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

cajunfirehawk · Feb 28, 2017

FigureItOut said:
So true, but I guess that gives guys like us the best opportunities, since we're willing to go look, then put in the effort.

Good find, guess you found the answer out about storage on that stand, don't think there is any usable hidden areas to store stuff?

Does the block need anything other than new stones?

FigureItOut · Feb 28, 2017

cajunfirehawk said:
Good find, guess you found the answer out about storage on that stand, don't think there is any usable hidden areas to store stuff?

Does the block need anything other than new stones?

It doesn't appear to need anything. The stand is kind of an A-frame, so no useful storage as is, but something could be built into it. I have some garage rearranging to do this week and may end up not using the stand, in which case it's going to EOC_Jason to use for his 7" block grinder, I think.

cajunfirehawk · Mar 1, 2017

Figureitout; looks like we have brothers, my resto project arrived today, same model as yours 397.19580, but not as clean on the outside, but clean on the inside...

IMG_4406 by Cajun Firehawk, on Flickr

IMG_4401 by Cajun Firehawk, on Flickr

IMG_4386 by Cajun Firehawk, on Flickr

IMG_4388 by Cajun Firehawk, on Flickr

IMG_4389 by Cajun Firehawk, on Flickr

Got the old, original stones off already...

IMG_4401 by Cajun Firehawk, on Flickr

Did a lil time test and it takes exactly 1 minute 10 seconds after you shut it down to stop, bearings seem good to me but I am no expert.

rrich1 · Mar 2, 2017

man, the 397.19580 is a popular model to acquire right now!

rickhigginshtbr · Mar 2, 2017

rrich1 said:
man, the 397.19580 is a popular model to acquire right now!

Sure is, I bought one 2 weeks ago just for the stand and gave it to a buddy of mine

torqueman2002 · Mar 2, 2017

I agree, the 1/3-HP m-397.1958x must have been 'flying' off the shelves at Sears back-in-the-day. I say that because they appear in CL more often than any other round top or flat top Block around here.

cajun - Nice score. I found 'replacement' hex head screws at https://www.boltdepot.com/Machine_s...e_F_Zinc_plated_steel_8-32.aspx?Selected=7328

ndfan6464 · Mar 2, 2017

Man you all are lucky. Down here in South Carolina they don't have anything. And they call anything with a bit or hint of rust, ding, dent, dusty "vintage". Have shop eBay if I want anything.

torqueman2002 · Mar 2, 2017

The only thing I can figure is back-in-the-day, the auto workers had a lot of disposable cash and really like CM tools, etc ....

I'm originally from Central & Western NY. I use to think Buffalo was a fairly industrial town, but compared to SE Michigan/Detroit area not really. Western NY CL seldom has the Blocks we do.

Heck, there's even a 3/4-HP 3-Phase Block on CL near me now!
https://annarbor.craigslist.org/tls/6015303529.html

cajunfirehawk · Mar 2, 2017

torqueman2002 said:
I agree, the 1/3-HP m-397.1958x must have been 'flying' off the shelves at Sears back-in-the-day. I say that because they appear in CL more often than any other round top or flat top Block around here.

cajun - Nice score. I found 'replacement' hex head screws at https://www.boltdepot.com/Machine_s...e_F_Zinc_plated_steel_8-32.aspx?Selected=7328

Thanks TM, question about the strain reliefs around the power cords on these blocks; what do you use to open those? :dunno:

torqueman2002 · Mar 2, 2017

You are welcome.

See post #1, picture #11.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5743463#post5743463

ndfan6464 · Mar 2, 2017

Does anyone know what type of electrical connector the 90 degree ones are?

torqueman2002 · Mar 2, 2017

ndfan6464 said:
Does anyone know what type of electrical connector the 90 degree ones are?

Like the ones on these wires?

They are flag terminals. Amazon has them, as well as Graingers, Zoro, DigiKey. :thumbup:

ndfan6464 · Mar 2, 2017

torqueman2002 said:
Like the ones on these wires?

They are flag terminals. Amazon has them, as well as Graingers, Zoro, DigiKey.

Man is there anything you don't know? Lol; yeah those are definitely the ones. I picked up a new Craftsman power tool replacement cord and need to install the flag terminals on them. Thanks buddy.

cajunfirehawk · Mar 2, 2017

ndfan6464 said:
I picked up a new Craftsman power tool replacement cord and need to install the flag terminals on them. Thanks buddy.

Wondering if you got your replacement cord off amazon here because I ordered one and it is a nice cord but made by bosch and not craftsman...unless you got yours from some where else?

ndfan6464 · Mar 2, 2017

cajunfirehawk said:
Wondering if you got your replacement cord off amazon here because I ordered one and it is a nice cord but made by bosch and not craftsman...unless you got yours from some where else?

That's the exact same one. Now that you say that I think it did say Bosh on it. Did you use it on your grinder?

cajunfirehawk · Mar 2, 2017

ndfan6464 said:
That's the exact same one. Now that you say that I think it did say Bosh on it. Did you use it on your grinder?

