let's see your craftsman block grinders

[rickhigginshtbr]

I got this block grinder for free today. It is a commercial one, and is it a crown top? What does crown top even mean? And what does commercial mean as far as differences?

Overall it is decent, takes a year to spool down since there is no brake, and overall the quality is not near my Rockwell or Stanley grinders. But it was free from an old lady down the road. I'd like to sell it and give her most of the money.

mine now!





Date code on it is 1973, after I clean it up, it should look great next to my '67



which means I can use 3 different wheels for the Red/White/Blue polishing method... no more swapping wheels!

Thanks again Alex, see you tomorrow for that vise that's weighing down my car... make sure you post pics of it in the Vise Thread

 

[torqueman2002]

... I can use 3 different wheels for the Red/White/Blue polishing method... no more swapping wheels![/URL]

That's what it's all about and how I got started.

 

[pcos]

Could anyone recommend replacement bearings for these units?

See my post #280 in this thread to start.

You can take your old bearing to any reputable bearing supply shop and they will measure ID, OD and thickness to spec a replacement. The bearings are shielded both sides, NOT sealed. The bearings MAY be tight on the shaft (come out of the grinder body fairly easily) but any backyard mechanic should be able to remove them with little trouble. Don't lose / damage the felt washers or spring washers - you will want to re-use them (sears parts likely not available). Watch the orientation of the various parts on disassembly.

Please post the bearing manufacturer / part number (as well as your grinder model #) when you are all done!

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

That's what it's all about and how I got started.

after using it for 5 minutes... i want two now

 

[montanafordman]

after using it for 5 minutes... i want two now

Yep... I've got the "Block-itis." I was thinking about finding a bench grinder maybe a few months to a year into the future about the same time I joined this forum - well within a few days I had my first one, and then within a couple months I had two... I plan on turning one into a buffer. Now my conundrum is that they're both 1/3 HP so naturally I won't be surprised if I find one of the more elusive 3/4 or 1HP models on CL someday for the right price that has no other choice but to come home with me. Repeat this cycle a few times and that's this forum in a nutshell.

[/IMG]

 

[ritzblitz]

Good stuff Rick! I wanna see it when you've got it all spiffed up.

I stuck a pic you sent me of the Hollands in the vise thread.

 

[larryq]

I've had good luck taking the old bearings into a local supplier who measures and cross references the bearings. I've done this a handful of times on 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 H.P.; but not 3/4.

For details, follow this link to my current rebuild of a 1 H.P. Block motor grinder.
http://tinyurl.com/Go-Blue-Block-Grinder

Great info, thanks for it.

 

[super-six]

This was originally my Dad's. It's reported to be from 1955 and manufactured by Packard Electric. I had to replace the switch a few years ago.

 

[torqueman2002]

This was originally my Dad's. It's reported to be from 1955 and manufactured by Packard Electric.

Nice grinder, my first one looks like it. Actually, so does the last one I got; see next post.

You can check on mfg. date, on this site ---> http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/default.aspx

 

[torqueman2002]

I found a grinder that just had to come home with me; speaking of Packard.

I haven't seen one like this before; not really a Block motor grinder, rather a pre-Block motor grinder.

Hope it's ok to put it here.

 

[montanafordman]

If you look at new 1/2 hp grinders today they are rated at fewer amps than these old 1/4 hp grinders... Of course none of us are surprised by this.. Hence the cliché - they don't make em like they used too!

 

[torqueman2002]

Could anyone recommend replacement bearings for these units?....

Here's a thread about ordering bearings online.
http://owwm.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=93322

 

[larryq]

Here's a thread about ordering bearings online.
http://owwm.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=93322

Thanks for this. I measured the bearings on my grinder last night with a dial caliper, but am not sure I got the best measurements while they were on the shaft.

I don't have any sort of presses etc at home and wondered if there are other ways of getting them on/off or what a machine shop might charge to do it?

 

[Outlawmws]

Larry, if you have a drill press you potentially have a press with sufficient capacity to press the bearings back on, these are not a heavy press fit. A thick washer (Or other spacer, you want to press on the inner race...) and using the hole on the table can give you a platform...

