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exmaxima1

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As noted by Exmaxima1, amp rating is key and his recommendation of >6 is a good starting point. I would recommend a commercial/cap start 3/4 or 1 HP.
I have a belt/disc sander kit on an early '70s 3/4 HP commercial block and it works great.

Is your 3/4hp a Roundtop model? If so, I have the same one (with the cast iron deluxe base) and it's less than 6 amps. Still, plenty of power for most applications.
 

vertguy

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Is your 3/4hp a Roundtop model? If so, I have the same one (with the cast iron deluxe base) and it's less than 6 amps. Still, plenty of power for most applications.

No... you are thinking about the 1/2 hp roundtop setup I picked up down in your area and you hooked me up with a tool rest. Ironically enough, the one with the belt sander is a 3/4 hp (397.19450) and has a lower amp rating than the 1/2hp roundtop (6 vs 7). Still debating if I should swap the sander setup to my 1hp block since bigger is supposed to be better :D
 

Reversepolarity

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Jan 5, 2016
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Washington State
No... you are thinking about the 1/2 hp roundtop setup I picked up down in your area and you hooked me up with a tool rest. Ironically enough, the one with the belt sander is a 3/4 hp (397.19450) and has a lower amp rating than the 1/2hp roundtop (6 vs 7). Still debating if I should swap the sander setup to my 1hp block since bigger is supposed to be better :D



Definitely put it on the 1hp


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exmaxima1

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No... you are thinking about the 1/2 hp roundtop setup I picked up down in your area and you hooked me up with a tool rest. Ironically enough, the one with the belt sander is a 3/4 hp (397.19450) and has a lower amp rating than the 1/2hp roundtop (6 vs 7). Still debating if I should swap the sander setup to my 1hp block since bigger is supposed to be better :D

You have a 1/2 hp Roundtop Block with 7 amps? Even my newer 1 hp "squaretop" is only 6.8 amps. I didn't think they went they high.
 
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vertguy

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Well, I may be confusing the definition of a round top. The 7 amp 1/2 hp is from the mid ‘50s, so pre-block is probably the right category. For my own benefit, what date range/style is considered a round top?


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exmaxima1

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Well, I may be confusing the definition of a round top. The 7 amp 1/2 hp is from the mid ‘50s, so pre-block is probably the right category. For my own benefit, what date range/style is considered a round top?

Ok, now that makes sense: you have a 1/2hp PRE block, the all iron grinder with massive guts, and it is indeed 7 amps. My mistake, and lucky you.
 

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KMinAF

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Fairview Utah
Just wondering why this grinder that I picked up last week wasn't equipped with a switch.
I bought it from the state surplus warehouse for $30 and after replacing its damaged cord and a bit of cleaning, it works great.
 

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torqueman2002

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Just wondering why this grinder that I picked up last week wasn't equipped with a switch.
I bought it from the state surplus warehouse for $30 and after replacing its damaged cord and a bit of cleaning, it works great.
That is the 1st Block grinder I have seen without a switch.

However, I have seen 1/4-HP pre-Blocks without switch, quench tray, lamp, and wheel guard covers.

Craftsman sold those models as their economy grinder.
 
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JoCoSawdust

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Nov 19, 2018
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Eastern NC
This is listed on MarketPlace in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Way out of reach for me (damn!). 100 bucks and looks to be complete. Hope it goes to somebody in here!

Screen Shot 2019-09-23 at 8.00.37 AM.jpg
 

thooks

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Does "Matt" still sell the labels?

I just joined the vintage Craftsman block grinder club. I acquired a 1/3 HP and 3/4 HP in the last 2 weeks. I want to do a restoration on the 1/3, maybe on the 3/4.


Thanks.
 
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torqueman2002

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Too bad that one needs so much TLC. Lake Geneva is just 30 mins up the road from my work, but I don't need another full restoration project. I hope somebody gets it and brings it back to life.
OK maxima, we (I) voted and it is your duty as a Blockhead to rescue that pre-Block before it falls into the hands of a non-believer!
:)
 

exmaxima1

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OK maxima, we (I) voted and it is your duty as a Blockhead to rescue that pre-Block before it falls into the hands of a non-believer!
:)


I appreciate the encouragement, but I need to get my garage cleaned up for the upcoming winter so I can keep my cars indoors. I still have a vintage Delta 14 BS in pieces, not to mention a 3/4hp roundtop block on my bench that's still waiting for parts. That pre-block will takes hours of cleaning, wire-brushing, painting, new bearings, etc. The wires and/or the capacitor & centrifugal switch will be rusted or rotting away, which is never fun. We need to some young talent getting involved on projects like that, and (arguably) I already have my fair share of grinders.

