Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss (with resource information)

torqueman2002 · May 13, 2016

You bet!

Glad you find it helpful. Let us know if you have any questions.
:thumbup:

Zeeman · May 15, 2016

Here is what my grinder looks like under the hood. By the way, this is strange, but the manufacturing date is May 15, 1969. Happy Birthday to my grinder!

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torqueman2002 · May 15, 2016

Well, Happy Birthday and my you and your Block enjoy another 45 years!

SurfHunter · May 16, 2016

what would be a decent price to pay for a 1/2 hp Craftsman BG if you were to pick one up at a swap meet?

I ran across one today, while I eyeballed an Old Sargent 208 hand plane and a Stanley 41 Hand drill for $1 ea...

I asked the guy what he wanted and he said $40 firm , It appeared all there, it looked good except for the wheels, and being a bit dirty, But all labels were intack and very clear

JZiggy · May 16, 2016

I would have snagged it for $40.

Zeeman · May 16, 2016

Torqueman, We had a party with lots of grinding. Thanks.

Cruzan80 · May 16, 2016

My two were $50 (industrial 1/2HP) and $25 (1/2HP regular), both complete. For $40, I would have grabbed it if I didn't already have two.

torqueman2002 · May 16, 2016

I'll make my replies in Red, below.

SurfHunter said:
what would be a decent price to pay for a 1/2 hp Craftsman BG if you were to pick one up at a swap meet?

I ran across one today, while I eyeballed an Old Sargent 208 hand plane and a Stanley 41 Hand drill for $1 ea...

I asked the guy what he wanted and he said $40 firm , It appeared all there, it looked good except for the wheels, and being a bit dirty, But all labels were intack and very clear
I am comfortable paying $10/0.10-HP, more or less depending on condition/completeness. $40 would have me looking real close.

Zeeman said:
Torqueman, We had a party with lots of grinding. Thanks.
You bet! Glad to help.
More pictures would be great, when you get a chance.

BTW, don't forget to visit/post: let's see your craftsman block grinder. - http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794

Oh, and "... I would have grabbed it if I didn't already have two."
That sure has been said here before, but then people find they just grow on you! :lol_hitti

SurfHunter · May 16, 2016

It Looked exactly like the one that Torqueman posted in his pictures..
7" Commercial.. But needed a good cleaning.. Other thing is, I dont believe they have power out on the swap meet lots , so I wouldn't have been able to test it I don't believe.

But at least I know what a fair price is for the most part... Maybe I'll take a trip down south again next week and see if it's still there..

Cruzan80 · May 16, 2016

I understand the part where they grow on you, but with a buffer, two blocks, and a grinding wheel attachment thingy on the side of the printing saw I have, I think I am good. At least in 1/2hp ones.

Also the shop is starting to get really full, so until everything has a home, no more large purchases.

Zeeman · May 16, 2016

Awww, you can't consider a bench grinder large Cruzan. Put the next ones you get on a top shelf, or under your bed.

Tool_Master · May 18, 2016

I pick this grinder up today. I was actually just interested in the stand but at $40 for both I could resist. It's missing the two wheel guards and it doesn't have the original light. So I plan on cleaning it up and selling it. However, I'll keep the stand for my other unit... Lol.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

torqueman2002 · May 18, 2016

A $40 OEM stand! That's great.

A free 1/3-HP rtop Block?

Yup, .... You ****!

Zeeman · May 20, 2016

I never see the stands. Nice find. I wish someone would reproduce them.

darbpez · May 21, 2016

I have had this grinder for years, it was my grandfathers and still works very well. I was just wanting to find out a little more about it.. If anyone can help please feel free to post of send me a message..

Thank you

Cruzan80 · May 21, 2016

Restore thread on that model...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244181

torqueman2002 · May 21, 2016

darbpez said:
I have had this grinder for years, it was my grandfathers and still works very well. I was just wanting to find out a little more about it.. If anyone can help please feel free to post of send me a message..

Thank you

darbpez - Welcome to the Forum, this thread, and Block ownership.

I am not lucky enough to have any of my father's or grandfather's power tools, but have several of their hand tools. They have an honored place among my tools!

