let's see your craftsman block grinders

[bbrown3979]

Found this beauty for 75 CAD (~55-60USD). Its in great shape and should only require minimal cleanup. Best I can tell is its from the 1974/75 catelog but the Canadian version has a different light.

Guy I bought it from said he had 10 other messages in the hour after I contacted him to buy it. I told him he could easily get one of them to bite on it for 100, but he seemed OK with 75 and appreciated the honesty... now I just have to find another place to hide my "junk" from my wife.

Model 397.21157

 

[Old Radar]

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.

Oh yeah? Well my toilet plunger is superfluous because I have a single phase electric toilet snake and a wet vac that blows that **** halfway to the sewage treatment plant!

But I wish I had your toys.

 

[Rod N]

My grinder didn't come with tool rests so I made some.

 

[i4ni]

I'm not too impressed with the Crapsman block Grinders my own self. Out of the 5 or 6 I have the ugliest most beat up one is the only one that doesn't vibrate like a banshee. I don't use them so I need to unload them, trade em or something. I gave a very clean 1/2 hp to my son a couple of months ago, tried to give him Old Smoothie but he wanted a purty one. I prefer my Baldors and Wissotas, much smoother.

 

[Outlawmws]

If they are vibrating, remove the wheels and test. Its not usually the grinder but the wheels.

 

[i4ni]

If they are vibrating, remove the wheels and test. Its not usually the grinder but the wheels.

Yea. I thought maybe I was being a little harsh after re-reading my post. I was plcking them up for a few years when I'd come across them cheap enough and to be fair alls I did was plug them in when I got them home and they all but the one would walk around somewhat. On the other hand, the 5 or 6 Baldors or Wissotas I've scored have all ran super smooth and stay in one spot. I believe built in Quality ($$$) does make a difference though, one targeted to to the professional and the other to the home owner /handyman. Does having 10 or 12 grinders mean I have an affliction?

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

@i4ni I only have one craftsman, and it's a "pre-block" so maybe a bit different, but it runs VERY smoothly. Only vibrates a bit when speeding up or slowing down.

 

[Rod N]

What surface are you putting your grinder on for it to be walking away?
Mine will do it on my laminate top work bench, but as soon as I put a rubber mat under it, it does not move.

 

[Old Radar]

If they are vibrating, remove the wheels and test. Its not usually the grinder but the wheels.

Yea. I thought maybe I was being a little harsh after re-reading my post. I was plcking them up for a few years when I'd come across them cheap enough and to be fair alls I did was plug them in when I got them home and they all but the one would walk around somewhat. On the other hand, the 5 or 6 Baldors or Wissotas I've scored have all ran super smooth and stay in one spot. I believe built in Quality ($$$) does make a difference though, one targeted to to the professional and the other to the home owner /handyman. Does having 10 or 12 grinders mean I have an affliction?

First, I completely agree with Outlaw. If all you did was buy them cheap and plug them in, there's a chance the shaft on one or two may be bent, but it is most likely the wheels. And BTW, I'm sure you know you shouldn't trust used grinding wheels without giving them a ring test to ensure they are sound--especially if it's vibrating.
Secondly, while it takes almost no effort to complain about our tools, it does take an effort on our part to tune them into instruments that will work as designed. I have a Baldor, a CM "Pre-Block" and a Block--each of which cost well under $50--and they all run like tops because the wheels are balanced.
If you are interested in eliminating the vibration of your Crapsmans, I offer this link that will show the amount of weight I needed to use on my wire wheel to get my Baldor to stop vibrating. That post also has a link to a post that explains the method I use to balance both wire and grind wheels. So, good luck if you decide to tune them so you can use them or, alternatively, follow through with trading them to folks that will.

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

I'm sure you know you shouldn't trust used grinding wheels without giving them a ring test

What is this "ring test" you speak of?

 

[Old Radar]

Here's an example. There are several more on YouTube.

 

[i4ni]

First, I completely agree with Outlaw. If all you did was buy them cheap and plug them in, there's a chance the shaft on one or two may be bent, but it is most likely the wheels. And BTW, I'm sure you know you shouldn't trust used grinding wheels without giving them a ring test to ensure they are sound--especially if it's vibrating.
Secondly, while it takes almost no effort to complain about our tools, it does take an effort on our part to tune them into instruments that will work as designed. I have a Baldor, a CM "Pre-Block" and a Block--each of which cost well under $50--and they all run like tops because the wheels are balanced.
If you are interested in eliminating the vibration of your Crapsmans, I offer this link that will show the amount of weight I needed to use on my wire wheel to get my Baldor to stop vibrating. That post also has a link to a post that explains the method I use to balance both wire and grind wheels. So, good luck if you decide to tune them so you can use them or, alternatively, follow through with trading them to folks that will.

