let's see your craftsman block grinders

bagged89s10 · May 21, 2015

So I started taking the 397.19391 1/3HP flat top apart.

Cleaned up the light. It's nice to have a block grinder to clean up a block grinder.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1432210139.936915.jpg

Then I needed one wheel guard to put on my 397.19340 1/2 HP flat top.
Notice how's the round bump out for the arbor shaft starts squared off and has a smooth finish on the guard from the 1/3 HP flat top. My 397.19590 round top 1/3 HP guards are the same.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1432210152.898791.jpg

Now look at the guard on my 1/2HP flat top. It has a rough finish and the bump out for the arbor shaft is not squared off.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1432210163.430427.jpg

Anyone know if this is difference in year of manufacture, or is it a difference between the 1/2HP vs the smaller 1/3HP?

Anyone have the style on my 1/2HP and want to part ways or trade for the 1/3HP style that I have?

McBrownie · May 21, 2015

bagged89s10 said:
So I started taking the 397.19391 1/3HP flat top apart.

It's nice to have a block grinder to clean up a block grinder.

Yes it is! Same with vises - need a vise to fix a vise.

bagged89s10 · May 21, 2015

McBrownie said:
Yes it is! Same with vises - need a vise to fix a vise.

So I sold some parts off the grinder to a fellow GJ member and decided to just throw the grinder is on ebay.

mtwaterguy · May 21, 2015

Got this in the mail today.

Here's a shot of the plate.

Best part was this came with it.

drivesitfar · May 21, 2015

MT: how did they ship the stand? separately from the grinder i'm guessing and any idea on the cost to ship and by who? any pictures of it in the packaging or were you like a kid at Christmas and tore at it with an urgency to see what was inside? and of course what condition it was in?

cheers

Bagged: i think that might be the #1 reason we own more than one block grinder is so one can clean up the other one or donate parts to it. not 100% they don't have a homing beacon and other blocks just follow the first one home and still working on how to get the bigger ones to follow suit.

mtwaterguy · May 21, 2015

drivesitfar said:
MT: how did they ship the stand? separately from the grinder i'm guessing and any idea on the cost to ship and by who? any pictures of it in the packaging or were you like a kid at Christmas and tore at it with an urgency to see what was inside? and of course what condition it was in?

cheers

It was shipped in one box. The eye shields and tool rests were in a separate box along with the loose nuts and bolts. The stand was in three pieces. Everything made it with no damage. I purchased it on an offer with shipping included so no idea of price. The total weight was 65lbs and it came from Florida, so I'm sure it wasn't cheap. I can get you shots/measurements of the box if you'd like. I was just interested in the stand, so I'll be getting the grinder ready to sell as soon as I return from PDX next month, with my other stand.

bagged89s10 · May 21, 2015

drivesitfar said:
MT: how did they ship the stand? separately from the grinder i'm guessing and any idea on the cost to ship and by who? any pictures of it in the packaging or were you like a kid at Christmas and tore at it with an urgency to see what was inside? and of course what condition it was in?

cheers

Bagged: i think that might be the #1 reason we own more than one block grinder is so one can clean up the other one or donate parts to it. not 100% they don't have a homing beacon and other blocks just follow the first one home and still working on how to get the bigger ones to follow suit.

I got this one for one of the wheel guards and the light. Now I have 3 complete blocks.
One with steel and brass wire wheels, one with grinding stones, and the third will eventually become a buffer. I will have to figure out how to make some thread in arbor shafts with my lathe. I'm waiting to find a deal on a deburring wheel to throw on one of the blocks.

drivesitfar · May 21, 2015

MT: thanks for information and maybe our paths will finally cross so we can meet in person.

Bagged: deburring wheels are high on my list to maybe even have my big Baldor buffer with one on it. just an FYI which you probably already know we tried to get a big order for threaded arbor extensions and it sort of died while Kevin54 was ready to make them. part of the problem was that some of us weren't sure if we had 1/2, 5/8 or 3/4 inch arbors. you might PM Kevin54 with your specs and see how much he will make you a pair for because one is right hand thread and the other one is left. just saying

bagged89s10 · May 21, 2015

Drives, I shipped just a stand from Connecticut to Texas. The stand itself weighs 27lbs which cost me $51. I had the UPS store package it which cost another $30 or so. I think they used large bubble wrap and the heavy corrugated cardboard.

drivesitfar · May 21, 2015

Bagged and ALL: i used to ship an entire set of golf clubs across the US to my hotel for $25 and a 3 foot tall putter for $10 across the US. i know that USPS still has the triangle shaped boxes that would work for the pipe and maybe the base and mounting pieces might fit in a flat rate box. i'll do some checking because i need to start shipping a few things and get off GJ for a while.

jrobb316 · May 21, 2015

You are referring to USPS tubes. https://store.usps.com/store/browse...?productId=P_O_1098M&categoryId=priority-mail

Order them online and they ship to your house in about a week. Local post offices usually don't carry them.

drivesitfar · May 22, 2015

JRobb: any idea what it costs to ship those triangle boxes across the US these days? i shipped 75 pounds of dumbbells in a large flat rate box from Seattle to New Jersey a few months ago for $15 and it arrived in 3 days via USPS.

thanks for the link

mtwaterguy · May 22, 2015

drivesitfar said:
MT: thanks for information and maybe our paths will finally cross so we can meet in person.

