let's see your craftsman block grinders

[drivesitfar]

Girchy: sorry i didn't even notice that bend and it is cast. it doesn't seem to be in the way so in my personal opinion i wouldn't mess with it unless you get another thicker wire or stone wheel that it does. even then i think i would put a few washers on that side and move the wheel over a bit since you don't have a cover on the outside and there is plenty of threads left on the arbor.

now if you really want to mess with 50 year old cast i'm sure heat and a slow bending or hammering method is involved and i'll defer to others to walk you through that and i'll wish you the best.

 

[WeAreNotAlone]

You read my mind, I do and I will. I've got about 4 or 5 other manuals I've been meaning to upload. Try to get it tonight.

Re: and a pristine owners manual


Regarding manuals... I was thinking the same thing. (Don't know how "detailed" the manuals are but they should be scanned and archived somewhere... for "historical" purposes.)

.

 

[Itinerant]

For all of y'all that have sold grinders on ebay, which courier have you found to be the most reasonably priced? Torqueman has gone above and beyond in helping me locate a couple grinders, and I'm wanting to make it as easy as possibly on him (and as cheap as possible for me) to get them to Texas. Should the 1/2HP and 1/3HP grinders be shipped together, or separate?

I haven't sold any grinders but I've had a couple of 1/2 HP's shipped to me in Utah from SoCal, so roughly 700 miles. Both sales were from private individuals, the first seller had a UPS account and the total shipping was $18 and change, the other came USPS, more than twice the cost and severely damaged in transit. I would suggest packing/shipping them separately, fully assembled except for the eyeshields which should be well wrapped. Everything should be well padded of course.

 

[torqueman2002]

You read my mind, I do and I will. I've got about 4 or 5 other manuals I've been meaning to upload. Try to get it tonight.

You're the man. Thanks!

 

[torqueman2002]

...
TM: i was wondering if the ring test was a sure fire test. i saw you just found out on another forum that certain types of grinding stones don't ring. can you post over here when you have a minute. i do have a couple sitting on a bench that didn't ring, but I didn't destroy them yet. i also just picked up an 8 inch one at a garage sale for $1 for one of my grinders that even with my finger in the hole and hitting with a wrench since nothing else was handy and it rang like a bell.
thanks for all your information and help

You bet, here you go.

BTW - I'll start a new thread in General Tool Discussion about Grinding Wheel Safety. I have found some good videos and a pdf file - 'Selecting the Right Grinding Wheel'.

The following is from the thread: "CM Block Grinder - 1/3 HP 397.19410 with Brake! ..."
Post #21
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244561&page=2
---------------------------------------------------
The wheel looks good, no visible cracks, chips, or signs of moisture; time for a ring test. Note: the 'wet spot' is from the Kroil I put on the arbor threads.

Failed. So, it was purposely broken to prevent inadvertent use. A metallic center piece was used. Is it an adapter, or part of the original stone? To my eye the stone looks to have been formed around this piece. Is that what kept it from 'ringing'? I would have replaced it anyway, no telling about this consumable. Like fluids in a used car, they get replaced.

The LH wheel also passed a visual inspection, but failed the ring test. This one had an additional plastic adapter and the center metallic one. I retained the stone for reference or additional inspection/testing, if anyone is interested - drop me an IM.

I received a comment/reply about the 'Ring Test' from an OWWM member.
"The bushing shouldn't make any difference unless it's loose, and even then it might not make any difference.
HOWEVER, the "ring test" only works on vitreous bonded wheels.
Resin bonded or rubber bonded wheels DON'T RING, ever. New, old, solid, cracked, makes no difference. They won't ring.
Not saying yours weren't bad, because vitreous bonded wheels are the usual/average type you'll find; just saying the ring test isn't foolproof."
-----------------------------------------
The stone(s) are(were) Vitrified.

 

[torqueman2002]

I bought a grinder yesterday.

http://tinyurl.com/Not-another-Block-grinder

Please don't ban me from the thread.

 

[-Brent-]

Put the grinders to use getting the mushrooms off (and cleaning/sharpening) my chisels.

It was nice to go from one machine to the next, no changing wheels, nothing.

 

[McBrownie]

The Garage Journal converts another one. My old bench grinder started smelling a little crispy and running hot. It's an old one from the '60s, has seen a lot of use (the motor windings have turned black). It's been making me more and more nervous (I never leave it plugged in).

