let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

that looks great in blue

Thanks.
I promised my daughter, a MSU graduate, the next one will be in Her school colors.
You see, Blue and Gold are a little too close to her older brother's school colors Blue and Maze, U of M.

Big in-state rivalry.

 

[torqueman2002]

For the power cable, would I be better off buying a new cable and replacing this old one because of the sheathing that is pulled away? Or would this cable be salvageable? I also will either have to have the glass replaced or find a replacement guard but otherwise this is in good condition and it spools up nicely. The bearings are still spinning free and smooth

If the power cord is otherwise serviceable - not dried and cracked, split, cut, too short, ... I would clean it up, and put a new good quality plug end with strain relief and new terminals w/strain relief on the other end.

Nice score. If it were me I'd get glass from a local glass shop, let them know what you are using it for. It's doubtful you'll find replacements, you may need to buy a grinder for parts .

Most of the grinders I have, came with the plastic shields; which I prefer less than the style of the ones on your machine.

 

[flashman]

If the power cord is otherwise serviceable - not dried and cracked, split, cut, too short, ... I would clean it up, and put a new good quality plug end with strain relief and new terminals w/strain relief on the other end.

Nice score. If it were me I'd get glass from a local glass shop, let them know what you are using it for. It's doubtful you'll find replacements, you may need to buy a grinder for parts .

Most of the grinders I have, came with the plastic shields; which I prefer less than the style of the ones on your machine.

From what I can tell the cord overall is serviceable. Just the ends are the way they are. I figured for $20 it was worth picking up. Are the 1/3 HP grinders decent for power. On my Porter Cable when wire wheeling my vise parts it would bog down and stop with moderate pressure on larger parts.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[Outlawmws]

If the power cord is otherwise serviceable - not dried and cracked, split, cut, too short, ... I would clean it up, and put a new good quality plug end with strain relief and new terminals w/strain relief on the other end.

Nice score. If it were me I'd get glass from a local glass shop, let them know what you are using it for. It's doubtful you'll find replacements, you may need to buy a grinder for parts .

Most of the grinders I have, came with the plastic shields; which I prefer less than the style of the ones on your machine.

You have to be careful with glass, the wrong kind and its no protection at all.

I'd hit up a plastics shop like Tap Plastics (If you have one, or maybe they have a web site...) and get some lexan. WAY better than glass, other than you have to be more careful about scratching it.

 

[flashman]

You have to be careful with glass, the wrong kind and its no protection at all.

I'd hit up a plastics shop like Tap Plastics (If you have one, or maybe they have a web site...) and get some lexan. WAY better than glass, other than you have to be more careful about scratching it.

I will look into some lexan. I will have to see about websites or if there are any local stores in my town. This glass says its shatterproof, but that doesn't really mean anything on glass that is 40 years old or so.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[nine4gmc]

Lexan is better but make sure you have spark arresters or it will spot quickly. I'm thinking on a easy but aesthetically pleasing way I can make up a bunch of these safety glass/metal ones. I have one good glass/metal pair to go by, I'm just waiting for the idea to hit me

 

[jsokoly]

OK, I'm in! I picked up a 1/2 horse commercial yesterday! It was on a nice stand made from a truck brake drum which sweetened the deal. I'd rather have a nice original Craftsman stand for it, but this will work fine until I can find one.

It starts a little slow but is smooth as silk when it gets going. I'm going to tear it down and spruce it up like some of the ones I see on here. Obviously, it's missing the spark arrestors so I'm on the lookout for some of those.

Not as cheap as some of you managed to get yours, but I'm happy!

 

[torqueman2002]

I figured for $20 it was worth picking up. Are the 1/3 HP grinders decent for power. On my Porter Cable when wire wheeling my vise parts it would bog down and stop with moderate pressure on larger parts.

That is a good price for that grinder, I wouldn't hesitate to pay that.

I cannot talk about the 'power' of this 1/3 H.P. grinder however; the one I bought was given to my brother who uses it occasionally for light duty work.

For cleaning up small items like bolts, screws, etc ... I think it will be fine. For heaver work, I suggest a 1/2 H.P., or greater Block grinder. My 'goto' is a 3/4 H.P. guy I rebuilt a couple of years ago. It is very powerful and will not stall.

