let's see your craftsman block grinders

CrotalusAtrox · May 31, 2016

JZiggy,

Thanks for finding one no its not perfect but either am I. I will look up CalsXS2 and see if he has any. I may just put a wire brush on that side and call it good.

bubinga · May 31, 2016

JZiggy said:
That would be CalsXS2. Might need to look him up as my spare tool rest turned out to be a rusty turd!

Thanks JZiggy, yes that is him. (That was quick) :thumbup:

bubinga · May 31, 2016

I forget if I posted this here or not. I think I posted it in the garage sale thread, Pictures are again, not too good, Just quick cell phone pics, from when it was still in the car.
But I got it for $30.00. Needs cleaned up, but runs quiet, and the light is in good shape too. It is a 1/2HP too!
(off topic, but I got a nice wood working vise for $10.00, at the same time. )

WWShop · Jun 1, 2016

Picked this one up today for $60. My first stand. How sturdy is the stand with casters on?

doggonedawg · Jun 1, 2016

My First Grinder! Does anyone have an extra......

Faceshield they would sell me? The thicker reinforced plastic type. Text me if u do. (601) 416-3253

WhoWhatNow · Jun 1, 2016

WWShop said:
Picked this one up today for $60. My first stand. How sturdy is the stand with casters on?

Is that a 1HP? Great score if it is.

Outlawmws · Jun 1, 2016

Great score regardless.

On the topic of casters on that stand; I woud say no. The base is none to big as it is.

If you want it to roll, bolt an angle to the back and fixed casters on the back of that, so when you tilt it slightly the wheels take it.

torqueman2002 · Jun 1, 2016

What Outlawmws said, x2.

Nice find, BTW.

WWShop · Jun 1, 2016

Thanks. Its a 1/2 hp. I currently have four of them in my garage, all 1/2. I was thinking casters to raise it up a bit since I am 6'2", but I will take your guy's advice and not do that.

Outlawmws · Jun 1, 2016

if you just need height, 2 4X4s right to left and bolt the stand(s) to them.

If only a single stand; Front to back with a slight extension as well.

WWShop · Jun 1, 2016

Outlawmws said:
if you just need height, 2 4X4s right to left and bolt the stand(s) to them.

If only a single stand; Front to back with a slight extension as well.

After i saw you mention about not using casters I immediately thought about 4x4s as well. Maybe a silly question but if I use treated 4x4, will that start to rust my stand?

Outlawmws · Jun 1, 2016

Hmmm, don't know the answer to that. I can't recall any serious corrosion issues with nails or screws in fence posts, but don't know if the current chemical treatments are corrosive. :dunno:

JZiggy · Jun 1, 2016

Another 1/2 hp flat-top done minus tool rests and eye shields. I used Rustoleum "Dark Machine Gray" and "Metallic Silver."

Gotta say, it don't look like "dark" machine gray to me!

WWShop · Jun 2, 2016

JZiggy said:
Another 1/2 hp flat-top done minus tool rests and eye shields. I used Rustoleum "Dark Machine Gray" and "Metallic Silver."

Gotta say, it don't look like "dark" machine gray to me!

Did you clear coat it?

JZiggy · Jun 2, 2016

Yes I did.

torqueman2002 · Jun 2, 2016

It sure is good to read/see the Blocks being posted! I'll make a few comments in Red.

mhardy said:
....
If I was to strip them and repaint I would wan them to match close. Is there anyway of matching the original color? ....

I'm not sure what would be a best match. I've only done a full respray.

Did you get a reply?

JZiggy said:
Before

And after restorification!

Band: Rustoleum metallic silver + clear (you're right McB, the clear does work fine with this color)
Housing: Rustoleum gloss charcoal grey

Total overhaul with Nachi 6203 sealed bearings.

JZiggy - Nicely done, once again.

Would you mind if I posted it in the Block restore thread?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325578

JZiggy said:
Another 1/2 hp flat-top done minus tool rests and eye shields. I used Rustoleum "Dark Machine Gray" and "Metallic Silver."

