let's see your craftsman block grinders

[FrankLee]

Does anyone know if Craftsman sold a or sent along with the Heavy-duty grinder a tool for adjusting the tool rests?

Yes. The photos are listed in the other grinder thread. There is also a wrench holder clip that is attached to the right side cover.

The wrench is basically a deep 1/2" socket with a T-handle.

This is the only wrench I've seen in person.

 

[CROmech]

Hey guys

Which of these 2 grinders is better and why?

Both are 3/4 hp

 

[drs3317]

Yes. The photos are listed in the other grinder thread. There is also a wrench holder clip that is attached to the right side cover.

The wrench is basically a deep 1/2" socket with a T-handle.

This is the only wrench I've seen in person.

Thanks Franklee. That helps helps a lot Which was the other thread that had the photos? Thanks Danny

 

[FrankLee]

Hey guys

Which of these 2 grinders is better and why?

Both are 3/4 hp

The first, by a mile...

• glass eye shields with metal frames vs plastic
• better switch that can be replaced vs plastic
• steel lamp shade vs plastic
• heavier cast iron tool rest parts vs stamped steel

amps for each?
wheel sizes for each?

 

[FrankLee]

Thanks Franklee. That helps helps a lot Which was the other thread that had the photos? Thanks Danny

"Pre-Block" Grinders--Where's the Love?

I recently acquired a 50's model Craftsman 7-inch bench grinder, which is known as a "Pre-Block" model. I've owned a dozen of the later Block models, but never one of the early versions. I set about trying to learn more about their history, but found very little accolades for them--so why no...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[drs3317]

After viewing several photos of the tool rest adjusting tool. (thanks Franklee) I will use a 1/4" drive 1/2" deep well scoket cross drill and a small handle. Photo to follow when complete.

 

[CROmech]

The first, by a mile...

• glass eye shields with metal frames vs plastic
• better switch that can be replaced vs plastic
• steel lamp shade vs plastic
• heavier cast iron tool rest parts vs stamped steel

amps for each?
wheel sizes for each?

First one is 5.4 A and second one is 5.1 amp

 

[CROmech]

Just aquired these 2 grinders:

$125 cdn for the 3/4 hp
$65 cdn for the 1/2 hp

 

[CROmech]

Can somebody tell me what bearings I need
for the 397.19440 and 21155 grinders?

Thanks

 

[Tom Graham]

What is the best source for a 7” wire wheel — with 1/2” arbor hole?

(I’ve just picked up a Sears Craftsman - Model 397 1/2 hp -7” (397.19590), Design: C2372, Manufactured 1965)

 

[FrankLee]

I'm not sure about the "best" source (I got mine off Amazon), but this style is really nice for balancing:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-wheres-the-love.339921/page-10#post-10171838

 

[OccupantRJ]

I got mine used in the mid seventies for $60 nearly new. It went underwater for two days in 1999 in the Floyd flood. I let it dry out for a month and fired it back up. It never missed a beat, same bearings still in it. I just cleaned it up, installed a newer power cord, and painted it the other day. The stand is an old cast iron Stimpson stapler machine base that I ground the raised lettering off and made a mounting plate for it. I have had it so long it seems like an old friend to me and deserved a little paint.

 

[Tom Graham]

I'm not sure about the "best" source (I got mine off Amazon), but this style is really nice for balancing:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-wheres-the-love.339921/page-10#post-10171838

Unfortunately Forney doesn’t seem to make a 7” wire wheel at all.

I’ll search a bit more for anyone that makes a 7” wire wheel with a 1/2” arbor hole.

I’m afraid that 7” diameter wheels have continued to become increasingly rare, so, I’ll need to plan to use an arbor adapter (“sleeve bearing”?) on the 1/2” grinder shaft up to whichever arbor hole I can ultimately find on any of the 7” wheels that ARE still made.

