let's see your craftsman block grinders

[McBrownie]

Got my 1/2 HP 257.191401 put back together with new bearings. I went with sealed SKF's. The original Nachi's were "notchy" coincidentally. I had a little trouble with the left side motor housing because the bearing was loose and rattled on start-up. I checked and the original bearing was loose, as well. I fixed that by putting three equally spaced 1/8" strips of .002" shim stock in the housing which made for a press fit. I held the shims in with a little 3M spray adhesive to make assembly easier. Now the start-up is nice and smooth.

I grabbed an old rusty chisel and went to work with a wire wheel. My first impressions:

1) Wow!
2) I had no idea how much I was "babying" my old burned-up 1/4 HP grinder. (This was the same wire wheel from the old grinder, btw)
3) Why didn't I get one of these thing years ago? Thanks to GJ, I have one now!

I'm going to leave in a its' original beat up paint for the time being. It has a nice "experienced" look to it.

So, a question. After 15-20 minutes of using the wire wheel on various things, the top of the motor housing got pretty warm. Not hot enough to burn, but hot enough to be uncomfortable to touch. Kind of the same temp as plates when they come out of the dishwasher right when it finishes. Is this normal?

 

[McBrownie]

I checked with my old-school Sears parts distributor in town and came up empty on eye shields. We cross-referenced different models and they don't carry anything that fits my grinder (257.191401). That was disappointing.

Time to get to work fabricating some.

 

[torqueman2002]

Good luck with the fab.

... the bearing was loose and rattled on start-up. ... three equally spaced 1/8" strips of .002" shim stock in the housing which made for a press fit. Good idea. LOCTITE Bearing Mount works, also. .... After 15-20 minutes of using the wire wheel on various things, the top of the motor housing got pretty warm. Not hot enough to burn, but hot enough to be uncomfortable to touch. Kind of the same temp as plates when they come out of the dishwasher right when it finishes. Is this normal? None of mine do that.

 

[McBrownie]

None of mine do that.

Uh-oh. Oh well, that gives me a good reason to look for more!

 

[drivesitfar]

I'm not sure this split phase i bought is the brake version or just a version of the block, but i had a choice to buy another Baldor or this one and guess which one came home with me?

now i have 2 baldor buffers and 2 blocks so i can keep the Baldors in line. I'm looking forward to having 8 different wheels set up on these and i know this has been mentioned before, but is there any other great places to buy wheels besides Norton or Mc Master??

thanks again to Garage Journal i'm another happy block owner.

McBrownie: that heating up doesn't sound right so maybe a good cleaning might let some air flow or unclog what might be inside yours. good luck

 

[McBrownie]

McBrownie: that heating up doesn't sound right so maybe a good cleaning might let some air flow or unclog what might be inside yours. good luck

I'm going to take it apart again and double check. I did have some trouble getting the shaft lined up properly with the windings after doing the bearing replacement. The first time I turned it on, I just got a loud hum with no rotation. I had to do some adjustment with the motor housing halves to get it to free up.

Really like your new acquisition with the vintage stand. Very nice!

 

[torqueman2002]

... is there any other great places to buy wheels besides Norton or Mc Master?? ....

Nice score.

Try MSC for grinding /wire wheels.

http://tinyurl.com/MSC-Grinding-Wheels

http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/?searchAheadTerm=grinding&searchAhead=true&hdrsrh=true&typahddsp=Bench+%26+Pedestal+Grinding+Wheels&navid=12100087

 

[cbacres]

Nice grinder Drives.

 

[torqueman2002]

I placed a couple of orders for CM Block grinder replacement flanges, nuts, and bolts.

1/2" Arbor (from 1/3 HP Model 397.19580)

http://www.1800toolrepair.com/

1/2" Arbor 791543-00 | SBD 791543-00 [OEM on top]

1/2" Arbor [OEM on right]

5/8" Arbor 761351-00 | SBD 761351-00 [OEM on top]

5/8" Arbor [OEM on left]

http://www.boltdepot.com/

8-32 x 3/8 Hex. Hd. Slotted Screw; Wheel Cover (from 397.19580 (1/3 HP Stamped Steel))
8-32 x 11/16 Pan Hd. Self Tap Screw; Wheel Cover (from 257.191600 (1 HP Cast))
RH Arbor Nut 1/2"-20 (1/3 HP Model 397.19580)
RH Arbor Nut 5/8"-18 (1.0 HP Model 257.191600)

 

[Goldhawg]

Well I got another 1/2 hp Com'l Craftsman block grinder for free with my $75 pedestal! I'll probably end up selling one of my 1/2 block grinders to pay for the pedestal. But I thought this one was better than anything else I had my others mounted to. Interestingly, my other 1/2 hp grinder w/8" wheels only draws 5.2 amps with a light, this one draws 6.2 with no light. So I think this one is more powerful and I should keep it.

 

[jakemac]

I'm not sure this split phase i bought is the brake version or just a version of the block, ...............

The one with the brake has a 3-position switch ON-OFF-BRAKE (momentary). Your new one is the regular model. But it's a sweet one nonetheless. And you nabbed an original base as well. Good score.

