McBrownie
Well-known member
Since the moderators were nice enough to put up a Vintage section, it was suggested that I post a thread here about my Craftsman block grinder with a Multitool belt grinding attachment which has since been dubbed the "BlockMeister" over on the "let's see your craftsman block grinders" thread.
I had a couple of 1/2hp block grinders already and was happy with those, but as it goes with these things, another one found it's way to me. Here is what showed up on CraigsList for a mere $20. Little did I know that I would eventually have 10 times that into it - and then some. But, what a machine!
Here is how I got it - An 8" 1968 3/4hp Industrial Rated capacitor start Model 397.19670 that ran as smooth as the day it was built.
View media item 44370View media item 44807
Except that you couldn't turn it off. And so it began, a new switch, new rubber feet, new cord because the plug was half gone from arcing (while plugging it in) and new bearings because these all need new bearings in my opinion. Grease dries out after 30 or 40 years. Sources of all of these things can be found on the block grinder thread and here:
http://tinyurl.com/CM-Block-Grinders-Resources
All in all, it's very clean underneath.
View media item 44385
No bottom plate on this one, which seems to be the case with models that came with the cast iron tool holder/quench tray. But, I did find this on the bottom of the tool rest which makes this a 1967/1968 model.
View media item 45406
Even though these originally came with a Single-Pole Single-Throw switch, I sprung for an NOS Cutler-Hammer Double-Pole Single-Throw and jumped the two poles with a piece of 1/32" sheet brass that I fabricated. This switch was purchased from ebay and it is much more stout than the original. It has a very positive "click" and should last another 40 years.
View media item 45105
I also used some "chair connectors" to tidy up the wire connectors.
View media item 45106
By the way, if you want to fix a block grinder, pick up an old Workmate for a few bucks. They were made for this.
View media item 45104
Here it is partially repainted (center tin and eye shield frames) and reassembled with new switch, new cord, new bearings and an old desk lamp shade. It runs great, but it just didn't feel complete.....
View media item 45179
One thing that was bugging me was that lamp. It was too small for a big old grinder like this. Did it light up? Yep. Was it "worthy"? Nope. So, I began the hunt for what came these old machines originally - A Vimco Lamp. Of course these are not easy to come by, but a bit of searching came up with this from Etsy.
View media item 46094
A little buffing and paint and I had a proper "Crown jewel".
View media item 46269
By the way, the paint I used was Rustoleum Flat Soft Iron for the gray and Rustoleum Silver Metallic for the silver. Everything got clear coated with Rustoleum Crystal Clear. You might even notice that my Workmate got a little attention on this project.
So, how did it turn into "The BlockMeister"? Keep reading here: PA Multitool Belt Grinder on Craftsman Block Grinders
View media item 46454View media item 46452
I had a couple of 1/2hp block grinders already and was happy with those, but as it goes with these things, another one found it's way to me. Here is what showed up on CraigsList for a mere $20. Little did I know that I would eventually have 10 times that into it - and then some. But, what a machine!
Here is how I got it - An 8" 1968 3/4hp Industrial Rated capacitor start Model 397.19670 that ran as smooth as the day it was built.
View media item 44370View media item 44807
Except that you couldn't turn it off. And so it began, a new switch, new rubber feet, new cord because the plug was half gone from arcing (while plugging it in) and new bearings because these all need new bearings in my opinion. Grease dries out after 30 or 40 years. Sources of all of these things can be found on the block grinder thread and here:
http://tinyurl.com/CM-Block-Grinders-Resources
All in all, it's very clean underneath.
View media item 44385
No bottom plate on this one, which seems to be the case with models that came with the cast iron tool holder/quench tray. But, I did find this on the bottom of the tool rest which makes this a 1967/1968 model.
View media item 45406
Even though these originally came with a Single-Pole Single-Throw switch, I sprung for an NOS Cutler-Hammer Double-Pole Single-Throw and jumped the two poles with a piece of 1/32" sheet brass that I fabricated. This switch was purchased from ebay and it is much more stout than the original. It has a very positive "click" and should last another 40 years.
View media item 45105
I also used some "chair connectors" to tidy up the wire connectors.
View media item 45106
By the way, if you want to fix a block grinder, pick up an old Workmate for a few bucks. They were made for this.
View media item 45104
Here it is partially repainted (center tin and eye shield frames) and reassembled with new switch, new cord, new bearings and an old desk lamp shade. It runs great, but it just didn't feel complete.....
View media item 45179
One thing that was bugging me was that lamp. It was too small for a big old grinder like this. Did it light up? Yep. Was it "worthy"? Nope. So, I began the hunt for what came these old machines originally - A Vimco Lamp. Of course these are not easy to come by, but a bit of searching came up with this from Etsy.
View media item 46094
A little buffing and paint and I had a proper "Crown jewel".
View media item 46269
By the way, the paint I used was Rustoleum Flat Soft Iron for the gray and Rustoleum Silver Metallic for the silver. Everything got clear coated with Rustoleum Crystal Clear. You might even notice that my Workmate got a little attention on this project.
So, how did it turn into "The BlockMeister"? Keep reading here: PA Multitool Belt Grinder on Craftsman Block Grinders
View media item 46454View media item 46452
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