I will, Yes :beer:

Did you have any issues removing the strain relief off of your old cord? TM shows a "how to" but I ordered a cheap pair of strain relief pliers off of amazon too. (link) I have a few other projects I fought with getting those reliefs off (hesco type) and they were no fun.

ndfan6464 · Mar 2, 2017

cajunfirehawk said:
I will, Yes Did you have any issues removing the strain relief off of your old cord? TM shows a "how to" but I ordered a cheap pair of strain relief pliers off of amazon too. (link) I have a few other projects I fought with getting those reliefs off (hesco type) and they were no fun.

I did not. I also didn't do it as described in the "how to". I didn't see that post till after..Lol.. I attacked it from the rear (inside) I used eyeglasses screw driver to lift and "pry" it free. Didnt destroy it so I can reuse it

cajunfirehawk · Mar 2, 2017

ndfan6464 said:
I did not. I also didn't do it as described in the "how to". I didn't see that post till after..Lol.. I attacked it from the rear (inside) I used eyeglasses screw driver to lift and "pry" it free. Didnt destroy it so I can reuse it

I know for sure I have some flag connectors out in my shop for 14 gauge wire, not sure if they are bare or insulated but if you only need 3 (or a few more) PM me your address and I will mail you some so you won't have to buy a 50 pack like I did, lol :beer:

ndfan6464 · Mar 2, 2017

cajunfirehawk said:
I know for sure I have some flag connectors out in my shop for 14 gauge wire, not sure if they are bare or insulated but if you only need 3 (or a few more) PM me your address and I will mail you some so you won't have to buy a 50 pack like I did, lol

Man that's really cool of you to do. Thank you. I'll PM you now..

Cypherian · Mar 3, 2017

Hey ,

Has anyone found a laser printer paper that can be used to reproduce the front labels? I have seen several ways people have done it water, metal etc just wondering if there was an easier way ie I do it from home. ? I need to print one for a 3/4 hp .

Cypher

ndfan6464 · Mar 3, 2017

Cypherian said:
Hey ,

Has anyone found a laser printer paper that can be used to reproduce the front labels? I have seen several ways people have done it water, metal etc just wondering if there was an easier way ie I do it from home. ? I need to print one for a 3/4 hp .

Cypher

Funny you should ask this question. I have a guy who prints up stickers and decals for me. In order to do the grinder stickers exactly like the original one it requires a silver foil type paper. To get two done cause he uses 8x11 sheets it would cost $71. For two. That's the start up fee cause he has to get special ink and paper so it'll withstand the abuse. After the start up fee I do not know how much it would cost. I've had stickers and decals made from before and they are amazing. Exactly like the originals. If you want I can give you his information?

ndfan6464 · Mar 3, 2017

I just sent him an email asking how much he would charge for stickers after the start up fee is done.. I'll let you know what he says. These are water decals he made for me. These are for my 1939 drill press

exmaxima1 · Mar 3, 2017

cajunfirehawk said:
Thanks TM, question about the strain reliefs around the power cords on these blocks; what do you use to open those?

I found a pair of Heyco pliers at a garage sale, and they work great.

cajunfirehawk · Mar 3, 2017

exmaxima1 said:
I found a pair of Heyco pliers at a garage sale, and they work great.

I got a generic pair for $11 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PIC00S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

EOC_Jason · Mar 3, 2017

Cypherian said:
Has anyone found a laser printer paper that can be used to reproduce the front labels? I have seen several ways people have done it water, metal etc just wondering if there was an easier way ie I do it from home. ? I need to print one for a 3/4 hp.

If you are going to use paper I would think one of the avery label sets will have one big enough. You might have to trim to size. I always have a stack of those 2-label blanks from UPS that have sticky backs too. Cover the front with those adhesive laminating sheets for protection and that's probably the cheapest you can get...

ndfan6464 · Mar 3, 2017

So after talking to my guy who makes all my decals and stickers he said that for an exact replica it would cost $20 for two stickers plus shipping. Shipping **I think** usually runs $6.

torqueman2002 · Mar 3, 2017

cajunfirehawk said:
Wondering if you got your replacement cord off amazon here because I ordered one and it is a nice cord but made by bosch and not craftsman...unless you got yours from some where else?

ndfan6464 said:
That's the exact same one. Now that you say that I think it did say Bosh on it. Did you use it on your grinder?

That's a great resource you found. I'm adding it to my spread sheet and list.
:thumbup:

Also; check eReplacement parts for 'Power Cord' 3-wire.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/search_result.php?q=power%20cord&results_per_page=100&&afav=%7B%22236%22%3A3%7D

cajunfirehawk · Mar 3, 2017

FWIW: For cheap(er) stickers mentioned in this or the other block thread a few mentions of stickermule.com and stickeryou.com... :beer:

torqueman2002 · Mar 3, 2017

cajunfirehawk said:
I will, Yes Did you have any issues removing the strain relief off of your old cord? TM shows a "how to" but I ordered a cheap pair of strain relief pliers off of amazon too. (link) I have a few other projects I fought with getting those reliefs off (hesco type) and they were no fun.

exmaxima1 said:
I found a pair of Heyco pliers at a garage sale, and they work great.

cajunfirehawk said:
I got a generic pair for $11 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PIC00S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks guys. Those strain reliefs are a PIA.

