl.com/Norton-Grndng-Dos-and-Donts

torqueman2002 · Dec 15, 2014

My comments are in Blue, below.

whitedogone said:
I got into mine tonight after work. a few observations:

1. The shafts have little runout (no more than .001) I've never measured any of mine, but that is excellent.
2. The armature doesn't have any end play or radial play Again, I've never measured any of mine, but that is excellent.
3. The armature does not spin as freely as I would think (but no "bad"bearing feel) just bearing drag. Bearings with fresh grease, will take less time to 'run down' than 'dry' bearings. The important thing is smoothness. I have found many that feel like 1960's era, roller skates! Which, of course is not OK.
4. The "cooling" fins on the armature seam to have a huge amount of "out of Round-not centered" when spinning the shaft. About 1/8" at least. Is that normal? Again, I've never measured any of mine.

Try running the grinder with out any wheel/stone mounted. If the problem is still present, try installing rubber isolation feet/pad under the grinder and/or the stand. I have a 3/4 HP that wants to 'walk' across the shop/garage floor. I put an old heavy fiber door mat under it and it stays put.

whitedogone · Dec 15, 2014

What's a source for bearings? If I want to refresh them.

McBrownie · Dec 15, 2014

whitedogone said:
What's a source for bearings? If I want to refresh them.

Whitey,

That is a nice mid-70's flat top. I'm glad you rescued it from the attic. Take a look at the bottom plate and see if it has a date stamped on it.

I found a good source for bearings on eBay. These are what I just put in my 3/4hp.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301023144563

In case the link doesn't work the item description from BearingBiz is:
6203ZZ C3 Nachi Bearing Electric Motor Quality 17mm x 40mm x 12mm ZZ

These are shielded bearings which were original to mine. Some have put in sealed bearings with the rubber seals which have a different suffix to ZZ. At 3650RPM, either will work fine from what I understand. Double check your measurements to make sure.

McBrownie · Dec 15, 2014

torqueman2002 said:
I have a 3/4 HP that wants to 'walk' across the shop/garage floor. I put an old heavy fiber door mat under it and it stays put.

TM, maybe you should spend some quality time with that big boy and find out why he is trying to leave.

whitedogone · Dec 15, 2014

McBrownie said:
Whitey,

I found a good source on eBay that I just put in my 3/4hp.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301023144563

In case the link doesn't work the item description from BearingBiz is:
6203ZZ C3 Nachi Bearing Electric Motor Quality 17mm x 40mm x 12mm ZZ

These are shielded bearings which were original to mine. Some have put in sealed bearings with the rubber seals which have a different suffix to ZZ. At 3650RPM, either will work fine from what I understand. Double check your measurements to make sure.

Cool to know they are standard 6203's. I get my Nachi's from http://www.usabearingsandbelts.com/

exmaxima1 · Dec 15, 2014

whitedogone said:
What's a source for bearings? If I want to refresh them.

I've rebuilt a few blocks with shielded bearings from here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360598595077?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Work fine, and very good price.

whitedogone · Dec 16, 2014

Is there any need to take the armature to a motor shop and have them balance it? It just really seams to vibrate a lot more than other quality grinders I've used. Also, anybody have a link to decent wheels? How about the worklight, says 30w max. What about a brighter one....say led.

jakemac · Dec 16, 2014

The 30w max rating is for incandescent bulbs that produce more heat. You should be able to get away with a higher lumen (but lower watt) fluorescent or LED bulb in the lamp with no problems.

McBrownie · Dec 16, 2014

whitedogone said:
Is there any need to take the armature to a motor shop and have them balance it?

If the grinder is still vibrating without any wheels attached, then I would look into that. However, try it without wheels first. I've never heard of anyone needing to balance the armature.

whitedogone · Dec 16, 2014

madoc1 said:
here's the manual. hope it works. also thx. to whoever posted the pn for the rubber feet at lowes. perfect fit.

ok. they are in a pdf file and it's too big to upload. don't know how to overcome this. can email to you tm if you send me an addy.

