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Craftsman Block Grinder resto

torqueman2002

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3/4 HP m-397.19350 Craftsman Block Grinder resto - Update May 31, 2011

I found this 3/4HP grinder, stand, and several diamond dressing tools on CL in SE Michigan, model number: 397.19350. It spins down slowly without vibration or bearing noise. The bearings will not need replacing. Note: After this restore, I've learned that a slow spin-down is a sign that the bearing grease is not adding 'drag', which probably indicates a need for new bearings. I now routinely replace the bearings, they are relatively in-expensive, easy to replace, and readily available.

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These block style grinders are well made - the windings are hefty.
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The switch and connectors are not the best feature of this guy. Notice the white jumper wire from the field terminal w/ white wire to the lamp terminal with the black wire. Not best practice.
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Cleaned up in the blaster and ready for primer.
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Blasting revealed a crack in the wheel housing; beveled the edges and prepped for machinable epoxy.
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All primed with Valspar and ready for color.
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Changed out the switch, put on new connectors, and heat shrink insulation - there have been instances where the 'hot' lead/terminal shorted out. Added a piggy-back terminal to power the lamp directly w/o a jumper wire.
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Front view of single throw double pole 120V/20A switch.
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Partially assembled - Body in GLOSS BERRY 65015. Motor cover in GLOSS ANTIQUE WHITE 65003. A view of it's older brother on the back of the bench - waiting for it's resto. Next project.
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The power cord is in great shape and tests good - 0.0 Ohm case to ground lug and O.L (Open) between case and Hot and Neutral.
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The stand assembly painted in GLOSS BLACK 5339-16, and I get to use those 8-point sockets!
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Assembled and mounted on the stand.
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Label reproduced with the help of a fellow block grinder fan - thanks Mickey O!
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Now I get to use it to restore it's older brother.
Time to relax with a cool one. :beer:
 
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torqueman2002

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Thanks Chris - I got the idea for the body color from a search for info. on these block style grinders. I unabashedly stole the idea, but was on my own for the antique white cover, etc...
 

Bull

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No doubt, it looks fantastic.

Is the stand a Craftsman item, or something that the aftermarket offered for these things?
 
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torqueman2002

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No doubt, it looks fantastic.

Is the stand a Craftsman item, or something that the aftermarket offered for these things?

Bull - thanks.

I don't know about the stand, I suspect it may be a Sears/CM because the mounting holes and base aline so well with the grinder. I didn't make a note of the part numbers when painting it. If I think of it, I'll look and make a note and post them.
 
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torqueman2002

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WOW! That looks fantastic ! Great colors.
The data label , is that a custom repro ? Craig

Thanks Craig. Mickey O used Adobe Flash based on the pic. posted here to create it and saved them in .png, .ai, and .eps formats.

To print, I scaled the .eps file in Acrobat and used a HP Officejet J4680 with Kodak photo paper and hot laminated it.
 
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torqueman2002

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What is a block grinder?
It is a name used to identify the Craftsman/Sears grinders with a block style base. Their model numbers begin with: 397.xxxxx

The OEM: Paramount/Allegretti & Co (bench grinders 1960s/70s), the base motor was probably made by Delco.

Source information from: http://vintagemachinery.org/Craftsman/manufacturers.aspx?sort=1

Or as A_Pmech correctly put it, "In short, a grinder that has a big blocky looking thing for a motor enclosure instead of a round looking thingy."
 
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torqueman2002

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Amazing, I have had a block grinder for YEARS and didn't know it. The only thing missing is the lamp. Bought it new back in the late 60's or early 70's. Learned something today.
You are sitting on a collectable!

What HP and model number?
 
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torqueman2002

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Fantastic Job!
I love the color combo that you did.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks KCarGuy. My pleasure to share my small project.

I still use the under powered Ashland grinder with 5" wheels and 3/8" arbor (try finding those wheels) every day, for cleaning up fasteners, etc... It's 30+ years old and my dad gave one to me and one to my brother for Christmas.

It will be nice to get this guy fired up with the wire wheels from MSC.
 

2oolhound

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I had a small block grinder with a cast aluminum housing and I think it was swedish. It actually had babbit bearings.
 

Lump

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I have an older Craftsman grinder which my dad bought brand new in the early 1970's, on that exact same pedestal, which did come with the grinder. But my grinder is merely one of those "round motor thingy's" . Sigh.
 
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torqueman2002

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I had a small block grinder with a cast aluminum housing and I think it was swedish. It actually had babbit bearings.
I've seen pictures of cast aluminum housings with original paint removed and then polished to a nice finish. Great look.

Babbit bearings! I've read about those used on early, early car motors. Did your grinder have an oil port for the bearings?
 
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torqueman2002

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I have an older Craftsman grinder which my dad bought brand new in the early 1970's, on that exact same pedestal, which did come with the grinder. But my grinder is merely one of those "round motor thingy's" . Sigh.
Well to me, it sounds like you're 1/2 way there already; just need a block grinder. I think there's an active CL ad for a 1/4HP in the Detroit Metro area. Is that within your striking range?

Yup - just checked. ----> http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/2381004996.html :thumbup:
 
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torqueman2002

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these block grinders are so nice lookin when they're all cleaned up. good job!
Vegas - thanks.

BTW - got some goodies for blocky.

Yesterday - Wed. 5/23 at ~ 5:30pm, I place an order from MSC for:
  • 7" Diameter Medium Face Wheel Brush, Brush Material: Carbon Steel, Arbor Size: 5/8", Brush Type: Crimped, Face Width: 7/8"; p/n: 00355735
  • Wire Wheel Adapters - Abrasive Brushes Hole Size: 5/8 Reduced Hole Size: 1/2 For Use With: Crimped Wire: 2.5" - 8"; p/n: 03597036
  • 6" Diameter, Crimped Brass Wire Wheel Brush, Brush Material: Brass, Arbor Size: 5/8", Brush Type: Crimped, Face Width: 1/2"; p/n: 74038910

The carbon steel wheel and adapters arrived today around 12:30!:bowdown:

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Oh boy! :beer:
 
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torqueman2002

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I see that some of my pics. are running wider than the standard forum page width.

Does this bother anyone and how do I fix it?
 

Lump

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I see that some of my pics. are running wider than the standard forum page width.

Does this bother anyone and how do I fix it?
Yeah, it can be a bit of a pain, and some folks will just ignore your pix, rather than scroll back and forth, left and right.

It's easy to fix. Just save your photos at 600 pixels as the largest dimension, whichever direction that is. That number seems to work perfectly for Garage Journal.
 
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torqueman2002

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Yeah, it can be a bit of a pain, and some folks will just ignore your pix, rather than scroll back and forth, left and right.

It's easy to fix. Just save your photos at 600 pixels as the largest dimension, whichever direction that is. That number seems to work perfectly for Garage Journal.

Lump - thanks. Fixed the last 2 pics. I'll work on the rest tamorrow, anesthesia's residual effects getting the best of me. Going night night. :drunk:
 
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