Have Craftsman grinder, need eye shields

[Lump]

I plan to give my brother the Craftsman bench grinder which had been our dad's. It was bought new in the 1970's, and looks like all those gray typical bench grinders sold for about 50-60 years by Sears. But before I give it to him I need to replace the plastic eye shields. One is missing, and the other one fogged up pretty badly. (Don't want to tempt him to use it without a shield!)

I went online to the Sears parts website, and the eye shields are no longer available. But surely there must be suitable substitutes available out there. What do you guys use on your Craftsman bench grinders?

 

[Garyss.smith]

Lump

I just got a craftsman block grinder from the 70's also, and it was missing the eye shields (think all of them are gone). I made some from some 1/4" Plexiglas which I had from another project. The frame I made from some old stuff I found in my junk box.

they work well

Gary

 

[Appleyard]

Lump

I just got a craftsman block grinder from the 70's also, and it was missing the eye shields (think all of them are gone). I made some from some 1/4" Plexiglas which I had from another project. The frame I made from some old stuff I found in my junk box.

they work well

Gary

That's about what I was going to suggest too. You've already got the other lens for a pattern. That way it keeps the original look but still provides safety and is completely functional.

Or you could go to Glassdoctor or some place like it with your old lens and they should be able to cut plexiglas or even real glass for you. I've been thinking about going that route for a plexiglas top for my box.

 

[welder4956]

If you can find it, 1/4" polycarbonate is the best choice for making these. This is the material used for the welding lens protectors.

 

[rlitman]

Polycarbonate is shatterproof (that's a plus), but scratches more easily than any other clear material I can think of.
Glass is a bad idea (need I say why?)
Acrylic can crack, but should be fine as a grinder shield, and is less likely to scratch so quickly.