let's see your craftsman block grinders

[gregthor]

Great Thread Guys!!! who would have thought I could learn so much about bench grinders!! I haven't posted in awhile so decided to post this Block refresh. Another words no new bearings or switches just a little paint. It is Christmas time soon and I need a gift for my 23 year old son. So I went to the "to be restored some day pile" and picked this out. I got it at an auction a year or two ago.
View media item 45226
It seemed to have very light use over the years so a perfect candidate for a Christmas gift.
View media item 45225
It came with the original Craftsman wheels and a Craftsman wire wheel.
View media item 45223
Under the quench tray it was a little banged up. This will need fixing.
View media item 45221
The wire wheel took its toll on the soft aluminum housing, there is no fix for this but if the wire wheel is reinstalled, it well need a spacer to get it away from the housing.
View media item 45220
Inside was really clean.
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The sheet metal will need work.
View media item 45217
First step was to press on it a little with the arbor press.
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The arbor straightened out the bend but now it was not 90 degrees so I put it in my smooth jaw Chas Parker and tapped it with a rubber mallet.
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Finally I finished it with a small hammer. It is not perfect but very close and it will not be seen under the quench tray.
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Here is the after picture, Certainly my skills fall short of chopping a top on a 32 ford but for the bench grinder I am happy.
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I don't think it was ever perfect. Generally, it is not good stamping practice to have a punched hole so close to a radius.
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By the looks of this picture this was a wood grinder.
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All taped up and ready for paint. The dark gray colors will not be painted since they were really nice and it seems the original paint is more durable then rattle cans so only the sheet metal center is getting fresh paint.
View media item 45207
The inside of the light was really nice so it will not get paint, the outside will get fresh paint.
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I went with a argent silver intsead of the original dove gray.
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What better way to reassemble a vintage block grinder then with a 1960's Sears wrench I have had since new....
View media item 45203
I coated the screws with neverseize because they were originally self tapping and I don't want any stripped holes in the soft aluminum.
View media item 45202
I ring tested the wheels. Both grinding wheels "rang" nice at each 90 degree orientation.
View media item 45201
Unfortunately, the wire wheel did not ring at all and must be scrapped. It probably has a broken wire and I don't have time to look at all those wires to find the broken one...
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Ok OK I am just kidding... I did not ring test the wire wheel. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention...

I should have dressed the wheels before I refreshed the grinder. I don't want all that dust all over my new paint job. Sooo I dug out the "worlds ugliest grinder" to do the job. This old grinder works like a champ with tons of torque but it sure ain't no beauty queen.
View media item 45198
Of course what better dresser than a vintage Sears dresser. The wheels will get a final dress with a stone after they are back on the block.
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The finished grinder ready for a box and Christmas wrapping paper. I put new rubber feet on it but they were not on when I took this picture.
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A side shot
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A front shot
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[Itinerant]

Drives, My glass is pitted on the wheel side and I was wondering about getting new. Do glass shops have laminated safety glass or is there something better nowadays?

McB, I took my guards to a local glass shop and they installed new laminated glass. Cost me a whopping $5 per.

Great Thread Guys!!! who would have thought I could learn so much about bench grinders!! I haven't posted in awhile so decided to post this Block refresh. Another words no new bearings or switches just a little paint. It is Christmas time soon and I need a gift for my 23 year old son. So I went to the "to be restored some day pile" and picked this out. I got it at an auction a year or two ago.

Nicely done and a nice gift!

 

[drivesitfar]

Gregthor: awesome post. you'll need to put a link to this thread on the Christmas card to your son when you give him this nice block and what a gret present.

so the wire wheel didn't pass the ring test??

stick around this thread because your skills and sense of humor are awesome as are the guys that frequent this thread.

 

[drivesitfar]

JCM: sorry i don't have the answer to where you can find the best buffing wheels, but i would like to know the answer too so i'll look for answers and let you know if i find any. hopefully TM or others that also own buffers have the answers.

IT: sounds like an easy fix and for not much money. even though most of my shields are in decent shape have one you can see through 100% would be nice.

 

[torqueman2002]

torqueman2002,

Found the problem, the contact switch was bent enough that it was not closing the points. I just tried a couple of test fits till it had a closed circuit setting still.
A slight bend was all it needed.

Assembled and tried it. The motor spun right up. Mounted the wheels and it still spun right up.

Now to decide on a paint scheme.

Thanks to everyone for the help,

Dave

Glad to hear it!

