let's see your craftsman block grinders

Ss95003 · May 2, 2015

McBrownie said:
I have the same machine and really like it. Mine was missing the right hand tool rest assembly, which is why I put on one of these. Solved that problem!

I really like this set up. Thought I had a deal worked out for a commercial 3/4hp that was in KY to be mailed to me. Got the guy to call and we talked but never could get him to ship it. Now not listed anymore so I assume it sold local. $75 with the heavy duty quench trey and tool rest. Was missing the right side wheel cover and that was it everything else was there. I was concidering setting it up like yours.

McBrownie · May 2, 2015

Ss95003 said:
I really like this set up. Thought I had a deal worked out for a commercial 3/4hp that was in KY to be mailed to me. Got the guy to call and we talked but never could get him to ship it. Now not listed anymore so I assume it sold local. $75 with the heavy duty quench trey and tool rest. Was missing the right side wheel cover and that was it everything else was there. I was concidering setting it up like yours.

SS,

That's too bad. I also works well on a 1/2hp Commercial Cap-Start. Keep up the search.

mtwaterguy · May 2, 2015

Ss95003 said:
I really like this set up. Thought I had a deal worked out for a commercial 3/4hp that was in KY to be mailed to me. Got the guy to call and we talked but never could get him to ship it. Now not listed anymore so I assume it sold local. $75 with the heavy duty quench trey and tool rest. Was missing the right side wheel cover and that was it everything else was there. I was concidering setting it up like yours.

That's the one I received yesterday. It was in Indiana though. When I saw Louisville I first thought it was Kentucky also. Check out my posts 5426 and 5459 for pics.

harleybuilder · May 2, 2015

Ss95003 said:
I really like this set up. Thought I had a deal worked out for a commercial 3/4hp that was in KY to be mailed to me. Got the guy to call and we talked but never could get him to ship it. Now not listed anymore so I assume it sold local. $75 with the heavy duty quench trey and tool rest. Was missing the right side wheel cover and that was it everything else was there. I was concidering setting it up like yours.

mtwaterguy said:
That's the one I received yesterday. It was in Indiana though. When I saw Louisville I first thought it was Kentucky also. Check out my posts 5426 and 5459 for pics.

I spoke with him within an hour of him posting it, was going to pay his asking price and he wouldn't ship, with me paying for the shipping .... Oh well. ..

Ss95003 · May 2, 2015

mtwaterguy said:
That's the one I received yesterday. It was in Indiana though. When I saw Louisville I first thought it was Kentucky also. Check out my posts 5426 and 5459 for pics.

I thought that pic looked familiar. I can't believe he shipped it to someone else. Well great deal for you.

mtwaterguy · May 2, 2015

Ss95003 said:
I thought that pic looked familiar. I can't believe he shipped it to someone else. Well great deal for you.

harleybuilder said:
I spoke with him within an hour of him posting it, was going to pay his asking price and he wouldn't ship, with me paying for the shipping .... Oh well. ..

Don't know when you guys talked to him. My first contact was April 18th.

harleybuilder · May 2, 2015

I don't remember the date but it was within a few hours of it being posted. . No hard feelings I'm just glad someone on here got it. .......

mtwaterguy · May 2, 2015

harleybuilder said:
I don't remember the date but it was within a few hours of it being posted. . No hard feelings I'm just glad someone on here got it. .......

It had been up for about a week when I messaged him, but he reposted it within a day or so after getting my first email.

Ss95003 · May 3, 2015

mtwaterguy said:
It had been up for about a week when I messaged him, but he reposted it within a day or so after getting my first email.

I talked to him on the 17th. But same here no hard feelings glad it made it to a good home.

PowderKeg · May 3, 2015

Decided to get out of the house and head to a weekly auction last night. Look what followed me home...

Craftsman%201-2hp%20Block%20Grinder_zpsn2qhr1v7.jpg

Appears to be in excellent shape - I'm thinking the previous owner used it mostly to sharpen mower blades and drill bits (he had like a bazillion bits, and other drill bit sharpeners). Almost no visible wear to the tool rests, light scuffs, and only light rust in the bottom of the tray. Ran it briefly, no "OH MY GAWD!!!" noises, smells, or smoke emanating from it, but it does take awhile to spin down after shutting off.

