let's see your craftsman block grinders

[tedsters]

How much is a 1/2 hp. block grinder worth? I found one but did not inspect it closely. Owner says it works, it is missing the side guards, and I thought I saw the light under the shelf that is stored on.
Also has anyone ever tried to make a new side guard for these? If so any tips?
Owner wants $30 for it but I did not know the value of these. I've been wanting one, but around here they are as rare as hens teeth.

if it runs good grab it, I am pretty sure on the the blocks 1962 and under are not even drilled for the side covers i have a 1958 and a 60 that don't have covers the side covers were OSHA regulated mandatory on all bench grinder as an eye shield also, pretty sure it was 1962.

 

[torqueman2002]

No reply for me either. That was one of 3 I struck out on yesterday on my drive to pick up my kid from college. Port Clinton, Dayton, and Cinci. Dayton was too much ($125) and Cinci sold before I even called. The Cinci one was a super clean 1/3HP 1960's with all of the attachments. With all of the dirty clothes my son had, I would havhave e had to drive home with it in my lap.

Man! I have had some hard to land CL deals, but this one looked like it was a gonner for sure.

He eMailed me at 9:15 this AM.

We met after 4:00 when he got off from work.

It is a 3/4 HP Model 397.19470 Crown Top Commercial dual voltage with an old cast iron roll around stand.

$35 - and I am happy, fine price for a fine machine.

 

[G20-Budo]

It is a 3/4 HP Model 397.19470 Crown Top Commercial dual voltage with a old cast iron roll around stand.

$35 - and I am happy, fine price for a fine machine.

Yup, you ****!

 

[bczygan]

Darn,
You DO ****!

I've got lots of 1/2HP and below ones. Been wanting a 3/4 or 1HP.

Man! I have had some hard to land CL deals, but this one looked like it was a gonner for sure.

He eMailed me at 9:15 this AM.

We met after 4:00 when he got off from work.

It is a 3/4 HP Model 397.19470 Crown Top Commercial dual voltage with an old cast iron roll around stand.

$35 - and I am happy, fine price for a fine machine.

 

[McBrownie]

Man! I have had some hard to land CL deals, but this one looked like it was a gonner for sure.

He eMailed me at 9:15 this AM.

We met after 4:00 when he got off from work.

It is a 3/4 HP Model 397.19470 Crown Top Commercial dual voltage with an old cast iron roll around stand.

$35 - and I am happy, fine price for a fine machine.

Hey! I was in the running for that one. I at least deserve weekend visitation rights. Nice grinder!

 

[torqueman2002]

Hey guys, thanks! I can't help myself.

The guy is a Master Captain of charter boats and is often away from his home, Port Clinton SW shore of Lake Erie. He's an easy going guy that is a wood worker in his off time. This 3/4 HP grinder was his Dad's, who was an auto mechanic.

I had no idea what model or HP the grinder was from the CL ad. I could see it had the large push/pull power switch I have seen on other Commercial grade Block grinders, and the label looked like it had a 'Crown Top'.

You'd think I'd take a closer look before I plunk down my money, but after agreeing that it was worth his $35 asking price, I just couldn't get it in the truck fast enough.

It was late last night that I unloaded it to see what model & HP it was. I thought maybe a 1/2 HP; but a 3/4 HP!

Well, once Mrs. Torqueman has had enough, I'll be listing some for sale here first. I'll have a good idea what the FedEx shipping will be by then, I am very close to sending one or two to Texas for another Block head.

McBrownie - we can work something out for sure. And I'm sorry, but you have all that laundry to do and that minty Block grinder to keep you busy.

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: That monster looks like a great candidate to rewire to 220 and see how she can really spin. if you do rewire to 220 please post or start a new thread.

by the way how can the Mrs. be upset when you are out talking to ship captains and buying tools. i bet you were smiling quite a bit more when you finally read the label at home. Nice find and buy and McB sounds like you need to be a little quicker for the YS deals like this one.

 

[torqueman2002]

TM: That monster looks like a great candidate to rewire to 220 and see how she can really spin. if you do rewire to 220 please post or start a new thread.

by the way how can the Mrs. be upset when you are out talking to ship captains and buying tools. i bet you were smiling quite a bit more when you finally read the label at home. Nice find and buy and McB sounds like you need to be a little quicker for the YS deals like this one.

drives First, I'm liking your bolding the name in your replies, OK if I use it too?

Well, Mrs. Torequeman did ask how much I spent. I don't remember telling her exactly; but we agreed it was less than the cage she bought for our latest 'garage dog', Beau.

To be accurate, he's going to be a frequent visitor. The only one that is ours is Abby, the one in the middle. Bella and Beau are my daughter and her fiance's. None of the pups are related.

It's been a big week end for us, new grand pup and a new future son-in-law!

