let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

Apparently today is overpriced block grinder day:

Ha, another CL dreamer. And it is page 2 of 3! Just to think - 2 more pages of over prices barn droppings.

 

[bczygan]

Some random thoughts:
I would also like to hear from anyone who hooks one up to 240V, to find out the real difference.

Multiples of grinders...I don't know if we are doing ourselves or anyone else a favor by collecting and hoarding these. It drives the price up. And if we don't actually use them, it is a waste.

I can see a use for more than one. Different grinding wheels, coarse and smooth and different materials etc. Different wire wheels. Different buffing wheels. But after that...why?
And there may be more sophisticated grinders out there and special purpose ones. And for fine work, hand grinding and lapping.
I have to admit to only using one grinder as a test, to roughly sharpen an old plane blade.
So here is a challenge. List what you have actually used yours for. And give us a rundown of the wheels and buffs you use for different tasks.

And these don't work so well for buffing anyway, do they. A dedicated buffer with longer shafts works better, doesn't it?

Really starting to think I have too many.

Bill
.

 

[torqueman2002]

...
Really starting to think I have too many.

Bill
.

I can help you. Send me that NIB 1 HP!

Oh, wait ... I've made a public pledge to not aquire any more Block grinders!


They're like popcorn for me ... or Lays Potato Chips, I just can't have 1, or 2, or ...

 

[jakemac]

if you are sure i'll make a note. isn't the 257. # a block motor? along with the 397? it does look plastic so i'll take your word for it to pass on those.

The 257 code was used on several machines made by that supplier. I'm not sure if there are other machines using the 397 code. The plastic Box grinders (in both shapes) tend to have a 257 code. The code number denotes the supplier, not the product style.

You are correct, VM site lists Allegretti Co & Paramount as makers of m-257 and Paramount/Allegretti & Co (continued Delco grinder designs) as makers of m-397.
It also lists Paramount (now Poulan) as makers of m-257.

I have a plastic bodied 1/3 H.P. m-257.190470 variable-speed grinder, purchased new in 1987. I don't count it amongst the Block grinders.

It appears Sears began selling the plastic bodied m-257 again, leading to some confusion.

To me, if it has prefix 257 or 397 AND is a metal body it is the Block motor grinder by the Allegretti Co & Paramount supplier.

What makes the Block grinders made by these suppliers robust and desirable, is the quality: of the castings, bearings (same as used on some early Baldors I have opened), and gauge of field windings.

"General speaking, the commercial grinders are rated for industrial use and dual voltage.
The non-commercial grinders are usually single voltage 6" and some 7" for homeowner use." per Brian Kachadurian on OWWM.

I am not certain what the difference, if any, there are between commercial and industrial.

I hope this helps.

^^^^ What he said. ^^^^

Really starting to think I have too many.

Bill
.

SHUT YOUR MOUTH, and hand in your MAN card !!!!!!

 

[drivesitfar]

thanks Jake. i just keep learning.

BCZ: since TM has a self imposed rule not to buy any other block grinders for himself please let me know what the shipping costs are to ship to 98166 and i'll see what that 1HP of yours works like as a buffer once the extensions are available.

All:Sadly I've moved several grinders off of stands and benches in the process of moving my shop and upgrading my grinders so i only have the B & D plugged in all the time on a stand and I have my 2 baldor buffers and 2 blocks on stands in a corner so i can plug in one at a time when i need them. hopefully i'll have a line up with about 8 or 10 different wheels on my grinders and buffers with compounds so i can make some good old US vises and tools shine. pictures to follow later this summer after the fence building project is completed.

 

[torqueman2002]

... hopefully i'll have a line up with about 8 or 10 different wheels on my grinders and buffers with compounds ...

I'm wondering if I'm approaching this multi-grinder/polisher set up the wrong way.

I mean, what about one of these?

I'm only partly kidding.

It's efficient as all get out, I'm sure; but charming - no.

 

[drivesitfar]

TM:that would work ok for small stuff, but try getting half of a 100 pound vise in between those wheels. also probably a hefty price tag and what happens when that motor conks out?

i do like the baby picture.

you keep thinking about that and just know that a few of those blocks you have pristine ready for action would just love a chance to spin and shine up something. post pictures of before and after a few minutes of work on a project piece on one of those new wheels you have ready and willing to spin against something?

 

[-Brent-]

So here is a challenge. List what you have actually used yours for. And give us a rundown of the wheels and buffs you use for different tasks.

I've been using my set-up often, lately. I've been finishing a few projects around the house and the grinders have all been put to use.

Just recently:

Took all the mushrooms off my chisels (used a stone and a deburing wheel).

Sharpened my lawnmower blades. I used a vise and a ******* file, too. Not just the bench grinder.

Polished a rusty, old pickaxe a neighbor let me borrow. He was shocked when I returned the thing shinier than it had ever been in its previous life. Used the wire wheel, Scotchbrite wheel, sanding wheel and buffer (light buffing - that machine is a too small Baldor).

Sharpened a bunch of drill bits for practice. I still need more practice, though. That was the 1/3 HP grinding wheel machine.

Modified fence caps for my driveway gate. Sanding wheel and chucked in a sanding bit.

Sharpened a stone chisel that had some damage during a bunch of sandstone/quarts dry-stack curbing I installed this weekend/week.

I cannot think of anything else, at the moment. That was the past two weeks, roughly. I've got 3 blocks (all set up differently) and one Baldor. If one didn't get used, I'd move them on to someone that would use them.

