let's see your craftsman block grinders

[bubinga]

^^^ Amazing job!

Yeah, looks real nice!

 

[drivesitfar]

Quick MAYBE EASY question for the blockheads here who might know more about bench grinders than anyone.

So I still own more than a few blocks and pre blocks but I fell into a deal for a 1/2 inch almost new grinder to that I couldn’t pass up. I gave my father-in-law my favorite grinder on a stand with my favorite wire wheels and I’m looking for your favorite wire wheel to put on my block (ok Baldor). Any links or knowledge shared would be appreciated!!

Also have any of you put 2 or 3 wire wheels on one side of your bigger blocks?

Oh yea I’ve missed all of you while I’m trying to get all my honey do list completed before I turn 70

 

[ViceRoy2030]

Quick MAYBE EASY question for the blockheads here who might know more about bench grinders than anyone.

So I still own more than a few blocks and pre blocks but I fell into a deal for a 1/2 inch almost new grinder to that I couldn’t pass up. I gave my father-in-law my favorite grinder on a stand with my favorite wire wheels and I’m looking for your favorite wire wheel to put on my block (ok Baldor). Any links or knowledge shared would be appreciated!!

Also have any of you put 2 or 3 wire wheels on one side of your bigger blocks?

Oh yea I’ve missed all of you while I’m trying to get all my honey do list completed before I turn 70

I don't have a favorite wire wheel, just one that doesn't shoot wires at me. However, I love the Scoth-Brite radial bristle brush wheels. They are expensive but worth the safety results.

 

[drivesitfar]

Thanks viceroy I kinda forgot about that one cause I’ve been doing more woodworking, concrete and landscaping for a while here.

Anybody else have a favorite wire wheel and is brass any better than steel?

 

[Old Radar]

Anybody else have a favorite white wheel and is brass any better than steel?

As you alluded to up thread with your question about putting multiple wheels on one spindle, I think the wider working surface has merit--although I'm unsure about using multiple wheels. I just put a one-inch wide wheel on one of my grinders and I like it a lot better than the standard width--but it still spits wires. That's what goggles and shop aprons are for.
As for brass vs. steel, brass is softer but you pay for that when it leaves a sheen of brass on the surface of harder materials.

 

[WWShop]

I'm curious if the compressed keyboard cleaner spray would work for installing bearings if it was sprayed on the shaft. Is that stuff cold enough to cause the shaft to contract? I figure spraying that while heating up the bearings would make for an easy install. I'm sure this has probably been discussed but I was just curious if anyone thinks that would work....or is this just a dumb idea?

 

[Outlawmws]

Depends on how much mass is there and the material.

 

[454ragtop]

So, I found this new in the (rather beat up) box block grinder with a disc sander on the left, part # 397.19395, at the flea market yesterday. Very complete, had a couple extras in the box as it turns out, a wire wheel and the swiss army knife shown. The knife was wrapped in the same cardboard as the end plate for the grinder, weird. Anybody recognize that eagle logo on the knife, or anything else about it?

 

[1982fxr]

I'm curious if the compressed keyboard cleaner spray would work for installing bearings if it was sprayed on the shaft. Is that stuff cold enough to cause the shaft to contract? I figure spraying that while heating up the bearings would make for an easy install. I'm sure this has probably been discussed but I was just curious if anyone thinks that would work....or is this just a dumb idea?

I'm doubting it. Did you try?

 

[Outlawmws]

So, I found this new in the (rather beat up) box block grinder with a disc sander on the left,

Great find!

 

[bubinga]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Shaft in freezer overnight, bearing on top of Light bulb for about a half hour.
Use an old-time incandescent type bulb.

 

[genog]

Found this one
I tried to walk away from it....
As if I need ANOTHER grinder!

 

[larry4406]

Found this one
I tried to walk away from it....
As if I need ANOTHER grinder!

I have same collecting dust.

 

[drs3317]

I finally finished the first part of my grinder rebuilds. An older 7" and two 8". I have some other projects before getting into the smaller 6" grinders. I have I have three 1/3 hp and a 1/4 hp. The three I finished I did not record all the process but each was tore completly down and cleaned. New bearings, wire where needed, new capacitors, new power cords plus sanding and paint. Also new wheels were needed. My biggest holdup was locating a paint that I felt was closest to the original. I think I found it. Located it at Walmart. Krylon Fusion, the color is Metallic Dark Metal. I could not believe after several attempts to find a match that Walmart has this color. I think Amazon also carries it. Anyway, it is almost a perfect match. It was a lot of work but overall I am happy with the results including the eye shields.
This first one is the 7" followed but it's big brother 8". The last three photos are of 3rd I finished is also a 3/4 hp but without the heavy duty base.

Well that didn't work. The photos are all mixed up!

 

[bubinga]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Beautiful!

 

[churchmany]

Hello. New member, first post.

I won a CM 257.191600 at an estate auction for $6. It is "lightly" used.

Starts up and runs fine. Still had the OEM CM wheels on it.

I have been looking for the following for it: bench rests, LH and RH. And both Eyeshields. I can't find any of those items individually anywhere. Does anyone know of a place/resource that has them or can make them?