So, I started reading through this thread a month or so ago and starting REALLY wanting a dome top block grinder from the '60's. I couldn't find anything for under $100 on eBay and everything on CL was for newer imported stuff. However, I found one listing on CL over the weekend for "bench grinder - $25". No pictures and the description just said "1/2 HP 257.191401". I knew that wasn't a phone number.

Just picked it up. It's a two-tone gray flat top with the red and black "paddle-style" switch. Missing 1 eye-shield, one tool rest, and the quench tray, but has both side covers and the lamp assembly. It's been used and is a little scratched up, but runs great and the windings are clean.

Turns out the owner is retiring and liquidating his landscaping business after being in the building for 30+ years. No date stamp on the bottom, but does late '70's or early '80's feel right? It's not a dome top, but I'm really excited to get this grinder! I'll post pics later.

Edit:
My old grinder is a 1/4 HP "Doerr" made in Cedarsburg, Wisc. by Electo Machines, Inc.

 

[G20-Budo]

Welcomed to the group McBrownie! Aren't these grinders cool? They seem to last forever if taken care of. The one I got is also black/grey and flat top with the same switch. It's stamped 1974'.

 

[jakemac]

With a flat top it's from the mid-70's to the early 80's. I believe that they went to black in the early eighties, so your grey one should be from the mid to late seventies. Nice find !

 

[organ]

My 1/2 horse flat top was made in '74

 

[McBrownie]

As promised, a couple of quick pictures of my new block grinder:

On top of a garbage can will have to do.

View media item 40366
And the obligatory close-up of the label.

View media item 40367
It needs some TLC. One of the things I notice is that is only takes about 30 seconds to wind down. But, that is with a beat up wire wheel on it. Also, the socket on the light doesn't have a switch. So, like others, looks like I'll be spending more money in parts than I did on the grinder!

Thanks for the replies on the dates. Let me know if the label helps narrow it down. I am having a very hard time reading the serial number. Does anyone know if those help with giving it a date? I also pulled the bottom cover and no info on the inside either.

 

[G20-Budo]

Mine looks just like that, but 1/3 hp, same switch, color and all. It seems the 1/3 hp grinders didn't get serial numbers.?

Here's mine:

 

[McBrownie]

Mine looks just like that, but 1/3 hp, same switch, color and all. It seems the 1/3 hp grinders didn't get serial numbers.?

Nice and complete! I'm going to have to chase down an eye shield or two. I noticed that Sears sells replacements for the 257.191501, which is a 3/4HP model, I believe. I might have to gamble (they're $6, or something like that ) EDIT: Checked with Sears and they no longer carry eye shields for this model.

So, what is that old heavy iron lurking in the background? Have you posted those on the "Vises of Garage Journal" thread yet? You might be their next hero.

 

[G20-Budo]

Nice and complete! I'm going to have to chase down an eye shield or two. I noted that Sears sells replacements for the 257.191501, which is a 1HP model. I might have to gamble (they're $6, or something like that )

So, what is that old heavy iron lurking in the background? Have you posted those on the "Vises of Garage Journal" thread yet? You might be their next hero.

Oh yeah.. I've posted over there. The iron directly behind is my Holland 24 1/2. I'm in the middle of the restore. It's completely stripped now (yup I'm in the electrolysis tank thread too ). I'll be doing some cosmetic repair and then it will be painted. Here's a post of my Hollands.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3944948&postcount=15879

The iron to the right is a 3" Rock Island that belongs to another member here. He saw it online in my area and asked me to pick it up and hold it for him.

 

[McBrownie]

Oh yeah.. I've posted over there.

I recognize that one! I'm the a-hole who told you never to buy a vice from this guy :

View media item 40312
You mentioned that you had no serial number on your grinder, but how about a date stamp? To me, your red label looks older than my black label.

 

[G20-Budo]

Oh yeah, you're "him"

My data stamp is here:

 

[McBrownie]

Oh yeah, you're "him"

Sorry about that

So, "6274" and what looks like a "B", probably means June 2, 1974. And maybe second shift, too

I'm going to guess that mine was late '70's and the black bodied ones came in the '80's. Then everything went to China in the '90's and nothing mattered anymore.

