let's see your craftsman block grinders

[S4cruiser]

What did you have to pay?

30 bucs

Looks I've it just needs to be cleaned up. What HP is it?

1/3 hp

 

[Reversepolarity]

Nice

 

[s14brent]

I've been checking on this thread over the last year and finally found one that didn't need a ton of work. I picked up this 1/2 hp 397.19440 today, $70 is as low as I could get it, but it's in pretty good shape - and I rarely find them with the original stand. The lamp shade has a crack in it, but the wheels are good and runs smooth. The eye protector pieces are faded and have some scratches, but i'm happy. I just need to reorganize the garage and find a place for it now.

 

[Reversepolarity]

Nice

 

[JZiggy]

That 1/2hp is definitely one to be proud of!

 

[drivesitfar]

Ziggy: i think Brent's new block is only a 1/2 HP, but you are right it looks like a keeper.

Brent: welcome to the block thread and happy to see you found a great old block and it looks like on it's original craftsman stand too.

 

[torqueman2002]

Thanks for posting your Blocks.

I/we never get tired of seeing 'new' Block grinders and their restorations.

I'll make my comments in Blue, below.

Picked up this guy earlier today. 1966 date. A month ago I had zero blocks...now I have 3 of the exact same model. How did this happen??

It maybe time for 'The Pledge' --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4832270&postcount=5478
I took a closer look at the picture. Yours looks like a 1/3-HP m-397.19410, with a 3 position power switch & electronic brake. Well done.

It looks worse in the pics than in person. Just very dirty.

I've been checking on this thread over the last year and finally found one that didn't need a ton of work. I picked up this 1/2 hp 397.19440 today, $70 is as low as I could get it, but it's in pretty good shape - and I rarely find them with the original stand. The lamp shade has a crack in it, but the wheels are good and runs smooth. The eye protector pieces are faded and have some scratches, but i'm happy. I just need to reorganize the garage and find a place for it now.
Very nice find.
You'll find posts/links on replacement lamp shade and restoring the eye shields, above and in my signature links. But if you have questions, just post them here.

 

[cheechi]

well I've been through 2/3 of this thread more or less. I have to assume they were all sold with 36 & 60 grit discs as nobody has shown (unless I missed it in 200+ pages) a vintage wheel with another grit.

My 100 & 150 came in from Zoro. Going to make sure they ring and get them on the 6" and get some pics for you.

 

[s14brent]

Nice

That 1/2hp is definitely one to be proud of!

Brent: welcome to the block thread and happy to see you found a great old block and it looks like on it's original craftsman stand too.

Thanks for posting your Blocks. Very nice find.
You'll find posts/links on replacement lamp shade and restoring the eye shields, above and in my signature links. But if you have questions, just post them here.

Thanks guys'!! I'm super stoked, my grandfather had one of these in Hawaii but rusted out (beyond repair) a long long time ago. It's nice to have one finally in working order.

My garage is small and getting really cramped since it's shared with another family member, so I need to find a spot for it still. currently setup to just clean and inspect thoroughly

 

[JZiggy]

Question about the grinders with the jumbo base, specifically the flat-top models:

I know there are large bumpers that screw into the bottom of the deluxe base. When a grinder is equipped with this base, does it ALSO use the standard bumpers between the grinder and the deluxe base? Or do we forgo those?

I have seen pictures on this thread showing it either way. My thought is that the grinder-base bumpers should be excluded since you want the tool rests (attached to the base) to be rigid with respect to the grinder itself. Thoughts?

 

[Bobioz1]

Mine has bumpers on both parts.

 

[Bobioz1]

Mine has bumpers on both parts.

Sorry,it's a round top.

 

[JZiggy]

Sorry,it's a round top.

Good to know though. Thanks!

 

[Reversepolarity]

Picked up a new project today at the flea market.
1/4 hp
$15

 

[torqueman2002]

JZ - I have 2 HD ftop Blocks, a 1-HP and a 3/4-HP.

Both of them have the 'rubber feet' between the grinder & quench tray/tool rest and between the quench tray/tool rest and the top of the OEM stand.

I can post pictures if you'd like, just say the word.

 

[torqueman2002]

Picked up a new project today at the flea market.
1/4 hp
$15

 

[Reversepolarity]

The little 1/4hp will be my new tungsten grinder.

 

[Reversepolarity]

I sent you a PM

 

[Reversepolarity]

Got the 3/4hp grinder put back together tonight.

Sticker is at the print shop.
That will go on next week.

Bought it with a Dayton 9" sander $15 for the pair.

So essentially a $7.50 bench grinder.