BTW - here's the link to the start-up switch and centrifugal assembly operation.
http://tinyurl.com/CM-115-19500-restore

 

[Pupuhd]

View media item 45200
Ok OK I am just kidding... I did not ring test the wire wheel. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention...

Would you "ring test" this wheel at 1 degree intervals to make sure each wire strand is good?

 

[torqueman2002]

I very rarely go to garage/tag/yard sales, but I had the inside scoop on one with some decent tools for sale... including the block grinder pictured herein

Hard to tell from pic, but it looks like a 397.19580. Nice price!

Be sure to post up your restore/refresh.

 

[torqueman2002]

Drives, My glass is pitted on the wheel side and I was wondering about getting new. Do glass shops have laminated safety glass or is there something better nowadays?

I haven't found anything to remove the pitting. I think they are molten swarf (ferrous metal sparks) embedded in the glass. If they are bad enough, I replace the 'glass'.

I just received a Lexan Sheet - Polycarbonate - .236" - 1/4" Thick, Clear, 12" x 12" from Amazon ($12.50, free shipping with Prime), that is going to be used, in part, on a Baldor lighted eye shield.

It is easy to cut at home, but tends to scratch easier than 'glass'.

Here is a link to the thread below, where Eye Shield repair/replacement links are listed.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4000529&postcount=3

 

[torqueman2002]

Taper Adapter for Buffing Wheels - FOUND!
I have in my possession an inside threaded taper adapter for a 5/8" arbor. $18.55 + $9.16 shipping, total $27.71.
Stuller Jeweler Supplies
They carry both a right and left threaded adapater for 5/8" arbor, but nothing similar for a 1/2" arbor, at least as far as I can tell. As you can see from the pictures after I mounted it, it's a nice extension as well. ...

Now that I have finally found a taper adapter, I need to get some buffing wheels and could benefit from the collective experience.

Center hole
I've found leather-center pinhold wheels on ebay, but I can only find them from one source, kiren on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-x-50-ply-LEATHER-center-PINHOLE-White-Stitched-COTTON-polishing-buffing-wheel-/360713213160?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53fc2ed4e8 ....
I've also read that one can use up to a 1/2" hole. They'll run up the spindle farther but otherwise work. Applying some krazy glue to the fibers around the hole will make it last a lot longer. Since there are a lot more wheels available at a lower price this would seem to be a preferable solution. Has anyone tried this?. ....
Plies
kiren has a number of different ply counts from 40 to 70 plies. Is it a case of more plies are better?
Wheel types
I've seen loose, concentric, spiral, sisal and more types. Should I get one of each?
Compounds
I've got black (emery), brown (tripoli), red and white rouges. I'd like to try buffing out some scratches on cds and dvds. Do I need to have any other compounds on hand?

Good resources. I now understand the benefits of the taper adapters.

Some links, that may be helpful.
I've used TPTools a lot for buffing and grinder supplies, the others I don't have any experience with.
http://www.tptools.com/

http://support.caswellplating.com/index.php?/Core/Default/Index

http://www.buschshineproducts.com/

 

[Duct Tape Man]

Looking for a 1/3 hp or 1/2 hp block grinder, in good working condition. Doesn't need to be pretty, I am looking forward to doing a cosmetic restoration. If anyone has one, let me know. Don't have a ton of money to spend, about $50-65 range.

 

[torqueman2002]

gregthor - Say it again, nice post.

Do you mind if I link to it in my sig. post below?

 

[McBrownie]

Nice job on the restoration and what a great present.

No date stamp, but my 257.191401 has a casting date stamp on the wheel guards that has an "83" in it.

This picture isn't the best. It's clearer in person:

View media item 40371
It's hard to tell, but does yours have an "84"?

View media item 45263

 

[torqueman2002]

Looking for a 1/3 hp or 1/2 hp block grinder, in good working condition. Doesn't need to be pretty, I am looking forward to doing a cosmetic restoration. If anyone has one, let me know. Don't have a ton of money to spend, about $50-65 range.

$50-65 will buy a good to v. good 1/3 or 1/2 Block in the SE MI area.

Add 2-day ground FedEx shipping; ie from MI 48334 to:
NJ 08360 is ~ $32
AL 35226 is ~ $40

If you'd like to be added to my search list, please PM me with the details and your contact information. More details in above post #3291.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4391013&postcount=3291

 

[torqueman2002]

Search/wish list updated.

Please PM me with any changes.