Oddly, now I have a bit of a guilty conscience. I hope you're happy..............Just kidding. Thanks

 

[i4ni]

What surface are you putting your grinder on for it to be walking away?
Mine will do it on my laminate top work bench, but as soon as I put a rubber mat under it, it does not move.

Just setting them on a work bench to make sure they run. I know, I feel like a mean step dad.

 

[i4ni]

Just setting them on a work bench to make sure they run. I know, I feel like a mean step dad.

I posted on a Vaco screwdriver thread earlier. I'm afraid to look now.lol

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

Here's an example. There are several more on YouTube.

Thank you! I had no idea how to test that!

 

[Provincial]

Many blocks have rubber feet that tend to get lost. These absorb some vibration, and also grip the supporting surface, both virtues reduce the felt vibration and tendency to "walk."

 

[DrFeelGood]

Many blocks have rubber feet that tend to get lost. These absorb some vibration, and also grip the supporting surface, both virtues reduce the felt vibration and tendency to "walk."

This is what I buy for a near perfect match.
Dayton 2MEV3
https://www.grainger.com/product/DAYTON-Rubber-Grommet-Kit-11-16-in-2MEV3

 

[Outlawmws]

My Craftsman Commercial 1/2 HP is the smoothest grinder I own. I used to use it sitting on top of my table saw not bolted down and it just sat here. And that was used, "as found". I've never messed with anything on it.

 

[lafester]

Found this beauty for 75 CAD (~55-60USD). Its in great shape and should only require minimal cleanup. Best I can tell is its from the 1974/75 catelog but the Canadian version has a different light.

Guy I bought it from said he had 10 other messages in the hour after I contacted him to buy it. I told him he could easily get one of them to bite on it for 100, but he seemed OK with 75 and appreciated the honesty... now I just have to find another place to hide my "junk" from my wife.

Model 397.21157

That is a nice score! Almost as rare as the round top version.

 

[exmaxima1]

This is what I buy for a near perfect match.
Dayton 2MEV3
https://www.grainger.com/product/DAYTON-Rubber-Grommet-Kit-11-16-in-2MEV3

You can save a few bucks buying from Grainger's sister company, Zoro:

Dayton Rubber Grommet Kit, Larger OD 7/8 In, PK6 2MEV3 | Zoro

Order Dayton Rubber Grommet Kit, Larger OD 7/8 In, PK6, 2MEV3 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[DrFeelGood]

You can save a few bucks buying from Grainger's sister company, Zoro:

Dayton Rubber Grommet Kit, Larger OD 7/8 In, PK6 2MEV3 | Zoro

Order Dayton Rubber Grommet Kit, Larger OD 7/8 In, PK6, 2MEV3 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Thanks. Grainger is just down the road from work so I don't have to pay shipping.
Good to know though.

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

My Craftsman Commercial 1/2 HP is the smoothest grinder I own. I used to use it sitting on top of my table saw not bolted down and it just sat here. And that was used, "as found". I've never messed with anything on it.

Yeah that's how mine is too, it still has the rubber feets though so that probably helps as well.

 

[lafester]

This just popped up on marketplace. Only $60 and no pic of the front.

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[piehammer]

Picked this up today. Didn't need it, but I'm a sucker for the crown logo, and doubly so for the commercial version.
Some interesting stuff (to me anyway) when looking for more information on this in Craftsman catalog scans. (more info below)



So pretty easy to date this since it has JUL 31 1974A on the bottom of it.
But, as is often the case with Craftsman stuff the catalogs don't line up with the actual tool.



Here is the Craftsman Commercial 1/2hp from the 73-74 Sears catalog. It's listed as the 1959C model, Craftsman Commercial. It has an 18" gooseneck lamp with the same light switch. 7x1 inch wheels and weighs 39lbs.



Here is the 'Heavy-duty' 1/2hp from the 74-75 Sears catalog. It's listed as the 1944C (I assumed the 'C' is for Commercial, but read on, this is not the case)No mention of 'Commercial' anywhere. Dual voltage, same part number as mine, 7x1 inch wheels, same switch on the light as mine, but now the gooseneck lamp is 2" shorter than the year before at 16". Label looks to be completely different from mine, but note the power switch is the same and it has an 8ft cord. Also, note that it weighs 37lbs. All in all, this is the closest I can find in the catalogs to what I have.