Before



After

 

[spokesman]

Hi

Wasnt sure where to post this, posted it on another thread earlier, but here goes....
I picked up this Craftsman Bench Grinder today. 1/3 hp Industrial Rated
Model 397 xxxx. Runs great but no light and no tray. There are however, two scored punch outs of plugs on the back (see pic 3) so I am wondering if a gooseneck light can be added and if so how would it attach and how would it be wired. Alos if thse need to be oiled anywhere. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advnace

 

[G20-Budo]

Got the 3/4hp grinder put back together tonight.

Sticker is at the print shop.
That will go on next week.

Bought it with a Dayton 9" sander $15 for the pair.

So essentially a $7.50 bench grinder.

Reversepolarity - WOW! That turned out GREAT!

Can't wait to see it with the new label on it! Please post pics.


spokesman - Looks to me like you ended up with a really nice grinder there!

 

[Reversepolarity]

Thanks.
This thing runs like brand new.

 

[JZiggy]

RP-

Nicely done! You've got me inspired to finish mine as well.

I'm curious to see how your sticker turned out. What vendor did you end up using for printing?

Also, your eye shields have almost no yellowing! Did you have to do a lot of polishing to get them water-white again?

 

[Jarnipman]

My grinder is sacred to me, its a Baldur 1HP, but what makes it special to me is that my close friend lent it to me and then he died a few days later in a freak accident. I call it the "Dead Man's Grinder" and think of him when I use it. Kind of weird I know.

 

[Reversepolarity]

RP-

Nicely done! You've got me inspired to finish mine as well.

I'm curious to see how your sticker turned out. What vendor did you end up using for printing?

Also, your eye shields have almost no yellowing! Did you have to do a lot of polishing to get them water-white again?

For the sticker I used a local print shop.

The eye shields while not perfect came out pretty good. I usually clean plastics by by using gradually finer grades of sandpaper. Then polish with Flitz, or Maas metal polish.
These however had some pretty deep spark burns. Sanding them out would have made the shields too thin.

So instead I soaked them in hot, but not boiling water and dish soap for about an hour.
Rinsed, and washed them really well with dish soap and water.

After they dried. I polished them with toothpaste. It works as a very mild abrasive. And does not scratch the plastic. Did a pretty good job on the yellowing.

I was not looking for perfection on the shields. As soon as the paint is fully cured. In about a week. The grinder will be seeing hard use.

Before



After

 

[exmaxima1]

For the sticker I used a local print shop.

The eye shields while not perfect came out pretty good. I usually clean plastics by by using gradually finer grades of sandpaper. Then polish with Flitz, or Maas metal polish.
These however had some pretty deep spark burns. Sanding them out would have made the shields too thin.

So instead I soaked them in hot, but not boiling water and dish soap for about an hour.
Rinsed, and washed them really well with dish soap and water.

After they dried. I polished them with toothpaste. It works as a very mild abrasive. And does not scratch the plastic. Did a pretty good job on the yellowing.

I was not looking for perfection on the shields. As soon as the paint is fully cured. In about a week. The grinder will be seeing hard use.

Before



After

OMG, they turned out fantastic.

 

[S4cruiser]

RP - very, very nice job on that block!

 

[vertguy]

Another thumbs up RP... what colors/paint did you use? Yours is getting me motivated to repaint my 3/4.

 

[drivesitfar]

RP: i'll say it to that you did a fantastic job cleaning up your old block grinder. i like the way you posted how you cleaned up the eye shields and what your other options were too. i'm sure it will last another 50 years and just make sure the stone are ok an true them up when needed.

Spokesman: one of my favorite little grinders and the 1/3 HP has plenty of HP to do most any job around the house. the rounded top and metal eye shields really give that block it's look. if you read the thread and don't find your answer i'd be surprised or Tourqueman2002 (DOC) has a link in his posts to some basic stuff. welcome

Jarnipman: not sure why you are posting the 1 HP Baldor on this thread with that story, but you could have at least posted it with a picture. sorry to hear about your friend's passing, but this is a CRAFTSMAN BLOCK GRINDER thread. it isn't the first time a Baldor has been brought up though.

welcome to the forum and maybe start a thread showing what you are buffing and shining up over in fabrication when you have time. you are also welcome to post comments on this thread even if you don't own a Block grinder. just be aware that posting on this thread can lead to block grinders following you home shortly thereafter.

 

[torqueman2002]

Hello/good morning, fellow Block grinder fan(atic)s.

I'll post my comments in Blue.

The little 1/4hp will be my new tungsten grinder.
That will be a perfect job for an old Block.

Got the 3/4hp grinder put back together tonight.

Sticker is at the print shop.
That will go on next week.

Bought it with a Dayton 9" sander $15 for the pair.

So essentially a $7.50 bench grinder.
Let me be the first, ....... You ****!