 

[941designs]

You are a very cool dad!! That will make for a priceless present. I appreciate the time you took to write up your build.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's a Block set-up as a buffer, with CM stand.
Note: not mine, but it's in my back yard.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tld/4777397150.html

 

[torqueman2002]

Search list updated.

 

[tedsters]

gregthor

wow i think i seen that grinder thats the one you just picked up when you came over and got the 974 1/2 parker from me, I think your son is gonna be in Awe
when you give him that.
you did an awesome job on it looks great

 

[Outlawmws]

Here's a Block set-up as a buffer, with CM stand.
Note: not mine YET , but it's in my back yard.

Fixed it for ya!

 

[cagullett1]

You are a very cool dad!! That will make for a priceless present. I appreciate the time you took to write up your build.

second this! My dad has always had a small shop so he never had the space to have "extras" laying around... my grandfather always had one of these in his basement shop (dad got it), so I have been acquiring a few over the past 6 months. Being 25, I wish someone handed me a freshly restored block! Luckily 2 of my 4 are up and running.

 

[torqueman2002]

Fixed it for ya!

LOL!

Too much $$ for me.

 

[gregthor]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the kind words guys!!

torqueman2002 – sure you can link to it in your sig

McBrownie – Thanks for info on dating these machines. Like I said in the first sentence of my post “who would have thought I could learn so much about bench grinders?? “ I will have to wait until my son goes hunting later this week until I can look at the date. He comes over a lot and I don’t want him to see it.

Tedsters – This was the last block grinder I added to the "to be restored some day pile"….since you discovered Garage Journal I haven’t been able to score anymore…..I think they are all in your garage now…..lol (Tedsters lives 30 miles up the road from me)

Greg

 

[Steroblan]

Someone nearby?

http://chico.craigslist.org/tls/4774120271.html

 

[gregthor]

Hi Guys,
It is not very often I get rid of something but it is time to say good bye to my old bench grinder. After 34 years of dedicated and loyal service my "Budget Block" (the block that is all plastic)has to go. At about year 20 the side to side play grew to about an 1/8 inch. At about 25 years old I had to spin it to get it going and about 2 years ago it got really hot, then it began to smell like an industrial fire so I pulled the plug for the last time. I have been saving it for parts but now I have used what I needed and there might be some parts for some one doing a budget block.
View media item 45264
If anyone needs any of these parts send me a PM. The parts are free but you must pay shipping. Please remember these are old used parts and they have had a hard productive life but maybe you can use them. The spark arrestors are like new, the quench tray could clean up nice, the shaft could be stripped re purposed into shaft for a homemade buffer, the rubber feet are old but if you are on a budget better than nothing.
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The lite takes a small bulb. I ever used it after the original bulb burned out.
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The switch worked when the grinder died.
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The grinder was 1/3 HP 6 inch wheel. Oddly, I was just thinking, I got this grinder from my parents when I was 23 years old. I hope the one a few post up lasts for my son 34 years.

Greg

 

[McBrownie]

McB, I took my guards to a local glass shop and they installed new laminated glass. Cost me a whopping $5 per.

Well, do not shop here:

http://www.dullesglassandmirror.com/laminated-glass.asp

because one 4" x 5" piece of laminated glass, and yes I double checked that it was inches, is $69!!!! That was with the online discount. List is $95.

 

[gregthor]

Spark arrestors and quench tray taken (post 3404 above)
Greg

 

[Itinerant]

Well, do not shop here:

http://www.dullesglassandmirror.com/laminated-glass.asp

because one 4" x 5" piece of laminated glass, and yes I double checked that it was inches, is $69!!!! That was with the online discount. List is $95.

Yikes! I'll be sure not to!

 

[jakemac]

Here's some parts for a flat top on our favorite auction site, if anyone needs them.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sears-Craftsman-Commercial-Bench-Grinder-Front-Panel-Cover-and-Light/141484195548?_trksid=p2060778.c100277.m3477&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140725134205%26meid%3D80bab91b69ef482da170ef1aac4f7764%26pid%3D100277%26prg%3D20140725134205%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D141485054430

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: I'm guessing those expensive shields have some pornographic halogram to look through while grinding or the seller only sells one of these a year to the same guy that spends $1,000 for a multy welded vise. I think i'll try to find a shop more in the range IT found his. cheers


Happy Thanksgiving fellow Block heads.

