Vintage Grinder Sticker Reproduction

mattblast · Feb 3, 2018

Two members got in touch with me this week and asked for my help in making them labels for their restoration.

Here are the before and after shots

Model 397.19340 1/2 HP

And the new label

I was also asked to make a Craftsman Crowntop label for the lamp. This was a bit more of a challenge drawing a perfectly symmetrical vector path.

Original photo

And the replacement

Only a bit more than an inch wide.

And the second member asked for help on a 1HP 397.19360

Here is the before

And the new label

Both are going out in the mail today if I can find some stamps.

mattblast · Feb 3, 2018

The labels I made in the new batch this week were cut with too much down force and are fully cut through. That can be a problem when trying to peel off the backing.

Here is a trick to peel off the backing when the backing is the same size. Put a small piece of tape on front and back and pull them apart. Backing will peel easily.

EOC_Jason · Feb 3, 2018

Matt you do awesome work as always! I still feel bad I haven't have a chance to restore my grinder and use the label you gave me, but it IS on my to-do list!!! Too many projects going on but at least I'm whittling them down!

mattblast · Feb 3, 2018

EOC_Jason said:
Matt you do awesome work as always!

Thank you.

Here is a grinder I restored myself

And after bead blasting, paint and new label

paulm12 · Feb 3, 2018

some awesome work there

torqueman2002 · Feb 3, 2018

Awesome!

larryq · Feb 7, 2018

Matt, if you're there I'd love to buy one the 1/2 HP stickers from you that you made in this thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6396882&postcount=14

I just restored one of these but the sticker didn't survive it.

mattblast · Feb 7, 2018

larryq said:
Matt, if you're there I'd love to buy one the 1/2 HP stickers from you that you made in this thread:

I just restored one of these but the sticker didn't survive it.

Happy to help. What’s the model and serial number? Can you post a photo?

larryq · Feb 7, 2018

mattblast said:
Happy to help. What’s the model and serial number? Can you post a photo?

Good question. This is the best photo I have-- most of it had faded out long before I crossed paths with it. I'm 100% fine with a label approximate to what this was.

Indexmill · Feb 7, 2018

mattblast said:
Thank you.

Here is a grinder I restored myself

And after bead blasting, paint and new label

Hi Matt,

Thank you again very much for the label you made for me a while back. Your work is awesome. I will post photos when I am completely done with it.

Can you please tell us where you bought that rocker switch from, and if you had to modify the cut-out in the cover? I searched high and low and finally had to make an adapter to fit a standard toggle switch in that big rectangular opening.

Thank you, Indexmill.

EOC_Jason · Feb 22, 2018

Hey Matt, I just got a 3/4HP block but the sticker has faded away most of the text. I tried looking at it from every angle but the red text is totally gone. I'm 99% sure it's the same 397.19350 as you recently restored.

I'm pretty sure it's not a "CMan Commercial" as there is no way to adjust the voltage like on my other one.

I can't even see an indent or anything for a serial number.

mattblast said:
And after bead blasting, paint and new label

mattblast · Feb 24, 2018

A new batch of labels going out today. Photo is of the backup labels. I always print 2 of each in case one gets ruined in printing, laminating or cutting but in his case all were ok so I have some spares. I’m not usually so lucky. Well maybe that is an exaggeration - I lost all 4 labels during printing (twice) due to first a material issue then a printer bug.

Jason - since you didn’t have a sn I printed you one without. It’s not the original label design - I moved things around so it looks properly spaced but it should look great on your restoration.

I happy to make labels for your restoration projects and have been doing so without asking for anything in return. Though it can take up to an hour of my time to make a batch (it takes that long whether I make 1 or 4 due to long setup time).

Many have send me something anyway such as a book or stamps or something via PayPal and I appreciate that. These labels are “priceless” and it’s satisfying to see folks use them. Please post photos of your grinder label before and after on this thread

Sometimes it’s hard to get them done in a timely manner. It takes anywhere from a couple days to a month before I’m able to make time. It’s very busy for me at work and with the fixed setup time it’s often better to wait for a few requests to come in before I make them. It’s going to be a busy several weeks and I’m not sure when I’ll be able to make a new batch.

