let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Cypherian]

CRAFTSMAN 1/3 HP GRINDER GOOD COND. - $75 (COLLEGEVILLE PA) hide this posting OLDER 1/3 HP GRINDER. PERFECT WORKING ORDER. ADJUSTABLE GLASS SHIELS. UNSURE OF WHEEL SIZE. THIS WAS USED VERY LITTLE.

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...323383624.html

 

[RagTopTA]

I was looking around on Ebay and dont see any 1 HP Blockgrinders. Are they more rare than say 3/4 or 1/2 HP models ?

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives, The easiest way to load a grinder to see how quickly/easily it bogs down is to feed it a 2X4. Its not going to damage the wheel, but you can easily stall many underpowered, grinders. I'd say safe to try on any grinder 1 HP or less. Really big grinders will simply eat the 2x4...

 

[Smokeshow69]

I was looking around on Ebay and dont see any 1 HP Blockgrinders. Are they more rare than say 3/4 or 1/2 HP models ?

Yes much more rare... They were some serious change back in the day and most folks did not buy them for home use... The shops that did buy them wore them out! Although... I am in the process of mule training one to a member who I will let him identify him self if and when he wishes. I picked it up tonight and physically it is a bit bigger than my 1/2 hp block and weighs a bit more as well... I am guessing a little over 45lbs ? Also they physically look more heavy duty! I would like to find one for myself one day !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[RagTopTA]

Yes much more rare... They were some serious change back in the day and most folks did not buy them for home use... The shops that did buy them wore them out! Although... I am in the process of mule training one to a member who I will let him identify him self if and when he wishes. I picked it up tonight and physically it is a bit bigger than my 1/2 hp block and weighs a bit more as well... I am guessing a little over 45lbs ? Also they physically look more heavy duty! I would like to find one for myself one day !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I got a smoking deal on the one I found. I have been using it a lot in my garage. Id like to find another for my brothers shop. the one I found was in a woodworking shop, had the book with it and looked like it was only used for the sharpening attachment really.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I got a smoking deal on the one I found. I have been using it a lot in my garage. Id like to find another for my brothers shop. the one I found was in a woodworking shop, had the book with it and looked like it was only used for the sharpening attachment really.

Did you post pictures and a price ? If you found one you are lucky!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Hiatt1991]

Picked up this little beauty tonight for a song ($40). Should clean up nicely. Bearings are nice and quiet and the light is in great shape.

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/C7KCd4e' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/C7KCd4e.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

 

[RagTopTA]

Did you post pictures and a price ? If you found one you are lucky!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yes sir I did, heres the link. I think I did really well on it. that thing spins for EVER when I turrn it off.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6617230&postcount=9823

 

[torqueman2002]

Yes sir I did, heres the link. I think I did really well on it. that thing spins for EVER when I turrn it off.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6617230&postcount=9823

I remember your post, again - well done!

If you get a chance and can scan the Owner's Manual, the Vintage Machinery web site maintains a library of manuals for free downloading. Your manual would be a great addition to the library!
http://vintagemachinery.org/

BTW - long spin down times can be a symptom of dry bearings. I routinly replace the bearings on Block grinders, which is a simple and straight forward job well documented on this site/thread.

 

[Rileysan]

Here's a sneak peak at my latest acquisition - my very own 1 HP Block! This came from NorCal by way of Smokeshow. It will get cleaned up and put to use after I move into my new place next month. Until then, this is the only picture I have.

Brian

 

[torqueman2002]

Kool!

That's a Big Boy for sure.

 

[WWShop]

So I just took apart the left side inner wheel guard for my 115.7566 and I saw these cracks. Should have looked closer upon purchase, but that’s my own fault. Cracks seem fairly bad and just wondering the next course of action. If anything, I will just keep it removed and use that side for a wire wheel. Without having it welded (I can weld but don’t have the capability right now), can i use jb weld? Please provide any other ideas. Thanks everyone!!

 

[exmaxima1]

So I just took apart the left side inner wheel guard for my 115.7566 and I saw these cracks. Should have looked closer upon purchase, but that’s my own fault. Cracks seem fairly bad and just wondering the next course of action. If anything, I will just keep it removed and use that side for a wire wheel. Without having it welded (I can weld but don’t have the capability right now), can i use jb weld? Please provide any other ideas. Thanks everyone!!

That's a Pre-Block model grinder. You might try putting a request on that thread to possibly locate a replacement guard:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339921&highlight=pre+block+where's+love

 

[Rileysan]

So I just took apart the left side inner wheel guard for my 115.7566 and I saw these cracks. Should have looked closer upon purchase, but that’s my own fault. Cracks seem fairly bad and just wondering the next course of action. If anything, I will just keep it removed and use that side for a wire wheel. Without having it welded (I can weld but don’t have the capability right now), can i use jb weld? Please provide any other ideas. Thanks everyone!!

You can use JB Weld, but I don't know how well it will hold up to vibration. To find a replacement cover will be difficult and expensive, imo.