I'll bet Vertguy is already on the road for it.:thumbup:
 
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Svt_ivan

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Jan 8, 2019
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Forney, Tx
Been quiet lately, but here’s my latest resto! This one I’m giving to a good buddy and fellow co-worker. I’ll be honest though, I’m liking the way his turned out over mine! Lol

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vertguy

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I appreciate the encouragement, but I need to get my garage cleaned up for the upcoming winter so I can keep my cars indoors. I still have a vintage Delta 14 BS in pieces, not to mention a 3/4hp roundtop block on my bench that's still waiting for parts. That pre-block will takes hours of cleaning, wire-brushing, painting, new bearings, etc. The wires and/or the capacitor & centrifugal switch will be rusted or rotting away, which is never fun. We need to some young talent getting involved on projects like that, and (arguably) I already have my fair share of grinders.



I'll bet Vertguy is already on the road for it.[emoji106]



Well, it is very tempting and I may just reach out to the seller when I get back from looking at a toolbox tonight.


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exmaxima1

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They make great passengers!! And BTW this thing is in great shape..runs quiet..came with a good story too!

ca2cb77cbfc256c64475e3199d5f7a73.jpg

Excellent, she went to someone who will pamper her and take her on trips. :beer:

PS. Maybe you could share her story on the Pre-Block thread
 

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torqueman2002

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OK guys. 'didn’t need....'

Need has nothing to do with it.

Blockheads are driven to rescue even the poorest Block/pre-Block.

My rescue efforts have been on hold since my daughter brought home a crusty 2004 Yukon Denali. It's been 2 steps forward, 1 step backwards -- when I'm lucky.

I'll get back to doing my Block rescue part, just in time for rainy fall weather.

BTW - there are some great Blocks being posted lately!
 

hemifalcon

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Jan 4, 2013
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Union Grove, Wisconsin
Awesome! Sure wish I could find one within reach.



OK guys. 'didn’t need....'

Need has nothing to do with it.

Blockheads are driven to rescue even the poorest Block/pre-Block.

My rescue efforts have been on hold since my daughter brought home a crusty 2004 Yukon Denali. It's been 2 steps forward, 1 step backwards -- when I'm lucky.

I'll get back to doing my Block rescue part, just in time for rainy fall weather.

BTW - there are some great Blocks being posted lately!



Hey guys.. as Torqueman pointed out.. we must save them.. [emoji51] or at least bring them in for group therapy after all their years of service so they can reunite with family.. 6c28007d0e3ae19bfd313a7d8b196f20.jpg


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javie

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Sep 15, 2019
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Missouri
Howdy, picked up this 1/2-hp block grinder at an estate sale. I took the shields and removed all the crud and put a wire brush on one side. I did figure out it takes 7-inch wheels, although the manual (in the background of the pic) doesn't mention a single word about the size of wheels to use with it. This thing purrs like a kitten when running and takes like 5 minutes to shut down.

I do have a question, what are your thoughts on the best wheels to run on these? I've hear Weiler, Norton, etc... and when looking into wire (brass for derusting) I came across some really neat Scotch-Brite Radial Bristle wheels that get excellent reviews on Amazon. I've got 4 vintage drill presses to tear down and rebuild over the winter for fun and really want to make the metal shine on handles, posts, hardware, etc... Those Scotch-Brite's come in varying grit and look to be about perfect for that. Anybody on here use them?
 

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exmaxima1

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That's a joke, right?

No, long spool down means dry bearings. Fresh bearings rarely spin more than a minute when powering down. Bearings are cheap and easy to replace, so not really an issue. But if you go too long on dry bearings you risk seizing the bearings and ruining the arbor shaft.
 

javie

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No, long spool down means dry bearings. Fresh bearings rarely spin more than a minute when powering down. Bearings are cheap and easy to replace, so not really an issue. But if you go too long on dry bearings you risk seizing the bearings and ruining the arbor shaft.

That is great to know, thank you. I'll look into new ones if these are sealed. I appreciate the heads up.
 

drivesitfar

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Oct 23, 2013
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Pacific Northwest
Javie: i'm sure someone will show up to post suggestions for wheels and brands, but in the meantime I want to congratulate you on finding not only a block, but a 1/2 HP commercial one which is one of my favorites. only upgrade i'd like is the metal framed shields and it's like the one i have on a stand ready to use when I need it at my 87 year old parent's woodshop i'm setting up.
 
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