McMaster-Carr has a very limited selection of 7” wire wheels (only the aggressive knot wire and stringer bead) — and none with a 1/2” arbor hole. MSC has a better selection of 7” wire wheels — but I still don’t see any with a 1/2” arbor hole. Amazon has the Weiler 7” and a few other brands, again, none with the 1/2” arbor hole.

 

[KFBR392]

Unfortunately Forney doesn’t seem to make a 7” wire wheel at all.

I’ll search a bit more for anyone that makes a 7” wire wheel with a 1/2” arbor hole.

I’m afraid that 7” diameter wheels have continued to become increasingly rare, so, I’ll need to plan to use an arbor adapter (“sleeve bearing”?) on the 1/2” grinder shaft up to whichever arbor hole I can ultimately find on any of the 7” wheels that ARE still made.

McMaster-Carr has a very limited selection of 7” wire wheels (only the aggressive knot wire and stringer bead) — and none with a 1/2” arbor hole. MSC has a better selection of 7” wire wheels — but I still don’t see any with a 1/2” arbor hole. Amazon has the Weiler 7” and a few other brands, again, none with the 1/2” arbor hole.

Look up Wholesale Tool. They have loads of obsolete, NLA, and weird sized stuff like this. I’ve bought a lot of wire wheels from them because I have weird grinder needs that can’t be fulfilled with currently available stuff online, and yet they have the goods.

 

[KFBR392]

Had my eye on this 1964 dated example at a local pawn shop for the past week or so. It's rough cosmetically, but runs very, very smooth and comes complete with tool holders, wheel guards, and eye shields, so I decided $45 out the door was a decent price. At some point I'll tear it down and service it, but for now, it's set up as-is and I'm using it to practice chisel sharpening on my crappy Harbor Freight chisels.

 

[Leviton]

Took me a few years to find a pre-block (115.7575). It has been well used and has more coats of paint than Tammy Faye Baker. I'll eventually post details in the Pre-block thread.

As you can see from the photo, I am in desperate need of new wheels. Can anyone provide recommendations on brands and places to buy 7" x 1" x 5/8" coarse and medium wheels?

Thanks!

 

[Nicodimas]

What's the best way to replace the cast iron stand..

What's the pole length thickness if you needed to replace it

 

[CROmech]

Put the 7” wire wheel on. Was hitting the sides so I took the covers off.

This grinder is from the 70’s and runs as smooth as butter!

Eventually I will add the multitool belt sander attachment.

 

[Parkershop]

I've only lurked for years but I'm still so happy about finding this 1/2 hp from the 70s at an estate sale yesterday that it would be wrong to not post it here. The owner took great care of it, and afaik he's still around, just purging most of his stuff. It runs great, now to get a wire wheel for it as I mostly use my other one for taking rust and paint off old parts. Also with this one in the garage I can finally restore the old 1/3.
Almost forgot- it set me back 22 bucks.
JP

 

[Leviton]

I've only lurked for years but I'm still so happy about finding this 1/2 hp from the 70s at an estate sale yesterday that it would be wrong to not post it here. The owner took great care of it, and afaik he's still around, just purging most of his stuff. It runs great, now to get a wire wheel for it as I mostly use my other one for taking rust and paint off old parts. Also with this one in the garage I can finally restore the old 1/3.
Almost forgot- it set me back 22 bucks.
JP

Good price!

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Just finished this one, 1/2 HP Model.

New Bearings, and she's smooth as a Jet Engine! (and sounds like one!)

 

[bulletpruf]

Do the block grinders typically have the same bearings? I have about 4 of these - 1/3 hp - 1 hp - and two of them need new bearings. To save downtime, I'd like to order bearings in advance instead of tearing it down to figure out what it needs and then waiting for bearings to arrive.

EDIT: the one I have at home is a 397.19591 and I found the owner's manual online which calls for a 77503 bearing. I ordered a pair of those from Zoro.