I like the idea of wiring it up for 230; of course I'll do a re-spray, bearings, clean the switch, relay, .... (aka - Torqueman treatment ).

I think this guy needs to be put back like OEM.

Funny, but all the restores I've done, none has been the OEM paint.

Anyone know what to use?

Thanks for looking.

 

[-Brent-]

Nice score, Torque.

 

[riggs1117]

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/4471150284.html

$80 bucks if you're near Pittsburgh. I assume it comes with the stand.

 

[McBrownie]

Drivesitfar: I obviously have to step up my game, especially with the TorqueMaster in my backyard.

Here is one I mentioned before and I can't believe it's still listed. Someone hop in their car and go get this one. Looks original with an original stand and for $80!!! 1/4HP

http://charleston.craigslist.org/tls/4449917742.html

 

[drivesitfar]

sounds like TM is starting to sell so either he will be stepping up his game which is already in the major leagues or maybe on cruise control and McB might have 20 minutes extra to contact the sellers.

good luck guys and love the deals you guys get on these old beauties.

TM: anything you want to borrow from me is yours except my bride. nice looking crew of critters sitting there in your kitchen. i'll post a picture of my grand dog on my next post of a pristine block or a deal on a old one. for now here is the last great dog i owned that passed in 2008. we had 13 great years with Taffy.

 

[jakemac]

Here's one north of Boston that's overpriced IMO, but maybe someone can talk him out of the clouds if they're lucky.

http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/tls/4472940783.html

 

[exmaxima1]

Here's one north of Boston that's overpriced IMO.

http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/tls/4472940783.html

I don't think it's overpriced---it might sell for nearly twice that on eBay

 

[jakemac]

Yeah, but I'm a REALLY cheap ******* !

 

[-Brent-]

sounds like TM is starting to sell ...

What? I'm out of the loop. Torque, you need a pic of the whole blockhead line-up (collection) before you go selling any.

Remember this, too, do like the diamond trade does and only put one or two out to market at a time. You have to keep the demand/prices high.

 

[torqueman2002]

Drivesitfar: I obviously have to step up my game, especially with the TorqueMaster in my backyard.

Here is one I mentioned before and I can't believe it's still listed. Someone hop in their car and go get this one. Looks original with an original stand and for $80!!! 1/4HP

http://charleston.craigslist.org/tls/4449917742.html

Nice.

Let's see, SE MI to Charleston without stops, will take me like ....

'my backyard' is very, very BIG.

 

[torqueman2002]

sounds like TM is starting to sell so either he will be stepping up his game which is already in the major leagues or maybe on cruise control and McB might have 20 minutes extra to contact the sellers.

good luck guys and love the deals you guys get on these old beauties.

TM: anything you want to borrow from me is yours except my bride. nice looking crew of critters sitting there in your kitchen. I'll post a picture of my grand dog on my next post of a pristine block or a deal on a old one. for now here is the last great dog i owned that passed in 2008. we had 13 great years with Taffy.

drives .. thanks.

Dogs add so much to your life; I still remember my 1st dog fondly.

I pledge to only buy on consignment, if that's the term. Here's the idea: since I can't help/keep myself from looking, I will take a 'request' and search for 1 person's grinder at a time (no conflict of interest, I hope). I will keep the search to a 30-45 min. ride (Metro Detroit + area) on my own gas. I'll negotiate the best price I can within the previously agreed search request. I'll ship it by requestor's choice of carrier, but it must be shipper-packed.

So, what you get: a retiree searcher in the abundant SE MI area, the best negotiated price for a Block grinder, packed and shipped via. your choice of carrier; cost will be grinder + shipping. As an example or 2, from SE MI to TX:

1 grinder per request.

What do you guys think?

 

[tedsters]

Man! I have had some hard to land CL deals, but this one looked like it was a gonner for sure.

He eMailed me at 9:15 this AM.

We met after 4:00 when he got off from work.

It is a 3/4 HP Model 397.19470 Crown Top Commercial dual voltage with an old cast iron roll around stand.

$35 - and I am happy, fine price for a fine machine.

Good Score, i have not found a 3/4 hp or a 1hp yet but am a looking.
is the 3/4 hp a 7in looks like my end caps with rear exhaust

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: i think you have started the evacuation of the blocks from your garage. Aren't the Baldors you bought getting along with them?

i was thinking since USPS flat rate is pretty reasonable my thought would be to take the arbor out of the grinder and put it with some of the other parts in the medium flat rate box that is rectangular and usually ships for $11.80 across the US.

now depending on the block you are sending the main parts of the grinder might fit in a square medium flat rate USPS box for another $11.80 or a large box for $15.80 and their weight limits are up to i think 70 pounds per box.

just shipped a medium with 60 pounds of dumbbells and a large with another 70 pounds from the west coast via USPS. dropped off on the local Post Office's shipping counter because i printed the label here at my home and they were in New Jersey on my client's front doorstep at 10 am on Monday (3 days later). total cost was $27.10. now i did add some scrap plywood to the top and bottom of each box and used maybe a half a roll of clear shipping tape. they arrived on his porch almost exactly like i dropped them off.

with the above method the new owner will have some assembly required that might let him know a bit more about the way TM goes through and spiffs up one of these beauties.

there is always seller's remorse when selling any tool you used or worked on but just think of the smiling faces of the guys that are going to get to use them. i know a nice guy in Texas that will be for sure knowing he got maybe the first one you let go to a non relative.