Here is one of the before shots

EOC_Jason · Feb 24, 2018

Thanks as always Matt, I think everyone here understands being too busy for fun side projects.

torqueman2002 · Feb 24, 2018

Nice job as always matt!

These labels are the crowning piece on our rescues and restorations!

A really big thank you!

Cranksterwatch · Feb 27, 2018

A big shout out to Matt for hooking me up with a new decal for my first block grinder!

Looks Awesome! Thanks, Matt! Great Work!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cranksterwatch · Feb 27, 2018

I picked this small Craftsman and Unique Skil Up this week! Ready to tear them down and bring them back to life.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

EOC_Jason · Feb 27, 2018

Looks great! That is a crazy looking Skil, is there any date info on it?

larryq · Mar 1, 2018

Some before and afters. Big thanks to Matt for making a quality product for GJ members.

Cranksterwatch · Mar 1, 2018

EOC_Jason said:
Looks great! That is a crazy looking Skil, is there any date info on it?

I couldn’t find a date anywhere. I found one other one like it on an old tool website. Here is a better pic of the tag. Would like to hear from anyone that has one or has knowledge of the date rang.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mattblast · Mar 1, 2018

larryq said:
Some before and afters. Big thanks to Matt for making a quality product for GJ members.

Wow. That came out great! Nice restoration.

thomasutley · Mar 12, 2018

mattblast said:
I may regret saying this but I will also make any adhesive label for a grinder for free (at least until I get overwhelmed). If you need one post up a photo and I'll let you know of that is one I can make.

This is really beautiful work--you've really got the process dialed in. Are you still offering tag/label replacement for grinders? I'm about to the point of paint on a set of three Baldor 1021W grinders to which I'm adding the lighted eyeshields from the 1021WD deluxe option package. I'm strongly considering converting one of the 1021W into a 409B (1800RPM version) Buffer by machining a new longer motor shaft and making the motor bell housing dust cover shields.

My grinders were pretty rough when I got them from auction. No broken castings, but all stickers are pretty much unreadable and the three aluminum motor tags are all missing. I don't know of a way to find out the the correct serial numbers but I can provide the rest of the tag info/text that's required and leave the serno blank.

Basically 3 ea. need motor plates, motor rotation direction sticker, back side wiring sticker, lighted eyeshield sticker, pedestal Baldor vertical logo sticker, and pedestal warning label to attach the unit to floor. I think there may have been a UL sticker on the back of the motor as well?

I wouldn't expect you to make them for free, happy to compensate you for time and materials if you'll let me. I recently figured out how to make etched brass machine tags for a restoration of a 1943 South Bend 16" x 60" lathe. You can see many of my etched metal tags in my Instagram gallery: https://www.instagram.com/kingtutley/

Happy to work out a trade if that interests you as well.

If no longer doing this type of work, no worries, it's just one more process I'll have to go figure out on my own.

Kind regards,

Tom Utley
Tucson, AZ

mattblast · Mar 12, 2018

thomasutley said:
This is really beautiful work--you've really got the process dialed in. Are you still offering tag/label replacement for grinders? I'm about to the point of paint on a set of three Baldor 1021W grinders to which I'm adding the lighted eyeshields from the 1021WD deluxe option package. I'm strongly considering converting one of the 1021W into a 409B (1800RPM version) Buffer by machining a new longer motor shaft and making the motor bell housing dust cover shields.

Basically 3 ea. need motor plates, motor rotation direction sticker, back side wiring sticker, lighted eyeshield sticker, pedestal Baldor vertical logo sticker, and pedestal warning label to attach the unit to floor. I think there may have been a UL sticker on the back of the motor as well?