 

[G20-Budo]

Sorry about that

So, "6274" and what looks like a "B", probably means June 2, 1974. And maybe second shift, too

I'm going to guess that mine was late '70's and the black bodied ones came in the '80's. Then everything went to China in the '90's and nothing mattered anymore.

I don't know on the exact dates and colors? Others in this thread know a lot more about the grinders than I do.

 

[jakemac]

Nice and complete! I'm going to have to chase down an eye shield or two. I noticed that Sears sells replacements for the 257.191501, which is a 3/4HP model, I believe. I might have to gamble (they're $6, or something like that )

Can you post a link to that part ?
I looked up that model number and the eye shield (part #48 on the diagram) shows up as N/A.
Of course, the bolt and wingnut are still available though.

 

[McBrownie]

Can you post a link to that part ?
I looked up that model number and the eye shield (part #48 on the diagram) shows up as N/A.
Of course, the bolt and wingnut are still available though.

Those OEM wing nuts are a must have.

Here is where I started:
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html

and found this eye shield:
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/eye-shield-p-973798.html

I could have sworn I saw one here, but NOTHING now!?!?!?
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-257191501-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871_159982.html

I checked the 25719600 and 25719601 links too and NOTHING.

Sorry if I got your hopes up, but I was sure I saw it. I do have an old-school Sears parts store on the west side of CLE. I'm going to give them a call and I'll post whatever I find here.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: it looks like you have a split phase block which might be the one with a brake feature. i'm not sure and the experts might chime in to clarify.

or maybe it is like my commercial block that can be re wired for 220 or stay at 110?

anyway glad to see you found one and good luck on the search for the parts and ID ing it.

also keep that hammer away from your block because I saw what you did to G20's vise.

 

[McBrownie]

McB: it looks like you have a split phase block which might be the one with a brake feature. i'm not sure and the experts might chime in to clarify.

or maybe it is like my commercial block that can be re wired for 220 or stay at 110?

anyway glad to see you found one and good luck on the search for the parts and ID ing it.

also keep that hammer away from your block because I saw what you did to G20's vise.

No hammers allowed near it!. Mine isn't commercial, so I can see where this is going. First "commercial", then 3/4 HP, then 1HP, then dome tops in all sizes, and so on, and so on...

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: i wasn't thinking that way today when posting about your grinder, but you might want to check out Brent's set up he posted maybe last month with the 4 different grinders on top of his rolling tool boxes. they all have different wheels on them which is what i'm trying to do to so i don't have to waste time changing wheels.

of course 1/2 HP grinder is usually enough for most household shops, but usually not for a GJ member so keep your eye open for a bigger one or a commercial one you can change to 220.

TM: i hope you are ok because haven't heard a peep from you since you went to the dark side with the Big B grinder. or maybe it's because you are still trying to figure out which Block to sell. hope all is well.

Brent: nice work with those tools on your new set up and glad it works as good as it looked like it would.

 

[tedsters]

well i got another crappy looking one that runs so with the one i got that has a bad relay i will be able to make one out of the pair, + my sandblaster should be ready tomorrow hopefully the parts will interchange the one on the left just needs a new cord and switch to run but for $15 in the pair if i can get one to work good.....well its all fun?

 

[jakemac]

Those OEM wing nuts are a must have.

Here is where I started:
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html

and found this eye shield:
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/eye-shield-p-973798.html

I could have sworn I saw one here, but NOTHING now!?!?!?
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-257191501-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871_159982.html

I checked the 25719600 and 25719601 links too and NOTHING.

Sorry if I got your hopes up, but I was sure I saw it. I do have an old-school Sears parts store on the west side of CLE. I'm going to give them a call and I'll post whatever I find here.

Ahhhhhhhh, ok. Now I see where you were going with it.
I wonder if the eye shields for the Box style grinders will fit on the Block grinders ?
I don't have a Box grinder, so I can't measure the opening between the mounting ears to compare. If you try it out, let us know so we can swamp them with orders.

 

[Outlawmws]

McB, if you plan on that many, consider using a B&D WorkMate as a base, and mount the grinders on a 2' X 1' piece of 3/4" or better ply; then add a Cleat on the bottom for the WorkMate Vise to grip.

Then make a "book case" out of 1X12, for the frame and add a 1/4" ply back, add shelf standards and rack the grinders (or other bench tools) in the "book case" when not in use.