 

[McBrownie]

drives .. thanks.

Dogs add so much to your life; I still remember my 1st dog fondly.

I pledge to only buy on consignment, if that's the term. Here's the idea: since I can't help/keep myself from looking, I will take a 'request' and search for 1 person's grinder at a time (no conflict of interest, I hope). I will keep the search to a 30-45 min. ride (Metro Detroit + area) on my own gas. I'll negotiate the best price I can within the previously agreed search request. I'll ship it by requestor's choice of carrier, but it must be shipper-packed.

So, what you get: a retiree searcher in the abundant SE MI area, the best negotiated price for a Block grinder, packed and shipped via. your choice of carrier; cost will be grinder + shipping. As an example or 2, from SE MI to TX:

1 grinder per request.

What do you guys think?

That is more than a fair offer and thank you for making it. I'll add SE MI to my search. Now, to add to your guilt, these guys are asking "Where is our 3/4 HP Crown Top Commercial Block Grinder?"

View media item 40646

 

[torqueman2002]

That is more than a fair offer and thank you for making it. I'll add SE MI to my search. Now, to add to your guilt, these guys are asking "Where is our 3/4 HP Crown Top Commercial Block Grinder?"

View media item 40646

OMG they are cute! Before the Labs, we had a couple of mini-Dashounds. Are your's stubborn like our's were?

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

Glad I found my grinders before the TM search service went into effect. I had a hard enough time buying one out from under him when he didn't need any more...

Make the want list public and I'll keep an eye out too, I passed on a 1/4 for $25 at an estate sale a few months ago but if I knew someone would have wanted it I would have grabbed it.

 

[McBrownie]

OMG they are cute! Before the Labs, we had a couple of mini-Dashounds. Are your's stubborn like our's were?

INCREDIBLY stubborn! We had a Jack Russel before. She was high energy and all business, but trainable. These guys are a challenge. They are not brothers, but are the same age (14 months) and are inseparable. Best buddies.

 

[torqueman2002]

Good Score, i have not found a 3/4 hp or a 1hp yet but am a looking.
is the 3/4 hp a 7in looks like my end caps with rear exhaust

Yes they are. Some may find 7" wheels difficult to source locally, but MSC has them. I've had good experience with ordering from them.

Edit - April 9, 2015
I just measured an almost new, original 3/4-HP m-397.19470. It has 8" stones.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's one north of Boston that's overpriced IMO, but maybe someone can talk him out of the clouds if they're lucky.

http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/tls/4472940783.html

Nice looking, but @$75 - about 2x what I'd pay (for a 1/2 HP) off of a CL ad. I know eBay brings a lot more $.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: nice pair of guard dogs and great picture.

sorry slow on the block front here today so thought I'd share a picture of the grand dog who can chew up a tennis ball in record time if you don't keep playing catch with him. my daughter and son-in-law rescued him from a shelter and have not nailed down the breed, but he is a very quick learner.

 

[torqueman2002]

My comments are in Blue.

TM: i think you have started the evacuation of the blocks from your garage. Aren't the Baldors you bought getting along with them? I keep them seperated for their own good, don't want to know who'll win!

i was thinking since USPS flat rate is pretty reasonable my thought would be to take the arbor out of the grinder and put it with some of the other parts in the medium flat rate box that is rectangular and usually ships for $11.80 across the US.

now depending on the block you are sending the main parts of the grinder might fit in a square medium flat rate USPS box for another $11.80 or a large box for $15.80 and their weight limits are up to i think 70 pounds per box. Good ideas. I measured the rotor of a 1/3 HP @ 15" x 2-5/8". With the recommended 2-3" of packing on each side, that requires a box of 19" x 6-5/8" to 21" x 8-5/8" inside dimensions. I can't find a USPS box like that. Any ideas?

with the above method the new owner will have some assembly required that might let him know a bit more about the way TM goes through and spiffs up one of these beauties. This is getting into the possibility the dis-assembly will run into difficulties.
About 3 out of 9 I've done have run into significant time and finesse. If it has a start-up switch, it may need re-soldering. Then, there's the stuck bearing problem.
If the grinder is going to be taken apart, I'd want to invest the time and $$ in a rebuild. I enjoy doing the rebuilds, but that's a whole different scenario.
NOW if someone wants to make me an offer I cannot refuse on say a Baldor, or a 1/2 HP Block grinder, .... hmmmm

there is always seller's remorse when selling any tool you used or worked on but just think of the smiling faces of the guys that are going to get to use them. i know a nice guy in Texas that will be for sure knowing he got maybe the first one you let go to a non relative. Tempting, very tempting.

