let's see your craftsman block grinders
- Thread starter emeraldcoupe
- Start date
Put some hockey pucks or other type of somewhat high durometer rubber between the base and the floor. Even a piece of shelf liner. I like that 3/4hp setup.
zeet
Well-known member
I'm guessing you want to be able to move it around the shop and/or outside and that's the reason for not bolting it down?
The Mat idea is a good one, though I've had mixed success with it... Depends on the material. Sheer mass usually seems to be the best solution.
The Mat idea is a good one, though I've had mixed success with it... Depends on the material. Sheer mass usually seems to be the best solution.
montanafordman
Well-known member
Wow! I have two 1/2hp blocks and was thinking about selling one to help fund the purchase of a welder, but now I think I'll do the opposite and hang onto it actually just because if I ever want a second one again its going to be that much more of a pain to replace it. After seeing the blockmeister thread I'm really thinking about that belt/disc sander attachment mod for the second one!
Sell outj/k, it's got me considering putting one up as well.
The problem is the ones I have that are even close to that nice I don't want to sell and the ones I do want to sell are not even close to that condition.
Remember quality sells. For every grinder this nice there are 20 grinders that are missing shields, lights, water cups, have really faded labels and other issues.
Gareth68
Well-known member
Ok, here she is in all her raw dirty glory...
What is your opinion on changes to the original, ie: Changing the original plastic eye shields to the older style glass/metal? Would a prospective buyer care either way as long as the rest of the grinder looked/ran well?
torqueman2002
Well-known member
For me, I prefer the metal eye shields and don't care about keeping one in that condition (or any one that needs paint) in original/close to new condition.
But, for re-sale; I wonder if anyone other than a Block-head would notice/care.
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torqueman2002
Well-known member
So, here's another 1/3 HP Block, on the local CL 'block'. CM Industrial Duty rt m-397.19580.
$100.00
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/4862857336.html
$100.00
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/4862857336.html
torqueman2002
Well-known member
The link posted above, {http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4578356&postcount=4046} has a lot of hand tools for sale shown in the listing.
The seller has a number of other tools yet to go through and list. An eMail with what you maybe interested in could pay off.
BTW - The 3/4 HP ft Block is SOLD.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/4855364929.html
The seller has a number of other tools yet to go through and list. An eMail with what you maybe interested in could pay off.
BTW - The 3/4 HP ft Block is SOLD.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/4855364929.html
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A E Numan
Well-known member
Outlawmws
Well-known member
How many times have we heard that?
If so that needs to go on the "parts list" thread/posts...
The smaller 5" tray found on most 1/4 to 12 HP grinders part #5336943 is no longer available.
The larger 6" tray found on 1/2 HP Commercial and 3/4 -1 HP part 534436227 IS still available. Google it and you will find a lot of sources. It's not cheap averaging around $28 plus shipping.
I think the trays work on either one I tried a small one on my 1/2 HP commercial and it fits fine.
The larger 6" tray found on 1/2 HP Commercial and 3/4 -1 HP part 534436227 IS still available. Google it and you will find a lot of sources. It's not cheap averaging around $28 plus shipping.
I think the trays work on either one I tried a small one on my 1/2 HP commercial and it fits fine.
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McBrownie
Well-known member
Montana,
I have tried the Multitool belt grinding attachment on a 1/2hp Commercial cap-start and it worked well. I have not tried it on a 1/2hp split-phase. Which kind do you have?
A E Numan
Well-known member
Thanks for the information ! I'll check it out.
montanafordman
Well-known member
I have two commercial cap start blocks. One is the older "round top" which is complete and in real nice condition, and the other is a 70's "bread box" (I think I got those two nicknames/descriptions right) 1/2hp commercial cap start block. I intend to do the conversion on the later one since its not quite as nice and has a mismatched (black painted) replacement guard on the left side so it would benefit from a repaint/retrofit. It also shows a slightly larger amp draw from the earlier one but I have no idea if there is any real world difference between the two. They both run strong and smooth. It sounds like the 1/2hp will work power wise? I see on their website they sell it paired with a 1/2hp Jet grinder and I'd imagine this one has at least as much oomph as a Jet Taiwan grinder.
Am I correct that you had exmaxima1 machine you the spacer you needed? I may contact him for that also. Here is the block I'd love to put the sander attachment on.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Montana,
I put the 2x36 Multitool on a 3/4hp Industrial and a 1/2hp Commercial cap-start. While the 3/4hp came up to speed faster, they both ran just fine. Exmaxima1 was the guy who made the spacer and came up with the shaft collar idea. I built the first spacer with plywood and that worked, it just looked hokey. Without the shaft collar, however, I couldn't have eliminated the runout on the aluminum drive wheel. I have it written up in more detail on the "PA Multitool" thread. By the way, I really like having this tool in the garage! I also agree with BB that you are starting with a great grinder. I started with a train wreck.
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alpinewhite
Well-known member
How do you guys prevent paint from getting on the grinder's motor plate? Do you simply use masking tape?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
You can remove the plate or mask it.
That looks real nice, what bulb do you have in the light?
McBrownie
Well-known member
I mask them and really take my time trimming the label with a brand new razor blade. It's the only way with the "sticker" labels.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Nothing special as it was all I could find when I installed the gooseneck. Think it is a GE Reveal clear bulb.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
That turned out great.Painted the stand from TorqueMan last night and my '68 now looks right at home!
Every nice Block needs a good CM stand.
BTW - What primer and color brands and numbers did you use?