Don't dismay. More than one member here intended his/her purchase of their 1st Block motor grinder to be their only; just to find out they need another, and another, ...

You see, it is a pain to switch from a stone, to a wheel, to a buffer; and then there's the different types of stones, wheels, buffing pads; and then there's the materials, brass, steel, stainless, etc ...

Have fun, these are inexpensive, good, but simple machines.

 

[torqueman2002]

OK, I'm in! I picked up a 1/2 horse commercial yesterday!

It starts a little slow but is smooth as silk when it gets going. I'm going to tear it down and spruce it up like some of the ones I see on here. Obviously, it's missing the spark arrestrs so I'm on the lookout for some of those.

Nice find!

It has the spark arresters though, they are just above the wheel /stone. Adjust them to have about 1/16" clearance.

From: 397.19590 0.5 HP Grinder_pubs_222_4273

If you go to a glass shop, be sure to explain you want laminated safety glass. Glass is more resistant to scratching and fogging.
http://tinyurl.com/Eye-Shield-Glass

 

[torqueman2002]

... I can make up a bunch of these safety glass/metal ones. I have one good glass/metal pair to go by, I'm just waiting for the idea to hit me

Let me know when you are ready to start, IIR there is more than 1 size & I may have a couple of different sizes and be interested in 're-pops'.

Mike

 

[jsokoly]

Nice find!

It has the spark arresters though, they are just above the wheel /stone. Adjust them to have about 1/16" clearance.

From: 397.19590 0.5 HP Grinder_pubs_222_4273

Good catch, I meant to say eye shields. Haven't found a source for them yet. Thanks.

 

[torqueman2002]

Me either, I'll probably wind up making some and tool rests.

Nice grinder.

 

[flashman]

I decided to just purchase a new power cord. The original was only 6' so if I cut it and put new ends on it would have been about the same length, maybe shorter. I just figured this was easier to do so I purchased a 15 amp, 10' cord and it works as it should. As far as the hole going into the grinder, I presume a rubber grommet is supposed to fill the void for the cable to stay fairly secure and keep it from moving around. Any suggestions on where I could find a grommet that will fit this? First picture is of what I am talking about, the second shot is just the glorious cable. I need to get my electrolysis tank up and running so I can finish restoring my current vise project. That way I can restore my new grinder.

Sorry about the large first picture. No matter what I do in photobucket, it is not applying the changes to make the image smaller.

 

[torqueman2002]

HD or Lowes, etc ... will have grommets in the hardware section, in those drawers filled with various nuts, bolts, cotter pins, ...

I like to place a tie wrap on the cord, on the inner side of the case, to keep the cord from pulling out of the case should it get picked up by the cord or while it's plugged in.

The actual strain relief is probably not available, but this will serve the same function.

 

[flashman]

I will check Lowes tomorrow. My local store doesn't have a great inventory of loose bin items.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

1 HP came up by me, but I'm not sure what the prefix is. Almost looks like the later plastic ones.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/3966306426.html

 

[torqueman2002]

1 HP came up by me, but I'm not sure what the prefix is. Almost looks like the later plastic ones.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/3966306426.html

Hard to tell, but it has what looks like a good stand, I'll give you $25 for the stand if you grab it up.

I'm on vaca. or I'd look at it myself.

I'd say if it starts up on it's own and the bearings are not loose, noisy, etc ... it's a bargan.

Good luck.

Mike

 

[nine4gmc]

I passed on a 1/3 hp plastic one still in the box on Saturday for $5, looked like garbage!

 

[torqueman2002]

I passed on a 1/3 hp plastic one still in the box on Saturday for $5, looked like garbage!

I'd pass on an all plastic one too.

The pic. looks like the End Frame (Case) are like the Block motor grinders I have though.

What's interesting, and I'd love a better look, are the Wheel Guards. They are longer than any others I've seen.

On second look, it may in fact be the End Frame that is longer - all the better to move the bearings out further on the shaft for buffing.

Could be a good buffer ?

 

[Press_Corpse]

I've been on the lookout for a good candidate for a resto. Found a nice complete 70s 1/3 or 1/2 hp unit with lamp, spark arrestors, safety glass and pan for 35... someone was already looking at it by the time I called.

The search continues!