 

[drs3317]

Do the block grinders typically have the same bearings? I have about 4 of these - 1/3 hp - 1 hp - and two of them need new bearings. To save downtime, I'd like to order bearings in advance instead of tearing it down to figure out what it needs and then waiting for bearings to arrive.

EDIT: the one I have at home is a 397.19591 and I found the owner's manual online which calls for a 77503 bearing. I ordered a pair of those from Zoro.

So far all I have rebuilt use the same bearings. Pre block and block. 1/4-3/4hp. I have not done a 1hp yet but I’d guess they are the same.

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
On my 1/2 HP Grinder it used the 6203ZZ Bearings...

 

[bulletpruf]

Anyone know where I can find an owners manual for a 1 hp 257.191600?

 

[seagiant]

1 hp 257.191600?

Hi,
Saw this!

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

 

[ichabod]

Here is my block grinder. many years ago I posted picture of it when photo bucket was around. I found a cabinet an estate sale, a 1930's medical cabinet made by A.S. Aloe company.

 

[harley jim]

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Not mine, yet!

 

[mapolus]

Hi all. I just picked up this 257.191500 from owner's daughter (he passed away several years ago, but she just got around to selling it). It could be New In Box, but maybe used once briefly? My question: should I just keep this in the box and buy a beater? Or is there real value in it being in such a condition? I paid $100 and knew it was a risk. Thanks in advance for any conjecture and hearsay (I want all your opinions!).

 

[Outlawmws]

In neither wheel has grinding evidence on it, I'd guess collector && is worth more than as a user.

 

[Old Radar]

According to info on Vintage Machinery, your grinder was built by the Paramount Division of Allegretti & Company, which was itself owned by Poulan, the chainsaw people. Paramount continued production of the Delco design for Sears.
http://vintagemachinery.org/craftsman/manufacturers.aspx

Your grinder, with Sears item number 9-1915, was offered in the 1981/82 Catalog of Power and Hand Tools.
https://archive.org/details/sears-tools-catalog-1981-82/page/30/mode/2up

It's hard to say what a "collector" will pay for most items, especially if the box is involved. You should check the "sold" listings of similar grinders on eBay to decide if it is worth your time and effort to find someone who will pay more than you did.

On the other hand, if you need a grinder and this one fits your needs, use it. If you don't abuse it and transform it into a "beater", it should last your lifetime.

 

[mapolus]

According to info on Vintage Machinery, your grinder was built by the Paramount Division of Allegretti & Company, which was itself owned by Poulan, the chainsaw people. Paramount continued production of the Delco design for Sears.
http://vintagemachinery.org/craftsman/manufacturers.aspx

Your grinder, with Sears item number 9-1915, was offered in the 1981/82 Catalog of Power and Hand Tools.
https://archive.org/details/sears-tools-catalog-1981-82/page/30/mode/2up

It's hard to say what a "collector" will pay for most items, especially if the box is involved. You should check the "sold" listings of similar grinders on eBay to decide if it is worth your time and effort to find someone who will pay more than you did.

On the other hand, if you need a grinder and this one fits your needs, use it. If you don't abuse it and transform it into a "beater", it should last your lifetime.

Radar, wow, thanks so much for that research! $170 was no small sum in 1981...if only he had bought MSFT instead. Ha. I think I'll heed your advice and just use it - never been much of a collector in terms of "hoping for price appreciation"

Thanks again!

 

[DDOPWD23]

What is the best source for a 7” wire wheel — with 1/2” arbor hole?

(I’ve just picked up a Sears Craftsman - Model 397 1/2 hp -7” (397.19590), Design: C2372, Manufactured 1965)

I’ve used this one with great results on a 1956 and a 1957 1/2 HP model.

What is the best source for a 7” wire wheel — with 1/2” arbor hole?

(I’ve just picked up a Sears Craftsman - Model 397 1/2 hp -7” (397.19590), Design: C2372, Manufactured 1965)

Ive used this one with great results on my 1956 and 1957 1/2 HP model.