Gotta say, it don't look like "dark" machine gray to me!

JZiggy - Can this one go into the Restore thread, as well?

I like the color, it doesn't look 'Dark Gray' to me either.

How does this one compare to the 1/3 HP's housing colors?

Shiftless · Jun 2, 2016

Outlawmws said:
Hmmm, don't know the answer to that. I can't recall any serious corrosion issues with nails or screws in fence posts, but don't know if the current chemical treatments are corrosive.

I build small footbridges using pressure treated underpinning. The manufacturers say use galvanized bolts and specially treated deck screws because of the corrosive nature of the PT compounds.
I used to use regular cadmium plated bolts. I have inspected jobs 20 years old and found minimum corrosion but that was with the old formula arsenic containing PT wood.

JZiggy · Jun 2, 2016

TM, sure feel free to post in the restore thread. Hopefully some of my projects will provide a reference for how some paint colors look on an actual grinder.

The dark machine grey is much lighter than the charcoal grey. The charcoal is an even color unlike the original paint which has some metal flake in it, but it looks pretty good in my opinion.

torqueman2002 · Jun 2, 2016

Hybridss said:
Picked up another block grinder yesterday. Its a 1974 and looks hardly used with the exception of some overspray.
It came with the base as well as a tool grinder. It also had all three manuals for the grinder, base and tool grinder. Pretty neat. $95. Not a smoking deal...but pretty good.

Not sure how I 'missed' this one, it is a great deal!

I think the over-spray can be removed, without damaging the original paint, or the label.

Start, in 'an inconspicuous place', with the following - listed in increasing harshness.

Alcohol
Paint Thinner
Acetone
Goof-Off
Citrus based paint stripper*

* Monitor this very carefully, you want to remove only the 1st layer of paint. I'd start at the minimum recommended time. See the 2nd post in the following thread.
http://tinyurl.com/Go-Blue-Block-Grinder

Best of luck.

Let us know how you are making out and if you have any questions.

Pictures are always a treat!

:thumbup:

CalsXS2 · Jun 2, 2016

Chilang said:
JZiggy,

Thanks for finding one no its not perfect but either am I. I will look up CalsXS2 and see if he has any. I may just put a wire brush on that side and call it good.

I have one set left. A local guy was supposed to get back to me on it. But I haven't heard anything.

Let me know if you're interested.

CalsXS2 · Jun 2, 2016

I can't believe no one has bought this.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329588

torqueman2002 · Jun 2, 2016

CalsXS2 said:
I can't believe no one has bought this.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329588

I'm surprised too! :dunno:

CrotalusAtrox · Jun 3, 2016

JZiggy said:
Another 1/2 hp flat-top done minus tool rests and eye shields. I used Rustoleum "Dark Machine Gray" and "Metallic Silver."

Gotta say, it don't look like "dark" machine gray to me!

Man that looks good .

JZiggy · Jun 3, 2016

Thanks dude!

torqueman2002 · Jun 4, 2016

I added another way to install bearings in the "CM Block Grinder bearing replacement - 3 methods." thread.

"The Steam Bath method."
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5722712&postcount=4

torqueman2002 · Jun 4, 2016

Oh, BTW - there's a 3/4-HP ftop Block for $75 just listed in the Metro Detroit CL.
http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/5619314673.html

WWShop · Jun 4, 2016

The one 3/4 hp I saw on my local CL the guy wanted $150.

torqueman2002 · Jun 4, 2016

At $75, this one is about where I like to buy them. It is complete and in great condition.

I think it came out of an estate sale, I saw this week.

I have bought from the seller before, I have no other connection, and he is fair but he won't ship it or meet anywhere but his place.

