Craftsman grinder disassembly

[droptical]

I picked up this Craftsman grinder (397-19580) on ebay -
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/GlQAAOSwCkZZWLTp/s-l1600.jpg

I received it last week and just got around to plugging it in last night. I switched it on and could tell immediately that there was something terribly wrong. His ad claimed, "it runs like a beast." Well, I can tell you for sure that it sounds like a beast!

Anyway, I've removed everything that I can see that might be holding the 2 main castings together, but have not been able to remove the castings from the spindle. It appears that the outer castings may be pressed directly onto the bearings?? If anyone could offer some advice about how to proceed with the disassembly I'd be greatly appreciative!

Thanks,
Andy

 

[olysteve]

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=249539&share_fid=20318&share_type=t

Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss (with resource information)

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[olysteve]

That is the thread about these grinders, lots of knowledgeable people in there

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[Chiz]

Does it actually run up to speed, or does it seem like it is trying to get up to speed?

To get it apart, remove the 2 1/4" hex head screws below the switch and the 2 on the back, remove the center cover and one side or the other should come off pretty easy, the other is attached to the windings with long bolts in each corner. Remove those and you will have it apart.

 

[droptical]

Does it actually run up to speed, or does it seem like it is trying to get up to speed?

To get it apart, remove the 2 1/4" hex head screws below the switch and the 2 on the back, remove the center cover and one side or the other should come off pretty easy, the other is attached to the windings with long bolts in each corner. Remove those and you will have it apart.

I only ran it for a few seconds before shutting it down. I did not get the impression that it was having trouble getting to speed.

I've since found that there are other issues to deal with. The PO wired a new switch in place with very thin wire (30ga?). He also buggered up the threads on both ends of the spindle. Neither nut will even start as it is.

I'll try to get the case off again tomorrow using your suggestion and let you know how it goes.

Thanks! I appreciate the help.
Andy

 

[Shiftless]

It's probably too late now that you have disassembled it, but if it was me, I would have sent that back to the seller. Clearly not as described. EBay has rules.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

IMHO, That auction had avoid all of it unless you bought it for parts?

 

[gungatim]

do you have a thread restorer file? those are one of the best tools to use on buggered up threads, straighten/re-cut threads on the end of the shaft and the nut will spin right on.

everyone needs one of those in their arsenal.

 

[droptical]

It's probably too late now that you have disassembled it, but if it was me, I would have sent that back to the seller. Clearly not as described. eBay has rules.

These Craftsman grinders are as rare as hen's teeth around here. When they do pop up they're picked up quickly or require a long drive. I was happy to pick this one up for ~$50 including shipping. It's going to take more effort than I expected to get it back together, but I'm sure it's doable.

 

[Davefr]

Those two end bells need to be perfectly in line. If their alignment shifts, (ex: from rough shipping), then the grinder's rotor can rub on the stator and/or just not start and run correctly.

The air gap between rotor and stator needs to be consistent all around the circumference.

Ideally, these grinders need to be bolted to a piece of plywood for shipping.

Good luck!

 

[droptical]

do you have a thread restorer file? those are one of the best tools to use on buggered up threads, straighten/re-cut threads on the end of the shaft and the nut will spin right on.

everyone needs one of those in their arsenal.

I don't have one, but there is one in my Amazon cart as we speak.

Thanks for that tip!
Andy