Craftsman Pre-Block Grinder 1948?

[AntiqueBen]

Hi All,

I recently acquired a Craftsman bench grinder from an old machine shop. I didn't know until reading here on GJ the difference between Pre-Block & Block grinders. This one is in immaculate condition for it's age. It is complete w/no missing parts & runs great. It weighs a ton! It appears to be cast iron. Are Pre-Blocks more rare & hard to find? The date code on the badge says F1 48. I'm assuming this was manufactured in 1948?? The model is 115 6965 & type CKO. Would love to know anything you guys may know about this model. It's a beast!
Antique Ben

 

[Firstram]

You even have the plastic water container!

 

[SquareWave]

Awesome score!

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Nice snag and you're correct about the date. Manufactured by Parker Electric. This model is hands-down my favorite Craftsman grinder (and I've got a lot of Craftsman grinders). While the grinder itself isn't particularly rare, I consider my red plastic quench tray among the rarest of items in my relatively large collection of Craftsman. I suspect most of them got broken over the years or relegated to storing small hardware items.

 

[Firstram]

Nice snag and you're correct about the date. Manufactured by Parker Electric. This model is hands-down my favorite Craftsman grinder (and I've got a lot of Craftsman grinders). While the grinder itself isn't particularly rare, I consider my red plastic quench tray among the rarest of items in my relatively large collection of Craftsman. I suspect most of them got broken over the years or relegated to storing small hardware items.

I paid $10 for my preblock with the plastic tray. I forgot to grab the tray...

 

[AntiqueBen]

I was glad to find it in such good condition for it's age. I'm surprised how quiet it runs. I didn't know the red quench tray was a rarity. I've read other reviews that a 1/3 HP of this era is equivalent in power to a current 1/2 or 3/4 HP. I wander if there is any truth to that??

 

[gatewaysysop]

Hi All,

I recently acquired a Craftsman bench grinder from an old machine shop. I didn't know until reading here on GJ the difference between Pre-Block & Block grinders. This one is in immaculate condition for it's age. It is complete w/no missing parts & runs great. It weighs a ton! It appears to be cast iron. Are Pre-Blocks more rare & hard to find? The date code on the badge says F1 48. I'm assuming this was manufactured in 1948?? The model is 115 6965 & type CKO. Would love to know anything you guys may know about this model. It's a beast!
Antique Ben

Very nice find! I've had one on my list for a long time and finally found one back in February. I posted about it in the dedicated pre-block grinder thread here, but there seemed a surprising lack of interest.

They are definitely less common than the other block and pre-blocks, and as you noted, they weigh a ton and run very strong. I'm still hunting for a stand for mine, since they won't fit on the typical cast-iron Craftsman pedestal stands for later models.

Definitely jealous of the condition, mine cleaned up nice but yours is still better and complete. Glad another one of these beauties has been saved from the scrap heap.

 

[AntiqueBen]

Yours is a great find as well. I'm sure you would agree, after you use something like this...I would never buy a new grinder on purpose. With just a little tlc it will last longer than I will. Nothing beats the old stuff. Built in the USA. Built to last!

 

[Smiles79]

Sorry for reopening this thread a year later, but I recently picked up a grinder very similar to yours. Do you happen to have any information on the light bulbs? Mine needs them.

 

[AntiqueBen]

I just have the standard small mini bulbs in mine. I guess you could get led bulbs the same size if you want them to be brighter. Plus led doesn't get as hot.