let's see your craftsman block grinders
- Thread starter emeraldcoupe
- Start date
torqueman2002
Well-known member
McBrownie
Well-known member
THAT is a nice machine! And an action photo to boot.
EDIT:
I noticed that you are missing eye shields. That generation had plastic ones. Take a look here for a discussion on fabricating eye shields:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&highlight=eye+shields+191401&page=117
Also post #3 on TM's thread has great information for replacements:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4000528#post4000528
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torqueman2002
Well-known member
Latest update of the Want/Wish List.
Please let me know if there are corrections, updates to be made.
Please let me know if there are corrections, updates to be made.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
Waltrip: so is it in your truck yet? that's the 3/4 HP commercial version which is one of the good ones. hopefully the only issue is the missing eye shields which you can make or buy a nice full face shield and that might be the fix.
QtrHorse13
Well-known member
Latest update of the Want/Wish List.
Please let me know if there are corrections, updates to be made.
Not sure if there are qualifications to be added to the list but if I can get on, that would be great.
I would like a 1/2 or 3/4 HP model that is in decent shape with guards and front rests. I would like a model with the metal outer eye shields but that's not a deal breaker.
As a peace offering, I would offer you abrasion resistant polycarbonate shields/ lenses cut to size if you need them.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
QH: all you need to do is just ask as you just did, but peace offerings to Tourqueman will be much appreciated because he does all this in his free time. also if you can maybe put a city in your location it might help if another member might have one locally so you don't have to pay shipping. Texas is just a tad bigger than your Avitar's chest if you know what i mean.
good luck
good luck
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Thanks for the offer of the pc shields. I may need to pick your brain when I get to cutting a pair for the Baldor eye shields I'm restoring.
The metal eye shields are only found on the round top Blocks, as-far-as-I-know.
I put you on the 'Want/Wish List', I keep for members who are looking for a Block grinder.
This would 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 are interested. Sometimes I am able to get the grinder for less than the listed CL price, which I'll pass on to you.
My area is the metro Detroit area; 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'll want gas money. My late model truck gets 16 - 19 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, and northern MI with good results. If a package is lost or damaged, they cover it fully.
I use PayPal to get the $$ to me. Just my costs. So far, this is a hobby and how I keep busy in my 1st year of retirement.
If you want me to search for a grinder, please PM the following information to help me find one for you. Please indicate Must Haves vs. Nice to Haves.
- HP (note: 3 members are waiting for 1 or 3/4 HP grinders 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 thread. If you find one on your own, let us know and post up pictures.
Not yet. I'm going to wedding today and working 48 Sunday/Monday. Trying to set up a time for Tuesday.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Waltrip: you must be a fireman? or you are driving the 48 hours of LeMans. seriously good luck picking that up and it looks like a good one.
TM: thanks again for all your efforts making the list and making this one of my favorite threads.
TM: thanks again for all your efforts making the list and making this one of my favorite threads.
Picked up one of the nicest Craftsman Blocks I have ever acquired, 1/3 HP, very light use with only a few scratches, light, water cup, runs smooth, nice clear eye shields AND all four rubber feet! $60 
Time to thin out some blocks! Going to cut down to four I think.
Time to thin out some blocks! Going to cut down to four I think.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
BB: that does look pretty sweet and it doesn't look like any water ever landed in the water tray. i hope you don't get withdrawals cutting your crew of blocks down to 4. good luck with that.
firemanast
Well-known member
Picked up one of the nicest Craftsman Blocks I have ever acquired, 1/3 HP, very light use with only a few scratches, light, water cup, runs smooth, nice clear eye shields AND all four rubber feet! $60
Time to thin out some blocks! Going to cut down to four I think.
Congratulations that is one clean and slick grinder !
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Blue - Nice grinder, looks like it was only used by a little old lady on Sundays. 
Cdstahlman
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- Mar 19, 2014
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I've got access to two 1/2hp models, one is nice and complete, other is pretty fubar but runs and could be salvaged
Lastly, I believe there's a 1/4 at the same location as well
All are priced at 50$ (except the complete 1/2hp, it's 100$) or less, and I'd be willing to photograph and ship out if one were interested.
All located in mid western pa, north of Pittsburgh, and near Colombiana ohio.
Chris-
Lastly, I believe there's a 1/4 at the same location as well
All are priced at 50$ (except the complete 1/2hp, it's 100$) or less, and I'd be willing to photograph and ship out if one were interested.
All located in mid western pa, north of Pittsburgh, and near Colombiana ohio.
Chris-
While searching for parts to put together a gooseneck lamp, I had an idea to use a lamp guard off of an old school trouble light. I found a relatively cheap one on Amazon that had a simple to remove guard for <$8 shipped. Although it is a little too big to fit inside one of the black lamp shade covers, I think with minimal modifications it could fit.
So one could use the gooseneck and socket I showed in thread #3935 along with this light guard to build a complete lamp assembly.