 

[IHfarmall]

Well! Once again, the GJ has "encouraged me" to purchase something that I did not know I needed! My fairly recent "made in China" 6" 1/3 hp craftsman grinder has served my purpose just fine the three or four times I have used it over the last 2-3 years. But I had never mounted it to a bench top because I did not have a place for it, so it was never convenient to use...which is why I was "sort of" looking for a stand for it, or one already on a stand.
Well, I was at the local Salvation Army thrift store Saturday and the grinder pictured below was there. I looked it over and liked it, but decided to think about it. While having lunch with my wife accross the parking lot in a small cafe, I checked it out on my phone and every indication from the GJ crowd was since it is a 257 prefix part number and 1 HP it should be a good one...the rest is history, we walked back across the parking lot and bought it after lunch ! As you can see I am missing one tool rest, so if anyone knows where I can find one, it would be most appreciated. I am remodeling, restocking and redecorating my shop due to the GJ influence. My wife says shes not so sure about this GJ deal...lol

 

[nine4gmc]

SICK!!! The ever elusive 1hp, with tool rest, light, stand and rear facing ducts....damn...

 

[torqueman2002]

....damn...

It is sooo sweet!

I don't care what you paid for it!

You ****!

 

[bluebolt]

IHfarmall, you just out-blocked us all with that grinder!

 

[Delta88]

I bought this 1/2 HP on eBay a while back.

The cabinet is a CL find and the top (just sitting there for now until I get my garage overhaul further along) is some oak flooring scraps I bought at the local Second Use store. The original, enamelled tin cabinet top is a little dainty for my use so the oak will replace it - eventually.

 

[torqueman2002]

... As you can see I am missing one tool rest, so if anyone knows where I can find one, it would be most appreciated. ...

I am missing both tool rests from that style Block grinder.

I found a place that lists the tool rests, but not the upper arm and the 'rod'.

The order took about 2 weeks to arrive, it's waiting for me. I don't know what quality the tools rests are yet. I'll fab up the remaining parts.

I have another grinder with that style tool rests. Let me know if you want measurements/pictures.

Here's the site.
http://tinyurl.com/Block-Grinder-parts

 

[IHfarmall]

Thanks nine4GMC and bluebolt! for your kind words. And to get a "you ****" from the blockhead himself is quite an honor!

I think I may have paid a little too much for it, $120 out the door, but it was really clean. It has older property inventory stickers from the electronics department from a local University, along with big warning sign "Eye Protection must be worn when using this machine". I assume that is why it has oviously had little use. The wheels appear to be original with virtually no use, other than a little alum or brass on the sides of the wheels. The amazing thing is how long it takes the wheels to stop turning once you turn it off. It's amazing. The first time I did it, I thought the off switch was not working, so I unpluged it! lol. Thanks again for all the information in this thread! And I am still looking for one tool rest. Good day all! Farmall

 

[bluebolt]

I think I may have paid a little too much for it, $120 out the door, but it was really clean.

That's not to much in my opinion, I would happily pay that for a 1 HP in that condition with an original stand.

 

[torqueman2002]

... other than a little alum or brass on the sides of the wheels. ...

A 8" stone I have, has the same condition. The advise I received was to leave it as is, or clean it up while off the arbor with a brass or metal brush. The stones are not made to be side loaded and can be weakened if done too much.

... The amazing thing is how long it takes the wheels to stop turning once you turn it off. ....

I think that is a sign the machine is well balanced and the bearings are good; unless they have free play and sound/feel 'gritty'. But I doubt yours has that condition.

My 1 HP Dayton 5 year old grinder takes a long time to spin-down. I haven't timed it, but > 1 min.

Some will say the long spin-down time is a sign of 'dry' bearings. I think that comes from repacking the open frame(?) ball bearings, then finding the grinder spins-down slower after initial rebuild. The grease does add some drag.

I'd pay $120 for that grinder.

You still ****!

 

[zkling]

IHFarmall & Delta 88, those are really nice.

Congrats on finding them.

 

[nine4gmc]

$120 is not too much, the condition is great. If I had madd money, I'd pay $250-300 for one like that...

 

[DandDMachine]

Picked this up at a sale couple weeks ago for $25. Craftsman 6" 1/2 HP. #397.19440. Has a few spots of rust but appears to be used very little. Starts up with that cool Woooosh noise, You know it if you've heard it. I timed it and it took 2 minutes 31 seconds to come to a complete stop. Date on bottom is December 2nd 1974.