If this were mine, I would try brazing it - which could be tricky because you don't know what kind of gunk has built up in those cracks. Wire-wheel the paint off, spray it down with brake-clean, then give it a shot!

Good luck!

Brian

 

[Rileysan]

I didn't want to buy this. Really, I didn't!

This 3/4 HP Commercial block has been up for sale on CL almost two weeks. I bought a Craftsman vise from this guy the day he listed these and during our conversation, I encouraged him not to sell it for anything less than his asking price of $100 - a steal for anyone who needs a good bench grinder!

Anyways, I heard from other members asking if I could talk him into selling it for less, but I stood my ground on that price as I really liked the guy and he needed the $$ for his impending move.

He contacted me a couple days ago and asked me if I wanted it. I told him I already own two 3/4 HP blocks (and now a 1 HP block) and couldn't justify another. "But", he said, "I will throw in some attachments I found when I was packing".

Dammit.

So I went ahead and rescued this beautiful block before someone else talked him down in price.

For $100 I received:

- Craftsman Commercial Model 397.19671 "Block" grinder.
- Craftsman bench grinder pedestal stand
- Craftsman Tool Holder Grinding Attachment "Ideal for sharpening blades, chisels, screwdrivers, etc."
- Craftsman 9-6677 Drill Grinding Attachment
- All original paperwork including owner's manuals, spare parts order sheet, and reciept
- The remnants of the original tool holder box.

Note: It came with the eye shields. I took them off to clean them up and forgot to reattach them before taking the picture.

Brian

 

[Smokeshow69]

Kool!

That's a Big Boy for sure.

Yeah, no kidding. It got delivered on my porch and I squatted down to pick it up and was glad I was using proper lifting technique as it was heavier than I anticipated! I traded it to Brian for an item that made both of us happy! It went to a very good home!


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[jywilli69]

Well this little beauty will be in my pocession tomorrow morning. It only costing me $25.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

While I did pick it up today, and it is currently in my grubby paws, it alas is headed out of town on the next Pony Express out of here!

And I will be the first to say a big THANK YOU for helping a fellow GJ'er, I spotted this on ebay and had to have it, Dr Block was nice enough to take time out of his busy weekend to go pick this up and then deal w/packing this beast up and a superb job he did as he always does on anything I have ever received from him. I truly appreciate the help Mike and thanks again!

 

[torqueman2002]

I didn't want to buy this. Really, I didn't!

This 3/4 HP Commercial block has been up for sale on CL almost two weeks. I bought a Craftsman vise from this guy the day he listed these and during our conversation, I encouraged him not to sell it for anything less than his asking price of $100 - a steal for anyone who needs a good bench grinder!

Anyways, I heard from other members asking if I could talk him into selling it for less, but I stood my ground on that price as I really liked the guy and he needed the $$ for his impending move.

He contacted me a couple days ago and asked me if I wanted it. I told him I already own two 3/4 HP blocks (and now a 1 HP block) and couldn't justify another. "But", he said, "I will throw in some attachments I found when I was packing".

Dammit.

So I went ahead and rescued this beautiful block before someone else talked him down in price.

For $100 I received:

- Craftsman Commercial Model 397.19671 "Block" grinder.
- Craftsman bench grinder pedestal stand
- Craftsman Tool Holder Grinding Attachment "Ideal for sharpening blades, chisels, screwdrivers, etc."
- Craftsman 9-6677 Drill Grinding Attachment
- All original paperwork including owner's manuals, spare parts order sheet, and reciept
- The remnants of the original tool holder box.

Note: It came with the eye shields. I too them off to clean them up and forgot to reattach them before the picture.

Brian

Yup, You **** Sir!

 

[torqueman2002]

Well this little beauty will be in my pocession tomorrow morning. It only costing me $25.

That is the great-great-great grandfather of our Blocks.

Nice.

 

[torqueman2002]

And I will be the first to say a big THANK YOU for helping a fellow GJ'er, I spotted this on ebay and had to have it, Dr Block was nice enough to take time out of his busy weekend to go pick this up and then deal w/packing this beast up and a superb job he did as he always does on anything I have ever received from him. I truly appreciate the help Mike and thanks again!

You are welcome!

 

[Hiatt1991]

What do you guys think? Worth $20? It's for sale locally but it looks like it needs some work. Did this model not come with covers over the sides of the grinding wheel?

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/1Qv8Z17' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/1Qv8Z17.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/EG6ekIS' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/EG6ekIS.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/lXHBvMx' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/lXHBvMx.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/jhMwkZV' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/jhMwkZV.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

 

[Rileysan]

What do you guys think? Worth $20? It's for sale locally but it looks like it needs some work. Did this model not come with covers over the sides of the grinding wheel?

That's a "pre-block" from the 1950s. They weigh a ton and are virtually indestructible.

There seems to be an epidemic of Craftsman grinders losing their wheel covers all around the country, and that one is another victim.

Even in that condition, it's worth $20. Buy it, use it, enjoy it!

