let's see your craftsman block grinders

Pupuhd · Dec 28, 2014

Anyone here knows if you can install a 1" thick grinding wheel on a Craftsman 1/3hp, 6" grinder?

This is what I have.

Currently the wheel that came with it is 3/4" thick. There's 5/16" gap between the wheel and wheel guard. Also 5/16" exposed threads from the nut.

Since my 12" Cincinnati grinder has two Norton Gemini 80 or 60 grit wheels on it, I wanted this Craftsman to have finer wheels on it, mostly for sharpening and fine detail grinding. I was thinking on the Norton Premium White Alundum, Aluminum Oxide wheels in 100 and 150 grit.

Besides the 1" wheel thickness question, any suggestions on wheel selections sharpening, detail grinding work. This will be my first set of wheels for this grinder to start with. Thanks.

I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

McBrownie · Dec 28, 2014

Pupuhd said:
Anyone here knows if you can install a 1" thick grinding wheel on a Craftsman 1/3hp, 6" grinder?

Currently the wheel that came with it is 3/4" thick. There's 5/16" gap between the wheel and wheel guard. Also 5/16" exposed threads from the nut.

It looks like you have enough threads and the wheel should fit in there, but the washer might not. You could shim your side cover out a little more to make room.

Outlawmws · Dec 28, 2014

The shaft obviously should take it. My 1/2 HP 6" Commercial model has 1" wheels no problem. Can't say for your 1/3 HP, but my 1/3 would be maxed out on a 3/4" wheel

ps : That wheel that is on yours now needs dressing...

Pupuhd · Dec 29, 2014

Outlawmws said:
The shaft obviously should take it. My 1/2 HP 6" Commercial model has 1" wheels no problem. Can't say for your 1/3 HP, but my 1/3 would be maxed out on a 3/4" wheel

ps : That wheel that is on yours now needs dressing...

As far as I am aware these craftsman 1/3 hp grinders were spec for 3/4" wheels. Considering the age of the machine (1965), I'd like to assume the actual hp is higher than rated compare to modern day electric motors. For a few dollars more I can upgrade to a 1" wide wheel, more surface area for the larger width chisels, etc.

Yeah, that current wheel has seen better days. I'll dress it, possibly with radius corners for a specific use.

I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

Outlawmws · Dec 29, 2014

I should have been clearer: by maxed out that was in terms of clearance space to the outer guard plate. The extra mass would increase spin up times, but probably be OK.

egdede · Dec 30, 2014

I've been looking for a grinder for about a month. I wanted to spend $25, and was willing to go used chi-com because it's a grinder. This was posted on CL on X-mas eve. A quick call and it was mine for $45. Its birthday is 04-06-73. When I got home home I was pleasantly surprised to learn of the blockhead legacy.

I purchased it from the original owner who rarely used it. It has the original wheel which dressed out nicely. It starts up smooth and takes a full minute to wind down. The original owner had just replaced the switch that morning.

drivesitfar · Dec 30, 2014

EG: it looks like you might have a commercial version of our block grinder. can you take a close up picture of the label to post with your comments? is it a 1/2 Craftsman commercial version? nicely done and a great Christmas present to yourself.

Pup: if you do end up putting a full inch wide stone on your block can you tell us how it runs and post up a few pictures?

TM: can you put GoJeremy on the wanted list for a 1/3 to 1/2 block? he has 4 kids and could use a decent grinder so i mentioned he should ask on this thread. or send him a PM with options since you probably have a nice one ready to ship to him.

McB: what can we say other than your Blockmeister machine has taken the block grinders into another dimension. very nice and transformation and for those of you that haven't seen it McB started a new thread with plenty of pictures and words telling how to make one yourself.

vertguy · Dec 30, 2014

Fresh off the UPS truck... this is my first block grinder and I am very impressed. I was surprised to see the rubber mounting grommets along with the "real glass" in the eye shields. Other than some paint on the right eye shield, this one is in great shape. And BTW, GJ is really starting to cost me a lot of $$$ :lol:

jakemac · Dec 30, 2014

Welcome to the club(s).