Walter 13B070 7" x 7/8" Bench Wheel Brush with Crimped Wires

Shop our line of Walter 13B070 7" x 7/8" Bench Wheel Brush with Crimped Wires. Call us @ 641-201-1352 with any questions.

www.weldingoutfitter.com

I currently don’t have a picture of it mounted as I am in the middle of restoring the 1956. It’s the Orange one that needs a lot of work. I will paint it the Craftsman battle ship gray. Not power bronze that it came with. Just not a fan of it.

 

[Smokeshow69]

So I was using my faithful 3/4 horse 397.19350 and I bogged it down with a wrench. I smelt a whiff of burning electrical and now the motor won't spin the wheel. I can hear the motor hum but the wheel doesn't turn. I believe it perhaps cooked the capacitor? Anyone replaced the capacitor on one recently and know a source? I can pull it apart and get the info off the bottom but would like to order it ahead of time if possible. I found the OE part number- 22001637

 

[FrankLee]

So I was using my faithful 3/4 horse 397.19350 and I bogged it down with a wrench. I smelt a whiff of burning electrical and now the motor won't spin the wheel. I can hear the motor hum but the wheel doesn't turn. I believe it perhaps cooked the capacitor? Anyone replaced the capacitor on one recently and know a source? I can pull it apart and get the info off the bottom but would like to order it ahead of time if possible. I found the OE part number- 22001637

That model does not have a capacitor, it has a start relay. Start relays can go bad.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/6690.pdf

Does it run when you spin the arbor shaft by hand? If it doesn't, that is not a good sign.

This may or may not be relevant:

Craftsman 3/4 hp Block Grinder not reaching speed

I recently bought an older (1974) Craftsman block grinder. Model 397.19450 When switched on it would not turn unless given a turn by hand. Also I checked the speed with my tachometer and found it was only spinning 1790 rpm. This is half of the rated speed of 3580 rpm. I suspected the...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Smokeshow69]

That model does not have a capacitor, it has a start relay. Start relays can go bad.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/6690.pdf

Does it run when you spin the arbor shaft by hand? If it doesn't, that is not a good sign.

This may or may not be relevant:

Craftsman 3/4 hp Block Grinder not reaching speed

I recently bought an older (1974) Craftsman block grinder. Model 397.19450 When switched on it would not turn unless given a turn by hand. Also I checked the speed with my tachometer and found it was only spinning 1790 rpm. This is half of the rated speed of 3580 rpm. I suspected the...

www.garagejournal.com

I’ll check to see if the motor spins once started by hand and after that , if it doesn’t spin, looks like I will be taking the cover plate off the bottom to get a good look at things

 

[Smokeshow69]

So i don’t know what happened but on a whim I plugged it in this morning and it started right up and the wheel started spinning with no hesitation. I’ll use it tomorrow night and see if it spins under load. I’m not sure what happened but I must have temporarily overloaded the circuit. I still would like to get a spare start relay if someone has one just to have on hand in case I ever need it

 

[2001ZR2]

Start with my 1st bench grinder. A gift from my father. It go at my estate sale I'm sure.
Used it for years for minor stuff like sharpening the mower blades.
Then came to GJ and found out about the block grinder so got this beauty for $30


No bottom plate but a 397.19581 rated for 4.5 amps.

 

[2001ZR2]

Then came the 1/3 hp industrial rated 397.19410 model for 50. Has a safety device in the cord have to reset for the unit to start. Note this one has brake.

 

[2001ZR2]

The nameplate except for the serial number is pretty much unreadable. Paid.too much at 50 for but it does have most parts. Runs too but needs to bolted down. Dances badly.


Much better 1/2 hp from 1973 commercial unit for $25. A 397.1949 model. Runs and is smooth as butter. Was the sellers father's grinder but he wanted to keep the one he was gifted from his father.