In addition to the thread Cruzan80 recommended, be sure to check the following threads.
Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - Restorations
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325578

let's see your craftsman block grinders (this is a very active thread, with over 8,600 posts. The thread you are in now, attempts to summarize some of the posts.)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794

Thanks for joining, I look forward to your posts.
:thumbup:

SJR033 · Aug 8, 2016

I just picked up a 1/2hp 397.19340 for $45. Only one shield but it has the light. How do I find out when it was made?

Outlawmws · Aug 8, 2016

It should be on the tin shield on the bottom.

SJR033 · Aug 8, 2016

Nothing. But thank you.

ross4452 · Oct 19, 2016

Unusual Craftsman Block Motor Grinder

Hello,

I'm new to the forum. I came across the site while researching Craftsman block motor bench grinders as I recently acquired one. During my research, I've seen hundreds of photos of craftsman block motor grinders but none like mine. The one and only thing I've found, was an owners manual with it pictured on the cover. If anyone can tell me more about about this grinder, I would be grateful. Here are the specs and some photos.

Thank you for your help.

ross.

torqueman2002 · Oct 19, 2016

Re: Unusual Craftsman Block Motor Grinder

That is an uncommon, but not rare Block.

It has been posted by at least 2 members on the 'let's see your craftsman block grinders' thread. ---> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794

WWheeler · Dec 16, 2016

No front label with a model number on this 3/4 Craftsman bench Grinder. All I know is what you see here. It looks clean but it's missing face shields and tool rests and the light I think. Anything else? The seller says "Tested - runs strong & fast" but I won't have hands on for at least a week to know any more than that.

Anyone knowledgeable as to what I just bought? Is there any way to tell what the manufacturer code was besides the missing label?

bubinga · Dec 16, 2016

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No, Not me, just the bottom, for a date, but that one looks clear.

torqueman2002 · Dec 16, 2016

Wheeler, nice find. I'll reply in red.

WWheeler said:
No front label with a model number on this 3/4 Craftsman bench Grinder. All I know is what you see here. It looks clean but it's missing face shields and tool rests and the light I think.
Face shields, tool rests, and lamps can be a challenge to find OEM, but non-OEM can be fab'ed/fitted. I've added some links below.
Anything else? The seller says "Tested - runs strong & fast" but I won't have hands on for at least a week to know any more than that.

Anyone knowledgeable as to what I just bought? Is there any way to tell what the manufacturer code was besides the missing label?
The 2-piece tool rests below, are based on CM rests that bolt into tapped holes on the inside wheel covers. The HD 3/4 & 1-HP Blocks with bases that have integrated quench trays and 3-piecs tool rests, do not have the covers drilled/tapped. It appears that yours may not have the holes tapped and therefore could be a HD unit, missing the base.

I've included a link to labels/badges.

Also, if you haven't yet found your way to 'let's see your craftsman block grinders' thread, you will find a lot of friendly, knowledgeable members there. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794

Eye Shield Kit, Bench Grinder, Replacement
08-24-2013, 06:01 PM
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3323239&postcount=465

Eye Shield Kit, Bench Grinder, Replacement
Sorry, my link is broken to Grainger. This may help you find the kit; Item# 5PZP2 Mfr. Model# 5PZP2 Catalog Page# 916 UNSPSC# 27111905

Craftsman 7' Bench Grinder Tool Rests
http://owwm.org/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=169732

Light Assembly, pn: 27186
http://www.ereplacementparts.com

Machine Name Plate Tag Reproduction
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=323165

Creating Decals
http://wiki.vintagemachinery.org/CreatingDecals.ashx

Labels for downloading
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4000535&postcount=4

PhotoShop SlideShow of CM Labels and Logos
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/CM%20006%20Labels

WWheeler · Dec 16, 2016

Thank you Dr. so much for the super helpful reply!

Once it arrives I will post it up to the 'let's see your craftsman block grinders' thread. Hopefully I can get some idea as to what model number it is as I may want to see about making a label reproduction for it (thank you for the awesome info about that!), but first I'm just wanting to verify it works. One thing at a time.

