This one just like mine popped up on C/L today hopefully it ends up sith someone here.
http://smd.craigslist.org/tls/4908475804.html
http://smd.craigslist.org/tls/4908475804.html
It's been on there over a week. I had a deal made on it last week until the shipping cost (over $90) killed it.
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The CA 3/4-HP m-397.19450 Block arrive today, 1-day early.
Funny though, FedEx usually knocks/rings and just splits. This time he waited, but no package. He said he just b=needed to check the address, which was off by 1 digit.
As he brought it out of the truck, I noticed the box was really trashed.Well, I opened it while he waited and noted there was NO packing. As you'll see in the following pics. it was bolted to a 1/2" piece of plywood and came out just a little worse for the trip.
Anyway, here are the pics. as it arrived today.
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The plastic lamp cover didn't survive. New one from SearsPartsDirect is on it's way ($11.43, tax & shipping included).
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The metal lamp cover is a bit bent, but useable.
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The LH spark arrester was jammed into the stone. It will get a close inspection, ring test, and most likely replaced.
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The RH spark arrester was jammed into the stone, because it was rubbing against the stone. It will get a close inspection, ring test, and most likely replaced.
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Close-up of RH rear corner of the plywood.
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It starts a bit slow and growls more than my other 3/4-HP or 1-HP Blocks, the stones run true {luckily the arbor/shafts don't seem to be impacted by the impact(s)}, and it runs-on an extraordinarily long time.
The other damage I noticed is the lamp socket knob is bent. A new one is on it's way from Amazon. {Pass & Seymour 918CC10 Medium Base Replacement Socket 250-watt 250-volt, $7.03 & Free shipping}
I haven't decided weather to file a damage claim. For 1 thing, the seller used a UPS box. He did call from UPS to say they didn't use accounts to ship. He had misunderstood and had gone there instead of FedEx.
I am thinking he took it to FedEx in the single walled UPS box and the Block was shipped as-is, no FedEx prep. and packing.
Thanks for looking.
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BB,
Still no word on yours?
Builder - Sorry to hear your deal didn't go through. I really like my pre-Block m-115.It's been on there over a week. I had a deal made on it last week until the shipping cost (over $90) killed it.

BB - best of luck.Koditten hasn't made it to the post office yet, I just notified him yesterday. He plans on going tomorrow.
Yes. I think it turned out much better this way, thanks for the assist.I told him to at least mount it to plywood. Imagine if he had just stuck it in a box...
The shipping cost was from FedEx. He sent me a picture of the printout that Fedex gave him. I was very shocked.Builder - Sorry to hear your deal didn't go through. I really like my pre-Block m-115.
That's twice what FedEx has been charging to pack & ship Ground from Michigan.
Perhaps the seller could check with FedEx for you?![]()
drivesitfar;4708198 [B said:BB[/B]: did you ever get a tracking #? i hope everything is ok too and I still think it's hard to get a block out of Michigan without it touching TM's hands.
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No wonder it was beat up by FedEx! TM: i'd probably ask the sell for the money to replace those parts you had to order if there wasn't any other packing material other than the piece of plywood. I've packed a few vises and shipped via Fed Ex, UPS and USPS and here's an example of mine. i'm not sure how i'll ship a box, but guessing i'll take off the shields, wheel covers and wheels and tuck the light in nicely. So Fed Ex didn't charge you to pack the grinders you have shipped?
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I wonder what gives.The shipping cost was from FedEx. He sent me a picture of the printout that Fedex gave him. I was very shocked.
The packages I've sent USPS don't have the frequent status updates as do the ones I've sent FedEx.I have a tracking number it still shows in Allen Park Michigan since last Tuesday.
No pics, but mine came mounted to plywood. Stones removed, covers replaced to help protect shafts. Lamp parts removed and in bag with tray. All pieces in box with packing material filling voids. Perfect job, resulted in no damage.
Here is the picture he sent me of the FedEx shipping estimate. [emoji15]I wonder what gives.![]()
That is so much more than what the FedEx store in MI is charging.
Today I sent a 1/2-HP ftop Block m-397.19340 from 48334 to Rockford, IL. 61109, for $37.10. FedEx packed and shipping.
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'individual owned shipping center?' - That would be my guess.Here is the picture he sent me of the FedEx shipping estimate. [emoji15]
I assume maybe individual owned shipping center? ?
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BD - Nice .....Here's my new Blockhead...
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BD - Nice .....
tease!
Details, details and lots more pictures.
If it is a NIB, how very timely.
Could you help us Block heads with pics. of how it is/was packed from the factory?
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'individual owned shipping center?' - That would be my guess.