Shipping prices (especially USPS) are creeping up, but last year I sent a 1/2 HP Block to a member in Rockford Il, for around $38.00 - FedEx packed, shipped, and 100% guaranteed.

bubinga · Jun 4, 2016

used my "New" 3/4 HP tonight, nice and smooth,
Light bulb I brought it with even worked.

bubinga · Jun 4, 2016

JZiggy said:
Thanks dude!

real nice, making me want to paint mine. :bowdown:

exmaxima1 · Jun 5, 2016

exmaxima1 said:
It's a wide (over 1") 8-inch wheel with fine wires---price was $9.95 on clearance at Menards, so I couldn't pass it up regardless of COO. I just made an extra long (1.2" hub width) bushing for it so I can mount it on my 1/2hp block grinder. I'll try it tonight and let you know.

Just wanted to do a followup on the Weiler wire wheels being clearanced at Menards. On my 1/2hp CM grinder, I am amazed at how well balanced and smooth running it is. Though it is rated as "Fine", it doesn't deflect much at all when you push a part into it, and the finish is pretty smooth. I'll rate it as extremely high value.

SilverDeck · Jun 7, 2016

Finally found a good one at an estate sale that was "all there". 1/2" HP Craftsman Commercial. $40

torqueman2002 · Jun 7, 2016

SilverDeck said:
Finally found a good one at an estate sale that was "all there". 1/2" HP Craftsman Commercial. $40

That is a very good price and nice Block.

Is that a Craftsman vise, peaking out from behind the Block?

drivesitfar · Jun 8, 2016

EX: in case Menards has those wire wheels on clearance still can you post or PM me the link. I think i'll buy a few and give them a try on my 1/2 HP commercial block.

if they are as good as you say should I try one on one side of my 3/4 HP 3600 baldor buffer?

thanks

SD: I love those 1/2 HP round tops and you might keep your eyes peeled for some metal framed eye shields to really make it pop. nice find

WWShop · Jun 9, 2016

I bought a 1/2 hp block that runs great but needs some work. Just curious if you guys remove all the previous paint or do you just remove flaking paint, prime and paint?

exmaxima1 · Jun 9, 2016

drivesitfar said:
EX: in case Menards has those wire wheels on clearance still can you post or PM me the link. I think i'll buy a few and give them a try on my 1/2 HP commercial block.

if they are as good as you say should I try one on one side of my 3/4 HP 3600 baldor buffer?

thanks

Sorry, but they are only available at the stores.

SilverDeck · Jun 9, 2016

torqueman2002 said:
That is a very good price and nice Block.

Is that a Craftsman vise, peaking out from behind the Block?

Yes, that was a 1970s Craftsman vise (probably made by Columbia). It also could have been a Craftsman vise made in Japan. I can't say for sure because I didn't go to the estate sale myself. A kind co-worker of mine who lives nearby stopped by and grabbed the block grinder for me. I had no problem paying the asking price since it was all complete (no missing shields, etc.) It runs very quiet and smooth.

torqueman2002 · Jun 9, 2016

SilverDeck said:
Yes, that was a 1970s Craftsman vise (probably made by Columbia). It also could have been a Craftsman vise made in Japan. I can't say for sure because I didn't go to the estate sale myself. A kind co-worker of mine who lives nearby stopped by and grabbed the block grinder for me. I had no problem paying the asking price since it was all complete (no missing shields, etc.) It runs very quiet and smooth.

I thought it might be, I have one like it in the basement shop. My 1st vise - IIRC a gift from my dad.

I thought it might be yours, they are good little vises - made by Columbia from what I've read.

Again, nice find on the Block.

If you decide to freshen it up, there are resources in the links in my signature line and you can always ask in this thread.

:thumbup:

Outlawmws · Jun 12, 2016

Something you block heads might appreciate surfaced this AM in my yardsailing:

A NOS, disc sanding attachment (notice the pics on the manual):

And inside the box, even the fasteners are in the sealed bag:

Zeeman · Jun 12, 2016

Very nice. I sure wish I did not have to work every Saturday. I miss all the yard sales.

let's see your craftsman block grinders

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