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I had never paid much attention to this thread before, but I scanned through it just now and realized I have one of these grinders sitting at home -- part of a business moving haul I made when the lock / security company next door to my work shut down that branch and moved out. They let us go through and grab all the excess leftovers. I got one of these grinders (the one I like the most out of 3 I grabbed and distributed around friends / family) waiting to be put in service at home. I just need to make a stand for it.

 

[torqueman2002]

I don't have any sort of presses etc at home and wondered if there are other ways of getting them on/off or what a machine shop might charge to do it?

The fit on the few I've done is not too tight.

I was able to remove the first few I did by placing the inside of the bearing face on a couple of pieces of steel (ie: open the jaws of a vice so the rotor/bearing fit loosely on the jaws), the assembly weight is supported by the steel and bearing. With the shaft/arbor nut in place (to protect the threads from deforming) used a soft face hammer to ease the bearing off the shaft, by driving the shaft/rotor/bearing assembly down (of course - prevent it from falling to the floor).

Be sure to check for 'E' or 'C' retaining clips, rust, burrs and remove or clean up prior to removal of bearing from shaft.

The last couple of bearing sets I removed were done with a bearing separator, which are handy and not too expensive. The one I have is an OTC 1122 1/8" to 2" Bearing Splitter from Amazon ~$26.

Re-installing has been straight forward - see reply#37.
http://tinyurl.com/Go-Blue-Block-Grinder

 

[torqueman2002]

BTW, anyone have a link to a thread where someone had made their own end caps? I've been trying to find it but can't so far.

Some one at OWWM.com posted this link to the topic we're looking for.
http://tinyurl.com/Grinder-Wheel-Covers

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

thats a awesome how to! wouldn't have thought to do it that way!

 

[Toolfool]

Seattle area guys : http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tls/4044108943.html

 

[softailgarage]

Getting ready to restore, does anyone have a tip or remedy for fixing this label. I'm not sure if theres a protective clear coat that can be removed or what. I really cant reprint or replace the label, but need to get those scratches out.

 

[GortonsFisherman]

Just scored this 1/2hp one for $25 this weekend, in great shape:

 

[SweetD]

Just scored this 1/2hp one for $25 this weekend, in great shape

GREAT score - nice!

Dave

 

[SweetD]

Here's mine for the record, even though I did have a separate thread on it:



I paid $25 for it, and then scored all of the accessory parts from a GJ member for a great great price. I painted the quenching tray since it was peeling pretty badly, but everything else is original parts / paint. It works awesome - like new. Sharpened my mower blade today with it!



Dave

 

[cclfn]

This is my first post on this thread even though I have been lurking
Picked up two for $75. The 1/2 HP was missing a side plate and the flange washers where there was a wire wheel but for $25 it has seen little use. The $50 1 HP came with the stand water holder, tool holder and both original manuals.

Also picked up a 1 HP motor for $10 but I don't know if that was good or not.

What have you guys found for 1/2" flange washers. I saw some for a sears buffer but they were $10 a piece


Thanks

Wes

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

1 HP

 

[zkling]

Great deals guys

Super-six, that is super cool

cclfn, I think you got a great deal on that stuff, including the motor, given that it runs properly. Have any pics of that orange tool box in the background? I'll give you a "you ****" for the 1hp, cast guards, and pedestal.

 

[cclfn]

Great deals guys

Super-six, that is super cool

cclfn, I think you got a great deal on that stuff, including the motor, given that it runs properly. Have any pics of that orange tool box in the background? I'll give you a "you ****" for the 1hp, cast guards, and pedestal.

The orange box in the back is just an faded old hand me down SO from my dad

 

[jakemac]

cclfn-

Welcome to the club !

The 1hp is the same model that I picked up for $40 two weeks ago. But mine needs a rebuild, yours is in better shape.

PM sent.

 

[nine4gmc]

1HP complete for anything under $100 makes me sick


Congrats

 

[cclfn]

1HP complete for anything under $100 makes me sick


Congrats

Yeah but it's got a lot of sawdust on it

Wes

 

[montanafordman]

What just happened? I bought two today!?

Well, surfing craigslist I found two identical 1/2 HP block grinders (in different areas) that both needed help, and a home - and... I was weak.

