let's see your craftsman block grinders

[-Brent-]

Oh, and as I was mounting the grinders today and balancing all the wheels one of the switches quit working. I need a replacement. Anyone have a number or link for one?

Also, when the wheels get centered correctly and they run true, wow, talk about running quietly. I got the three not running stone wheels to all run as quiet as the stone wheel machine. Never in my life have I had a quiet buffer. There's hardly any vibration.

All the machines can sit and run without being bolted down. I'm quite proud of myself.

 

[jakemac]

We'll need a picture of the switch to know which one it is.

metal or plastic ?
toggle or paddle ?
long or short toggle ?
Ball end or baseball bat shape ?

Cman used many different switches though the different design changes over the years. I've even seen different switch shapes between different models in the same year.

If you don't care about matching the look of the switch, then you only need to get a toggle switch that meets the load and fits the opening. They may be found at your local hardware store.

If you "need" an exact match, then it may be harder to find a duplicate.

 

[-Brent-]

Grinder on the right. White switch body, black "paddle." It's plastic.

 

[Kruck26]

Found this on CL earlier today and I am going to take a look at it first thing tomorrow. Looks a little rough in areas but wanted to know what you all thought and if the prices is right? Thanks for the help!

http://racine.craigslist.org/tls/4387089269.html

 

[drivesitfar]

Kruck: not sure why all that rust, but rust isn't always good when a grinder or electronics is concerned. that said if it runs and you are willing to put in some elbow grease you have a nice 1/2 HP commercial craftsman block grinder on an original Craftsman stand.

we were talking earlier today about those stands so if you don't want to use that stand you might get close to the asking price to somebody here on the thread.

see if it runs and if it does and you are a little handy it is a decent buy.

also it looks like it's your first post so welcome to Garage journal and glad to have you read and add your knowledge to our threads.

 

[Kruck26]

Thanks... I talked to the owner said it works great he just no longer needs it. As far as handy I am alright and am looking for another small project now that I am just about to finish up a 50's-60's Craftsman Bench Top Drill Press that needed a little TLC so I and willing to put in the elbow grease.

 

[Outlawmws]

just has some rust that can be cleaned up nicely,

That looks more like cancer than "rust that can be cleaned up nicely" inspect closely...

 

[tedsters]

Found this on CL earlier today and I am going to take a look at it first thing tomorrow. Looks a little rough in areas but wanted to know what you all thought and if the prices is right? Thanks for the help!

http://racine.craigslist.org/tls/4387089269.html

Kruck

Welcome to the forum you can have a lot of fun on here lots of guys with some good knowledge, i don't know what you have to pay for but if it runs good i would buy it if the price was not too bad i just picked this one up i actually won't have it here till April 8th my brother-n-law picked it up for me i have been looking for one with original stand and i found this one

 

[tedsters]

after closer looking at the pics i think i would look it over better also that rust on the base looks pretty heavy, and the rust at the base of the motor and stand does not look good.
i think i would even look to see if there is evidence of the motor being off from the stand there almost has to be some bad corrosion inside of the grinder, maybe not but i would look it over good

 

[torqueman2002]

Kruck,

Welcome, I look forward to your project.

If you have any questions, you'll find a lot of good information, links, resources, and help in this thread for restoring that grinder.

BTW - a word of caution, a grinding stone that's been wet, or in a damp enviornment may or may not pass a 'ring' test; but should NOT be used. It is not safe.

Have fun with your project.



PS - Just thought you might get some ideas on rescuing that grinder, from a thread about a grinder that had signs of sitting in water for some time.

Link to: "Topic: Block Grinder rescue - UPDATE: Go-Blue! 1 H.P. Model 257.191600"
http://tinyurl.com/Go-Blue-Block-Grinder

 

[jakemac]

Grinder on the right. White switch body, black "paddle." It's plastic.