I just placed an order with Amazon, and updated the 'how to'.
:thumbup:

ndfan6464 · Mar 3, 2017

I must have gotten really lucky cause mine was not hard at all.. I mean I had to work a little to get out but sounds like it's a real PIA most of the time to get those relifes out

torqueman2002 · Mar 3, 2017

Cypherian said:
Hey ,

Has anyone found a laser printer paper that can be used to reproduce the front labels? I have seen several ways people have done it water, metal etc just wondering if there was an easier way ie I do it from home. ? I need to print one for a 3/4 hp .

Cypher

ndfan6464 said:
Funny you should ask this question. I have a guy who prints up stickers and decals for me. In order to do the grinder stickers exactly like the original one it requires a silver foil type paper. To get two done cause he uses 8x11 sheets it would cost $71. For two. That's the start up fee cause he has to get special ink and paper so it'll withstand the abuse. After the start up fee I do not know how much it would cost. I've had stickers and decals made from before and they are amazing. Exactly like the originals. If you want I can give you his information?

ndfan6464 said:
I just sent him an email asking how much he would charge for stickers after the start up fee is done.. I'll let you know what he says. These are water decals he made for me. These are for my 1939 drill press

EOC_Jason said:
If you are going to use paper I would think one of the avery label sets will have one big enough. You might have to trim to size. I always have a stack of those 2-label blanks from UPS that have sticky backs too. Cover the front with those adhesive laminating sheets for protection and that's probably the cheapest you can get...

ndfan6464 said:
So after talking to my guy who makes all my decals and stickers he said that for an exact replica it would cost $20 for two stickers plus shipping. Shipping **I think** usually runs $6.

cajunfirehawk said:
FWIW: For cheap(er) stickers mentioned in this or the other block thread a few mentions of stickermule.com and stickeryou.com...

LABELS!

I have spent a LOT of time (sometimes more than any other part of the restore) getting a label to print the way I want.

Thank you for the information and resources. Please post them up in the other (first & very popular) block thread. let's see your craftsman block grinders Link ---> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794

torqueman2002 · Mar 3, 2017

ndfan6464 said:
I must have gotten really lucky cause mine was not hard at all.. I mean I had to work a little to get out but sounds like it's a real PIA most of the time to get those relifes out

I've had more trouble putting them back in with new cords. The original cords take a 'set' and are not bad.

ndfan6464 · Mar 3, 2017

torqueman2002 said:
I've had more trouble putting them back in with new cords. The original cords take a 'set' and are not bad.

Well I'll find out here this weekend. Just got my stuff from the blaster and the primer is drying. So hopefully by Sunday it'll be back up and running.

As far as the labels go, I paid the startup fee from my guy. So from here on out it'll be $20 plus shipping for two labels/Stickers. I am not sure how to link websites so I can give you his email address. I put the website not sure if it'll work. Once mine show up I can post them if you would like.

[email protected];
www.bedlamcreations.com

EOC_Jason · Mar 3, 2017

There's a thread somewhere with a bunch of templates of the grinder plates, in one of the adobe formats... And appropriate font files too...

ndfan6464 · Mar 3, 2017

EOC_Jason said:
There's a thread somewhere with a bunch of templates of the grinder plates, in one of the adobe formats... And appropriate font files too...

There's one on here on page one. Torqueman posted all of them.. not sure if there anywhere else but there are quite few here

cajunfirehawk · Mar 3, 2017

I love when UPS drops off NOS in the sears box, brand new block grinders!

See http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6355423&postcount=9385 :beer:

ndfan6464 · Mar 3, 2017

cajunfirehawk said:
I love when UPS drops off NOS in the sears box, brand new block grinders!

See http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6355423&postcount=9385

WOW!! THATS RAD!! Nice score brother.

EOC_Jason · Mar 3, 2017

Nice find, it looks just like mine... only not worn to ****... lol...

I never saw a date stamp on my bottom either...

rickhigginshtbr · Mar 5, 2017

Holy ****, NOS?!?!? That's awesome!

Sometimes I've seen the date stamp on the underside of the plate too.

Picked up another 1/3HP 2 weeks ago, with a pedestal, and gave it to my buddy for helping me get my new washing machine down stairs... well, kept the pedestal for myself, of course

ndfan6464 · Mar 5, 2017

So just got done putting my block grinder back together and wanted to give you a heads up about the power cord from Amazon that we posted about on here. The power cord is a monster compared to the original. The original stress relief wouldn't fit over the cord so I had to cut the outer shield and then apply some electrical tape. Couple wraps is all that is needed. Also make sure you allow yourself long enough wire to connect the power sources.

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

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