 

[McBrownie]

I seemed to have fixed my overheating problem. I was running the grinder flat on my workbench with no rubber feet and was using one of those rubber router pads to keep it from moving around since I didn't have it bolted down. Thanks to Drivesitfar for the thought on air circulation. I'm thinking that router mat was stopping some air movement. The good news is that nothing ever smelled hot and definitely not burned, so hopefully no harm done.

I was at Lowe's today and took a look in their hardware section on a whim. I know that rubber feet are available at places like www.zoro.com, but Lowes? No way. My experience with the big box stores is that they are mostly full of stuff that I'm not looking for. But, take a look at this:

View media item 40451
$1 a piece and Hecho en E.U.A. to boot. Way to go Lowes!

Take a look at the fit:

View media item 40452
Like it came from the factory.

Thanks to Outlaw, here is the cleat idea made out of scrap plywood in my Wilton woodworking vise next to my newly reconditioned Parker 974. I get a ton of use out of that wood workers vise because it opens so wide. I picked it up for $25 off of eBay years ago before vise prices started going crazy.

View media item 40450
Did some more wire wheeling today without the heat problem. So, all is well, EXCEPT, I have found 2 more block motors that are on the way to picking up my kid from college next week. One is a 1960's with all of the accessories - eye-shields, tool rests, and even the cooling tray. The other is a 1970's commercial flat top 1/2 HP with rear vents. Decisions, decisions....

 

[McBrownie]

Well I got another 1/2 hp Com'l Craftsman block grinder for free with my $75 pedestal! I'll probably end up selling one of my 1/2 block grinders to pay for the pedestal. But I thought this one was better than anything else I had my others mounted to. Interestingly, my other 1/2 hp grinder w/8" wheels only draws 5.2 amps with a light, this one draws 6.2 with no light. So I think this one is more powerful and I should keep it.

Free!?!?!?!? Nice score! I'm looking at similar model with the light. I'm wondering if upgrading to a commercial is worth it. It definitely looks cooler. Funny, I've only had my 1/2 HP a week and I'm looking at upgrading.

 

[jakemac]

McBrownie -
What's to decide ? Get 'em both !

 

[larryq]

Somebody in the Bay Area made out well today (not me), this one was up for $30 and went quick. Hope whoever scooped it up does the decent thing and posts pics here.

 

[nine4gmc]

Decisions, decisions....

Seems easy, pick them both up before someone else does

 

[softailgarage]

Perusing CL last night I find this ad for Dorman Drawers...
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/tls/4458101756.html
I've been trying to get my hands on some of these for years, but they go for so damn much, when I saw this I was on it first thing this morning. It was an hour drive, but thats cool, starting to get use to it. Anyways, the seller and I are loading them on a cart, talking tools and he say's, "oh, you like Craftsman, I got this old grinder I'll sell for $35.00" Uh, ok, sure. I believe this makes #7 (hehehe) Maybe when I get these done I'll paint Monday, Tuesday,etc. on the back, like chicks *******, 1 for each day







Yes, pedestal was included in the price.

 

[torqueman2002]

Perusing CL last night I find this ad for Dorman Drawers...
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/tls/4458101756.html
I've been trying to get my hands on some of these for years, but they go for so damn much, when I saw this I was on it first thing this morning. It was an hour drive, but thats cool, starting to get use to it. Anyways, the seller and I are loading them on a cart, talking tools and he say's, "oh, you like Craftsman, I got this old grinder I'll sell for $35.00" Uh, ok, sure. I believe this makes #7 (hehehe) Maybe when I get these done I'll paint Monday, Tuesday,etc. on the back, like chicks *******, 1 for each day







Yes, pedestal was included in the price.

OMG softail ... !

Dorman and Block grinder! It's raining tools on you.

I have 2 sets of Dorman, I have been looking for more; as for Block grinders, you all know all too well.

 

[nine4gmc]

YOU ****!!! but you knew it already

 

[softailgarage]

 

[drivesitfar]

Softail: nice finds and maybe use the ******* as a headcover for each block with the days on the week on them. good idea for grinders and vises.

 

[jakemac]

Softail - with all due respect -

"@%#*$^#@&^" ........................ !!

 

[softailgarage]

Thanks guys!
On another note, I know this stuff is old news to most of you, me, on the other hand just discovered "nevr-dull" a couple of weeks ago and I've been testing it on all sorts of ****. I have found that it will clean up the face plate on the bench grinder (or any face plate) and not harm the ink at all



It will also clean up the Craftsman jeweling/engine turning and not harm the swirls. It has to be done lightly, but it turns out nice (pics as soon as I get more battery's). Just a couple of tips

 

[txusa03]

Do share...where can one find this "nevr-dull"?

 

[torqueman2002]

... "nevr-dull" ... will clean up the face plate on the bench grinder (or any face plate) and not harm the ink at all ... It will also clean up the Craftsman jeweling/engine turning and not harm the swirls. It has to be done lightly ...

Much thanks.

I have an old can kicking around, I'll give it a try on the 'jeweling/engine turning' on a CM DP motor I had not clue what to do with.

 

[torqueman2002]

Do share...where can one find this "nevr-dull"?