Brent,
I don't think those switches are available anymore. You may be able to carefully take it apart and repair it. IDK Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Next, get the info off the switch and try looking for a similar appliance switch that fits the rectangular hole and has the same load ratings. Maybe something off an old stove ?

 

[Kruck26]

I agree with the cancer comment it does look like a potential problem so I will look carefully. Even if it will take some work it sounds like its worth picking it up just for the stand so I may ****** it up either way.

 

[jakemac]

Found this on CL earlier today and I am going to take a look at it first thing tomorrow. Looks a little rough in areas but wanted to know what you all thought and if the prices is right? Thanks for the help!

http://racine.craigslist.org/tls/4387089269.html

Kruck,
Even in that rusted condition, that pedestal base is worth at least a benjamin. So $50 for the whole thing is worth the chance. Even if the grinder dies on you, it still has all the parts that usually go missing (except the quench tray, which can still be ordered). You could use it for donor parts for a grinder you pick up later, or sell the pieces off and make a profit to spend on another one.

In short - GO GET IT !

 

[Kruck26]

Guys thanks for the info. I did make the short drive and pick it up earlier today for $40. The rust on the stand base should be easy to get rid of, but the rust around the name plate is a different story. Once I get it home and take the old wire wheel to it I should be able see how deep the rust goes and if it's still usable. I will post some pics later tonight.

 

[jakemac]

Woo-Hoo !!!!!!!!!!! Another one saved !

(and another member joins the cult )

 

[cbacres]

Woo-Hoo !!!!!!!!!!! Another one saved !

(and another member joins the cult )

Cult.That's a good way to describe us.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Cult.That's a good way to describe us.

x2... working on #3... well technically, it's the block's daddy from the mid 40's... let's see if this guy's willing to drop the price at all, because it's not worth the $100 he's demanding.

 

[organ]

That 1 HP on ebay is up to $166 http://www.ebay.com/itm/321356372855

 

[drivesitfar]

Got my 1/3hp on the table with my 1/2hp today. Pretty good mobile setup for my limited space:








Psyched - now I just need to get some buffing wheels and set up the 1/3hp with them...maybe a wire wheel as well.

Good feeling to have some good 'ole USA-Made grinding power in the garage!



Dave

Sweet D: i saw this when you posted it and it still has me wondering what the table you placed that pair of block grinders on. did you hijack a shaper and make it your double grinder table? or is it still functional and as what under the grinders?

 

[Kruck26]

Just took a closer look at my "new" block grinder I bought earlier today and it doesn't look to bad. The rust is the worst on the lower front as you can see in the picture as the screws holding on the center plate are rusted on... So that will be fun. Anyway the rest looks solid and so does the inside. What do you all think?

 

[cbacres]

Kruck, looks as if a water tray was heavily and sloppily used on yours to cause rust like that. I can't really tell in the photo, but the insides look good and clean. One of mine has heavy corrosion on he base, but inside is clean as a pin.
Looks like a good wire brushing or blasting will get you ready for paint.
How does it run?

Good score.

 

[drivesitfar]

Kruck: i'm guessing it was either as CB said with the water tray or more likely with all the rust on the stand too it probably was left outside. as far as i can tell you have all the parts and that awesome stand so check out all the rebuilds on this thread and others that members started on their own. you should have plenty of information and if you run into an issue there are guys on this thread checking it daily that would be happy to help you make that grinder work like it should with your magic touch.

good luck

 

[tedsters]

Just took a closer look at my "new" block grinder I bought earlier today and it doesn't look to bad. The rust is the worst on the lower front as you can see in the picture as the screws holding on the center plate are rusted on... So that will be fun. Anyway the rest looks solid and so does the inside. What do you all think?

you got a good deal on yours glad it worked out for you looks like an easy clean up

 

[Kruck26]

Inside look like new and it runs great with very little vibration... Again thanks guys and I will be looking for info when I need it and will be sure to post pic when I have completed it.

 

[jakemac]

Did the bottom plate have a date on it ?