Anybody have the rubber feet link?

drivesitfar · Dec 16, 2014

WD: the rubber feet can be bought at Lowe's and the part #'s are in this thread several times. i think Tourqueman has it on a thread he started with just information and i think the link is in his signature.

I've never had to buy any yet, but i heard you might have to check a few of the bins because they just shuffled around at the store and maybe even a couple different stores.

in the 50 or more years that block of yours has been around it possibly could have been dropped. so did you check to see if any evidence of that?

Leadberry · Dec 16, 2014

whitedogone said:
Anybody have the rubber feet link?

http://www.zoro.com/g/00008632/k-G2705507

pendragon1998 · Dec 16, 2014

drivesitfar said:
WD: the rubber feet can be bought at Lowe's and the part #'s are in this thread several times.

GRINDER FEET REPLACEMENT OPTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

(1)
Grainger link for style below: (not certain which size you need)

(2)
Or make them out of hockey pucks

(3)
Preblocks take different feet than your run of the mill block grinder. Photo below modified from jakemac's post to illustrate.
Link to comparison post

(4)
Lowes grommets:
The Hillman Group 5/16-in Rubber Grommet
Item #: 423532 | Model #: 884633

(5)
User Balane just got some rubber sheeting and cut a piece to go under the entire grinder.
Link to post

(6)
My measurements for pre-block feet are as follows:

Installed in grinder base : 1-3/8" diameter x 5/16" thick
Installed in tool rest: 1-3/16" diameter x 3/8" thick

Something like the part below would probably work for pre-block grinders with an appropriate fastener, but you'd possibly have to modify it for thickness (maybe sand it down - or not). I'm ordering some and I'll report back whether they work.

Amazon link

drivesitfar · Dec 16, 2014

Pendragon: thanks for putting that list together for us Block heads. does yours have more information than TM's or maybe this one was his? nice work. :thumbup:

McB & ALL: some of us really liked McB's Black and Decker workmate grinder stand and i just found an accessory for him and us. in case we need a flat top i'm sure we all could have thought of this, but pictures always help me so posting it here.

pendragon1998 · Dec 16, 2014

drivesitfar said:
Pendragon: thanks for putting that list together for us Block heads. does yours have more information than TM's or maybe this one was his? nice work.

Some of the info I gleaned from a search of this thread. Some of it I added (mainly the pre-block replacements on amazon, which I am in the process of checking out). I don't think there's a section on feet in the resource thread, yet.

McBrownie · Dec 16, 2014

drivesitfar said:
Pendragon: thanks for putting that list together for us Block heads. does yours have more information than TM's or maybe this one was his? nice work.

McB & ALL: some of us really liked McB's Black and Decker workmate grinder stand and i just found an accessory for him and us. in case we need a flat top i'm sure we all could have thought of this, but pictures always help me so posting it here.

Drives, that is a cool setup and thanks for the picture. Too bad there is a piece of **** grinder at the top of that totem pole. :lol_hitti

drivesitfar · Dec 16, 2014

McB: i agree, but i'm not a photo shop guy so one of you other block heads need to change that in the picture so i can resave it. anybody want to try and put a 3/4 HP block up on that top shelf?

McBrownie · Dec 16, 2014

drivesitfar said:
McB: i agree, but i'm not a photo shop guy so one of you other block heads need to change that in the picture so i can resave it. anybody want to try and put a 3/4 HP block up on that top shelf?

I'm not a photoshop guy either, but somehow I feel better now.

View media item 46092

drivesitfar · Dec 16, 2014

McB: Awesome. :thumbup:

Outlawmws · Dec 16, 2014

drivesitfar said:
Pendragon: thanks for putting that list together for us Block heads. does yours have more information than TM's or maybe this one was his? nice work.

McB & ALL: some of us really liked McB's Black and Decker workmate grinder stand and i just found an accessory for him and us. in case we need a flat top i'm sure we all could have thought of this, but pictures always help me so posting it here.