The first one I got is the roughest looking and has been a bit abused but it runs smooth. Its missing the lamp cover and left side shield but is otherwise complete. The base is cracked on the left side also. I got this for $30. The other one I found for $10 and is in good shape, also missing the left side shield and runs smooth but the shaft threads are stripped on the left side. The sticker on the center piece is pristine though and this grinder will clean up nicely when I'm done with it. My idea is to take the shaft out of the rusted and cracked one and use the bones of the other to make a complete grinder and do a bit of a restoration on it. I plan on getting some eye and side shields for it also. The rough looking one will donate the shaft to the other 1/2 HP grinder and its gooseneck lamp, spark arresters and tool rests will go to a 1/3 hp grinder I have that is missing the lamp, spark arresters and tool rests (if I can make them fit a 1/3 hp model). I went from 2 1/3 hp grinders and added 2 1/2 hp models so this addiction is getting full blown.

I'm making one out of two 1/2 hp grinders so my final count will be ONLY 3 ( This means I don't have a problem yet, do I? ) and will have some left over parts including a right side shield that will probably be up for grabs to someone that might need it. I'll probably post here later with what I end up with, how much and shipping if someone needs something. Now for the pics.

Here are my two 1/3 hp models...

 

[jakemac]

397.19360 1hp Grinder Owners Manual Now Available

FYI-
For those of you that have a model # 397.19360 1hp Block Grinder, the owner's manual is now available for download at the links below.

Thanks to GJ member cclfn, who kindly loaned me the manuals that he recently acquired (with a new/old grinder), I was able to create clean PDF's. With his permission I uploaded the manuals to VintageMachinery.org for all to share.

Links :

397.19360 1hp 8" Block Grinder Owner's Manual

335.19595 Tool Holder Grinding Attachment

P.S. - The tool holder manual has some great tips for sharpening tools on your grinder. It makes for an interesting read.

Enjoy !

 

[nine4gmc]

great jakemac, now upload me a 1hp grinder plzkthnx!

 

[jakemac]

I'll try, but I don't think it will fit in my scanner!

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Re: 397.19360 1hp Grinder Owners Manual Now Available

FYI-
For those of you that have a model # 397.19360 1hp Block Grinder, the owner's manual is now available for download at the links below.

Thanks to GJ member cclfn, who kindly loaned me the manuals that he recently acquired (with a new/old grinder), I was able to create clean PDF's. With his permission I uploaded the manuals to VintageMachinery.org for all to share.

Links :

397.19360 1hp 8" Block Grinder Owner's Manual

335.19595 Tool Holder Grinding Attachment

P.S. - The tool holder manual has some great tips for sharpening tools on your grinder. It makes for an interesting read.

Enjoy !

awesome, thanks for the link!

 

[emeraldcoupe]

this is the first thread i ever started that took off like this,lol. long live the block!!!

 

[nine4gmc]

You did well, this one will go down in history!!

 

[jsokoly]

Somewhere in this thread I posted my 397-19591 commercial 1/2 up. Doing some clean up and the switch fell apart and I apparently lost some pieces since I can't get the switch to operate anymore. Does anyone have a source for a suitable switch replacement?

 

[jakemac]

I did a quick search of my usual internet sources and came up with nothing.

Suggestions :

1 - Some well stocked hardware stores carry assortments of commonly used power tool switches. You may find what you're looking for, or something that will work in the mean time. An older well established store is a better bet. Some still have old parts boxes under the counter, or out back gathering dust.

2 - An auto parts store may have something that can be cannibalized.

3 - Depending on the missing part, you may find something that you can use to make a replacement. If its a spring, or ball bearing, try the hardware store. If its a contact strip, I've made my own with a strip of metal heated and tempered on a gas stove (and didn't that just piss the women folk off They hate it when you use the stove to make fishing hooks as well ).

 

[montanafordman]

Somewhere in this thread I posted my 397-19591 commercial 1/2 up. Doing some clean up and the switch fell apart and I apparently lost some pieces since I can't get the switch to operate anymore. Does anyone have a source for a suitable switch replacement?

Which style switch is it? If you look back from the previous page, I recently bought two that both had issues and had to cannibalize one for parts to make one good one. Both of mine are 1/2 HP commercials and one has a metal toggle switch, and the other a plastic one. The grinder with the metal switch was by far in better condition so that's what the good parts ended up in, but if yours is the plastic switch version I can send you mine.