Haven't read completely thru this thread yet (at 274 pages CAN ANYONE?!?) - or others "elsewhere" - but are there any initial recommendations on what to check/service on these before puttin' 'em to regular use?

Paid just shy of $50 (including the 10% buyers premium). Picked up a few other lots, including a couple of 1/4" ratchets (big surprise there...), but this was a highlight of the night.

So am I now a member of the Craftsman Blockhead Grinder Club, or is there some secret handshake I have to learn after a ritualistic hazing? :lol_hitti

Outlawmws · May 3, 2015

PowderKeg said:
SNIP

So am I now a member of the Craftsman Blockhead Grinder Club, or is there some secret handshake I have to learn after a ritualistic hazing?

Nothing fancy, but we can officially call you this:

mtwaterguy · May 3, 2015

PowderKeg said:
Decided to get out of the house and head to a weekly auction last night. Look what followed me home...

Appears to be in excellent shape - I'm thinking the previous owner used it mostly to sharpen mower blades and drill bits (he had like a bazillion bits, and other drill bit sharpeners). Almost no visible wear to the tool rests, light scuffs, and only light rust in the bottom of the tray. Ran it briefly, no "OH MY GAWD!!!" noises, smells, or smoke emanating from it, but it does take awhile to spin down after shutting off.

Haven't read completely thru this thread yet (at 274 pages CAN ANYONE?!?) - or others "elsewhere" - but are there any initial recommendations on what to check/service on these before puttin' 'em to regular use?

Paid just shy of $50 (including the 10% buyers premium). Picked up a few other lots, including a couple of 1/4" ratchets (big surprise there...), but this was a highlight of the night.

So am I now a member of the Craftsman Blockhead Grinder Club, or is there some secret handshake I have to learn after a ritualistic hazing?

Good job, well bought and welcome to the club. Did you look on the cover plate on the bottom of the grinder for a manufacture date?

drivesitfar · May 3, 2015

PK: welcome to the block grinder owner's group. sounds like you have a little work to do on yours and from what i see it looks like a decent 1/2 HP commercial version with a few nice attachments.

TM (HEAD PUMBA or CEO of the BLOCKHEADS) or Tourqueman2002 if you want his GJ handle. TM has a thread and several links in his signature to help you once you start trying to figure out the issues on your block. they usually can be fixed and not sure anybody lately has read the thread from start to finish, but if you have the time all the fixes are probably already mentioned at least once here too.

BTW don't forget to dress those grinding stones if you are still going to use them. many different ways to dress the stones and we've discussed that a few times here on this thread too. using a diamond dresser is probably the best way if you have or can buy one.

good luck.

ALL: I'm not surprised i haven't seen a 3/4 or 1 HP or even a 1/2 HP block lately in my 3 state area searching with all of you doing a nationwide search for them. keep saving those awesome old grinders because some have been badly used or neglected. of course there are some that are still new in the box which wouldn't hurt my feelings to set one up on my bench like that either.

McBrownie · May 3, 2015

PowderKeg said:
Decided to get out of the house and head to a weekly auction last night. Look what followed me home...

Appears to be in excellent shape - I'm thinking the previous owner used it mostly to sharpen mower blades and drill bits (he had like a bazillion bits, and other drill bit sharpeners). Almost no visible wear to the tool rests, light scuffs, and only light rust in the bottom of the tray. Ran it briefly, no "OH MY GAWD!!!" noises, smells, or smoke emanating from it, but it does take awhile to spin down after shutting off.

Haven't read completely thru this thread yet (at 274 pages CAN ANYONE?!?) - or others "elsewhere" - but are there any initial recommendations on what to check/service on these before puttin' 'em to regular use?

Paid just shy of $50 (including the 10% buyers premium). Picked up a few other lots, including a couple of 1/4" ratchets (big surprise there...), but this was a highlight of the night.

So am I now a member of the Craftsman Blockhead Grinder Club, or is there some secret handshake I have to learn after a ritualistic hazing?