 

[Cranehead]

This is my newest- couldn't stop at just one.



It's a $20 CL purchase- 1/2 HP. It came almost 100% complete, I don't reckon it was used very much. The stones are new looking and now on my other grinder. I didn't show the two buffing wheels it came with that are new in the packages because they are branded JC Penneys. (cost 2.49 new). But I do show the unused grinding compound sticks with the crown logo on the box. Also included were the rubber feet in a plastic bag taped to the grinder. The right side tool rest is MIA. Unlike my other grinder no date code.

I would say I am now done buying these, but nobody would believe it, not even me and especially not my wife. I have to have at least one more than I can possibly use before I'm done buying stuff. And I'm using both grinders.

tc

 

[torqueman2002]

Picked this up at a sale couple weeks ago for $25. Craftsman 6" 1/2 HP. #397.19440. Has a few spots of rust but appears to be used very little. Starts up with that cool Woooosh noise, You know it if you've heard it. I timed it and it took 2 minutes 31 seconds to come to a complete stop. Date on bottom is December 2nd 1974.

Another Block grinder! Nice, I never get tired of seeing these guys!

 

[torqueman2002]

Also included were the rubber feet in a plastic bag taped to the grinder. The right side tool rest is MIA.

I'd say I'd trade a tool rest for the rubber feet, but what we Blockheads need is a good source for new replacement feet.

Try the link a few posts above for the tool rest, they maybe able to help.

Nice grinder.

Oh, BTW. Do I spy a tube amp poking it's head up behind the grinder?

What's up with that guy?

 

[archtech]

Was on a mission to find a Baldor, but they rarely show up in decent shape. This thread lead me to consider Craftsman block grinders.... well, I found one!
I paid a lot more than what you guys were finding them for, but I just couldn't pass this one up. It's pristine.. like new...not missing anything... just a little dusty. Got the dust off and wiped it down... here she is! Paid $80 for it... was about to buy a new model, but I think this is still a better machine! Thanks for steering me this way! Still hoping to find a rounded top one though.....

 

[torqueman2002]

Very well preserved, fine example of an un-molested grinder. It is interesting to see just how nice the paint is/was originally.

I'd welcome you to the forum, but I see you've been a member since December '11; so, welcome to the Block grinder owner's 'club'. I keep hoping for a Baldor find, maybe someday.

 

[nine4gmc]

Was on a mission to find a Baldor, but they rarely show up in decent shape. This thread lead me to consider Craftsman block grinders.... well, I found one!
I paid a lot more than what you guys were finding them for, but I just couldn't pass this one up. It's pristine.. like new...not missing anything... just a little dusty. Got the dust off and wiped it down... here she is! Paid $80 for it... was about to buy a new model, but I think this is still a better machine! Thanks for steering me this way! Still hoping to find a rounded top one though.....

If the flat top bothers you that much, I would gladly trade you a refinished round top in your favorite colors for it

Good buy

 

[bluebolt]

Was on a mission to find a Baldor, but they rarely show up in decent shape. This thread lead me to consider Craftsman block grinders.... well, I found one!
I paid a lot more than what you guys were finding them for, but I just couldn't pass this one up. It's pristine.. like new...not missing anything... just a little dusty. Got the dust off and wiped it down... here she is! Paid $80 for it... was about to buy a new model, but I think this is still a better machine! Thanks for steering me this way! Still hoping to find a rounded top one though.....

Rarely does one show up that nice. You did well and I would pay even more than $80 for one that nice! And nine4gmc I know you are drooling over taht Crown label just like me!

 

[Cranehead]

I'd say I'd trade a tool rest for the rubber feet, but what we Blockheads need is a good source for new replacement feet.



Try the link a few posts above for the tool rest, they maybe able to help.

Nice grinder.

Oh, BTW. Do I spy a tube amp poking it's head up behind the grinder?

What's up with that guy?

Maybe I'll try to spec those feet at McMaster Carr or someplace- measuring the ones I have.

Since this one's in service as a buffer I'm not as driven to get the tool rest. What I'd really love to find is the quenching tray!

What you see behind the grinder is a power supply for a tube phono pre-amp project from '92. It is now homeless and wanders around the shop like the flying dutchman.

tc