let's see your craftsman block grinders

[drivesitfar]

I think I have one of those old Craftsman motors sitting under my bench and just not 100% sure how to attach anything to their arms. any help on that is appreciated either in obtaining parts or a couple pics showing before and after?

I think my motor might be a 3/4 or 1 HP and was thinking it might end up on an old machine to be found later and would make a nice buffer or wire wheel now.

thanks Jake

 

[zkling]

Jake you might want to consider changing your setup if you value that motor. Between those large loose buffs and the open motor ends. Polishing with that setup is going to be hell on the motor and at times down right dangerous. A buffer is often the most dangerous tool one can own. Just my 2¢

 

[Fretters]

I think I have one of those old Craftsman motors sitting under my bench and just not 100% sure how to attach anything to their arms. any help on that is appreciated either in obtaining parts or a couple pics showing before and after?

The arbor adaptors have a sleeve which fits over the spindle and then is locked in place with a retaining screw or two.

 

[jakemac]

Jake you might want to consider changing your setup if you value that motor. Between those large loose buffs and the open motor ends. Polishing with that setup is going to be hell on the motor and at times down right dangerous. A buffer is often the most dangerous tool one can own. Just my 2¢

Yeah, I know. I'm taking my life in my hands anytime I use it if I'm not careful. I never stand directly in line with the wheels. I learned that lesson the hard way. My wire wheel has launched a few steel projectiles in it's time as well. I've been thinking about stretching a sock or something like it over the ends to act as a filter to prevent burning the motor out. So far nothing has jumped out at me as being useful yet.

 

[zkling]

That's my plan also.

As far as I know, CM didn't make true buffers.

They made buffing arbors, designed to be belt driven. The smaller diameter body with just a pulley allowed for more clearance around the wheels compared to having the block or body of the electric motor in the way.

 

[torqueman2002]

They made buffing arbors, designed to be belt driven. The smaller diameter body with just a pulley allowed for more clearance around the wheels compared to having the block or body of the electric motor in the way.

Yes, of course. I forgot about those.

 

[drivesitfar]

I know this isn't a Craftsman (Delta Milwaulkee actually), but is this the style of buffer Z mentions. I wonder if we could work a block grinder's motor into the equation if we found the Craftsman's version with a bad motor??

 

[zkling]

I know this isn't a Craftsman (Delta Milwaulkee actually), but is this the style of buffer Z mentions. I wonder if we could work a block grinder's motor into the equation if we found the Craftsman's version with a bad motor??

Sure you could, but it would not be of any benefit over a working block grinder. It would still be bulky and have short arbors with clearance issues.

 

[Voi]

Here is a thread on extending arbors on grinders for buffer use. I believe there is a longer thread on this but I haven't found it in my search.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207311&highlight=arbor+extension

And here is a link within that thread for various extensions:

http://drdetailforless.com/buffers-other-tools/

 

[cbacres]

Should I? Buy this grinder? I mean I have two 6" and a 8" block already, on top of another 6" old iron grinder, plus a 8" CM newer across the pond grinder. almost forgot the 8" Dayton.
It's only $25.00, they said they didn't think it was going anywhere, we'll hold for a day or so.whats wrong with me, I'm going to drive 35 plus miles for a 3/4 HP block? DAMM STRAIGHT I will! He'll, I won't be able to afford all of these wheels.

My son is going to shake his head and wonder about me! He did at least discuss a couple of color schemes with me.

 

[nine4gmc]

That's a commercial one with the rear facing dust ports, dip bowl, both spark arrestors, tool rests and eye shields...Yeah, I'd pay up to $75 for that one...

 

[cbacres]

Oh, I'm going at it, just wish I could go first thing. I have to go about 75 miles away first to inspect about 3000' of casing.ill be working late to make up for it, buts its worth it!

 

[torqueman2002]

cb ...
That's the way! Grab them when they show up.

I bet I have a label for it when you are ready.



PS - see if he want to sell you those CM combination wrenches too!

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/4342856247.html

Not worth $100 to me, missing too many pieces, but someone near Philly may want it.