I have that same model and really like it. The round-top with the "Princess Leia Buns" is a great look. Best guess for the year is early 70's. At a minimum, I would change the bearings. Look for 6203 either shielded or sealed and it will run for another 40 years. Congratulations!

torqueman2002 · May 3, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Update - April 30, 2015

The parts arrived today.

I will put this guy together and put it on the very nice $15.00 CL CM stand.

Here are some pictures, and a link to a PB SlideShow follows.

I'll check VM and post a scanned copy if one is not already uploaded.

Print date: 2 - 74 | Date on grinder bottom cover: AUG 9 1974A

Original box label.

Small quench tray, lamp shade and plastic cover, NIB (New In Bag) hardware.

NIB eye shields.

PhotoBucket SlideShow link ---> http://s786.photobucket.com/user/to... Parts Found April 2015/Arrived April 30 2015

Thanks for looking.

VM has approved the copy I submitted of the Owners Manual for the 3/4-HP m-397.19470. A pdf file is available for viewing and download at:

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=7324

McBrownie · May 3, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
VM has approved the copy I submitted of the Owners Manual for the 3/4-HP m-397.19470. A pdf file is available for viewing and download at:

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=7324

You've been published! Should we call you Dr. TM now? :lol_hitti

torqueman2002 · May 3, 2015

PowderKeg said:
Decided to get out of the house and head to a weekly auction last night. Look what followed me home...
....
Haven't read completely thru this thread yet (at 274 pages CAN ANYONE?!?) - or others "elsewhere" - but are there any initial recommendations on what to check/service on these before puttin' 'em to regular use?
....

'Keger ....,
Repeat the following three times while facing true North during the light of a full moon: "I promise to use these Block grinders to do good. I will do all in my power to rescue, restore, and return to full duty any and all Blocks I encounter. Should I not be able to personally rescue any Block, I will do all in my power to alert the Block guild members of the existence of said Block."

Furthermore, you understand by posting in this thread, no person or persons shall be held responsible should you rescue so many Blocks that your cars have no room in your garage. :evil:

OK, that's all there is to it. This is your official warning, I mean acceptance into the Block guild.

Nice score! :thumbup:

torqueman2002 · May 3, 2015

McBrownie said:
You've been published! Should we call you Dr. TM now?

Thanks!

But, I'm not worthy. :bowdown:

dngrmse · May 3, 2015

Thanks to all who replied to my bearing inquiry, been busy the past few days. I hope to post some pics of my finished block later this week.

drivesitfar · May 3, 2015

ALL: I do think TM's thread name could easily be changed to Dr. Blockhead just for this thread. any seconds to the nomination?

TM: nice membership speech and so very true. :thumbup:

69supercj · May 4, 2015

Picked this one up the other day at an auction for 35 bucks. Cant find a date on it anywhere. Runs like a top.

McBrownie · May 4, 2015

drivesitfar said:
ALL: I do think TM's thread name could easily be changed to Dr. Blockhead just for this thread. any seconds to the nomination?

TM: nice membership speech and so very true.

How is this for a nomination?

Ss95003 · May 4, 2015

Ss95003 said:
I talked to him on the 17th. But same here no hard feelings glad it made it to a good home.

Like I said this really does not bother me because we never had a solid commitment because I couldn't get him to commit. My guess is you contacted if last and after bing asked several time to mail you broke him.

What does bother me last saturday around 8pm a Craftsman 150 drill press floor model post for $125. I called with in 10 min of posting. He was an hour away and we both agreed 10am the next day was fine. I called him at 9am the next morning and told him I am on my way and he said he just sold it 15 min ago. He had both my email and phone number and we agreed on a pick up time. WTF.

torqueman2002 · May 4, 2015

McBrownie said:
How is this for a nomination?