I should already have a full set of the Baldor labels minus the direction sticker. Just PM me your address and I can send them to you. The wording on the warning label and wiring label do differ slightly so post a photo of what yours look like and I can make a new set as needed. The stand label needs to be made - there are a few options on how I can make that. For mine I used gold cast vinyl, see attached for how it came out. This is before I put the metal nameplate on so but is the only photo I had handy.

Can you scan the direction sticker? That should be easy to make but I need a accurate EPS file to make it (or you can draw it there and send me the file)

The metal stamped labels on the baldor are not currently possible for me to make (I sold my engraver and embosser before I had a need for them). Baldor sells them for close to $70 each, and they are hard to get (the first time I ordered one, a week later a 18 wheeler pulled up to my driveway and delivered an entire grinder! Then the second and third time the label had wrong info. The 4th time it had the right info but was on the wrong base label)

Your metal labels look great. What was the technique you used to create them?

thomasutley · Mar 12, 2018

mattblast said:
I should already have a full set of the Baldor labels minus the direction sticker. Just PM me your address and I can send them to you.

Your metal labels look great. What was the technique you used to create them?

PM sent. Thanks for considering my request!

My etched brass tags were all made using toner transfer masks and ferric chloride etchant. The toner mask artwork was created in Inkscape and printed using a laser printer onto a material called Peel-N-Press Blue ("PNP Blue") transfer paper commonly used to make printed circuit cards in electronics. The brass is cleaned thoroughly, roughed up slightly, and then the mask is either ironed on with a clothes iron (good for circuit boards) or rolled onto heated brass (better for thicker materials like nameplates).

Once the mask is transferred successfully, the plate is submerged in the acid for 1-4 hours depending on the temperature, acid freshness, and depth of etch desired. The low areas get filled with paint, the high spots get sanded bright again, then the entire piece is clearcoated.

Any questions, let me know. Happy to share what I've learned if someone's interested in trying. There are other methods I've learned about since, such as using a laser to burn through black lacquer and remove the mask, but I haven't yet had a chance to try. There are also other etchants that work faster but require some mixing of chemicals you can find at the store.

Thanks again,

Tom

Ss95003 · Mar 13, 2018

Scrolled through all the pictures here. You do excellent work!
Can I assume you own a sign making business since the cost of those printers/ cutters are astronomical.

Ss95003 · Mar 19, 2018

Do you happen to have a template for this craftsman jack? Mine is 100% faded away so I can’t get a picture. But I can get measurements. Found this picture on google.
I would be interested in a 3-4 of these I have two of these jacks but I can see getting more as I buy them if they are cheap. I would need one with out rounded corners too to cover up my old faded sticker that was tapped off and painted around.

Also how do we donate to the postage/ printer supply fund?

mattblast · Mar 19, 2018

Ss95003 said:
Do you happen to have a template for this craftsman jack? Mine is 100% faded away so I can’t get a picture. But I can get measurements. Found this picture on google.

I would be interested in a 3-4 of these I have two of these jacks but I can see getting more as I buy them if they are cheap. I would need one with out rounded corners too to cover up my old faded sticker that was tapped off and painted around.

Also how do we donate to the postage/ printer supply fund?

I should be able to make one. What are the dimensions? What model is it?

Ss95003 · Mar 20, 2018

I am not 100% sure on the model as my metal id badge on the side of both that I have is long gone. I assume its model 328 but not sure of suffix. The good thing is all the 1.5 and 2 ton units from this era use the same rebuild kit.
The sticker measurements are 4 5/16 x 3 15/16.

Shelbylex · Mar 23, 2018

Great job, Mattblast! I wish I could do that!
I am currently restoring ServiStar tool box. The company is not there anymore (merger in 1997)
I was wondering if it is possible to reproduce the following label? It is approximately 76mm x 32 mm (I also made pictures with the measuring tape in case you machine uses SAE system). Dimensions are important as there is an indentation in the box for the label.
Please PM me how much would it cost me to get 1-2 labels if you can do it.
Thank you!

redriderjr326 · Apr 2, 2018

The thread “what’s all the fuss about” inspired me to find a couple block grinders. I just picked two up yesterday. The amount of information in these threads is amazing! I’m planning on doing restorations to both of them. One is the flat top style and the other a little older, that has the metal label.
mattblast, I am wondering if i can add my request to, what I imagine is along list of requests, to get a sticker.
My model is 397 19340 with a serial number 718650906.
I hate to just ask for things, but I see no way of reproducing a label, and it undoubted must come off for the restoration. Thank you greatly for your consideration.