BGOC - The Block Grinder Owner's Club
and
IBBoGJC - The "I'm Broke Because of Garage Journal Club"

vertguy · Dec 30, 2014

I prefer... SOKI - Spending Our Kids Inheritance :lol:

McBrownie · Dec 30, 2014

vertguy said:
Fresh off the UPS truck... this is my first block grinder and I am very impressed. I was surprised to see the rubber mounting grommets along with the "real glass" in the eye shields. Other than some paint on the right eye shield, this one is in great shape. And BTW, GJ is really starting to cost me a lot of $$$

Vert,
Nice find! That one looks like it has been in storage for the past 40 years.

cpayne5 · Jan 2, 2015

So, with some gift cards I received for Christmas I had planned to go off to a Lowes or Home Depot and buy a grinder. I came to GJ to check out what may be a good model and quickly discovered these Craftsman block grinder threads. I decided I was better off buying one of these used, so that's what I did.

This guy was on CL a little ways away, so I went and picked him up today. It runs well, so I'm not going to have to put much time or money into it. I am digging the bronze paint schemes of a few others on here, so maybe I'll do that one day. But other than that, he's gonna sit off against the wall until his name is called every so often.

It's a 1/2hp model #257.191401. Far as I can tell, it's a late 70s, early 80s model. I haven't taken it off the stand to check the date stamp. I paid $60 for it and the homemade stand. I do have the quench tray. Happy with the purchase.

torqueman2002 · Jan 2, 2015

cpayne5 said:
So, with some gift cards I received for Christmas I had planned to go off to a Lowes or Home Depot and buy a grinder. I came to GJ to check out what may be a good model and quickly discovered these Craftsman block grinder threads. I decided I was better off buying one of these used, so that's what I did.

This guy was on CL a little ways away, so I went and picked him up today. It runs well, so I'm not going to have to put much time or money into it. I am digging the bronze paint schemes of a few others on here, so maybe I'll do that one day. But other than that, he's gonna sit off against the wall until his name is called every so often.

It's a 1/2hp model #257.191401. Far as I can tell, it's a late 70s, early 80s model. I haven't taken it off the stand to check the date stamp. I paid $60 for it and the homemade stand. I do have the quench tray. Happy with the purchase.

Welcome to the thread.

Nice find for your 1st Block. Be warned, very few can stop at 1.

cpayne5 · Jan 2, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Welcome to the thread.

Nice find for your 1st Block. Be warned, very few can stop at 1.

Thank you, sir.

If a bargain comes along for another grinder, I'll probably pick it up, just so I don't have to worry about swapping wheels. First world problems.

I'm on the hunt for a drill press now. Hoping to find a 150.

torqueman2002 · Jan 2, 2015

cpayne5 said:
Thank you, sir.

If a bargain comes along for another grinder, I'll probably pick it up, just so I don't have to worry about swapping wheels. First world problems.

I'm on the hunt for a drill press now. Hoping to find a 150.

A 150 will go well with your Blocks.

There are several good restore threads for CM DPs.

Also, on the Block, just ask if you have questions on anything. Posters here are very helpful and have lots of experience with the different models.

For resource information, see the thread in my sig. line.

tedsters · Jan 2, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Welcome to the thread.

Nice find for your 1st Block. Be warned, very few can stop at 1.

cpayne5 said:
Thank you, sir.

If a bargain comes along for another grinder, I'll probably pick it up, just so I don't have to worry about swapping wheels. First world problems.

I'm on the hunt for a drill press now. Hoping to find a 150.

nice grinder the blocks do seem to be very addicting once you buy one, the 150 is a nice DP i still have one

torqueman2002 · Jan 2, 2015

CL - craftsman 1/3 HP bench grinder - $40 (mt juliet tn)
Posted: an hour ago

http://nashville.craigslist.org/tls/4829846923.html

Rickenbackerman · Jan 2, 2015

Yep, one is not enough... I scored a 1/2HP block for $40. Made that my main grinder and put wire and buffing wheels on my newer 1/5HP Cman grinder. I call him "gutless wonder". Looking for another block...

torqueman2002 · Jan 3, 2015

Rickenbackerman said:
Yep, one is not enough... I scored a 1/2HP block for $40. Made that my main grinder and put wire and buffing wheels on my newer 1/5HP Cman grinder. I call him "gutless wonder". Looking for another block...

Can you post a picture of your ".. wonder"?

I've never seen a 1/5 HP, or maybe it's a typo (1/4 HP?).