I will mention out that I had already ordered eye shield replacements from searspartsdirect which look to be similar (same?) as those mentioned above from Grainger for a bit lower cost. The 2pc set was $5.87 + tax + shipping which came to just under $14 for me.

286449-00 (286439-00) Bench Grinder Eye Shield
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/286439-00/0009/900.html

torqueman2002 · Dec 16, 2016

WWheeler said:
Thank you Dr. so much for the super helpful reply!

Once it arrives I will post it up to the 'let's see your craftsman block grinders' thread. Hopefully I can get some idea as to what model number it is as I may want to see about making a label reproduction for it (thank you for the awesome info about that!), but first I'm just wanting to verify it works. One thing at a time.

I will mention out that I had already ordered eye shield replacements from searspartsdirect which look to be similar (same?) as those mentioned above from Grainger for a bit lower cost. The 2pc set was $5.87 + tax + shipping which came to just under $14 for me.

286449-00 (286439-00) Bench Grinder Eye Shield
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/286439-00/0009/900.html

Wheeler - you're welcome.

Thanks for the link to the eye shields at SearsParts.

bubinga · Dec 16, 2016

Yeah, speaking of Sears Parts.
There was a Big building, warehouse. Open to the public, Sears, craftsman parts.
In Washing PA, (or near there) on rt 19.
they had just about everything.
was able to save on shipping then<sigh>

bubinga · Dec 19, 2016

Guys, are
those eye shields plastic or glass?

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

EOC_Jason · Dec 19, 2016

bubinga said:
Guys, are those eye shields plastic or glass? k

Every one I have see new & old is plastic (clear arcrylic)...

They *might* use a safety glass type on those with the built-in light right under them, but still not sure as I've never seen one of those in person.

mcmlvif100 · Dec 19, 2016

Re: Unusual Craftsman Block Motor Grinder

ross4452 said:
Hello,

I'm new to the forum. I came across the site while researching Craftsman block motor bench grinders as I recently acquired one. During my research, I've seen hundreds of photos of craftsman block motor grinders but none like mine. The one and only thing I've found, was an owners manual with it pictured on the cover. If anyone can tell me more about about this grinder, I would be grateful. Here are the specs and some photos.

Thank you for your help.

ross.

I have the same model. I use it quite a lot and really like having the disc sander feature.

Reference the following posts.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5607099#post5607099

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5611141&highlight=mcmlvif100#post5611141

exmaxima1 · Dec 19, 2016

bubinga said:
Guys, are
those eye shields plastic or glass?

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

If you're asking about the shields from Grainger/Zoro (https://www.zoro.com/dayton-eye-shi...gclid=CM78vqvNgNECFQsRgQodGFYJEg&gclsrc=aw.ds) they are plastic. Very crappy plastic, probably acrylic or styrene. I bought them and they crack very easily.

You would be better off buying a piece of polycarbonate (Lexan) and make your own. You can cut it, drill it, tap it, etc and it is far more durable than acrylic.

bubinga · Dec 19, 2016

OK, Thanks Guys.

wolfsburged · Dec 22, 2016

This popped up locally, worth a look I think. Not sure if the jig is a Craftsman one or not.

EOC_Jason · Dec 22, 2016

Attaching the pic locally since the one above hotlinks to CL and will likely disappear when it's sold...

Cruzan80 · Dec 22, 2016

The jig is flipped down. Is OEM, for longer blades.

With a stand, guessing 1/2hp because that particular ones label always seems to get ashes out, and jig, nice combo. How much?

Sent from my VIVO IV using Tapatalk

wolfsburged · Dec 22, 2016

It sold last night apparently, didn't get to see it. It was 1/2hp. Asking price was $145

chrislehr · Jan 8, 2017

awesome thread

torqueman2002 · Jan 8, 2017

chrislehr said:
awesome thread

Thanks!

Be sure to check out the 'let's see your craftsman block grinders' thread that inspired this thread to act as sort of a 'quick' reference of resources for the care and feeding of Block grinders.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794

gungatim · Jan 20, 2017

sub'd
may need parts for the 1hp I just bought.

Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss (with resource information)

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