 

[torqueman2002]

Glad I found my grinders before the TM search service went into effect. I had a hard enough time buying one out from under him when he didn't need any more...

Make the want list public and I'll keep an eye out too, I passed on a 1/4 for $25 at an estate sale a few months ago but if I knew someone would have wanted it I would have grabbed it.

One got away from me?!

Well, good for you.

I have my share; now my obsession will be used to do some good.

 

[torqueman2002]

McB: nice pair of guard dogs and great picture.

sorry slow on the block front here today so thought I'd share a picture of the grand dog who can chew up a tennis ball in record time if you don't keep playing catch with him. my daughter and son-in-law rescued him from a shelter and have not nailed down the breed, but he is a very quick learner.

I love dogs! Great face, says "let's PLAY!"

I call my daughter's female Lab my grand-dogger. People think I'm saying grand-daughter!

 

[1982fxr]

a related thread I started today wondering if they made factory block style bench buffers---extended shafts kinda like a Baldor...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248314

 

[drivesitfar]

82: if you read back the last few months on this thread your answers lie there. Sears didn't make a block buffer but they made extensions that slip on and then have a couple screws to tighten them on and damage the existing block's threads. we have been discussing about having one of the members machine us some extensions with left and right threads and in process of getting the costs. do you have one or more blocks that might need some? read some posts maybe that are not dog related and you might see more information.

TM: Personally TM I would pay extra for you to spend some time on these blocks if i was to buy one from you. you are more picky than most of us and we all appreciate your knowledge. i'll check on the shipping and get back to you. instead of 2 or 3 inches of packing how about 2 half inch pieces of plywood on each side of the arbor with it bolted on somehow to keep it from moving inside the box? i'll get back to you on that.

if i don't pay attention to my grand dog when i'm on my laptop in my chair he stuffs the ball under it and knocks me out of it. he now has learned to drop the ball next to my leg as in the one picture and I throw it across the house for him to chase. cool dog and probably should get another one of my own and maybe some day again.

 

[torqueman2002]

OK, we're off and officially searching. Err, make that I'm searching and the dogs (our 3 Brown Labs) are along for the ride.

I heard back from the first brave member yesterday, and we firmed up the details today.

Without revealing personal information other than a member's log-in name, I'll keep a search list and post it in this thread.

This may clutter the thread. I'll start a new one if people think it will work better that way. Let me know.

I could search for more than 1 member at a time, if they are looking for different HP grinders. For example, I can search for: a 1/4, 1/3, and 1/2 HP, while also searching for the 3/4 and 1 HP listed below.

Mike

 

[madoc1]

just picked up one yesterday in Austin. a 3/4 hp non commercial, but it does have the rear exhaust. what makes one an industrial anyway? I thought it was the rear exhaust.

 

[-Brent-]

It looks nearly new... nice machine.

 

[ecotec]

One got away from me?

Two got away from you. I got mine last week too.

View media item 40572

 

[cagullett1]

And to top it off, wasn't the guy only asking $35-$45? My brother's fiancee lives in Austin and he is going down there this upcoming weekend. I was going to have him pick it up for me! Nice buy!

 

[ecotec]

One got away from me?

Two got away from you. I got mine last week too. I got it and an Atlas 1010 at an estate sale in Novi.

View media item 40572

 

[torqueman2002]

just picked up one yesterday in Austin. a 3/4 hp non commercial, but it does have the rear exhaust. what makes one an industrial anyway? I thought it was the rear exhaust.

Good question.

Most of the commercial ones I have seen pictures of, and all that I own, are dual voltage - 115/230 V.

There is 1 that was posted in this thread that was a 1/4 or 1/3 HP commercial that was 115 V, and IIRC did not have rear exhaust.

So, I'm not sure there is 1 thing for the multiple years the Block style grinders have been made by different suppliers.


Edit: "General speaking, the commercial grinders are rated for industrial use and dual voltage.
The non-commercial grinders are usually single voltage 6" and some 7" for homeowner use." per Brian Kachadurian on OWWM.

 

[torqueman2002]

And to top it off, wasn't the guy only asking $35-$45? My brother's fiancee lives in Austin and he is going down there this upcoming weekend. I was going to have him pick it up for me! Nice buy!

Drat! So close!

Nice looking grinder.

Oh well, hang in there your time will come.