let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

Thanks for the block grinder Goldhawg, it has gone to a good home

Come on now guys. Don't tease, please.

 

[Goldhawg]

Ok, here was the less nice....both were 1/2 hp w/lights, but this one had a replacement switch, the other all original (including water bucket). I had to give some up and stop being greedy, since I got this awesome one a few months ago (post 477).

 

[elguappo]

I feel pretty good about my scores last month.
I didn't realize the old Cman block grinders were a 'thing'.
I scored 2 from 2 separate people, and an old Thor grinder, for $60...for all 3. Average of $20ea.
They both have the quenching tray and the lights.

 

[Formula79]

Ok, here was the less nice....both were 1/2 hp w/lights, but this one had a replacement switch, the other all original (including water bucket). I had to give some up and stop being greedy, since I got this awesome one a few months ago (post 477).

Hi Goldhawg - that grinder looks familiar.

I bought the one w/the replacement switch. It's gone to a good home.

I'm an EE with lots of sources for components, so I'll see if I can find something resembling the original switch.

I have a great deal of appreciation and respect for older US-mfg equipment. There's just something about refurbishing these tools and using them for their original purpose that's very rewarding.

 

[bluebolt]

I feel pretty good about my scores last month.
I didn't realize the old Cman block grinders were a 'thing'.
I scored 2 from 2 separate people, and an old Thor grinder, for $60...for all 3. Average of $20ea.
They both have the quenching tray and the lights.

$60 for all three gets a "You ****"! Nice scores!

 

[tedsters]

i just picked this up tonight the guy wanted $50 and would not come down when i went to get it i ended up asking how much he wanted for the pair he said $60
i gave him $40 and a gift card for the pair the power out of this 1/4 hp is amazing its way underated and its in pretty darn good shape the shatterproof glass decals on the shades are all in tack the tag is in great shape this is the condition i picked it up in, dirty, nothing broke or bent and works great and
i believe the date is on the tag 8-58

 

[tedsters]

I feel pretty good about my scores last month.
I didn't realize the old Cman block grinders were a 'thing'.
I scored 2 from 2 separate people, and an old Thor grinder, for $60...for all 3. Average of $20ea.
They both have the quenching tray and the lights.

wow and the quench trays are with them too good score good shape also

 

[Engineer61]

I scored two some time ago with a stand, but neither had the quenching trays. Are the trays cast or sheet metal? If sheet metal are they one piece stamped or folded and welded?

 

[Outlawmws]

The ones I've seen were all cast. Certainly you could bend one up from sheet metal and solder or otherwise seal the seams.

 

[torqueman2002]

I scored two some time ago with a stand, but neither had the quenching trays. Are the trays cast or sheet metal? If sheet metal are they one piece stamped or folded and welded?

Try this site.
I have used their parts that are OEM in appearance and high quality; it does take several days to receive, so patience is in order.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/quench-tray-p-972856.html

 

[balane]

Grabbed this one off of Craig's. Right after I got it home a new listing popped up for the same model but with 3/4 HP. I contacted the guy but he said he gave it to a family member. This 1/2 HP one I did bring home, however, runs really well and is complete.

.

 

[jakemac]

Wow, that grinder was well taken care of. All the bits and pieces didn't get lost, or abused. Nice save.

 

[drivesitfar]

Balane,
nice find on the old craftsman block grinder. looks like you got it with all the parts too including the water tray. did you get it that clean because the bottom looks almost new or did you already do some of your magic on it?

I have an extra stand if you don't have a bench to mount it on and you want to keep it.

 

[bimmerZ5]

well, after months of reading this thread and other stuff on these "block grinders" I found one on CL that was in pretty good condition and decided to pick it up for $30. It came with a blade sharpening attachment and original manual too! I don't think it needs to be "restored", but I do plan to "refurbish" it to make it look new and work like new... can anyone point me to links on where I can find parts to replace wearable stuff like bearings and what not?

 

[Outlawmws]

Balane, Great score!

Bimmer, does it NEED refurb? If its making sound take the wheels off and see if it's bearings or balance. Out of balance makes noise...

 

[bimmerZ5]

Bimmer, does it NEED refurb? If its making sound take the wheels off and see if it's bearings or balance. Out of balance makes noise...

I wouldn't say it "needs" it... but it's kind of a project for myself and at the very least, I'd like to stock the parts for it when it does "need" it so I can have the parts on hand before they are harder to find.

 

[jakemac]

About the only parts still available though Sears are the consumables. Nuts, screws, etc.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/All-Products-Parts/Model-39719390/0247/0721000/00031539/00001?blt=06&prst=0&shdMod=39719390

 

[balane]

Thanks guys. I didn't have to do anything to it other than a Simple Green wipedown. I have 2 mounted to a bench that I use every day so no need for a stand. This one won't be mounted yet.