 

[McBrownie]

Before I run "over the river and through the woods" today, I thought I would post a little update to my 397.19670 3/4hp barn find. The "You would look like this too, if you sat in a barn for 20 years" picture:

View media item 44370
And the completion of Phase 1. Painted the center tin, eye shields, and gooseneck. Re-purposed and re-painted an old desk lamp also. Rustoleum Metallic Silver and Soft Iron are the colors. A new old stock switch as detailed in a previous post. Also a new cord, rubber feet, and bearings. Other than that, just a general clean up. It is one smooth and powerful machine.

View media item 45328
The case, guards, and cast base will get re-painted as the weather permits as part of Phase 3. What about Phase 2? Well, it's already in-process. That is my Thanksgiving teaser. More to come in the next week or so.

 

[McBrownie]

Here's some parts for a flat top on our favorite auction site, if anyone needs them.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sears-Craftsman-Commercial-Bench-Grinder-Front-Panel-Cover-and-Light/141484195548?_trksid=p2060778.c100277.m3477&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140725134205%26meid%3D80bab91b69ef482da170ef1aac4f7764%26pid%3D100277%26prg%3D20140725134205%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D141485054430

From a 3/4hp Flat top, nonetheless. The seller has a couple of nice items, but I wonder what happened to the rest?

EDIT: I contacted the seller to ask about other items, like the tool rests. He replied saying he doesn't have anything else.

 

[Pupuhd]

Have to say, sometimes I meet the nicest and honest people online. One person is torqueman. A week or more ago I had the privilege to be added to his Want database. My wishlist was a 6" Craftsman block grinder, preferably 1/3 hp, complete with eye shields, wheel guards, tools rest, light, water trough and no stand.

Within a few days, he responds back with a bite in his "backyard". After many correspondences with him, this was waiting on my porch this afternoon.....

Yes a box from Fedex as "promised" from torqueman himself. What was in it you ask?

This....

Not only as my wishlist listed but more: metal framed eye shields and the integrated rubber feet.

Dated May 3, 1965. Same vintage year as my wife. She was thrilled about that. Happy wife=happy husband in shop with new toy.

I'll be getting new grinding wheels for it and for now will leave it as is. Maybe after Christmas I'll throw new bearings in it and new paint job. Everything works and runs smooth.

Few questions: on the rear next to were the gooseneck light there are two knockouts. One 7/16" diameter, the other 7/8". What were these for? When I rebuild it, I would like to add a on/off toggle switch for the light in the smaller knockout next to the gooseneck.

This grinder will be mounted to a table along side my 8" Baldor. Second question: should I bolt through the existing integrated rubber feet to detent vibration into the steel base? Or bolt directly through the other mounting holes?

Funny thing, recently I picked up two pieces at CL garage sales that fit perfectly into my latest acquisition. Looks like it was meant to be.

I'll be mounting the plastic light shield during the rebuild and dressing the new wheels with the vintage Sears Grinding Wheel Dreeser.

Anyone who has had the privilege to work with torqueman knows what a wonderful experience it is to work with him. Anyone who now has a want or need for a vintage Craftsman block grinder please contact this man asap. You won't be sorry. I truly believe he breeds these machines as a hobby[emoji1].

Thank you torqueman.

I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

 

[McBrownie]

Few questions: on the rear next to were the gooseneck light there are two knockouts. One 7/16" diameter, the other 7/8". What were these for?

Congratulations on the grinder! TM lives in the center of the block grinder universe and it is great that he helps out those in need.

Here is the picture of the back of one of my 1/2hp's. It was like this when I got it. The power cord runs through a metal and rubber cable gland. It's a lot more substantial than the plastic clip that is original to the grinder. It's over kill, but it looks cool. Others have used it for a in-line fuse holder. Here's a little more info. The "right" size looks like a PG13.5 or PG16. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_gland

View media item 40854

 

[Pupuhd]

Others have used it for a in-line fuse holder. Here's a little more info.

Thank you. However, on this forum, I've seen fuse holders on a few CM block grinders. Were these oem features or later mods? Would it be beneficial to me to add an inline fuse during the rebuild? I currently have an inline 10amp circuit breaker in my vfd setup for my 12" Cincinnati 3 phase 2hp grinder.

 

[torqueman2002]

Pupuhd - Thank you.

FedEx kept us guessing on when you'd get that Block!

First it was scheduled for Friday, then tracking said Monday, but they surprised us and themselves by leaving it yesterday!

I'm glad it's safely in your hands and hope the weather isn't too bad.

I am fond of the Blocks, that's no secret; but, this round-top style is just so great.