Also like to find a copy of the owner's manual if anyone has a PDF copy available.

The gooseneck lamp was also snapped (the goose's metal neck was broken), and I have ditched it. I have order an LED lamp from ebay, hopefully it'll be my solution.

I have already stripped the machine down, and done a quick wire brushing and cleaning of the muck. The machine has already improved drastically, in terms of appearance.

Besides finding the eyeshields and benchrests, if anyone has any insight to something I need to do or not do, please let me know. At 50 years old, this is my first bench grinder, and first bench grinder tear down.

Thanks.

Matthew

 

[FrankLee]

Welcome!
I can’t help with parts, but If I had one in that condition that needed painting, I would consider reconfiguring the switch and adding a female snap-in outlet in the back for a lamp. My outlet below is wired into the switch, but it could be wired always-hot. It looks like you could use a new switch anyway.

let's see your craftsman block grinders

That's a good one with the hd switch. Grab it or it will be gone.

www.garagejournal.com

Manual:

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/23139.pdf

 

[torqueman2002]

Hello. New member, first post.

I won a CM 257.191600 at an estate auction for $6.

BTW - You earn a You ****!

 

[msharley]

Hello. New member, first post.

I won a CM 257.191600 at an estate auction for $6. It is "lightly" used.

Starts up and runs fine. Still had the OEM CM wheels on it.

I have been looking for the following for it: bench rests, LH and RH. And both Eyeshields. I can't find any of those items individually anywhere. Does anyone know of a place/resource that has them or can make them?

Also like to find a copy of the owner's manual if anyone has a PDF copy available.

The gooseneck lamp was also snapped (the goose's metal neck was broken), and I have ditched it. I have order an LED lamp from ebay, hopefully it'll be my solution.

I have already stripped the machine down, and done a quick wire brushing and cleaning of the muck. The machine has already improved drastically, in terms of appearance.

Besides finding the eyeshields and benchrests, if anyone has any insight to something I need to do or not do, please let me know. At 50 years old, this is my first bench grinder, and first bench grinder tear down.

Thanks.

Matthew

Great Score!

 

[torqueman2002]

Just to clarify. I/we use this phrase to honor your good fortune. See below.

 

[churchmany]

Just to clarify. I/we use this phrase to honor your good fortune. See below.

I’m honored. I was going to silently rebuild and recondition the piece. If and when I finished I’d present the product. But I might do a step by step. The big problem is I have never done something like this before: either rebuilding or documenting it. And I don’t really have the space dedicated. I mean , I can dedicate the space. As a bachelor, all I have is space. So I have to decide what’s most important…..

 

[FrankLee]

I’m honored. I was going to silently rebuild and recondition the piece. If and when I finished I’d present the product. But I might do a step by step. The big problem is I have never done something like this before: either rebuilding or documenting it. And I don’t really have the space dedicated. I mean , I can dedicate the space. As a bachelor, all I have is space. So I have to decide what’s most important…..

Please do.

Most of these grinders are pretty much the same construction, but the 1hp are less common.



I just picked this 3/4hp, model 397.19470 square-top the other day for $30. The cabinet base is incredibly heavy ~3/16" steel.

There are pieces missing. The lamp is easily fixable. The power-off-to-stop-time is 2-1/2 minutes, so new bearings would be required. I'm still on the fence as to whether I'll refurb or part-out.

 

[stefan707]

I’ve been patiently waiting for over a year and found this beauty today. I picked it up for 60$ runs mint. How did I do?

 

[bubinga]

I’ve been patiently waiting for over a year and found this beauty today. I picked it up for 60$ runs mint. How did I do?

You ****!
Good job. 1 HP and everything!

 

[Outlawmws]

You ****!
Good job. 1 HP and everything!

Ditto!

 

[drs3317]

Hello. New member, first post.

I won a CM 257.191600 at an estate auction for $6. It is "lightly" used.

Starts up and runs fine. Still had the OEM CM wheels on it.

I have been looking for the following for it: bench rests, LH and RH. And both Eyeshields. I can't find any of those items individually anywhere. Does anyone know of a place/resource that has them or can make them?

Also like to find a copy of the owner's manual if anyone has a PDF copy available.

The gooseneck lamp was also snapped (the goose's metal neck was broken), and I have ditched it. I have order an LED lamp from ebay, hopefully it'll be my solution.

I have already stripped the machine down, and done a quick wire brushing and cleaning of the muck. The machine has already improved drastically, in terms of appearance.

Besides finding the eyeshields and benchrests, if anyone has any insight to something I need to do or not do, please let me know. At 50 years old, this is my first bench grinder, and first bench grinder tear down.

Thanks.

Matthew

Matthew,
How is your project coming along?
I sent you a PM in reference some parts.
Danny

 

[TonyL]

Would like to publicly thank Mattblast for supplying a label for my Craftsman Bench Grinder. Found this 1/2 hp block grinder in the trash pile at an estate sale and with info from this forum, completed the restoration. Here are some pictures.

 

[larry4406]

Would like to publicly thank Mattblast for supplying a label for my Craftsman Bench Grinder. Found this 1/2 hp block grinder in the trash pile at an estate sale and with info from this forum, completed the restoration. Here are some pictures.