 

[Itinerant]

Here's mine, 1974 vintage 1/2 HP seven incher. I need to clean it up a bit.

 

[zkling]

That's a commercial one with the rear facing dust ports, dip bowl, both spark arrestors, tool rests and eye shields...Yeah, I'd pay up to $75 for that one...

Nine, since you've been through a few of these do you think the commercial ones are THAT much better if at all then the standard versions? Outside of the dual voltage rating on the commercial is there much build quality difference?

Here's mine, 1974 vintage 1/2 HP seven incher. I need to clean it up a bit.

Very nice, did your grinder ever have a light mounted to it?

 

[drivesitfar]

I bought this 1/2 HP 1964 commercial crown top bench grinder from the original owner tonight and he even handed me the manuals for it too. it still has the original wheels on it that he might have used only a handful of times over the 50 years because he is a wood worker.

It also has the original Craftsman crown top stand. in the manual he said it will show me how to wire it up for 220 which might be a good thing. it's only a 6 inch, but plenty big for the work i'm planning on doing with it. i'll add pictures of the manuals later when I unload it out of my car into the garage.

it probably won't leave my house unless it goes with one of my sons or son in law because I plugged it in at my client's home and it purrs like a lion.

 

[cbacres]

Drivesitfar, Nice. Like the ones with the riveted name plate and the framed eye guards.

 

[cbacres]

cb ...
That's the way! Grab them when they show up.

I bet I have a label for it when you are ready.



PS - see if he want to sell you those CM combination wrenches too!

Torque, I was going to ask about the label template, most of mine have them.
I'll be talking with you later, thanks.

 

[torqueman2002]

drive ...

Nice score. It's a Block Motor & Crown-Top commercial guy in great shape, with that cool stand. Oh - and manuals!

Well done.

If you get the chance, please take a straight on shot of the label. I'd like to add it to my library of labels & badges.

Also, you might consider posting a scanned copy of the manuals over at http://vintagemachinery.org/. They have a library of manuals for free downloading.

 

[drivesitfar]

Tourque: thanks for the kudos and i'm pretty happy it's mine. i'll try to get you a picture in the next few days and if you don't see one posted shoot me a PM. it is waiting to find it's new spot so not sure when it will be ready for a picture.

thanks for the heads up on the manuals and i'll have to check them out for other machines I own. i'll post mine if they don't already have them too because the wiring process might be helpful.

anybody wire these little guys up to 220 and what are the benefits? more power or better efficiency or both or ??

 

[cbacres]

Got it! Runs smooth , no noise. Guy is downsizing to a smaller place, just didn't need anymore, best kind of buys.
I'm complete now, 1/3,1/2,3/4 and 1 HP block grinders. When it see an ad, I'll just skip it......, yeah right..
Thanks for the comments.

 

[nine4gmc]

Glad you got it drives, badassery!!

 

[drivesitfar]

thanks Nine

CB: I was looking for the one you bought when I bought mine. yours was a much better price and probably about the same driving time. good find and if you stop looking then others might get to own one, but i'm sure you'll need the Professional models too.

honestly I didn't know I needed another grinder or much less this Craftsman block grinder until I joined GJ. glad I joined because it's a keeper.

thanks guys

 

[jakemac]

I'm complete now, 1/3,1/2,3/4 and 1 HP block grinders. When it see an ad, I'll just skip it......, yeah right..
Thanks for the comments.

What, no 1/4hp in the stable ?

 

[cbacres]

thanks Nine

CB: I was looking for the one you bought when I bought mine. yours was a much better price and probably about the same driving time. good find and if you stop looking then others might get to own one, but i'm sure you'll need the Professional models too.

honestly I didn't know I needed another grinder or much less this Craftsman block grinder until I joined GJ. glad I joined because it's a keeper.

thanks guys

I just look for the 397 or 257 prefix, I'll figure out what is is later.

I agree on not knowing I needed another grinder.

Jake, I overlooked the 1/4 HP, guess it back to searching............ I could use the small one to dress the tools that ill use to dress the bigger ones.