Hi

Wasnt sure where to post this, posted it on another thread earlier, but here goes....
I picked up this Craftsman Bench Grinder today. 1/3 hp Industrial Rated
Model 397 xxxx. Runs great but no light and no tray. There are however, two scored punch outs of plugs on the back (see pic 3) so I am wondering if a gooseneck light can be added and if so how would it attach and how would it be wired. Alos if thse need to be oiled anywhere. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advnace
The small knock out is used to mount a 1/8" goose neck lamp.

Follow this wiring diagram (Rev-01 Jan 24, 2016) to connect the wires.

If you want to use a lamp with a switch, move it's hot wire to the feed side of the power switch. Also note, the neutral Black wire from the lamp may have a White trace or ribs.

Here's a link with more information.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...15#post4556215

My grinder is sacred to me, its a Baldur 1HP, but what makes it special to me is that my close friend lent it to me and then he died a few days later in a freak accident. I call it the "Dead Man's Grinder" and think of him when I use it. Kind of weird I know.

RP: i'll say it to that you did a fantastic job cleaning up your old block grinder. i like the way you posted how you cleaned up the eye shields and what your other options were too. i'm sure it will last another 50 years and just make sure the stone are ok an true them up when needed.

Spokesman: one of my favorite little grinders and the 1/3 HP has plenty of HP to do most any job around the house. the rounded top and metal eye shields really give that block it's look. if you read the thread and don't find your answer i'd be surprised or Tourqueman2002 (DOC) has a link in his posts to some basic stuff. welcome

Jarnipman: not sure why you are posting the 1 HP Baldor on this thread with that story, but you could have at least posted it with a picture. sorry to hear about your friend's passing, but this is a CRAFTSMAN BLOCK GRINDER thread. it isn't the first time a Baldor has been brought up though.

welcome to the forum and maybe start a thread showing what you are buffing and shining up over in fabrication when you have time. you are also welcome to post comments on this thread even if you don't own a Block grinder. just be aware that posting on this thread can lead to block grinders following you home shortly thereafter.

Well said drives!

 

[S4cruiser]

Torqueman - that's a great diagram. Thanks for sharing!

 

[torqueman2002]

Torqueman - that's a great diagram. Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome.

Here's a link to a PB SlideShow with more diagrams.
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/CM 009 Wiring Schematics

The above^ link, is also on page 1 of the first link in my Signature.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4000528#post4000528

 

[JZiggy]

Got the 3/4hp grinder put back together tonight.

Sticker is at the print shop.
That will go on next week.

Bought it with a Dayton 9" sander $15 for the pair.

So essentially a $7.50 bench grinder.

Before



After

I notice RP's grinder has the cast iron tool rests. I have also seen stamped steel tool rests, which I assume are newer, although the deluxe bases look the same otherwise. Anyone know when the styles changed?

 

[exmaxima1]

I notice RP's grinder has the cast iron tool rests. I have also seen stamped steel tool rests, which I assume are newer, although the deluxe bases look the same otherwise. Anyone know when the styles changed?

Not sure when they changed, but I can say that the bases also changed. The "newer" version also has a die-cast aluminum base---not cast iron.

 

[torqueman2002]

Not sure when they changed, but I can say that the bases also changed. The "newer" version also has a die-cast aluminum base---not cast iron.

+2^.

I looked through my photos, and found the following.
Stamped Steel
1.00- HP m-257.191600 ftop

Cast
0.75-HP m-397.19670 rtop
0.75-HP m-397.19451 rtop
0.75-HP m-397.19450 ftop APR 5 1974

I then checked my XL file for manufactured dates - only one has a date.

In fact, of the 12 3/4 & 1-HP boys, only 2 have dates.
0.75-HP m-397.19470 -- Aug 9 1974 A
This guy did not come to me with a HD base, and since it has a punch-out for the separate quench tray almost assures it never did.

So, the question remains mostly unanswered.

 

[torqueman2002]

JZ - I have 2 HD ftop Blocks, a 1-HP and a 3/4-HP.

Both of them have the 'rubber feet' between the grinder & quench tray/tool rest and between the quench tray/tool rest and the top of the OEM stand.

I can post pictures if you'd like, just say the word.

I found some pictures, while looking for answers to the cast v. steel tool rest question above.

 

[JZiggy]

TM- great! I see the feet between the grinder and the base.

Now, isn't that showing a die cast base with cast iron tool rests?

 

[torqueman2002]

TM- great! I see the feet between the grinder and the base.

Now, isn't that showing a die cast base with cast iron tool rests?

Yes [cast aluminum], and yes again.

If you were reading the previous post about steel v. cast tool rests, you might have caught my initial errata.

Upon reviewing my post to your question, I saw the mfg. date on the bottom of the m-397.19450.

I realized the XL file didn't have that info, so I edited the post.

Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Reversepolarity]

Thanks guys.
I am happy with it.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's an idea for 'dust' collection.

Link to article:
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/dust-collection-dedicated-bench-33840#post47658