Still looking at June 3rd. I checked a round tube that a seller used to ship a stand center section in and it had a $30.40 shipping cost printed on it. That was from the east coast. At 30" long and 2 3/4" in diameter the tube should fit in the triangle from USPS, and for less money. The base wont fit in a medium box but maybe a large will work.

jakemac · May 22, 2015

I had to pass on a nice 1/2hp flat top at an estate sale this morning (Reading). It was only missing the rubber feet and the quench tray (no stand). After a little digging I found them and reunited the parts with the grinder for the next guy.

They wanted $95 firm for it. :sad:

Someone has been peeking at ebay asking prices before pricing the tags. :wtf:

The funny thing is - This was the same person who sold me the 400lb cabinet saw last week for $150. :dunno:

McBrownie · May 22, 2015

jakemac said:
I had to pass on a nice 1/2hp flat top at an estate sale this morning (Reading). It was only missing the rubber feet and the quench tray (no stand). After a little digging I found them and reunited the parts with the grinder for the next guy.

They wanted $95 firm for it.
Someone has been peeking at ebay asking prices before pricing the tags.

The funny thing is - This was the same person who sold me the 400lb cabinet saw last week for $150.

Split-phase? Definite pass. Cap-start? I would pull the trigger if it was in nice shape.

Loscaldazar · May 22, 2015

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/tls/5035493088.html

Very rough 1/3 HP unit with 10 craftsman wrenches for $110..... I think its another person who has been looking at eBay asking prices.

jrobb316 · May 22, 2015

drivesitfar said:
JRobb: any idea what it costs to ship those triangle boxes across the US these days? i shipped 75 pounds of dumbbells in a large flat rate box from Seattle to New Jersey a few months ago for $15 and it arrived in 3 days via USPS.

thanks for the link

I believe it's the same or pretty close to a large flat rate box. About $20 or less. 70 lbs I believe is the max weight for their flat rate but I suppose some slip through as its a one size fits all box.

Edit: doing a search it appears that the tube may not be flat rate after all. I know whippinh is way cheaper in their box, I guess you'd have to plug the numbers in to see. It is cheaper to buy postage online vs in the PO.

drivesitfar · May 22, 2015

JRobb: thanks again and i'll post my findings once i get some from USPS.

jakemac · May 22, 2015

McBrownie said:
Split-phase? Definite pass. Cap-start? I would pull the trigger if it was in nice shape.

It was a split phase. I have the same model that I got for $40 w/ original stand.

JackDiddly · May 23, 2015

#3 was dropped off to me yesterday evening! 3/4 horse commercial, 397.19451 8" wheels :thumbup:

firemanast · May 23, 2015

JackDiddly said:
#3 was dropped off to me yesterday evening! 3/4 horse commercial, 397.19451 8" wheels

Sweet grinder I have it's twin brother. :thumbup:

mtwaterguy · May 23, 2015

JackDiddly said:
#3 was dropped off to me yesterday evening! 3/4 horse commercial, 397.19451 8" wheels

HD base and tool rests also. Nice find. :beer:

torqueman2002 · May 23, 2015

As some of you may know, I've shipped CM stands.

I looked at FedEx vs. USPS and found about an $10 savings by shipping USPS.

Packing/mailing materials, Office Max
17.49 Bubble wrap
3.99 Packing Paper
5.99 Mailing Tube, 3"x36"
3.99 Box, 14x14x14
31.46 Subtotal
1.89 6% tax
-------
33.35 Total, materials
---------------------------------------
USPS Priority Mail 2-Day
$50 insured value, each
Farmington, MI to AL
9.28
11.05
-------
20.33 Total, shipping
-------
33.35 Total, materials
20.33 Total, shipping
-------
53.68 Total, shipping & materials

The 3"x36" round mailing tube needs padding at each end and the column needs just a little padding to keep it secure in the tube.

The 14"x14"x14" box is the closest fit for the upper and lower stand plates. I cut a free USPS priority box and fit it inside to 'double' the box sides and corners.

Put a min. of 2" packing material on all six sides of each item. I use large bubble wrap and brown packing paper (I've used leaf bags).

