Very niceKind of late to the game here...
I've been toying with the idea of replacing my 6" Taiwanese Delta....
And hey! Lookie here.
There's a Very Cool Craftsman on Craigslist.
It's in darn excellent condition and runs real smooth.
Stamped 1976 underneath on the base
Bought it from a really nice guy.
let's see your craftsman block grinders
- Thread starter emeraldcoupe
- Start date
lafester
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It's sad what they did to the 3/4 after the 1hp came out.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Speaking of the 1 HP, there's an uncommonly excellent and complete example (with heavy duty base) that was posted in the Detroit area CL, Dec 6. It's not mine, wish it was, and not anyone I know.
With the cast iron stand, the asking price of $250 is a very good price.
For more information, see the original ad. ---> https://thumb.craigslist.org/tls/7565399008.html
With the cast iron stand, the asking price of $250 is a very good price.
For more information, see the original ad. ---> https://thumb.craigslist.org/tls/7565399008.html
lafester
Well-known member
Sold already... It does look nice.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I didn't buy it. I can say I did think about it, though.
I picked this one up this morning, it runs but needs some tlc. Its been outside in an open carport for years. This is actually the second 1 hp Craftsman I have owned. The last one went away about ten years ago when I decided that my 3/4hp import grinder had more power and was actually much smoother. I still have that one too. I will keep this one though, two grinders may not be a bad thing. Still I think the 1 hp rating is way over rated. Sort of like my Craftsman shop vac with its "peak" hp rating. I think it says 6.8 amps 115v on the faded label so that's not even a true 1/2hp, right?
Boogerman
Well-known member
Unwanted and unneeded, but price was right and hard to find.
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"I think it says 6.8 amps 115v on the faded label so that's not even a true 1/2hp, right?"
Might be metric HP....
It looks like despite the 1-hp rating its not even 1/3 hp if rated honestly. I had another 1hp craftsman about 10-12 years ago, but let it go, it didn't seem that powerful or that smooth. I decided to give it a better look as some people apparently really like them. I did find out about balancing the grinding wheels to smooth things out a few years ago. This one needs that too.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Or the "1" in the tens col is MIA over the decades...
stonesfan68
Well-known member
It is probably peak power when it starts, or something, kind of like the shop vacuum companies do."I think it says 6.8 amps 115v on the faded label so that's not even a true 1/2hp, right?"
Might be metric HP....
Yes I have a "6"hp craftsman shop vac that runs on a 15 amp 110v circuit and never trips it! So their marketing logic matches. I noticed the industrial craftsman 1/2" hp grinder about the same era (#397.19440) is 6.2amps vs 6.8 amp. So those were probably rated more honestly. Probably knew the industrial customers would call their bluff even back then.
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CylinderDude
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Here's one I restored awhile back, 397.1958. I think I paid $40? It was actually the start of my vintage tool addiction.
And here's one I just picked up today! For $24 at a local estate sale I couldn't pass it up. Anyone know what color it would be originally? I'll probably get around to doing a thorough restoration once I finish up a few of my many other projects. It's older (1955' I think) than my grey one and seems much quieter for some reason. Does anyone have any input on keeping one vs the other? Not sure if I need 2 lol.
And here's one I just picked up today! For $24 at a local estate sale I couldn't pass it up. Anyone know what color it would be originally? I'll probably get around to doing a thorough restoration once I finish up a few of my many other projects. It's older (1955' I think) than my grey one and seems much quieter for some reason. Does anyone have any input on keeping one vs the other? Not sure if I need 2 lol.
FrankLee
Well-known member
It should look like this 9 55 model with all original paint. Except I made nicer tool rests.
As found:
Keep the 7566. Here is a comparison of the rotor from a 1/2 hp cast iron 115.7575 and a later 1/2 hp cube grinder.
IIRC, the rotor in an aluminum round top and cube are similar. I would choose a cast iron grinder every time.
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Old Radar
Well-known member
They're both 1/3hp, but the older -7566 is 5.5 amps vs. only 3.5 amps on your original. No question--more is better.
And what's this "need" BS of which you speak??
Both mine are 1/2hp with the older 1958 model sporting 7.0 amps and the 1972 model only 5.2 amps. Your older 1/3 has more oomph than my 1/2hp.
Finally, here's a look at the beefy windings in an older 1/2hp compared to its anemic progeny.