Mike

McBrownie · Jan 3, 2015

cpayne5 said:
It's a 1/2hp model #257.191401. Far as I can tell, it's a late 70s, early 80s model. I haven't taken it off the stand to check the date stamp. I paid $60 for it and the homemade stand. I do have the quench tray. Happy with the purchase.]

Congratulations! That's a powerful split-phase. I have the same model and another member posted another one a few pages back. Check the inside of your wheel guards for a casting stamp. Mine had 1983 casting marks and this one shows 1984. It would be interesting to see what your's has.

View media item 45263

torqueman2002 · Jan 3, 2015

Here's an update to the 'Want/Wish List'. (as of the date listed in XL field in Blue)

=====================================
Want/Wish List Process
------------------------------------------------------------------
Updated: October 09, 2015 | Changes are in pink.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I will put members who are in good standing on a 'Want-Wish List', I keep for Block grinders that appear on CL.

This will be 'as-found condition'. That's to say, when a Block matching your request is in my area, I'll let you know.

I'll go after the grinder, once you confirm you want it. See Notes 1 & 3, below.
Sometimes I am able to get the grinder for less than the listed CL price, in which case I'll pass the savings on to you.

My area is the metro Detroit; basically, if I can get to the seller with less than about a 20 min, 1-way ride.

If there's a grinder further away than that, I want gas money. [My late model truck gets 18 - 21 MPG.]

I use FedEx pack & shipping from ZIP 48334. It has been between $32 - $45 for 2-day ground. So far, they have shipped to Alabama, SC, TX, AZ, WI, and northern MI with good results. See Note 2, below.

I only use PayPal to get the $$ to me, for the price of the grinder, gas, shipping, plus a small donation for my time. See Note 4, below.

If you want me to search for a grinder, I'll need the following information to help me find one for you. Please indicate Must Haves vs. Nice to Haves.

HP (as of 9/26/15) - 6 members are waiting for a 1 or 3/4 HP grinder, some since May 2014)
flat top and/or round top
style of eye shields: metal framed (only available with round top, as far as I know), vs. plastic
industrial /commercial rated (typically dual voltage 115V/230V)
rear exhaust
quench tray (currently still available @ $27.15 + S&H; from eReplacementparts.com)
light
wheel size
your contact information, eMail and/or phone (the quicker we communicate, the better the chances of getting what you are after.)

Welcome to the Block thread.
Mike
:thumbup:

Note 1: Please reply with-in 3 hours of initial contact; after that the next person on the list with matching request will be contacted. If you not to reply, your request will be deactivated after 48 hours.
Note 2: In the unlikely and unfortunate event there is cause to file a damage claim, I will assist with documentation of the purchase and shipping.
Estimates for repair or replacement parts are your responsibility.
I will approve the claim payment once the grinder is returned and after inspection.
Note 3: If someone on the list passes, their spot on the call list goes to the next person looking for the same/similar model and/or HP. The person's name who passed, rotates to the last place in the list.
Note 4: For PayPal non-gift payments, add 2.9% of the amount plus $0.30 USD.

Rickenbackerman · Jan 3, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Can you post a picture of your ".. wonder"?

I've never seen a 1/5 HP, or maybe it's a typo (1/4 HP?).

Mike

This is "gutless wonder"...

I bought it new maybe 10 years ago. It will stall out under even the slightest amount of load.

Gojeremy · Jan 3, 2015

I found a 1/4 hp craftsman block grinder on ebay. Has tool rest and eye guards. The color is brown and gold, i think. With shipping its around $93. Basically, i want it because its cool but probably will only be doing lawn mower blades with it. Is 1/4hp enough?

Outlawmws · Jan 3, 2015

I'd pass on that small of HP even for lawnmower blades. It might be adequate for scissors...

Gojeremy · Jan 3, 2015

I was thinking the same. Not a lot of power for $93 but damn it looks cool.

exmaxima1 · Jan 3, 2015

Gojeremy said:
I found a 1/4 hp craftsman block grinder on ebay. Has tool rest and eye guards. Is 1/4hp enough?

Probably adequate for most sharpening needs. The remarkable thing is that the Craftsman 1/4 hp actually has a higher amperage motor than the Harbor Freight 1/2 hp grinder. :wtf:

torqueman2002 · Jan 3, 2015

My comments in Blue.

Rickenbackerman said:
This is "gutless wonder"...[/URL]
{image removed by TM2002}
I bought it new maybe 10 years ago. It will stall out under even the slightest amount of load. Aaah, OK. I was thinking Block. I lived with an under-powered grinder for years.