Here is the 'Heavy-duty' 1/2hp from the 75-76 Sears catalog. It's also listed as the 1944C, but now doesn't have dual voltage. (so much for the 'C' being 'Commercial') Gooseneck light is still 16" but the switch seems to be gone. (not sure though). Now comes with 7x3/4 inch wheels, the power switch is totally different and now it comes with a 6ft cord plus it is now $7 more expensive. Still weighs 37lbs.



For 76-77, Craftsman now lists the 1/2hp grinder as having 6x3/4 inch wheels, as model 1939C. Price has dropped to $84, and it now only weighs 28lbs. The 3/4hp 1943C is the same price as the 1/2hp 1944C was the previous year, but it only weighs 29lbs.

So, my 1944C doesn't show up in any catalog I have as 'Commercial' and as the years went on you can see where they tried to cut costs.

Now I just have to clean it up, and use it.

 

[DrFeelGood]

Cools stuff.
When I see older advertising I can't help seeing a scene/world as depicted in the cable series Mad Men. It helps me understand the discrepancies.

 

[nutjob]

Picked up a 1957 1/2hp grinder with the heavy duty tool rests / water tray. It came with this wrench and a spring clip on the side to hold it. It fits the bolts on the tool rests.
Anyone seen this before? Original Craftsman or just some wrench? The 1957 Catalog does not list as included. No markings on it.



Thanks

Kevin

 

[Outlawmws]

The spring clip looks to be an ordinary broom/mop clip

 

[nutjob]

I was contacted by @FrankLee about the wrench and he confirmed it is a Craftsman accessory wrench that came with the model 115.7575 and it is documented in the 1957 catalog. The clip most likely came with the wrench. He mentioned that he has only seen this wrench once and another member here @oak_park posted a pic of the same model grinder and you can see the wrench in the same position on the right side cover as in my picture.

Thanks again to Frank for his help on this!

Kevin

1957 Catalog


@oak_park pic


More pics of the wrench

 

[wire]

First block grinder I've ever owned, rescued from Goodwill for $51. No shield on the bottom but looks very clean inside. Has the light shade

 

[AV8R317]

New to me 397 16360 1hp 8” block. Got it for $150 off marketplace. Runs like a top. No tool rests, and weird thing is it looks like you only have the option to mount a tool rest on the right wheel. How’d I do?

 

[FrankLee]

New to me 397 16360 1hp 8” block. Got it for $150 off marketplace. Runs like a top. No tool rests, and weird thing is it looks like you only have the option to mount a tool rest on the right wheel. How’d I do?

That grinder originally came with the heavy duty base with the built-in quench trough. The rests were mounted on rods attached to the that base.

 

[AV8R317]

That grinder originally came with the heavy duty base with the built-in quench trough. The rests were mounted on rods attached to the that base.

Ah that makes sense. Are those hard to come by?

 

[AV8R317]

That grinder originally came with the heavy duty base with the built-in quench trough. The rests were mounted on rods attached to the that base.

So what is the right side wheel cover supposed to have mounted here?

 

[FrankLee]

I can't really see it, but that was likely a previous owner mod. Those earlier 1/3 cast iron grinder rests are not difficult to make. I used 2x2 angle iron.

 

[AV8R317]

I can't really see it, but that was likely a previous owner mod. Those earlier 1/3 cast iron grinder rests are not difficult to make. I used 2x2 angle iron.

Sorry, crappy picture. But the one in your picture has the same mounting point mine does for the tool rest on the wheel cover. Is that a modification or original?However, on mine the left wheel guard does not have it.

 

[FrankLee]

That tapped hole is original on my 1/3hp cast iron grinder.

 

[AV8R317]

That tapped hole is original on my 1/3hp cast iron grinder.

Gotcha. And there’s the same hole on the left as well? The one on mine does not look like it was an afterthought. Wondering if maybe they had leftover wheel covers that were drilled and just put that on the one side even though it was supposed to not need it because the rests were a part of the base?

 

[AV8R317]

Does anyone know if these could be ordered with the wire wheel on one side as opposed to the fine stone wheel? Might explain why the left shield doesn’t have the option for a tool rest.

 

[lafester]

Ah that makes sense. Are those hard to come by?

Does anyone know if these could be ordered with the wire wheel on one side as opposed to the fine stone wheel? Might explain why the left shield doesn’t have the option for a tool rest.

As mentioned previously you are missing the base with the tool rest mounts. The shield was drilled and tapped by a previous owner. These did not come with a wire wheel stock. Replacement bases do come up on ebay but expect to pay up for one.

 

[Hoorn]

Grabbed this for $50









Runs great, bearings did not require replacement. Sears vendor 257. Allegretti & Co from Carson, CA -continuing the Delco design.