Awesome job!

Hell of a first post!

You will fit in here just fine! Welcome aboard.

@mattblast work is awesome!

 

[genog]

Well done TonyL

 

[ctuai]

Estate sale ($40).

First block grinder. 1/3 hp Model #397.19580. Powers up and the 100 watt bulb throws plenty of light. I'm going to have to go back and see if I can find the other 3 rubber feet.

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

Estate sale ($40).

First block grinder. 1/3 hp Model #397.19580. Powers up and the 100 watt bulb throws plenty of light. I'm going to have to go back and see if I can find the other 3 rubber feet.

Score!!

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Well I figured I would stop bye and see if the block thread is still alive, it looks ok. I was reminded now that I am retired I'm supposed to start working on these....ya know how that goes...#hoader
PS I see torqueman is still in here too, Kudos!

 

[DrFeelGood]

I finally finished the first part of my grinder rebuilds. An older 7" and two 8". I have some other projects before getting into the smaller 6" grinders. I have I have three 1/3 hp and a 1/4 hp. The three I finished I did not record all the process but each was tore completly down and cleaned. New bearings, wire where needed, new capacitors, new power cords plus sanding and paint. Also new wheels were needed. My biggest holdup was locating a paint that I felt was closest to the original. I think I found it. Located it at Walmart. Krylon Fusion, the color is Metallic Dark Metal. I could not believe after several attempts to find a match that Walmart has this color. I think Amazon also carries it. Anyway, it is almost a perfect match. It was a lot of work but overall I am happy with the results including the eye shields.
This first one is the 7" followed but it's big brother 8". The last three photos are of 3rd I finished is also a 3/4 hp but without the heavy duty base.

Well that didn't work. The photos are all mixed up!

Those look fantastic. Krylon Metallic Dark Fusion...good to know.

It has probably been said before (apologies) but what color are you using for the lighter center bent tin color?

 

[DrFeelGood]

So that's where they are all going.

 

[drs3317]

It has probably been said before (apologies) but what color are you using for the lighter center bent tin color?

I tried several different colors and finally settled on;

Rust-Oleum Universal Satin Nickel Metallic Spray Paint and Primer In One​

It looks good, dries fast and seems to hold up well.

 

[DrFeelGood]

So, I tried out that paint suggested by @drs3317 on one of my 1/2hp blocks (1981) and it looks pretty good. The original is more of a grey but who knows if it was always like that.





On my 1/3hp round-top block (1974) I used the other suggested color for the guards.



I picked up the two for $45 total, (but both needed new bearings @ $5.50ea.)

I think the colors are fairly accurate to the original, or, at least in the ballpark.

Thanks for looking.

 

[Boogerman]

I'm not much of a fan of these grinders, but they work okay. Picked one up a few weeks ago for $10, almost passed it but it was complete, so brought it home. Stripped it, repainted, cleaned up the shields, thanks to Mattblast has new label. Now, have it but no use for it. Already had a $75 one, came to me needing no work, use it as a wire wheel motor, works okay for that.

Before/after of the 3/4 hp; and picture of the 1/2 hp one that needed no work.

 

[Old Radar]

^^^ Nice restoration of your 3/4hp block! Looks like you did a great job!

As for your lackluster admiration of these grinders, I can sympathize--I'm not much of a fan of my toilet plunger and I rarely have a use for it, but on those occasions when I employ it, I'm generally satisfied with its performance. I expect that if I used it more often, I would come to better appreciate its inherent strengths and qualities. I'm sure you'd feel the same about your blocks if you needed them more often.

 

[Boogerman]

^^^ Nice restoration of your 3/4hp block! Looks like you did a great job!

As for your lackluster admiration of these grinders, I can sympathize--I'm not much of a fan of my toilet plunger and I rarely have a use for it, but on those occasions when I employ it, I'm generally satisfied with its performance. I expect that if I used it more often, I would come to better appreciate its inherent strengths and qualities. I'm sure you'd feel the same about your blocks if you needed them more often.

Thanks!

I'm not enamored with grinders in general, because they're a multi-purpose tool that doesn't work as well as the several more specific tools that do a better job. The one thing they do is run a wire wheel well.

I have a 2x72 belt grinder with slack belt, platen, direct wheel and small wheel capability powered on 3 phase VFD control. Also, a horizontal wheel wet planer blade sharpener. And, a dual wheel wet knife grinder. And three Baldor buffers set up with buffing, duburring and polishing wheels. Renders a wheel grinder essentially superfluous.

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

Thanks!

I'm not enamored with grinders in general, because they're a multi-purpose tool that doesn't work as well as the several more specific tools that do a better job. The one thing they do is run a wire wheel well.

I have a 2x72 belt grinder with slack belt, platen, direct wheel and small wheel capability powered on 3 phase VFD control. Also, a horizontal wheel wet planer blade sharpener. And, a dual wheel wet knife grinder. And three Baldor buffers set up with buffing, duburring and polishing wheels. Renders a wheel grinder essentially superfluous.

Ok now you're just showing off

Sounds like a nice lineup!