Gojeremy said:
I found a 1/4 hp craftsman block grinder on ebay. Has tool rest and eye guards. The color is brown and gold, i think. With shipping its around $93. Basically, i want it because its cool but probably will only be doing lawn mower blades with it. Is 1/4hp enough? That little Red grinder is so wimpy it stalls at the least bit of a load.

I was looking for a better grinder and read about the vintage CM Block grinders. I never looked back.

But, you know the low powered grinders do well with a wire wheel to clean up threads on fasteners. The little Blocks don't tend to grab and throw the bolts into dark spots of the shop like a 1/2 HP and up do.

For mower blades, I use at least a 1/2 HP Block or a hand-held Milwaukee powered grinder.

torqueman2002 · Jan 3, 2015

Newest update to Want/Wish List.
:thumbup:

Rickenbackerman · Jan 3, 2015

Torqueman just gave me the heads up on this... DIBS if the guy will ship it!!!

http://bloomington.craigslist.org/bar/4815234003.html

Can anyone verify that this is a CMan block?

Toolfool · Jan 3, 2015

Ok, I think this might piss off a few people. I check in on this thread occasionally and shake my head at the addictions being enabled here. I have my CM grinder and enjoy it, thank you for steering me. Well, I was browsing craigslist and came across this and just could not pass it up. Start with a teaser.

Trey T · Jan 3, 2015

^lies!!!

Alchymist · Jan 3, 2015

Central PA:
http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/tls/4812889309.html

GETRIDAONE · Jan 3, 2015

Do you think these are original or replacement wheels. Grinder is not a block grinder but I thought there are more people looking at this thread.
The grinder is around a 1940 to 1942 ? Thanks,

tedsters · Jan 3, 2015

Re: Anyone going thru Mansfield ohio to Michigan soon

tedsters said:
Looking for someone going thru Mansfield ohio to Michigan need a Block Grinder picked up will help with gas i am 35 miles west of Grand Rapids

Thank You torqueman
for your assistance of picking this up for me plus the the original CM stand from you that you media blasted for me, you were a great help to me getting the block home and the rockwell and meeting me in Lansing, Mi. you are a real block brother!!! you went out of your way to help me and i so appreciate it thanks for the rubber feet, i did primer the stand and set my painted one under it. Man what a guy won't do for a block grinder...lol... now a 1hp and that will make the line up complete, nice to meet another member from GJ

drivesitfar · Jan 3, 2015

Tedster and TM: nice teamwork and sounds like Tedsters might have enough grinders now to have a different wheel on each one for a great line up.

Toolfool: so what did you find on our local Craigs today or yesterday? any more pictures or are you waiting for another day or two to post up a few more?

Get: colors of the Craftsman label are age correct for late 30's early 40's so i would think they are original stones.

Jeremy: be a little patient and you should be able to find a nice 1/3 or 1/2 HP block for under a $100 before spring and your lawn mower needs a sharpening. good luck

exmaxima1 · Jan 3, 2015

GETRIDAONE said:
Do you think these are original or replacement wheels. Grinder is not a block grinder but I thought there are more people looking at this thread.
The grinder is around a 1940 to 1942 ? Thanks,

I love the rated speed for the wheel---3547 revs! I wonder if that was empirically determined.........

Toolfool · Jan 3, 2015

Here's the rest. I wasn't even looking for one, just browsing the tool section. Brand new, never assembled. Seller was clearing out deceased FIL's stuff.
Only wanted $30 , and he was a great guy to chat with as well.

drivesitfar · Jan 3, 2015

Toolfool: you deserve that one, but in case you can't use it because you like wood working better let me know and i'll bring some cash or a trade for something you can use.

Toolfool · Jan 3, 2015

drivesitfar said:
Toolfool: you deserve that one, but in case you can't use it because you like wood working better let me know and i'll bring some cash or a trade for something you can use.

Interesting. I'll listen to your offers.

exmaxima1 · Jan 3, 2015

Toolfool said:
Here's the rest. I wasn't even looking for one, just browsing the tool section. Brand new, never assembled. Seller was clearing out deceased FIL's stuff.
Only wanted $30 , and he was a great guy to chat with as well.

Ok.....You ****!!!

let's see your craftsman block grinders

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