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I got one. A 1/2-HP 6". I'm guessing it's from the 70s or 80s. Is there any way to tell?
I painted it and made a new ID plate, which I got printed on aluminum.
Here's a before and after. Nothing too dramatic, but better.
It came with a tool holder, which I'm not sure I'll ever use. Do these things come in handy? I thought it might be good for sharpening knives?
And one more picture, because, well, why not? I finally got a Craftsman block grinder.
Fun to be able to do your own plate:
I painted it and made a new ID plate, which I got printed on aluminum.
Here's a before and after. Nothing too dramatic, but better.
It came with a tool holder, which I'm not sure I'll ever use. Do these things come in handy? I thought it might be good for sharpening knives?
And one more picture, because, well, why not? I finally got a Craftsman block grinder.
Fun to be able to do your own plate:
elguappo
Well-known member
Hah awesome warning label Jack.
Jack, usually there's a date in indigo-colored ink on the galvanized sheet metal piece on the bottom of the grinder. You'll likely have to take it off to see the date as it's usually facing the inside of the grinder.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Jack: nice upgrade on your bench grinder and welcome to the block club. I'm sure a few members might be asking you to print off one of those customized labels and i didn't notice your verbage until EG mentioned it. since you are setting it directly on your bench are your rubber grommets still in great shape or even there? the guys seem to find new ones at Lowes and a few online places and they say they work great. if you need some just look back a week or so and i'm sure you'll find some postings about them because they get talked about almost as much as missing shields and water trays. or just ask and i'm sure one of the block guys will post a quick answer, but i haven't had to buy any so i'm not that guy.
BTW if anybody hasn't seen Jack's 12 gauge garage over in the garage gallery it's worth a look because there are some fantastic ideas on how to make a 2 car garage hold a car and also be an amazing shop.
BTW if anybody hasn't seen Jack's 12 gauge garage over in the garage gallery it's worth a look because there are some fantastic ideas on how to make a 2 car garage hold a car and also be an amazing shop.
Thanks, guys.
-Brent-, there's no date printed there. I suspect it's a newer unit because of that and the plain plastic eye guards it came with. I don't know if the quality dropped off as the years passed, but it runs nice and strong.
drivesitfar, were there rubber feet for these? I bolted it right to the table, and the (small) table has rubber feet, so vibration is not an issue. As my label makes clear, I'm not s stickler for correct restoration. But if the feet have any other benefits, I'll keep an eye out for some.
(And thanks for the nice words about the garage.)
-Brent-, there's no date printed there. I suspect it's a newer unit because of that and the plain plastic eye guards it came with. I don't know if the quality dropped off as the years passed, but it runs nice and strong.
drivesitfar, were there rubber feet for these? I bolted it right to the table, and the (small) table has rubber feet, so vibration is not an issue. As my label makes clear, I'm not s stickler for correct restoration. But if the feet have any other benefits, I'll keep an eye out for some.
(And thanks for the nice words about the garage.)
McBrownie
Well-known member
I got one. A 1/2-HP 6". I'm guessing it's from the 70s or 80s. Is there any way to tell?
And one more picture, because, well, why not? I finally got a Craftsman block grinder.
Congratulations! As others have said, there might be a date on the bottom plate. If not, that one is most likely mid to late '70's. Now go get three more.
Edit:
These feet work and would help with air circulation. You can get these at Lowes.
View media item 40451
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torqueman2002
Well-known member
Nice!I got one. A 1/2-HP 6". I'm guessing it's from the 70s or 80s. Is there any way to tell?
I painted it and made a new ID plate, which I got printed on aluminum.
....
I finally got a Craftsman block grinder.
....
What brand and color paints did you use?
And, please - tell us more about creating the machine tag/label.
That turned out great.
Every nice Block needs a good CM stand.
BTW - What primer and color brands and numbers did you use?
Torqueman: Both are Rustoleum... pole is Semi-Gloss black enamel & the base/top is Hammered Gray.
Jack: great job on the 1/2HP as it came out sweet!! Ironically enough, I just picked up the same tool holder (new in box - the small screws are sealed in the original bag). As with you, not sure I will use it. But I could not pass it up.
Attachments
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Jack if the crown label was original with he "crown" I'd say 60's to mid 70's
I didn't take any big risks. I knew these things usually have two colors. So I used the darker color from the grinder next to this one and the lighter color from the band saw on the other side.
Sides: Rustoleum Semigloss Anodized Bronze
Center: Rustoleum Dark Machine Gray Enamel (Gloss, unfortunately)
I got the file printed by Bay Photo. Including shipping, it was about $15 -- which is steep relative to the cost of the grinder, but cheap considering how much the faded decal would have bugged me over the years.
It's a 4"x4" print with 1/8" rounded corners, printed with a gloss finish on aluminum. (Google how to get a 25% discount on your first order, if you use them.) Here's a link:
http://www.bayphoto.com/metal.../single/sizes-and-prices.htm
It didn't have the crown. It had the rectangle with Sears on the left and Craftsman on the right. Like this one:
The crown logo was in the file I found online to make the new ID plate. It also had the rectangle Sears logo on it, but I took it off -- I care more about the Craftsman than the Sears.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Then your guess is probably pretty close. (Short of finding the date stamped on it..)
jakemac
Well-known member
It has the round ears on the side covers and a paddle switch, so earlier in the 70's would be my guess. Right after the switch from round top to flat top, during the switch from crown top logo to rectangle logo. '70 - '73 ?