$8.29 (Amazon Prime)
http://www.amazon.com/George-Basch-Never-Dull-Wadding-Polish/dp/B000QGZXCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399900715&sr=8-1&keywords=never+dull

 

[jakemac]

Do share...where can one find this "nevr-dull"?

Check at your local True Value or Ace (or Menards, O'Reilly, etc). Home Depot or Lowes may carry it as well.

 

[67carl]

Just did a quick check and Wallyworld (aka Walmart) carries it. Check their website to see if the store nearest you has it in stock. I may run out today and pick some up and try it on my Cman grinder and Bench press.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[drivesitfar]

Softail: thanks for the tip about the Never Dull and i'll pick some up and give it a try. by the way the guys on the vise thread were talking about making socks or covers for their vises. i'm sure something to keep all our power tools from getting shop dust and stuff in them would be a great idea. some guys that have outdoor vises actually put an old car's oil pan on them to keep the rain and snow off them.

TM: thanks for posting the link and just wondering if you had any other that wanted arbor extensions? or did you have Kevin make some for you already. i think 94 was complaining about the ones he was using. now i own 2 block grinders so i wouldn't mind at least a pair and maybe 4 of them.

67: i never shop at the local Wallyworld in my area because i can't get a parking spot in their parking lot, but i drive by a lot of them that don't look busy so i'll have to stop in sometime and see what else they have besides the Never Dull.

McB: glad i helped by mentioning the air flow and that you figured it out. also nice find on another source for the rubber feet. both my blocks have the original stands, but i'll check to see if they have or need some feet because always good to have air flow.

 

[torqueman2002]

TM: thanks for posting the link and just wondering if you had any other that wanted arbor extensions? or did you have Kevin make some for you already. i think 94 was complaining about the ones he was using. now i own 2 block grinders so i wouldn't mind at least a pair and maybe 4 of them.

3 members replied and so far there is a total of 6 different sets.

I am waiting to hear back from Kevin on price.

If you want to, I can increase the count, eventhough the poll is 'closed'.

Link --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245593

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: thanks for doing that and i'm not sure how i missed your thread that i remember seeing and posting on. since i have a 1/3 and a 1/2 HP Block now i'd be curious what prices you end up at with Kevin for the half inch ones.

now good question is whether i really need them since i have a couple Baldor Buffers, but i sure like having the option. also would it be better for these to be 1/2 to 1/2 inch or would 1/2 inch to 5/8 for the arbor maybe give a few more options for wheels?

thanks again for all you do to keep us Block(heads) wheeling.

 

[torqueman2002]

My relies are in Blue.

TM: thanks for doing that and i'm not sure how i missed your thread that i remember seeing and posting on. since i have a 1/3 and a 1/2 HP Block now i'd be curious what prices you end up at with Kevin for the half inch ones. He said that it will be '1/3 the cost a machine shop will charge.' It also depends upon material cost, and number of sets he will run.

now good question is whether i really need them since i have a couple Baldor Buffers, but i sure like having the option. Me too, I just unpacked a dual speed 3/4 HP Baldor - No. 8453 - 33TS also would it be better for these to be 1/2 to 1/2 inch or would 1/2 inch to 5/8 for the arbor maybe give a few more options for wheels? I'd think the wheel diameter is the main consideration, that is I am staying with the OEM wheel size. If they are available in 5/8" arbor then that gives more otions.

thanks again for all you do to keep us Block(heads) wheeling. It keeps me clear of the race tracks!

You are most welcome.

 

[WeAreNotAlone]

Earlier in the thread? a poster was talking about "heat-build-up", and somewhere I saw mention of "vents", or "louvers" on the Commercial models.

Anyone got pics of the vents on commercial models?

Anyone thought of adding them to the consumer grade block grinders, OR read about it being done?

 

[organ]

My commercial has no vents.

 

[WeAreNotAlone]

My commercial has no vents.

I can see the reasoning behind having no vents (No entry of debris into grinder), maybe I was thinking about another piece of equipment.

Curious, what is the MODEL Number, Size of wheels, HP /voltage rating of your vent-less commercial?

Single or 3 phase?

.

 

[Outlawmws]

AFAIK, ALL the Craftsman grinders are single phase.

 

[tedsters]

$8.29 (Amazon Prime)
http://www.amazon.com/George-Basch-Never-Dull-Wadding-Polish/dp/B000QGZXCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399900715&sr=8-1&keywords=never+dull

been using never dull for years, ever brite is the same thing you can still get it at auto zone cleaned many snowmobile chassis with it

 

[tedsters]

softail

you do got to watch what you use it on like Harley pipes or chrome leaves a nasty residue on them i used it on my harley and won't again its to hard to get completely off from the parts that generate heat

 

[torqueman2002]

My replies are in Blue.

... Curious, what is the MODEL Number, Size of wheels, HP /voltage rating of your vent-less commercial? Post #1 in the following link has a table of CM Block/pre-Block grinders. All are vent-less and single phase. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245593

Single or 3 phase?
.

 

[cagullett1]

I just unpacked a dual speed 3/4 HP Baldor - No. 8453 - 33TS

WELLLL.... Lets see it!