I'm not sure what the knock outs were intended for, I haven't seen any OEM Blocks use them.

Since CM used suppliers for these grinders, they could have been intended for non-CM models with different features. I see BelSaw sharpening systems used Block style grinders.

I installed a 'in-line' fuse at the recommendation of a OWWM member, to protect the start-up winding, should a relay, or start-up switch malfunction.

Enjoy your Block.

BTW - I like the projector.

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: nice to see your talents have been passed on again to another satisfied new block owner. you are the best and hoping to either have you find me that big 1HP or sell me big blue.

Pup: sounds like you have had dealings with the King of the Blocks and been a happy recipient of one of his finds. I honestly think he has little elves in the back of his garage making these 50-70 year old gems and spitting them out as needed. nice to see you are happy and good luck on the restoration.

 

[McBrownie]

I was doing more cleaning on my 397.19670 3/4hp today and ran across this:

View media item 45406
My grinder does not have a bottom galvanized plate, which seems consistent with others who have the cast base/quench tray/tool rest holder.

Late 60's seems about right, so I would think that "11/67" would make this a 1968 Block Grinder. Has anyone else taken a look under their tool rests lately?

 

[McBrownie]

Well, some stars aligned today - a crucial piece of "Phase 2" showed up early, it was almost 60 degrees, and I'm back to feeling good enough to fiddle around in the garage. Even though "Phase 2" is only 90% complete, it is working and I just had to post a picture. Believe it or not, I need some help from The Reverend Scott on this project too. He is a bit busy, so I had to make a temporary piece out of plywood to get it working. So, what is it?

http://www.trick-tools.com/Multitool_2_x_36_inch_Belt_Grinder_Attachment_MT362_305#.VHvg4THF-y4

Yep, I sprung for a Multitool Belt Grinder. After much research, back-and-forth, internal debate, etc., etc., I went with the 2x36 instead of the 2x48. The advantages of the 48" are greater belt availability and longevity. However, I'm just not going to use this enough to justify the price difference.

So, what's it like? Pretty darn amazing, that's what! It is more than enough machine for my needs and I'm glad it is on a 3/4hp grinder. With a Scotch-Brite belt, I felt like all 3/4hp was used getting that thing spinning, however once running I could not bog it down. Other belts have posed no problems. It removes stock faster than a stone wheel and has the ability to change belts/grits in seconds. From a quality perspective, I would place it somewhere between consumer-grade and professional-grade. It's a really nice tool for the garage, but in a setting where it is being used hard everyday, you would be better off with a dedicated belt grinder. Burr-King and the like are in business for a reason.

How does it fit on an old 3/4hp Block Grinder? Well............ Here is my first installation, plywood spacer and all. Good news is that the adapter plate lines up with the bolt holes.

View media item 45501
As you can see, there is a 1-1/4" gap between the unit and the housing. This is because of the way the shaft is ground on these old 5/8" spindles. I am certainly not going to mess with the spindle, so I'm having a spacer made. In the meantime, plywood is doing the job. I also painted the belt guard to match the rest of the grinder. I still have to re-paint the base, motor housings, and wheel guards the same color - Rustoleum Soft Flat Iron with a clear coat over top which is very close to the original paint.

I only played around with a few things today, but I may never go back to stones. It is true what they say about removing stock in a hurry. It also polishes in a hurry. The rod for the tool rest on the left side was a rusty mess. 2 minutes with an A80 3M Trizact belt (220 grit) and it has a nice satin finish. Boy I wish I had had that for a couple of vise handles. I still find myself using the wire brush, so that is staying on the left side.

Also, for Drives, notice what is sitting on the bench waiting for the final touches of japanning? That is next on my list - below freezing japanning.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: It sounds like your health is maybe 100% again and very happy to see you were able to make your plan work with the belt grinder addition. I've seen several steel washers take up a gap on the arbor on some wheels I've owned, but your plywood and having Kevin make a better fix sounds better. are you going to put a metal guide on the wheel or is the way it is now except for the plywood replacement that way you'll be using it?

very nice and hard to believe it was 60 in Cleveland today because we have snow on the ground here in Seattle. go figure.


by the way whenever you get time to finish the Prentiss' Japanning is ok by me and i'm sure the others that are waiting to see your professional method and great posts will wait until you have some time to do it.

 

[browntown]

For some reason my browser (chrome) didn't like your link, so lets try this:
MT362 2x36 belt grinder attachment

I'm very envious and think that as soon as I find a 3/4 horse block, I'm getting one as well.