Minimal foot print in the shop, and only one "work center" to deal with, which can still be folded up and stored when not in use. This is not a great plan for the heavy Baldor grinders, but perfect for these not so terribly heavy Block grinders.

 

[McBrownie]

McB, if you plan on that many, consider using a B&D WorkMate as a base, and mount the grinders on a 2' X 1' piece of 3/4" or better ply; then add a Cleat on the bottom for the WorkMate Vise to grip.

Then make a "book case" out of 1X12, for the frame and add a 1/4" ply back, add shelf standards and rack the grinders (or other bench tools) in the "book case" when not in use.

Minimal foot print in the shop, and only one "work center" to deal with, which can still be folded up and stored when not in use. This is not a great plan for the heavy Baldor grinders, but perfect for these not so terribly heavy Block grinders.

Outlaw, I really don't plan on getting that many, but one never knows. I have an old Wilton woodworkers vise that will work very nicely with your cleat idea. Thanks for the tip.

 

[txusa03]

Now I see why the addiction. It has some missing parts (quench tray and eye protector). Worth every pennies. This fellas did not have a light like others that I have seen here. It looks great eventho I have yet to clean it up.

This is also my first official Crown owner.

 

[Trey T]

^in very good condition.

 

[Itinerant]

I wonder if the eye shields for the Box style grinders will fit on the Block grinders?

I wondered the same thing and spent the money to find out. I'd have been better off lighting the money on fire.

 

[txusa03]

I wondered the same thing and spent the money to find out. I'd have been better off lighting the money on fire.

what is a Box style grinder?

 

[tedsters]

Now I see why the addiction. It has some missing parts (quench tray and eye protector). Worth every pennies. This fellas did not have a light like others that I have seen here. It looks great eventho I have yet to clean it up.

This is also my first official Crown owner.

man that thing sure is clean and a 7inch rear exhaust to boot

 

[McBrownie]

I wondered the same thing and spent the money to find out. I'd have been better off lighting the money on fire.

Good to know. Thanks for sharing.

 

[McBrownie]

Some clues as to the age of my undated (no stamp) 257.191401. First the label shot for consistency:

View media item 40367
Now for the clue on the inside of one of the wheel shrouds:

View media item 40370
Here is a close-up. It's clearer in person:

View media item 40371
It's a casting mark with an "83" in the middle and stamps at what looks like 7, 8, 10, and 11 o'clock. In case you've never seen these before, they are used to date stamp molded parts. The stamp inserted in to the mold and the tool and die maker stamps tick marks on the "clock" that corresponds to the month of the year. (Well, at least they are supposed to ) So, this would tell me that this mold was used to make parts in at least July, August, October, and November of 1983. Probably September too, but they didn't tick mark 9 o'clock.

Makes me think this grinder is most-likely from early 1984 which ties in nicely with the PO's story of it being in his building "about 30 years". I'll take that.

It's currently disassembled and I'm waiting for a set of bearings to show up. The originals were tight but felt "notchy".

Edit: The motor housing halves as similar markings with dates from late-1983, as well.

 

[jakemac]

They look like this :


It's a cheaper version of the Block grinder. (I had to scroll back to page 49 to find it)

 

[McBrownie]

Now I see why the addiction. It has some missing parts (quench tray and eye protector). Worth every pennies. This fellas did not have a light like others that I have seen here. It looks great eventho I have yet to clean it up.

This is also my first official Crown owner.

I hope mine looks that good AFTER I clean it up. Nice grinder!

 

[thursday]

Has the link to the sticker label been taken down? I've found reference to it in this thread, but I can't see any link?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3895217&postcount=1347

 

[txusa03]

man that thing sure is clean and a 7inch rear exhaust to boot

I thought it was a 6inch but I trust your knowledge more than I trust my knowledge. I will post some pics after she takes a mineral water bath.

I hope mine looks that good AFTER I clean it up. Nice grinder!

Thanks.

Jake: thanks for your reply. Good to know the eye shield on those don't work with block.

 

[Itinerant]

After an exasperating and unsuccessful two weeks of trying to get the left side cover guard and a tool rest that go with the 1 HP model 257.191600 I recently acquired I've given up on the seller (who told me this past Sunday that he has them but who now does not answer his phone or respond to text messages) and appeal to GJ to help me locate the parts I need. If anyone has the parts or knows someone who does and is willing to sell please contact me via PM.