Styrofoam peanuts are not suitable, they allow heavy items to sift/shift through the peanuts. The paper keeps the heavy items safely centered in the box.

USPS will pick-up at your home when you use their 'Mail & Ship' drop down menu. It is cheaper to print a shipping label and have them pick it up. You will need to create an account.

https://www.usps.com/

torqueman2002 · May 23, 2015

Diddly - yup, nice find!
:thumbup:

torqueman2002 · May 23, 2015

Here's the latest addition to the 'patients' that need my attention, a complete 1/2-HP rtop Block m-397.19590 Commercial Crown Top.

It was listed for $25 in CL.

After a nice drive into Ohio, I said to the retired gentleman that it's my rule to always negotiate the price, especially if I've driven more than an hour.

However, I was going to make only one offer, $35.00.

He laughed, said OK, took the money and looked at me like I was crazy. :lol:

I explained I know these grinders well, and it is worth more than $25 to me.

I asked if he had any other tools for sale, and he did.

He was downsizing and sold me a 6" Bison FPU Polish made revers-jaw bench vise.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4874709#post4874709

He then proceeded to give me the grinder 'stand' (a nice work bench stool). :lol:

By the time I left, he'd given me a 2 gal. Campbell Hausfeld compressor (project to get running) and a nice 3/4"x1/8"x24" piece of steel.

McBrownie · May 23, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Here's the latest addition to the 'patients' that need my attention, a complete 1/2-HP rtop Block m-397.19590 Commercial Crown Top.

TM. Thanks for getting another one of those out of Ohio. You know that we have too many down here. :lol_hitti

Does that date say 1978? If so, that seems 10 years too young. Very nice grinder and looks like it only needs glass and bearings to be back in service.

harleybuilder · May 23, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Here's the latest addition to the 'patients' that need my attention, a complete 1/2-HP rtop Block m-397.19590 Commercial Crown Top.

It was listed for $25 in CL.

After a nice drive into Ohio, I said to the retired gentleman that it's my rule to always negotiate the price, especially if I've driven more than an hour.

However, I was going to make only one offer, $35.00.

He laughed, said OK, took the money and looked at me like I was crazy. [emoji38]

I explained I know these grinders well, and it is worth more than $25 to me.

I asked if he had any other tools for sale, and he did.

He was downsizing and sold me a 6" Bison FPU Polish made revers-jaw bench vise.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4874709#post4874709

He then proceeded to give me the grinder 'stand' (a nice work bench stool). [emoji38]

By the time I left, he'd given me a 2 gal. Campbell Hausfeld compressor (project to get running) and a nice 3/4"x1/8"x24" piece of steel.

Dang you doc block (aka-tm) I had that one bought if the guy that was showing up in person (you) didn't buy it .... you did good. ...
I'm glad someone one from GJ got it....

csargents1546 · May 23, 2015

Jackdidly,
Is that the one that was list on CL in Denver? If so glad it went to a fellow member.

dngrmse · May 23, 2015

So I finally had a chance to finish up assembling the block my father painted for me, and here she is before:

and after:

Paint is Rustoleum Oasis Blue enamel. This one was in a little rough shape, at some point I'll track down some shields for it. The light I picked up at a garage sale last weekend for $1. I may put the original back on at some point.

torqueman2002 · May 24, 2015

Thank you guys, my comments follow in Blue.

McBrownie said:
TM. Thanks for getting another one of those out of Ohio. You know that we have too many down here.
Glad to lend a hand rounding up all the escapees from Michigan! They can be a handful.
Does that date say 1978? If so, that seems 10 years too young. Very nice grinder and looks like it only needs glass and bearings to be back in service.
1978 from what I can make out. I have some Lexon I'll fit to the eye shields and yes bearings too, maybe a power cord.

harleybuilder said:
Dang you doc block (aka-tm) I had that one bought if the guy that was showing up in person (you) didn't buy it .... you did good. ...
I'm glad someone one from GJ got it....
Sorry, I don't like to take the Blocks away from fellow Blockheads. Thanks for the good wishes.

torqueman2002 · May 24, 2015

dngrmse said:
So I finally had a chance to finish up assembling the block my father painted for me, and here she is before:

Paint is Rustoleum Oasis Blue enamel. This one was in a little rough shape, at some point I'll track down some shields for it. The light I picked up at a garage sale last weekend for $1. I may put the original back on at some point.

Nice color choice; I hope it is OK, I added it to my thread.

I like the lamp shade and for $1 - I love it. A Block with bling, well done. :thumbup:

Oh, what did you 'treat' the tool rests with? They look nice, sort of an oiled metal look.

bagged89s10 · May 24, 2015

dngrmse said:
So I finally had a chance to finish up assembling the block my father painted for me, and here she is before:

and after:

Paint is Rustoleum Oasis Blue enamel. This one was in a little rough shape, at some point I'll track down some shields for it. The light I picked up at a garage sale last weekend for $1. I may put the original back on at some point.