There's more on those early versions at another thread. They are somewhat acknowledged as "Pre-Block" grinders:And here's one I just picked up today! For $24 at a local estate sale I couldn't pass it up. Anyone know what color it would be originally? I'll probably get around to doing a thorough restoration once I finish up a few of my many other projects. It's older (1955' I think) than my grey one and seems much quieter for some reason. Does anyone have any input on keeping one vs the other? Not sure if I need 2 lol.
"Pre-Block" Grinders--Where's the Love?
I recently acquired a 50's model Craftsman 7-inch bench grinder, which is known as a "Pre-Block" model. I've owned a dozen of the later Block models, but never one of the early versions. I set about trying to learn more about their history, but found very little accolades for them--so why no...
www.garagejournal.com
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
My vote is to keep both. But then I have three, each set up for differing wheels (bristle/deburring, wire, stone) so I may be biased. But I have no regrets.
CylinderDude
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That very much is the coolest/craziest grinder stand I've ever seenThey're both 1/3hp, but the older -7566 is 5.5 amps vs. only 3.5 amps on your original. No question--more is better.
And what's this "need" BS of which you speak??
Both mine are 1/2hp with the older 1958 model sporting 7.0 amps and the 1972 model only 5.2 amps. Your older 1/3 has more oomph than my 1/2hp.
Finally, here's a look at the beefy windings in an older 1/2hp compared to its anemic progeny.
Well I'm in desperate need of organizing my garage. I not only picked up the grinder but a scroll saw, portable thickness planer and a small jointer. If I can come up with some clever ways of saving space I might keep both.
And as always thanks Franklee for providing info on the correct color. When I get to the point of tearing it down I think I'll try and make it as original as possible. Would match my drill press and band saw for the grey color scheme.
FrankLee
Well-known member
A couple more things...
Obviously, you won't know the condition of your center band until you strip the red paint. If the chrome striped center band cleans up nicely, great. If not, you can paint it of course, but another option is to apply a self-adhesive engine turned vinyl. It will match your other machines. Below is a 115.6965 grinder where the chrome striped band did not recover. The vinyl looks pretty good.
The 7566 grinders did not come equipped with a lamp. A snap-in female outlet installed in the back and wired into the switch works great for a stand-alone vintage lamp. I did this mod on both of my 7566 grinders.
Obviously, you won't know the condition of your center band until you strip the red paint. If the chrome striped center band cleans up nicely, great. If not, you can paint it of course, but another option is to apply a self-adhesive engine turned vinyl. It will match your other machines. Below is a 115.6965 grinder where the chrome striped band did not recover. The vinyl looks pretty good.
The 7566 grinders did not come equipped with a lamp. A snap-in female outlet installed in the back and wired into the switch works great for a stand-alone vintage lamp. I did this mod on both of my 7566 grinders.
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CylinderDude
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I actually remember you suggested this when you helped me with my drill press and used this technique on my bandsaw. It does look fantastic and is super simple to do. Will see what kinda condition it's in when I start tearing it down. Greatly appreciate the help and advice as always!
Grandpa's tools
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I love that grinder stand! What a work of art!They're both 1/3hp, but the older -7566 is 5.5 amps vs. only 3.5 amps on your original. No question--more is better.
And what's this "need" BS of which you speak??
Both mine are 1/2hp with the older 1958 model sporting 7.0 amps and the 1972 model only 5.2 amps. Your older 1/3 has more oomph than my 1/2hp.
Finally, here's a look at the beefy windings in an older 1/2hp compared to its anemic progeny.
chris.labianco@gmail.
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Anyone know what model number this is, or about what year based on the serial number (832400187)? I picked it up for $60 with a new wheel. All I can see is a serial number, and 1 HP.
I'm not sure what years they switched to plastic eye shields and the different push pull switch. Inside there's a galvanized plate with a schematic for wiring 110/220, so I assume it's the "commercial" version but maybe not. I didn't see any date stamps under as I've heard to look for.
Soon it will be restored, though other than the crud buildup, the label, and one of the tool posts, it's in great shape.
I'm not sure what years they switched to plastic eye shields and the different push pull switch. Inside there's a galvanized plate with a schematic for wiring 110/220, so I assume it's the "commercial" version but maybe not. I didn't see any date stamps under as I've heard to look for.
Soon it will be restored, though other than the crud buildup, the label, and one of the tool posts, it's in great shape.
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Hoorn
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chris.labianco@gmail.