 

[bimmerZ5]

About the only parts still available though Sears are the consumables. Nuts, screws, etc.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/All-Products-Parts/Model-39719390/0247/0721000/00031539/00001?blt=06&prst=0&shdMod=39719390

thanks for that... but what a bummer. i'm planning to replace all the hardware with stainless or some polished zinc coated stuff anyway.

 

[drivesitfar]

Bimmer,
since you have a very nice Craftsman block grinder now that you might want to restore later how about this idea? buy another block grinder for $50 or less that isn't quite as nice and take it apart and see if you can match the bearings and other parts with some other company's grinders.

then you can pick up any extra parts for future restorations and you'll have a decent box grinder to sell if you don't need 2.

also nice find on the attachment for blade sharpening that looks brand new and I bet you can sell that for the price you paid for everything if you don't need it.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Bimmer,
since you have a very nice Craftsman block grinder now that you might want to restore later how about this idea? buy another block grinder for $50 or less that isn't quite as nice and take it apart and see if you can match the bearings and other parts with some other company's grinders.

then you can pick up any extra parts for future restorations and you'll have a decent box grinder to sell if you don't need 2.

also nice find on the attachment for blade sharpening that looks brand new and I bet you can sell that for the price you paid for everything if you don't need it.

thanks for the suggestion.. i'm not in a hurry to use it, i do have another bench grinder that i use in my home garage shop when i need it. i wouldn't mind finding another block grinder, but that would be another 12-18 month journey. anyway, mostly got this as a project for myself to make a 45 year old machine look and work like it left the factory yesterday.

 

[torqueman2002]

... can anyone point me to links on where I can find parts to replace wearable stuff like bearings and what not?

The bearings are a common size.

I/M sent.

 

[69supercj]

I WILL be a blockhead one of these days. They don't seem to pop up around here very much.

 

[bisley45]

Well c-list got me again I really have to stay off of that ok now you know that ain't going to happen lol. Number 2 for me block head this one is little bit older and I do say I much prefer the rounder of the two. it was missing the eye shelds and the rest but I should be able to find some.



Brian Milner

 

[navymech]

Picked this up for $20 off CL the other day with some vises. 1/3 HP from '65

 

[torqueman2002]

Well c-list got me again I really have to stay off of that ok now you know that ain't going to happen lol. Number 2 for me block head this one is little bit older and I do say I much prefer the rounder of the two. it was missing the eye shelds and the rest but I should be able to find some.
Brian Milner

Brian; I agree, I like that style also. Nice pair! Ahem, first time I said that to a guy!

I sure would like to find all those missing eye shields, tool rests, wheel guards, and covers that have gone missing from the various grinders posted here. It would make a lot of grinder restores/users happy.

 

[torqueman2002]

Picked this up for $20 off CL the other day with some vises. 1/3 HP from '65

You deserve a You ****!

 

[tedsters]

Picked this up for $20 off CL the other day with some vises. 1/3 HP from '65

you got a nice grinder for $20 good score

 

[bisley45]

Brian; I agree, I like that style also. Nice pair! Ahem, first time I said that to a guy!

I sure would like to find all those missing eye shields, tool rests, wheel guards, and covers that have gone missing from the various grinders posted here. It would make a lot of grinder restores/users happy.

And that the first time it was said to me but thanks.





Brian Milner

 

[dsm78]

Hi guys, new on here and have the same passion on restoring these machines here is mine.
Before/After

 

[dsm78]

Don't know how to download images. any help.lol

 

[bisley45]

Just go to the manage attachments and you can upload from your computer.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[notlob]

I'm planning on bringing home this 1/2 hp w/ stand this weekend. But I don't know what the vertical attachment on the left (wire wheel) side of the housing is for. Any ideas?

 

[zkling]

Looks like some type of aftermarket tool rest.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

I'm planning on bringing home this 1/2 hp w/ stand this weekend. But I don't know what the vertical attachment on the left (wire wheel) side of the housing is for. Any ideas?

It is part of a sharpening attachment.

 

[jakemac]

I believe that is the mount for the tool sharpening attachment. Here is a link to the manual so you can see what's missing.
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=6145

Bring it with you and ask if they have the other parts to go with it.

 

[notlob]

Thanks for the quick and informative responses!
I'll see if the seller has the rest of the parts for the sharpening attachment.

 

[jakemac]

Picked up a 1967 industrial rated block grinder this morning. It's only missing the side covers and one lens for the guard. I paid $20 for the grinder, spare wheels, and 2 dollies.

1/2 hp
Dual voltage 115 - 230
3450 rpm

 

[bisley45]

This is what I think of that 20.00$ grinder sir.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[jakemac]