$71.30 for FedEx ground, is there a weight?
The other differences I see are:
Let me know if you want to be put on the 'Want-Wish List'. Follow this link for the updated process and info. that will help get you the Block you are looking for.
- Peanut fill - [not recommended for large heavy items as they will shift during shipping] -- local FedEx first wraps Blocks in several layers of bubble then packs brown packing/wrapping paper on all 6 sides to immobilize the grinder. You want a minimum of 2" on all 6 sides.
- box is 18"x14.5"x12" - [That does not allow for the FedEx recommended minimum 2" on all 6 sides] -- local FedEx uses 16"x16"x16" and 14"x14"x14" (IIRC)
- Packing labor - [not a significant amount, probably 2 - 3 tenths of an hour] -- FedEx does not itemize the labor, just materials. It must be already in the 'overhead'.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4516788&postcount=3761
I'm already on the "list". The 1/2 hp I bought from you was packed just like you explained, so maybe there is no standard to FedEx packing.
Was that the 1/2hp Cap Start I sent you from Illinois? That sounds like how I pack them. Matthew
Finally finished the Pre Block and the stand.

Nice job!
Did you post what brand and color paints you used?
I'd like to keep a record of it for future reference.
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Yes you are!...
I'm already on the "list".
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No worries.Yes you are!
My mistake, early morning post and too little java. Sorry.
Finally finished the Pre Block and the stand.
Also I would to thank torqueman for the stand !
You put a ton of work into that and it shows. Nice job.I will do so. I won't have time until Friday night or Saturday to get more pics, but I do have these additional teasers.Nice and thanks. I'm looking forward to your posts.
BTW - I checked my 'library' for a pdf copy of your manual m-397.19391 and did not get a hit. That means it is probably not on the Vintage Machinery website. Please consider submitting a scanned copy for uploading to their Publication Reprints clearing house.
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3
'individual owned shipping center?' - That would be my guess.
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The 1/2 hp I bought from you was packed just like you explained, so maybe there is no standard to FedEx packing.
I've had great results with the FedEx store in MI.
But, I am interested in improving the chances the Blocks arrive no worse for the trip, like bolting them to a piece of plywood (3/8, 1/2" ??) and removing hardware, eye-shields, and lampshades.
Perhaps the 'Mom & Pop' shipping store was improvising. FedEx reps will caution customers on 'sketchy' packing materials and used/damaged boxes.
I saw a customer trying to return brake rotors in trashed boxes. He was gently advised of his liability, should he use the boxes with the rotors poking out of 2 sides.
I actually have two that came in bolted to plywood, but yours had all of the safety measures described. Thanks again for a great packing job, Mike. You are welcome.
I might have saved a bit going with USPS but it wouldn't even fit in a large flat rate box so its hard to say. I also was sure to go to a UPS shipping terminal rather than a UPS store because they seem to charge more.speaking of all this shipping stuff - I recently sold some 1/3 hp block parts on ebay, it was essentially the shell (L&R halves, L&R inside guards and center sheetmetal w/switch) without the motor or armature inside or the outside guards... It took a big enough box, and still weighed enough that UPS cost me 33 dollars to ship - and with what I got from the auction, minus fees it COST me probably 5 bucks? I really wanted to just throw it out but I feel good it will help someone fix up theirs instead since some of those parts are no longer available. It cost me some time and money, but I didn't throw it out, and its no longer taking up space in my garage so I guess its still a win...
I might have saved a bit going with USPS but it wouldn't even fit in a large flat rate box so its hard to say. I also was sure to go to a UPS shipping terminal rather than a UPS store because they seem to charge more.
I guess this is a good spot for a first post. I've been on GJ for a while as just a lurker. But anyways I'm the one that bought that. Mainly bought it cause the model plate looked to be in good shape.
I also just bid a ridiculously high amount on the 1/2 hp commercial grade that just sold on eBay. I had a beer league hockey game tonight and missed auction end. Thought my crazy bid was high enough to win it. Someone just paid $400 shipped for that.
Cool! Well I hope it works out ok for ya, and arrives in good shape. I used some boxes on hand and figured it was a durable enough piece to survive the way I packed it. I was shocked to see how many views and watches those grinder parts that I have sold got, so you would probably make money selling the inside wheel guards, or left and right halves separately. In hind sight thats what I should have done, sold the individual pieces that would each fit in a medium size flat rate box. Thats amazing that a commercial sold for $400 on ebay. I assume it was NOS for that price? You're encroaching on Baldor money there. Anyhow welcome to the forum!
Firemanast Nice job
We need details on the rubber feet!