Brian

 

[Outlawmws]

I'd be all over that for $20. Its very pre-block - late 30's early 40's? (Long C is the giveaway...)

ps: I see no provision for any side covers. (also very pre-OSHA)

 

[Smokeshow69]

I'd be all over that for $20. Its very pre-block - late 30's early 40's? (Long C is the giveaway...)

ps: I see no provision for any side covers. (also very pre-OSHA)

I believe I saw a date on the data plate from 1953 [emoji1] this was originally a power bronze colored unit! Worth the $20 for sure!


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[Rileysan]

I'd be all over that for $20. Its very pre-block - late 30's early 40's? (Long C is the giveaway...)

ps: I see no provision for any side covers. (also very pre-OSHA)

Good call on the wheel covers. I wasn't aware that some of these shipped without them until checking the catalog. It appears that the 1/4 HP was the only model that didn't ship with them.

The long-C logo was still in use on many Craftsman tools well into the 1950s. Here's a page from the 1955 catalog.

Brian

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm surprised! I thought it had been phased out before the 40's ran out.

 

[Hiatt1991]

What do you guys think? Worth $20? It's for sale locally but it looks like it needs some work. Did this model not come with covers over the sides of the grinding wheel?

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/1Qv8Z17' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/1Qv8Z17.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/EG6ekIS' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/EG6ekIS.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/lXHBvMx' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/lXHBvMx.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/jhMwkZV' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/jhMwkZV.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

I made arrangements to pick it up tomorrow. Any ideas on ways to get the paint off and thoughts on replacement glass for the left shield? What did the original paint look like?

 

[exmaxima1]

I believe I saw a date on the data plate from 1953 [emoji1] this was originally a power bronze colored unit! Worth the $20 for sure!

If "Power Bronze" means brown, I have one. Not sure what year my 1/3hp Pre-Block is, but this is what original bronze color looks like.

 

[nutjob]

Just picked up a 397.19580 1/3 HP. Nice condition and almost all parts accounted for.

But it is missing 1 wheel flange. It measures 2 7/8" wide and about 3/16" thick. If anyone has one and willing to sell please PM me.

I did find the info about new replacements but they are not close to the originals at all.

Thanks for any help

Kevin

 

[Hiatt1991]

Just picked up a 397.19580 1/3 HP. Nice condition and almost all parts accounted for.

But it is missing 1 wheel flange. It measures 2 7/8" wide and about 3/16" thick. If anyone has one and willing to sell please PM me.

I did find the info about new replacements but they are not close to the originals at all.

Thanks for any help

Kevin

Which side wheel flange are you looking for?

 

[nutjob]

Which side wheel flange are you looking for?

I think all 4 are the same? These are the big "washer" looking flanges that would go on each side of the grinder wheel.

Kevin

 

[RagTopTA]

I remember your post, again - well done!

If you get a chance and can scan the Owner's Manual, the Vintage Machinery web site maintains a library of manuals for free downloading. Your manual would be a great addition to the library!
http://vintagemachinery.org/

BTW - long spin down times can be a symptom of dry bearings. I routinly replace the bearings on Block grinders, which is a simple and straight forward job well documented on this site/thread.

just saw this, and I will get that manual scanned for you asap : ) Off this week end ill try to get it done then

 

[M_George]

CRAFTSMAN 1/3 HP GRINDER GOOD COND. - $75 (COLLEGEVILLE PA) hide this posting OLDER 1/3 HP GRINDER. PERFECT WORKING ORDER. ADJUSTABLE GLASS SHIELS. UNSURE OF WHEEL SIZE. THIS WAS USED VERY LITTLE.

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...323383624.html

Keep an eye on Jakes in Bally and the Q-mart flea markets. I see them for around $25 frequently there.

 

[torqueman2002]

just saw this, and I will get that manual scanned for you asap : ) Off this week end ill try to get it done then

No rush.

Let us/me know if you have question on how to submit the manual for uploading at their site.

 

[Flucio]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=688419&stc=1&d=1507201147

I've lived in my house for about 10yrs, previous owner left this along with a reed vise in the shed.. gotta figure out what year it is

 

[torqueman2002]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=688419&stc=1&d=1507201147

I've lived in my house for about 10yrs, previous owner left this along with a reed vise in the shed.. gotta figure out what year it is

Many of the Block grinders have a 'birth' date stamped on the outside of the bottom cover.

 

[Flucio]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=688583&stc=1&d=1507243266
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=688584&stc=1&d=1507243266


No date but it works as it should.. gonna start disassembly next week and paint it tonas close to original as possible

 

[torqueman2002]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=688583&stc=1&d=1507243266
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=688584&stc=1&d=1507243266


No date but it works as it should.. gonna start disassembly next week and paint it tonas close to original as possible

It looks original and unmolested.

From pictures I have, it looks like model 397.19430 115 Volt/5.1 Amp or 397.19340 115 Volt/5.1 Amp.

 

[Flucio]

It looks original and unmolested.

From pictures I have, it looks like model 397.19430 115 Volt/5.1 Amp or 397.19340 115 Volt/5.1 Amp.

Any idea if they make replacement decals for these?? I'd like to get my hands on the last one you posted