Nicely done. I like the color scheme.

drivesitfar · May 24, 2015

DNGR: your block looks great and either light is a good option and good to have choices. i'd probably replace the very worn out right stone wheel with a good wire wheel either brass or steel if you don't have another grinder with one in your shop/garage. setting the spark arrestors closer to the wheels would be about the only thing i can see that i'd adjust before i put it into use. nice paint job and as Doc Block says those tool rests are awesome and nice job spiffing them up too.

Doc: so if i had all the shipping material it would only be $20 USPS shipping costs total for the tube and the 14 x 14 x 14 boxes?

nice find on the block in Ohio and is that a nice drive? i'm guessing you picked up that Polish vise on the trip too and doesn't it match the color of DNGR's new block? nice pair to have in your car for the trip back home. congrats

torqueman2002 · May 24, 2015

My comments are in Blue.

drivesitfar said:
DNGR: your block looks great and either light is a good option and good to have choices. i'd probably replace the very worn out right stone wheel with a good wire wheel either brass or steel if you don't have another grinder with one in your shop/garage. setting the spark arrestors closer to the wheels would be about the only thing i can see that i'd adjust before i put it into use.
x2
nice paint job and as Doc Block says those tool rests are awesome and nice job spiffing them up too.

Doc: so if i had all the shipping material it would only be $20 USPS shipping costs total for the tube and the 14 x 14 x 14 boxes?
Yes, that's for ~750 miles. The USPS site will give you the exact cost for your shipment, of course.

nice find on the block in Ohio and is that a nice drive?

i'm guessing you picked up that Polish vise on the trip too
Yes, same seller.

and doesn't it match the color of DNGR's new block?
I think it just might, but Mrs. Torqueman thinks I'm color blind.

nice pair to have in your car for the trip back home. congrats
Thanks!

dngrmse · May 24, 2015

Thanks for the compliments- The tool rests were wire wheeled, and clear coated, we'll see how they hold up. Torqueman, adding it to your thread is an honor, thanks. I'lll be replacing the worn stone with another fine grit wheel. There is a baldor I picked up recently that I'll dedicate to buffing. By the way, the year of manufacture is 1974. The one thing that totally blew me away during the repaint was the sticker. we were able to heat it up, peel it off, and re-apply it without re-gluing it 2 days later! Even the glue was made better those days! Happy Memorial Day everyone.

jakemac · May 24, 2015

jakemac said:
I had to pass on a nice 1/2hp flat top at an estate sale this morning (Reading). It was only missing the rubber feet and the quench tray (no stand). After a little digging I found them and reunited the parts with the grinder for the next guy.

They wanted $95 firm for it.
Someone has been peeking at ebay asking prices before pricing the tags.

The funny thing is - This was the same person who sold me the 400lb cabinet saw last week for $150.

Well, it seems that I was the next guy. :lol:

I went back to the sale on 50% off day and the grinder was still there. I just couldn't leave it behind to be orphaned. All the other shop tools had been adopted and this was sitting all lonely like on the bare floor.

On friday, I had found the blade sharpening guide on a shelf, but they wouldn't sell it to me. They said that it was part of the grinder and wouldn't sell it by itself. Today I look for the guide, and it's missing. They sold it.

So, when she tells me that half off is $47.50 I tell her that she sold the sharpening guide without the grinder and offered $35. We settled on $40. :evil:

This is the same model as the one I bought a few weeks ago, but it's cleaner with less rust. The inside looks like it's never been used and all the parts are there (no stand). There is no date stamp on the bottom cover. No evidence of any ink remains at all.

Model #397.19340 1/2hp 6" wheel.

My TBHP is now back up to 3.08. :bounce:

JackDiddly · May 24, 2015

Thanks all,
Csargents, yes it was posted on CL.
dngr, nice resto.

bczygan · May 24, 2015

Block in Grand Rapids $35
Posted 3 hours ago

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/5040343695.html

exmaxima1 · May 24, 2015

JackDiddly said:
#3 was dropped off to me yesterday evening! 3/4 horse commercial, 397.19451 8" wheels

I'm visiting near Denver and saw that grinder on CL in Evergreen, but that was too far to travel even at that great price. Congrats!

drivesitfar · May 24, 2015

Jake: congrats on going back and saving that block. it looks pretty clean. sorry you missed the attachment that you might have needed, but if you do need one just say so and maybe one will appear.

Doc or Tedsters: are you looking at your Craigslist block ads today or i'm guessing it's already in your car?

let's see your craftsman block grinders

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