Why didn't I think of this? :dunno:

Oh, wait; I did! :evil:

McBrownie · Dec 16, 2014

Found a vintage Vimco lamp today to go on my 397.19670 3/4hp project. It didn't have the original lamp, so I put an old desk lamp on it and it just doesn't look right to me. This, painted up and installed on the original gooseneck, will fix that problem. Although, if this gooseneck is the same length, I'll just repaint it and replace the original. Phase 3 just keeps growing in scope!

View media item 46094
I also repainted the cast base today since it was a pretty warm. A little oven time to heat the casting up before painting also helped. Again, Rustoluem Soft Flat Iron with a coat of Rustoleum Crystal Clear over the top. iPhones must struggle with fluorescent light. This is shinier and more uniform in person.

View media item 46096

drivesitfar · Dec 16, 2014

Outlaw: well I always appreciate your wisdom and your suggested use of a Workmate. in this case i got lucky and the picture I posted that McB fixed wasn't on one of those threads you looked up. i might use mine out in the yard this summer for my fencing project

it takes up too much floor space for me in my already cramped shop, but it might be perfect for some of the guys. i put all mine on upper shelves or stands and a couple are going on benches.

I actually like your idea to put a block on a piece of plywood with a 2 x 2 under it for a wood vise to hold on your bench better.

McB: l do like how your OCD benefits all of us. nice looking lamp.

McBrownie · Dec 16, 2014

drivesitfar said:
McB: l do like how your OCD benefits all of us. nice looking lamp.

Look at my garage. I should be a little more OCD on the cleaning! However, I do seem to have a tendency to try to get things as "right" as possible on these goofy projects. This lamp thing started when I saw a listing of a similar vintage Block with that cool lamp. It had a good enough picture to show that it was a Vimco. The Vimco company website (also Victory One Mfg?) seems to have gone away, but I hope the company hasn't. With today's prices on old industrial lighting, you would think they could make a go of it. Anyway, that picture is what started me off on another hunt. :lol:

Pupuhd · Dec 16, 2014

McBrownie said:
I'm not a photoshop guy either, but somehow I feel better now.

McBrownie,
Apparently you are unaware or wish to ignore certain copyright laws by defacing original publication photos. I as a model citizen googled that image and was able to get permission to repost this image. The author was kind enough to email original studio shots of the original conceptual design. Below is proof I'm full of s%$#.

:lol_hitti

torqueman2002 · Dec 16, 2014

My comments are in Blue.

Leadberry said:
http://www.zoro.com/g/00008632/k-G2705507

Thanks, I included the link in the thread in my sig. line.

pendragon1998 said:
GRINDER FEET REPLACEMENT OPTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Thanks, I included the links in the thread in my sig. line.

McBrownie said:
Found a vintage Vimco lamp today to go on my 397.19670 3/4hp project. It didn't have the original lamp, so I put an old desk lamp on it and it just doesn't look right to me. This, painted up and installed on the original gooseneck, will fix that problem. Although, if this gooseneck is the same length, I'll just repaint it and replace the original. Phase 3 just keeps growing in scope! .... I also repainted the cast base today since it was a pretty warm. A little oven time to heat the casting up before painting also helped. Again, Rustoluem Soft Flat Iron with a coat of Rustoleum Crystal Clear over the top. iPhones must struggle with fluorescent light. This is shinier and more uniform in person. ....

The lamp is a good match to one I have on a 1/3 HP rt Block.

The base/tray looks good.

drivesitfar · Dec 16, 2014

Pup: that's probably not too far off. TM at work on his block family with big blue on top. :thumbup:

McBrownie · Dec 16, 2014

Pupuhd said:
McBrownie,
Apparently you are unaware or wish to ignore certain copyright laws by defacing original publication photos. I as a model citizen googled that image and was able to get permission to repost this image. The author was kind enough to email original studio shots of the original conceptual design. Below is proof I'm full of s%$#.

you sir, are a true photoshop professional. :beer:

let's see your craftsman block grinders

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