Here's a link to lamp guard:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028OIG02/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Surprisingly enough, the clamp fits perfect on the light socket:
So one could use the gooseneck and socket I showed in thread #3935 along with this light guard to build a complete lamp assembly.
Here's a link to lamp guard:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028OIG02/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Surprisingly enough, the clamp fits perfect on the light socket:
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Picked up one of the nicest Craftsman Blocks I have ever acquired, 1/3 HP, very light use with only a few scratches, light, water cup, runs smooth, nice clear eye shields AND all four rubber feet! $60
Time to thin out some blocks! Going to cut down to four I think.
wow that thing is super clean great find
rickhigginshtbr
Well-known member
Actually... yea, it really does! lol
Wayne_In_Akron
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Picked up one of the nicest Craftsman Blocks I have ever acquired, 1/3 HP, very light use with only a few scratches, light, water cup, runs smooth, nice clear eye shields AND all four rubber feet! $60
Time to thin out some blocks! Going to cut down to four I think.
What's the deal with 1/3 HP 397.19391 coming out of the woodwork all of a sudden?
Bluebolt got his great find.
I was feeling pretty good about my pickup yesterday of the same model (pictured below) with a sightly different front tag, no serial number, slight re-ordering of the text that came WITH a period correct, cast iron base for $35.
--- BUT THEN I FIND OUT THIS MORNING THAT... ---
(This suspenseful drama continued in next message in this thread)
Wayne_In_Akron
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Some lucky dog, just 2 weeks ago, picked up a
BRAND NEW, IN THE BOX, 38 year old
Model 397.19391 Craftsman Grinder on eBay
as the only bidder at $99.00
Yes, you did just read that right.
Here's the link to the listing and the amazing photos
www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Craftsman-...odel-397-19391-w-lamp-BRAND-NEW-/171617138126
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I bought this photo enlarger(?) at an estate sale several years ago for $5. I bought it only to repurpose the lamps, but never did anything. The recent grinder goose-neck lamp replacement discussions got me thinking... This makes an awesome grinder station! (Forgive the B&D grinder. I bought it many years ago before I knew better. LOL!)
It's OK FrankLee, I spy some vintage Craftsman hardware in the background AND the B & D will make a good donor when you need to fab up some eye shields for a Block.
That is a cool set up. Just the thing for transferring Mom and Dad's old prints into digital for the rest of the family.
PM me if you'd like to trade/sell it.
BTW - There's a black goose-neck lamp in the RH picture in the upper left corner. Do you recall where you bought it?
McBrownie
Well-known member
That is the second NIB block this year and it's still January. I don't how people buy things and never use them, but it's fun to see that some are still out there. The good news is that you can clean yours up to look better than the original one and it will run just as good for years to come.
Also, we've seen that 4-digit stamp on the bottom and always speculated what it was. Now that it is tied to a 11/76 manual, it looks like "6328" means the 328th day of 1976. Which was Wednesday, November 24th. Here are some run facts from that date while I wait for the playoff games to start:
Top #5 songs in the USA:
Rod Stewart - Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)
Rick Dees - Disco Duck (Part 1)
Spinners - The Rubberband Man
Gordon Lightfoot - The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald
Bee Gees - Love So Right
The original Rocky movie was released
Hugh Hefner was on the cover of Esquire
The original Charlie's Angels were on the cover of Time
and Walter Payton was on the cover of Sports Illustrated
In hindsight, with Disco Duck on the radio, all was not well in the '70s
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What's the deal with 1/3 HP 397.19391 coming out of the woodwork all of a sudden?
I'm taken aback by the current ratings on those "supposed" 1/3 hp grinders. My older CM 1/3hp "industrial rated" mailbox style block draws 3.5 amps. My Baldor 600e .33 hp draws only 3.1 amps. Yet those CM breadbox blocks draw 4.7 amps!
More than many 1/2 hp grinders, including Baldor and Wissota. In fact, I think that's even more than some 1/2hp blocks..
Wayne_In_Akron
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Thanks McBrownie.
I probably would have given $35 just for the Craftsman cast iron / tubular steel pedestal, so getting that AND the grinder (which runs quite well) was a nice package.
I didn't show it in the photo, but my new-to-me 397.19391 is missing all of its right hand side shielding, the quench tray, and has a broken shield on the left side.
If anyone has a 'parts' machine around that has any or all of the pieces I'm missing for this grinder, I'd be interested in speaking with you.
McBrownie
Well-known member
I might have an eye shield for you. Post a picture of what you have.
Wayne_In_Akron
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I'm taken aback by the current ratings on those "supposed" 1/3 hp grinders. My older CM 1/3hp "industrial rated" mailbox style block draws 3.5 amps. My Baldor 600e .33 hp draws only 3.1 amps. Yet those CM breadbox blocks draw 4.7 amps!
More than many 1/2 hp grinders, including Baldor and Wissota. In fact, I think that's even more than some 1/2hp blocks..
I wondered about that myself.
I was looking at a 60's Model 397.19590 1/2 HP Craftsman Commercial which (according to the front plate) pulled a lower 4.4 amps at 115 v and a corresponding 2.2 amps at 230 v.