And thanks to all for the information available!

mattblast · Apr 4, 2018

I wasn't able to make labels for a few weeks but expect to be able to later this month. Several folks PMed me with details and I'll make those, plus the ones requested above (397.19349, servistar, baldor, and I'll try to make jack)

Shelbylex · Apr 4, 2018

Thank you, Mattblast!
This is great!!!
Since I got the ServiStar, I did not see a single one for sale or pictured anywhere except for partial view from some person in NH selling a drill on CL. Tried to contact him, but no luck.
The more I sand it, the more "rust puddles" I find - I hope I would not have to use a filler to make it look OK (I think manual sanding is too labour intensive here, but want to preserve as much of original metal as possible)
The Emblem will make it all look great!

redriderjr326 · Apr 7, 2018

mattblast said:
I wasn't able to make labels for a few weeks but expect to be able to later this month. Several folks PMed me with details and I'll make those, plus the ones requested above (397.19349, servistar, baldor, and I'll try to make jack)

Thank you thank you thank you! I sent a pm but not sure if it went as my phone wigged out during the process. I don’t want to over load your inbox, so please let me know what more information. Im looking forward to getting mine restored. Hopefully if I get some time tomorrow I can start breaking it down. Thanks again!

Ss95003 · Apr 9, 2018

mattblast said:
I wasn't able to make labels for a few weeks but expect to be able to later this month. Several folks PMed me with details and I'll make those, plus the ones requested above (397.19349, servistar, baldor, and I'll try to make jack)

Thanks Matt!

mattblast · Apr 10, 2018

I was able to get a batch of labels completed today. It will be at least a few months before I’m able to make any more. These will be mailed out in the morning.

Servistar and 1hp grinder label. Both are new layouts which I had to create.

Two labels from existing templates

Baldor stand and grinder labels

macgee · Apr 10, 2018

Matt,

As a GJ member I would have to commend you and thank you on your charity, talent and time given to helping other members. You did an awesome job, they look awesome and makes this a thread worth reading.

I only wished I myself thought of putting in a request for a label but I know time is precious and you've already gone beyond the call of duty!

Cheers

fullthrottle24 · Apr 10, 2018

Thank you, your generosity and your skills are outstanding. Hopefully, my new band will show up to put this quality sticker on.

Shelbylex · Apr 10, 2018

Matt, thank you for your dedication and help. Without you a lot of our projects would not get this final great touch which makes all the difference once you are done restoring the rest of the object.
Your skill and talent make our projects shine one a whole new level!

We all owe you a nice toast with chilled/(no ice)/(no any contaminant like juice) shot of Russian Vodka!

redriderjr326 · Apr 11, 2018

As many others have said, thank you for your time and talents in producing these wonderful labels. You go above and beyond what most people dream about doing for others. You make our projects complete, and again, I thank you!

EOC_Jason · Apr 11, 2018

Awesome job as always Matt! I really enjoy seeing the new labels you produce. Can't wait to see people post pics of their restored stuff with it on them.

RubiconJK · Apr 16, 2018

Matt,
Per my PM to you, here is the info for my grinder plate and a couple pics of the "before" condition. Can't wait to get my replacement plate and show off the "after" pics. Please let me know if you need anything else. My mailing address is in the PM. Thanks.
Craftsman 1/2 HP, Model #397.19340, S/N 827800168

EDIT 8/4 - Picture after receiving my replacement plate from Matt and completing cleanup and rebuild. Looks great and the plate is awesome! Thanks Matt!

Vintage Grinder Sticker Reproduction

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Attachments

Member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Member

Attachments

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Attachments

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments