let's see your craftsman block grinders

UIUC-Mech-E · Jul 14, 2014

Apparently I need to spend more time in the garage and less time at the computer. My last few posts have been CL alerts. Nonetheless, here's another one.
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/tls/4563550341.html
Greater DC area. Looks like a good deal.

(Insert catchy saying here)

porschedude996TT · Jul 14, 2014

I have two older 6" block grinders. One was my dear old dads and the other is one that dear old dad bought me when I was 18 or 19. Both are original and are pretty smooth. I bought a C'Man 8" variable grinder and the thing vibrates like crazy. I pulled the wheels and ran it without anything and it still vibrates worse than my old 6"ers. Anyone have a good experience or bad experience with these new 8" grinders?

McBrownie · Jul 14, 2014

Itinerant said:
By all means add a switch if you like, but I don't believe that model had a switch but was rather, "plug and play". I've seen several and none had a switch and there is no switch shown on the parts diagram at Searspartsdirect.

You know, it doesn't have a light either. I would add one of those too while you're at it. Throw in a new set of bearings and you'll be like me realizing that you've spent more in parts than you did on the whole grinder. :bounce:

UIUC-Mech-E · Jul 14, 2014

widdors said:
****, I didn't even think of keeping the vintage look, I almost grabbed a plastic toggle from work to throw on it. Thanks for the heads up, I checked out those eBay links.

Does your cabinet layout leave room for a vintage "powr panl"? That would look awesome with a block grinder.

(Insert catchy saying here)

McBrownie · Jul 15, 2014

What happened to all of the block grinders? Have they all been bought? I haven't seen one for over a month on Cleveland's CL. :dunno:

organ · Jul 15, 2014

McBrownie said:
Nice vintage round top! I would definitely add a switch, but I would make sure it was of the period - early 60's. A few pages back, there was a link to an eBay listing to some old Cutler-Hammer toggles switches.

Congrats on getting a block grinder!

I have a '64 model 1/4 HP just like his... this switch is as near to the original as you can get, I think: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GSW-125BP-G...BP-Medium-Shrt-Bat-Toggle-Switch/151349905088

And cheap too! $4.90 + free shipping.

Itinerant said:
By all means add a switch if you like, but I don't believe that model had a switch but was rather, "plug and play". I've seen several and none had a switch and there is no switch shown on the parts diagram at Searspartsdirect.

Mine was made in '64 and has a switch...

jakemac · Jul 15, 2014

McBrownie said:
What happened to all of the block grinders? Have they all been bought? I haven't seen one for over a month on Cleveland's CL.

Maybe it's mating season and they're all playing coy. :lol:

McBrownie · Jul 15, 2014

jakemac said:
Maybe it's mating season and they're all playing coy.

There's two in my garage right now! I'll keep my fingers crossed for twins.

ShadowRuleZ · Jul 15, 2014

This is not one, thought I had a lead. Hopefully it saves someone else some time.

http://lansing.craigslist.org/tls/4568832038.html

porschedude996TT · Jul 16, 2014

The Copilot said:
Thanks. I don't suppose you have the direct web link to this item on Lowe's website? I tried going to Lowes.com and putting in Hillman #884633. The product that comes up is a Hilliman rubber grommet but the profile looks different.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_423532-37672-884633_4294711046%2B5003693%2B5003696__?productId=4565085&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=Less Than $1|$10 -$15

I ordered them from an ACE Hardware Dealer who buys from Hillman. They don't show up on there order screen because the number is a Lowes sku code. Yes, the image on the lowes site is wrong. I got these yesterday from my two block grinders and they fit perfectly.

To "The Copilot" who first posted the stock number and located them at Lowes, (My Hat is Off to You Sir!)

widdors · Jul 16, 2014

organ said:
I have a '64 model 1/4 HP just like his... this switch is as near to the original as you can get, I think: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GSW-125BP-G...BP-Medium-Shrt-Bat-Toggle-Switch/151349905088

And cheap too! $4.90 + free shipping.

Mine was made in '64 and has a switch...

Ordered, thanks!

dgxlh · Jul 16, 2014

Just picked mine up today :thumbup:

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All for 20 bucks and it works

sho92 · Jul 16, 2014

rickhigginshtbr said:
Philly People: If this was older, I'd snag it.... but really don't need it at the moment...
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/4514667199.html

Thanks for posting this one. I called on it that week and paid over the phone, and finally got to pick it up last weekend. I thought it was a good deal and included were 2 new grinding wheels, an additional wire wheel and 4 "horse hair" wheels. Any idea what the horse hair wheels are used for?

The grinder looks almost brand new, the light even has the original Sears branded bulb in it.

Now to decide which wheels to use and if I should put it on my craftsman stand, or leave that for the 1/3hp round top I'm currently restoring.

nine4gmc · Jul 16, 2014

That's a nice grinder Sho, I would replace the 1/3 on the stand if it were mine.

jakemac · Jul 17, 2014

The manual, HERE, isn't much help. I believe the original wheels were 6"x 3/4", but I don't see any reason why a 1" wouldn't work. There should be enough room on the spindle for it.

McBrownie · Jul 17, 2014

sho92 said:
Thanks for posting this one. I called on it that week and paid over the phone, and finally got to pick it up last weekend. I thought it was a good deal and included were 2 new grinding wheels, an additional wire wheel and 4 "horse hair" wheels. Any idea what the horse hair wheels are used for?

The grinder looks almost brand new, the light even has the original Sears branded bulb in it.

Now to decide which wheels to use and if I should put it on my craftsman stand, or leave that for the 1/3hp round top I'm currently restoring.

That is a great 1HP. I'm glad it went to someone on the forum who knows what they have. According to this, the horse hair wheels can be used to polish wood and I imagine leather. Can you imagine what a 1hp would do to shoes? :willy_nil

http://www.bealltool.com/products/buffing/otherwheels.php

McBrownie · Jul 17, 2014

The Copilot said:
Here's a great short video about how to perform a "ring test" on a grinding wheel (new or old). This short test could save your life:

That is a great video. Very straightforward and to the point. Someone send that man a vintage US vise. He needs one badly!

Torqueman, can you add this to the "resources" page?

McBrownie · Jul 17, 2014

Calling all electrically competent block owners! Standard block grinders run at 3450 RPM. I would like to add a multi-tool belt sander to my 1/2hp, but certain sanding and buffing should be done at 1725 RPM, from what I understand. Is there a way (preferably cheap and easy

) to wire a block grinder to be two-speed?

Is this a possibility?

http://www.partdeal.com/cole-hersee...ihfovtxLHquwvkZuGl69W8aZfWwl4ZFtYIaAtJX8P8HAQ

nine4gmc · Jul 17, 2014

McBrownie, my Craftsman 6x48 and 9" disc sander require a 3450 rpm according to every owners manual I have read. Also, my 2"x48" Baldor belt sander has an oem 3450 motor on it and my Baldor 6" buffer is 3450 as well. :beer:

McBrownie · Jul 17, 2014

nine4gmc said:
McBrownie, my Craftsman 6x48 and 9" disc sander require a 3450 rpm according to every owners manual I have read. Also, my 2"x48" Baldor belt sander has an oem 3450 motor on it and my Baldor 6" buffer is 3450 as well.

Really! Then, I'm worrying about nothing? Good. The less things to worry about the better. What threw me was a foley-belsaw 1x44 belt sander on CL and it runs at 1725 which the owners manual said was necessary to reduce overheating and burning of the material. That was/is an old piece of equipment. I would rather put the money into the multi-tool.

Thanks!

jakemac · Jul 17, 2014

Material heat will be an issue with any speed motor you use. More with a higher speed motor. However, if you go with a lighter touch and take your time then the 3450rpm shouldn't be an issue. The real question would be whether the belt and bearings on the tension barrel can handle the extra speed, but I don't see why it can't. :dunno:

organ · Jul 17, 2014

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/4573988687.html

A complete 1/3 HP round top in North Georgia... make an offer.

cagullett1 · Jul 18, 2014

organ said:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/4573988687.html

A complete 1/3 HP round top in North Georgia... make an offer.

Is this your grinder? I'm going to Atlanta all next week for work. I'm flying southwest so I might just see about getting it, packing it up, and checking it as my second checked bag! :rocker:

stage20 · Jul 18, 2014

found one at the local thrift tool shop for 69 bucks. its a 6" 257 prefix. has new wheels on it. runs. i have a 6 and 8" i could sell and keep the block. not sure if i should spend this much. black case on this one. all black i believe. it was pouring, so i didnt take my phone in.

nine4gmc · Jul 18, 2014

Black case is sometimes all plastic version, check it out real good before you decide Stage.

stage20 · Jul 19, 2014

nine4gmc said:
Black case is sometimes all plastic version, check it out real good before you decide Stage.

a quick lesson on the plastic? it says totally sealed motor on the front like it should. im guessing just the case is plastic?

nine4gmc · Jul 19, 2014

This is the plastic ones, I wouldn't give $0.02 for one personally.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168722

stage20 · Jul 19, 2014

yep. looks exactly like that.

cagullett1 · Jul 19, 2014

stage20 said:
yep. looks exactly like that.

I personally would pass on it then.

bczygan · Jul 19, 2014

$40 in Detroit
Don't know model or size yet.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/4577004574.html

bczygan · Jul 19, 2014

Update: 1/3 HP
Model: 397.19580

bczygan said:
$40 in Detroit
Don't know model or size yet.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/4577004574.html

cagullett1 · Jul 20, 2014

organ said:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/4573988687.html

A complete 1/3 HP round top in North Georgia... make an offer.

I just so happen to be in Atlanta this week for work. I flew Southwest this afternoon and only planned on checking one bag. So what do I do, I grab the box I was saving along with a ton of packaging that Torqueman used to ship out 2 of my grinders, and bring it all with me! :lol_hitti

Now I have a box with plenty of packaging to pick up a grinder! I'm meeting the guy in the morning to look at it. When I spoke with him on the phone, I asked what he was wanting for it. He told me he was motivated to sell, but it was in good shape. Can I pull Torqueman's magic and get it for $20? lol, I'm hoping for $40.

Atlanta seems to be where the grinders are selling right now!

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/4514043503.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/tls/4569488577.html

organ · Jul 21, 2014

I hope you get it. It looks to be in great condition. It's not mine, btw... guess you figured that out.

McBrownie · Jul 21, 2014

cagullett1 said:
I just so happen to be in Atlanta this week for work. I flew Southwest this afternoon and only planned on checking one bag. So what do I do, I grab the box I was saving along with a ton of packaging that Torqueman used to ship out 2 of my grinders, and bring it all with me! Now I have a box with plenty of packaging to pick up a grinder! I'm meeting the guy in the morning to look at it. When I spoke with him on the phone, I asked what he was wanting for it. He told me he was motivated to sell, but it was in good shape. Can I pull Torqueman's magic and get it for $20? lol, I'm hoping for $40.

Atlanta seems to be where the grinders are selling right now!

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/4514043503.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/tls/4569488577.html

That's a clean looking grinder. The quench tray alone is a $25 part. I would go to Atlanta prepared.

-Brent- · Jul 21, 2014

I'm out of the loop on this thread. Did anything ever progress on fabbing up some extensions to convert to a buffer? If not, I'm about to go ahead and get some fabbed, I'd like a little more space on my machine.

cagullett1 · Jul 21, 2014

organ said:
I hope you get it. It looks to be in great condition. It's not mine, btw... guess you figured that out.

McBrownie said:
That's a clean looking grinder. The quench tray alone is a $25 part. I would go to Atlanta prepared.

Got it for $50 and got to scower through an 85 year old man's basement/shop for 2.5 hours. Most hand tools were bartered for services of a handy man that they were displeased with... but I did get to meet a great elderly couple and also pick up a Wilton vise that had been mounted on that bench since 1968 for $70. I can't decide which deal I am more excited about! :willy_nil

Downfall to the grinder, it's missing the left side wheel cover. Anyone have an extra cover for the 397.xxx580 grinder?

drivesitfar · Jul 21, 2014

Cag: any pictures to share before you put it inside your carry on bag? better check those in through the real baggage and hope they get home. or did you ship them to yourself? in any case the Wilton sounds like a great deal and a block for $50 isn't bad either. have a safe trip and don't you love it when a plan on paper works out?

Brent: i think TM and Kevin were at about 4 pairs of the buffer extensions with right and left threads so since TM and I and others already have regular buffers it might be on hold. i saw your post earlier and wanted to see if TM would post an answer, but he might be having withdrawals from selling a block or two out of his stable. i hope he's just on vacation or a well needed break from restoring block grinders while the weather is nice.

torqueman2002 · Jul 21, 2014

-Brent- said:
I'm out of the loop on this thread. Did anything ever progress on fabbing up some extensions to convert to a buffer? If not, I'm about to go ahead and get some fabbed, I'd like a little more space on my machine.

I've got some proto types waiting for me when I get back into town.

I'll post up the results in the following thread. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245593&page=2

cagullett1 · Jul 21, 2014

drivesitfar said:
Cag: any pictures to share before you put it inside your carry on bag? better check those in through the real baggage and hope they get home. or did you ship them to yourself? in any case the Wilton sounds like a great deal and a block for $50 isn't bad either. have a safe trip and don't you love it when a plan on paper works out?

Brent: i think TM and Kevin were at about 4 pairs of the buffer extensions with right and left threads so since TM and I and others already have regular buffers it might be on hold. i saw your post earlier and wanted to see if TM would post an answer, but he might be having withdrawals from selling a block or two out of his stable. i hope he's just on vacation or a well needed break from restoring block grinders while the weather is nice.

I flew Southwest, so as one of my checked bags, I used an empty box full of packaging that I saved when Torqueman sent me 2 grinders. I plan to check the grinder in the box, and I haven't decided how I will be getting the vise home. Either shipping it, carrying in my backpack, or seeing it if will fit in my normal carry on with my clothes. Pics will be posted tomorrow! :beer:

drivesitfar · Jul 21, 2014

Cag: even thought Southwest is a great airline i bet they won't let you do the carry on with the Wilton. USPS medium or flat rate is only about $10-$15 if you have some extra dirty clothes to pack in with it and don't want to check the vise in your baggage.

nice work and sounds like a great experience meeting a good old couple too.
:thumbup:

TM: glad you sent out a smoke signal. I'll check the thread you have on the extensions to see where you guys ended up on price and size. thanks again for doing it and i might get a pair or more if you say they work great.

let's see your craftsman block grinders

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