LOL

drivesitfar · May 4, 2015

TM: glad you approve. also appropriate because i don't think there is a block issue that you can't or haven't fixed or helped others fix. i was thinking of asking Balane to ship his burnt up block to you and i'd pay shipping to see if it could be saved. i bet Balane already has it's parts on other blocks by now so i might have to wait for the next one to get the challenge to you of course if you want to spend the time to try. :bowdown:

McB: thanks :thumbup:

Outlawmws · May 4, 2015

And a Seflie from the Nominee! :lol:

torqueman2002 · May 4, 2015

Outlawmws said:
And a Seflie from the Nominee!

Like.

drivesitfar · May 5, 2015

TM or DR BLOCKHEAD: maybe it's time to change your avitar??

Outlawmws · May 5, 2015

drivesitfar said:
TM or DR BLOCKHEAD: maybe it's time to change your avitar??

Like this?

drivesitfar · May 5, 2015

Outlaw: nice work and it's got my vote if Doc (TM) likes it.

exmaxima1 · May 5, 2015

3/4 HP Block in Chicago

Just saw this 3/4 flat top:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/tls/5010508498.html

Note that it's a Split Phase model (not Cap Start) and it draws less current than most 1/2hp blocks. I'm guessing it's a 7-inch with 1/2" shafts.

torqueman2002 · May 5, 2015

Re: 3/4 HP Block in Chicago

exmaxima1 said:
Just saw this 3/4 flat top:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/tls/5010508498.html

Note that it's a Split Phase model (not Cap Start) and it draws less current than most 1/2hp blocks. I'm guessing it's a 7-inch with 1/2" shafts.

Spot on with the specs. maxima!

From my 'database'.

I bought one for $50; but I have also bought 8" w/ 5/8" arbor-shafts for between $30 and $55 (not counting the almost NIB).

This one has some missing/damaged hard to find parts; ie: RH Eye Shield, metal lamp shade, and RH wheel guard cover.

There are a number of non-bench grinder of pieces, ie: drill mount sanding discs, pads. The grinding stone without the paper label is not safe to use - the paper label is part of the important cushion for the flanges to 'clamp' to for proper retaining force distribution.

Don't get me wrong, it is in nice shape and I'd be a buyer at around $50, but if you don't have the spares to complete it, you can double the purchase price getting the missing/broken parts.

torqueman2002 · May 5, 2015

drivesitfar said:
Outlaw: nice work and it's got my vote if Doc (TM) likes it.

Hmmmm, you're tempting me; but give up my identity of the flashing MIL is holding me back. :headscrat

Plus, I'm not sure I could return to the flashing MIL should I ever want.

drivesitfar · May 5, 2015

TM: nice work on the signature to have the best of both worlds.

Ex: nice catch on the fact that all 3/4 HP blocks are not created equal. i personally really like the older style and the commercial or industrial versions, but even the 1/4 and 1/3 HP versions of the blocks run great and are hard to bog down unless you are trying to on purpose.

exmaxima1 · May 6, 2015

FrankLee said:
I just got back to the office from an estate sale. I spent $15 on this motor with a grinding/sanding disc. Perhaps I spent too much

oh yeah... it was attached to a stand. So maybe I didn't do too bad after all.

No matter what the motor/sander was, the stand was worth the $15.

Excellent deal!

torqueman2002 · May 6, 2015

^^^^^

drivesitfar · May 6, 2015

Frank: it sounds like you are soliciting for a YS and i won't give you one. i will say that you didn't overpay for that grinder and the stand though. :lol_hitti

DR. Block: your new sig is growing on me.

Outlaw : thanks for the artwork and the flesh color skin too so TM is a little more human instead of a God as he usually has all the answers.

torqueman2002 · May 6, 2015

I'm not worthy. :bowdown:

drivesitfar · May 6, 2015

Doc: well at least all the answers to our block grinder questions. you are awesome and i'm betting others will agree.

McB: how's that stand coming along that you were/are building for the Blockmeister? or did it fall on you and i hope you are ok??

All: any of you blockheads know much about old Ford F800 flatbed trucks? i just bought one and started a thread and i know very little about a commercial truck that has air brakes. of course i can drive it, but do i need a CDL license and is it an awesome truck or a money pit??

nine4gmc · May 6, 2015

Happy 5500 posts!! :shocking:

let's see your craftsman block grinders

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