BTW - You dun good ! That's a suckage quality acquisition. Can't wait to see it cleaned up and running.

 

[tedsters]

Look at this i picked up a wilton 450 from a guy tonight and told him i was into craftsman vintage stuff while on the ph. he told me when i got there he would give me an old craftsman hand tool catalog this thing looks like new
i had to share this with you guys i have no idea how them got sideways i cropped them to straighten the up i should have left them alone

 

[Kruck26]

I checked for a date on the bottom but there was no date. It did have a wiring diagram on the inside of the panel on how to wire for 115v or 220v.

 

[tedsters]

I checked for a date on the bottom but there was no date. It did have a wiring diagram on the inside of the panel on how to wire for 115v or 220v.

looking at your on/off switch from under the grinder if you look at the silver tabs on the bottom there holding a metal cover on to the switch the date code might be below the part number on the switch it is on mine

 

[tedsters]

the part number is on the metal cover so you would have to pull the switch out from the back to look

 

[cagullett1]

That 1 HP on ebay is up to $166 http://www.ebay.com/itm/321356372855

Definitely didn't see it being worth the $177 it currently is. I bet he is happy he threw it on ebay now!

 

[-Brent-]

I've been on the hunt for proper grommet "feet."

These worked perfectly (see my pics, on the previous page) but I cannot find them listed online based on the numbers. The company is Serv-a-lite or Servalite, the info is in the pics.





As well, there are these grommets. They're specifically made for motor mounting. The size is a bit different. The price is decent.

 

[jakemac]

Zoro Tools has the same Dayton 6pc set of grommets for $2 less than Grainger or drillspot.

http://www.zorotools.com/g/00008632/k-G2705507?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&kw=%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=COiGg4-frL0CFTIV7AodFkEAcw

I think I'll give them a try, since I have an order list going anyway.

 

[-Brent-]

Awesome! Originally, I couldn't get the ad link to work at this computer... Thanks!

I like that we're not reinventing the wheel here. Now if we could find a suitable switch replacement.

I do have a couple tricks up my sleeve to make a decent looking solution. Just waiting for some parts to come in.

 

[torqueman2002]

Zoro Tools has the same Dayton 6pc set of grommets for $2 less than Grainger or drillspot.

Starting an order today!

Thanks!

 

[jakemac]

Definitely didn't see it being worth the $177 it currently is. I bet he is happy he threw it on ebay now!

WOW - it went for $220.68 !!!!!!!!!

 

[-Brent-]

WOW - it went for $220.68 !!!!!!!!!

I assume Garage Journal is partially to thank. Lots of folks look at this thread.

 

[-Brent-]

Two machines are done.



I put a Jacobs 33AB 1/2-12 chuck on so I can mount all sorts of accessories for shaping, polishing, cutting, etc. The flap wheel on the other side is something I've wanted to try out. I'm looking forward to a couple prep items that I'll test this wheel out on.



I've been using this a bunch, recently. This weekend I took on balancing the wire wheel and had fun fitting the bigger bore wheel on straight since the adapters don't do so well on their own.

 

[drivesitfar]

Brent: nice job with the 4 different wheels. I didn't know you could put a drill chuck on one. I for one would love to see some before and after pictures of the items you are shining up or prepping for paint.

nice work.

only $220 for a 1 HP and without the stand? i'm betting you guys that own 3 or 4 of these block grinders are smiling more than usual.

thanks for the leads on the rubber feet if i ever need any.

 

[-Brent-]

Yep, the threads are 1/2" x 20 or 1/2-20 on the shaft. So, a chuck from many corded drills would work. I bought mine from Cripe Distributing for... $8. I don't know why it was so cheap, considering they usually go between $60-$140. I'm not complaining, though. My whole shop is nickel-and-dimed together.

 

[Outlawmws]

I assume Garage Journal is partially to thank. Lots of folks look at this thread.

No, cause that's just silly money... (You can get a Baldor for that...)