Craftsman Block Grinder metal eye shields

The vintage CM Block style grinders used 2 size metal framed eye shields.
41/4" x 51/4" - large
43/8" x 41/2" - small

Each have 4 tabs that secure the 'shatter proof' glass in the frame.

These tabs are almost impossible to bend enough to remove the glass, without breaking the tabs completely off.

41/4" x 51/4" - large


What about heating the tab and then bending?

I tried a propane torch with a lead soldering tip like the one at the bottom of this picture without success. 3 out of 4 tabs on the 1st frame broke, see above pic. I gave up on the heat after breaking the 1st 2 tabs.


Looks like metal fatigue.


These are the tools used to remove the tabs and glass from the frame.




A razor was used to break the bond between the glass and the black strip of sticky 'stuff' between the glass and metal frame.




The glass was damaged attempting to bend a tab.


The 2nd frame turned out better, only 1 of the 4 tabs broke.




The glass has been cleaned and the frames media blasted.

I am leaning towards a metal epoxy to secure the tabs back in place, once the frames are painted.

See Page 2, for the rest of the 41/4" x 51/4" - large - restore.
See Page 3, for the 43/8" x 41/2" - small - restore.

Page 2.

43/8" x 41/2" - small - restore.

The disassembly of the small frame eye shields were the same as the large ones above.

Reassembly of small metal framed eye shields. Amazingly, all 8-tabs survived.
3M Super Strength Molding Tape 03609 1/2" (12.7mm)




Knipex flat-billed pliers used again, with Gorilla tape 'covers'.




I think I can re-create these transparent labels, with AVERY templates.






See Page 4 for experiment with AVERY Gloss Clear label 22822.

Thanks for looking.

I experimented with Avery Product 18667 Clear. The perfect size for the SHATTERPROOF GLASS label. However, on glass it has a Satin Finish.
A 'chat' with Avery lead me to AVERY Gloss Clear label 22822. (2" x 3")

Before.


Detail.


Compared.


LH-Reproduction, RH-Original.




Reproduction Detail.


Original Detail.


Specifications

• Original Label dimensions 1.5" x 0.5" (LxH)
  • 'SHATTERPROOF' 1.125" (1 1/8" - L)
  • 'GLASS' 0.4375" (7/16" - L)
  • Applied to Inner Surface
• Avery Product: 22822 Glossy Clear
  • 2" x 3"
  • Permanent-Adhesive
  • 80 labels $9.68
  • PT Sans Bold 12
  • Applied to Outer Surface, my choice but AVERY allows for reverse printing to applied to the Inner Surface
• Three 'SHATTERPROOF GLASS' per label, trim to finish size
• Like original labels, repros maybe damaged by glass cleaners
• http://www.avery.com/avery

I have a limited number of extra labels. PM me and I will drop them in an envelope to you for free.

Thanks for looking.

Thanks for the overview and advice on restoring the eye shields.

Quick question... I was able to remove both laminated glass shields without breaking any of the tabs (crossing my fingers that they don't break when I re-insert the glass), and I cleaned the glass surfaces with a razor blade. However, the glass still looks 'old'. Do you have any tips on how to restore the glass to new condition?

Thanks for all the hard work you have put forth, and for providing so much inspiration and confidence that newbies such as myself can pull this sort of project off.

I was looking for this thread. Thanks! Don't suppose you have any labels left torqueman2002?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

torqueman2002 said:

The vintage CM Block style grinders used 2 size metal framed eye shields.
41/4" x 51/4" - large
43/8" x 41/2" - small

Click to expand...

Have you ever looked at the PRE-BLOCK eyeshields? They are probably the same size, but the metal gauge is thicker---you can break a pair of needle nose trying to bend the tabs! Every tab breaks, so I just break them off and glue the new lenses in using E6000 rubber cement.

rrich1 said:

I was looking for this thread. Thanks! Don't suppose you have any labels left torqueman2002?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

I think I might.

PM me your mailing information and I'll find them and send them your way.

Scram said:

Thanks for the overview and advice on restoring the eye shields.

Quick question... I was able to remove both laminated glass shields without breaking any of the tabs (crossing my fingers that they don't break when I re-insert the glass), and I cleaned the glass surfaces with a razor blade. However, the glass still looks 'old'. Do you have any tips on how to restore the glass to new condition?

Thanks for all the hard work you have put forth, and for providing so much inspiration and confidence that newbies such as myself can pull this sort of project off.

Click to expand...

Just saw your question.

The glass eye shield frames I've 'restored' had glass that was pitted from the sparks. I haven't found a way to fix that. I would think a glass shop could cut some or the correct kind of plastic replacement.

PM sent, BTW

Wow! Nice job on the grinder.

Good to know about the shields as mine is broken and will need new glass cut when I get to it for a rebuild.

Thanks for the write up, Torque. The eyeshields give these grinders such a great look to them.

I just had a pair of eye shields cut out of safety glass 3.5 X 5.5 cost $12.00.

Here's a picture, you can see the safety glass in the side of the frame.

Nice job Torqueman!!!