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I forgot to mention that I narrowed it down to 397.19360 or I think 257.192190, and i think the latter is the more desireable of the two with heavier Paramount/Allegretti windings. Unfortunately the links and photos on the main block grinder information thread seem to be broken so I couldn't figure out which of the two.
Hoorn
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@chris.labianco@gmail. did you mean to have your email address as your GJ name?
rd65
Well-known member
Not as old as these others but I did buy it new way back when. Currently in the garage. The shop has an 8" Jet that is quite a beast compared to my old Craftsman. That is still the original griding wheel. I've been thru a few wire wheels cleaning bolts and parts for old project rigs. 
Bobioz1
Well-known member
It’s not a 257.
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chris.labianco@gmail.
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Well aside from the ugly guards it looks pretty good after stripping, sanding, and painting. I replaced the bearings and cleaned the electric connections which all looked clean and in excellent shape. Started right up and sounded great. Put the discs on and also was working fine.
However, I then moved it to the bench and turned it on again....nothing but loud humming. I turned it off immediately. Subsequent tries were the same, and if i started it spinning by hand first, still nothing. Is it cooked? I didn't hear any pop, no burning smell. Opened the cover and from the outside the winding looks fine. Anyone know offhand what's up before i start disassembly again?
However, I then moved it to the bench and turned it on again....nothing but loud humming. I turned it off immediately. Subsequent tries were the same, and if i started it spinning by hand first, still nothing. Is it cooked? I didn't hear any pop, no burning smell. Opened the cover and from the outside the winding looks fine. Anyone know offhand what's up before i start disassembly again?
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Bobioz1
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I would take the grinder off the base, set it on a nice flat area and loosen the case halves. Then wiggle it flat and retorque the case.
chris.labianco@gmail.
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Are you thinking that the stator is binding on the rotor? Because everything is smooth and free.
Bobioz1
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Yes
I picked up this 1/3 hp grinder on marketplace for $40. Bearings making a little noise, does anyone know the replacement bearing number needed for these models? I would expect they are sealed? Anyone ever try to re-grease the bearings or is it not worthwhile? I ask because I expect the original bearings to be USA made where replacements probably aren't. What year would you guess these models were sold? Thanks for any info.
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rd65
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With todays young workers and their entitlement attitudes and lack of accountability are you sure you want US sourced parts?
Old Radar
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I repacked the bearings on my '59 1/2hp. I can't say if the bearings in the newer blocks are sealed or not. Mine just had plastic covers that popped off. It runs very smoothly, now.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
As long as they are not pitted/scored I'd think most could be cleaned and repacked. I've repacked front wheel bearings in motor vehicles so many times I've lost track...
As to off shore Bearings, Yes I'l take US made over most Asian any day. Japan, sure Europe/Scandinavian, you bet. MIC or India? Nope
As to off shore Bearings, Yes I'l take US made over most Asian any day. Japan, sure Europe/Scandinavian, you bet. MIC or India? Nope
I found this 1/2 HP Craftsman bench grinder on market place asking $30. Honest owner mentions bearings may need replacement. Is this a hard job? Is this a very good grinder or should I avoid and look for an older one? What year do you suspect these were produced? Thanks for your opinion.
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torqueman2002
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If it starts and runs without issues, it is a very good price.
Bearing replacement is not expensive and they easy to source; Amazon, Grainger, Zoro, .....
A puller and splitter may be needed for removal.
Difficulty depends on your experience with things mechanical. Here is a How-To:
CM Block Grinder bearing replacement - 3 methods - https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/cm-block-grinder-bearing-replacement-3-meathods.328228/
BTW - many CM grinders have date of manufacture stamped on the bottom cover.
Bearing replacement is not expensive and they easy to source; Amazon, Grainger, Zoro, .....
A puller and splitter may be needed for removal.
Difficulty depends on your experience with things mechanical. Here is a How-To:
CM Block Grinder bearing replacement - 3 methods - https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/cm-block-grinder-bearing-replacement-3-meathods.328228/
BTW - many CM grinders have date of manufacture stamped on the bottom cover.
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Hoorn
Well-known member
$30 is a very good price for an intact Delco made Craftsman grinder that appears intact.
@torqueman2002 beat me to the response, but I can second his comment that if you are somewhat mechanically handy, it's fairly straightforward.
@torqueman2002 beat me to the response, but I can second his comment that if you are somewhat mechanically handy, it's fairly straightforward.