No date code on the one today, but with the plastic switch I thinks it's late 70's or 80's, new when I was learning to do " stuff" in the shop and the only thought I gave to bench grinders was turn it on and grind, and try to remember to not let it walk off the bench while winding down.

Traveling tomorrow for a out of town docs appoint, going up on a lot of back roads,on a Friday, hopefully some estate sales.

 

[torqueman2002]

... anybody wire these little guys up to 220 and what are the benefits? more power or better efficiency or both or ??

There should be a wiring schematice for 110 & 220 inside the bottom cover. If not let me know, I'll dig up the one that I posted for you.

I don't know of the advantages, except dual voltage allows flexibility for more commercial/industrial applications.

Nice score!

 

[cbacres]

I also have a good drawing of the 120/220 volt on the cover of mine, I'll try to post this weekend.

 

[torqueman2002]

Got it! Runs smooth , no noise. ... When it see an ad, I'll just skip it......, yeah right. ...

Cool.

BTW - I said the same thing, after #3, #4, #5, ....

It's a sickness I tell ya!

Better than boozin, gamblin, and messing around.

 

[Itinerant]

Very nice, did your grinder ever have a light mounted to it?

No it didn't, though at my age I wish it did. Guess I'll have to find one that does.


Drivesitfar, that is an awesome set-up. I'm jealous.

 

[torqueman2002]

Torque, I was going to ask about the label template, most of mine have them.
I'll be talking with you later, thanks.

cb

I found a post in this thread where the label I use is posted. #306
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&page=16

Let me know if you have any questions.

M

 

[torqueman2002]

There should be a wiring schematice for 110 & 220 inside the bottom cover. If not let me know, I'll dig up the one that I posted for you.

Found it.
Post #324
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&page=17

 

[Outlawmws]

I bought this 1/2 HP 1964 commercial crown top bench grinder from the original owner tonight and he even handed me the manuals for it too. it still has the original wheels on it that he might have used only a handful of times over the 50 years because he is a wood worker.

It also has the original Craftsman crown top stand. in the manual he said it will show me how to wire it up for 220 which might be a good thing. it's only a 6 inch, but plenty big for the work i'm planning on doing with it. i'll add pictures of the manuals later when I unload it out of my car into the garage.

it probably won't leave my house unless it goes with one of my sons or son in law because I plugged it in at my client's home and it purrs like a lion.

DIF, I have the exact same model, if not year Mine is sans the stand, but almost in as good of shape. many issue with mine is a PO slammed the lamp reflector between something and it has a can-opener hole/dent in it.

Nice find!

 

[torqueman2002]

I had someone ask about wheel/stone flanges. The large 'washers' with a recess that hold the stone/wheel.

In Post #89 there are some close up shots.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&page=5

 

[torqueman2002]

... the lamp reflector between something and it has a can-opener hole/dent in it.

Outlaw

I found the plastic lamp cover is available from eReplacementparts.com.

Maybe the metal cover is also.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html

Sometimes I've found what I needed under a different/similar model.

 

[Stuart in MN]

anybody wire these little guys up to 220 and what are the benefits? more power or better efficiency or both or ??

I'd leave it set up for 120vac. It will run just as well, it has the same power at either voltage - 1/2hp is 1/2hp. Plus, that way you can plug it in anywhere, instead of needing a dedicated outlet.

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw

I found the plastic lamp cover is available from eReplacementparts.com.

Maybe the metal cover is also.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html

Sometimes I've found what I needed under a different/similar model.

The site does not recognize the model No.

FYI 397.19590

 

[Outlawmws]

I had someone ask about wheel/stone flanges. The large 'washers' with a recess that hold the stone/wheel.

In Post #89 there are some close up shots.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&page=5

Those are generally available where the wheels are available.

 

[jakemac]

Outlaw-

Here's the page for the black plastic cover from mod# 257.191600.

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-cover-p-973653.html

The metal shade isn't available through them. It's listed as "Obsolete - Not Available"

 

[rallyhard]

Inherited from my dad.
I didn't realize it was 220v capable until now.
Been a good grinder.