I guess that's why I am a self described amateur 'parts changer' rather than a professional electrician.
Wayne_In_Akron
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Thanks for the offer McBrownie.
All I have left is the 2 ears, but you can see the dimension in my picture.
The other half of that image is the shields that were in the box from that brand new 397.19391 that sold on eBay earlier this month.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Frank: can't say I've seen that DP version of a Block stand before, but it looks like it works. also that photo light set up might make a cool grinder stand or TM. if he has any room for it.
that shop of yours looks like it's geared for old DP restorations. very nice
that shop of yours looks like it's geared for old DP restorations. very nice
McBrownie
Well-known member
Wayne,
Here is a leftover that I have. It's off of a 1980's 1/2hp 257.191401 flat top and is the only one that came with the grinder. It's not pretty, a little yellowed, and measures 4 3/16" x 4 3/16". PM me with your address if you want it - bolt included.
View media item 47369
View media item 47368
Edit for Drives: Can you see what is getting some bench time? I have The Reverend's replacement jaws fitted. It's getting close to japanning time.
Wayne_In_Akron
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
I bought this photo enlarger(?) at an estate sale several years ago for $5. I bought it only to repurpose the lamps, but never did anything. The recent grinder goose-neck lamp replacement discussions got me thinking... This makes an awesome grinder station! (Forgive the B&D grinder. I bought it many years ago before I knew better. LOL!)
Frank, I suspect that "enlarger" was a fixed setup for taking photographs. sort of specialized, but there is is. If it had back lighting I'd be thinking mictofilm.
Cool find and re-purpose!
If I found one I doubt it would get re-purposed, SWMBO would go ""mine!"
Outlawmws
Well-known member
McBrownie/Wayne, Take a pass at that shield with McGuire's Plastic cleaner, followed by their polish. Works wonders...
jakemac
Well-known member
You could also try rubbing it with toothpaste with your fingers. Toothpaste is a mild abrasive. I've used it to clean up fine scratches on sunglasses.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
There are a lot of 1/3 HP Blocks on the block.
Here's two I found in Pittsburgh last week. Ahem, this first guy, by all rights should be McBrownie's. I'm just holding on to it until he gets his wits about him, as it was in his back yard after all.
3.5 Amps, too.
PB Slide Show.
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/New%20Old%20CM%2033%20HP%20397_19410%20115V%20w_Brake%20Pittsburg
Here's a real clean, and cheap ($25) m-397.19580.
PB Slide Show.
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/New%20Old%20CM%2033%20HP%20397_19580%20115V%20Pittsburg
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Yea not that easy LOL. I already realize I won't get down to four. Time to make a list of what I truly need.
Keepers
7" 1/2 HP block: Of course! Will be outfitted with fine and coarse grinding wheels. and put it on one of my other Craftsman stands.
6" 1/2 HP mailbox on Craftsman Stand: Outfit with my Tampico fiber wheel on one side and a 3M EXL wheel on the other.
6" 1/3 HP block: The nice one I just picked up. Outfit with tool sharpener on one side and drill bit sharpener on the other.
6" 1/2 HP block with no wheels or guards: Spare for major issues with one of the others.
6" 1/2 HP block with so-so repaint: Outfit with my NOS Craftsman wire wheels and put it on one of my other Craftsman stands.
6" 1/2 HP block with faded label: Use in the big shop to replace the 1/3 HP Taiwan Black and Decker main grinder I use.
That leaves a 1/4 and 1/3 HP block and a 1/4 and 1/3 HP mailbox to find new homes for.
There are a lot of 1/3 HP Blocks on the block.
Here's two I found in Pittsburgh last week. Ahem, this first guy, by all rights should be McBrownie's. I'm just holding on to it until he gets his wits about him, as it was in his back yard after all.
Here's a real clean, and cheap ($25) m-397.19580.
PB Slide Show.
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/New%20Old%20CM%2033%20HP%20397_19580%20115V%20Pittsburg
I would buy that just for the eye shields! Dang they are nice!
drivesitfar
Well-known member
BB: i hate to mention this, but really only trying to help. i'm pretty sure you own Baldor, Dayton, B & D, and a few old style belt grinders too or are they all gone or in a different location?
just trying to help you get down to maybe 10 because 4 might be a stretch as you've already mentioned.
Jeremy: i'm pretty sure several members have made some from scratch and posted the method on this thread so do some reading and report back. ok? since these old grinders hardly ever wear out we rarely have a parts grinder pile and in some cases have taken 2 good working ones to make one nice one.
just trying to help you get down to maybe 10 because 4 might be a stretch as you've already mentioned.
Jeremy: i'm pretty sure several members have made some from scratch and posted the method on this thread so do some reading and report back. ok? since these old grinders hardly ever wear out we rarely have a parts grinder pile and in some cases have taken 2 good working ones to make one nice one.
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Wayne_In_Akron
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Thanks guys.
I'll see what those ideas are able to do with the yellowed shield.