Last year for craftsman block grinders?

[1982fxr]

What was the last year for the flat top blocks? And did it go straight to modern looking Asian bench grinders or was there some weird and now rare transition models?

 

[jakemac]

IIRC, somewhere around 1980 the flattop block got a makeover to the black case with a slightly wider width on the arms. Then, maybe around 1983-84 the style was abandoned in favor of the more common barrel style of grinder that other brands were making. Similar to the Delta design if my memory is correct. I don't think they went to Mexico or China until sometime in the 90's though.

 

[1982fxr]

The first barrel ones were Taiwan then?

 

[jakemac]

Not sure of the COO. It may depend on who was making them. They may have started off being made in the US.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's a list I keep.

As shown, the pre-Blocks stretch as far back as 10 57 and the Blocks as late as OCT 9 1975.

In 1987 I bought this plastic bodied variable 1/3-HP m-257.190470 CM non-Block grinder.

Note: The wheel guard and covers are shown removed for photo purposes. Never operate a grinder without full wheel guards, covers, and associated hardware in place and properly adjusted.

I'm not sure of the COO, sorry.