However, I pretty much make excuses to use the machines. There's only a little more that needs to be done to my set-up to make it perfect for me.

 

[-Brent-]

I'm wondering if I'm approaching this multi-grinder/polisher set up the wrong way.

That might be good for repetitive work but I cannot see how they change wheels on that behemoth.

I think a few guys around here just like the aesthetics of the machines and they're relatively inexpensive enough to own a bunch but I don't think they'll ever be really used.

I'm kind-of that way. I have a bunch of these (below) for no good reason other than I think they're cool. I have, admittedly, used a couple a time or two but after cleaning them up and getting them into working order, they just sit in a drawer. I just like the design, nostalgia, and aesthetics of these old-time pieces.



Thankfully they're easier to store than a block grinder. I did a bunch of liquidating of machines I didn't use and were pretty much collected because they were cool. I weeded all the non-used stuff and made a few bucks and gained a ton of space. One of those items was a grinder. I don't think I would even have a use for it. These grinders cover all the bases for me, I imagine.

 

[macnewbie]

I have not received many hits from my search script in the past couple days, but here are a couple:

http://twinfalls.craigslist.org/tls/4507689286.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tls/4503027091.html

 

[silversurfers4]

Hey guys, I picked up my first old school craftsman grinder today, I paid 45$ for it, which seems a little steep (for a 1/4hp, 4.5a, model 115.195000) now compared to deals I see you guys getting all across the country, but these grinders seem to be hard to come by in long island.. I was impressed with the condition of it and at first it seemed barely used! I took it apart tonight after work just out of curiosity. I plan on replacing the bearings, they seem just a tad bit rough and I figured why not since I already have it opened up.

My questions to you fellow block grinder owners (I realize this is a pre-dated round block I now own) is would you repaint the housings? They are in fantastic shape for its age and no rust to be found.

The rotor and stator is in awesome condition to my surprise. I plan on replacing the power cord.

I guess all I'm really looking for the general consensus on wether you would try to keep the grinder in its original manufactured state (paint scheme) or repaint it to a more modern look. I do plan on repainting the dull motor/nameplate shroud.

I look forward to the replies and enjoy the pictures.

Ryan

 

[DWise]

Someone emailed me yesterday about needing parts and in upgrading my computer I lost the email (dumb). Anyway I have no more parts. Sorry for posting here but did not know what else to do.

 

[Canoe50]

That might be good for repetitive work but I cannot see how they change wheels on that behemoth.

I think a few guys around here just like the aesthetics of the machines and they're relatively inexpensive enough to own a bunch but I don't think they'll ever be really used.

I'm kind-of that way. I have a bunch of these (below) for no good reason other than I think they're cool. I have, admittedly, used a couple a time or two but after cleaning them up and getting them into working order, they just sit in a drawer. I just like the design, nostalgia, and aesthetics of these old-time pieces.



Thankfully they're easier to store than a block grinder. I did a bunch of liquidating of machines I didn't use and were pretty much collected because they were cool. I weeded all the non-used stuff and made a few bucks and gained a ton of space. One of those items was a grinder. I don't think I would even have a use for it. These grinders cover all the bases for me, I imagine.

I recently bought one of those adjustable wrenches at a flea market for the very same reason.....just thought it looked cool. And the price was right.

 

[McBrownie]

Hey guys, I picked up my first old school craftsman grinder today, I paid 45$ for it, which seems a little steep (for a 1/4hp, 4.5a, model 115.195000) now compared to deals I see you guys getting all across the country, but these grinders seem to be hard to come by in long island.. I was impressed with the condition of it and at first it seemed barely used! I took it apart tonight after work just out of curiosity. I plan on replacing the bearings, they seem just a tad bit rough and I figured why not since I already have it opened up.

My questions to you fellow block grinder owners (I realize this is a pre-dated round block I now own) is would you repaint the housings? They are in fantastic shape for its age and no rust to be found.

The rotor and stator is in awesome condition to my surprise. I plan on replacing the power cord.

I guess all I'm really looking for the general consensus on wether you would try to keep the grinder in its original manufactured state (paint scheme) or repaint it to a more modern look. I do plan on repainting the dull motor/nameplate shroud.

I look forward to the replies and enjoy the pictures.

Ryan

Ryan,

Congratulations and nice find. That grinder is in excellent shape for 60 years old, or so. Don't feel bad about the price especially since it looks like you have all of the parts. Finding those eye shields with the glass, for example, would be very difficult. I'm a fan of original. I would not touch the housing and would only repaint the center tin. It's only original once and yours is in nice shape.

 

[Itinerant]

My questions to you fellow block grinder owners (I realize this is a pre-dated round block I now own) is would you repaint the housings? They are in fantastic shape for its age and no rust to be found.

I guess all I'm really looking for the general consensus on wether you would try to keep the grinder in its original manufactured state (paint scheme) or repaint it to a more modern look. I do plan on repainting the dull motor/nameplate shroud.

You did okay on the price, like McB said you've got all the parts. From your pics the center tin doesn't look too bad to me, I wouldn't repaint any of it. Put it back together and put it to work.

 

[Mach5]

You did okay on the price, like McB said you've got all the parts. From your pics the center tin doesn't look too bad to me, I wouldn't repaint any of it. Put it back together and put it to work.

I agree.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

 

[torqueman2002]

Hey guys, I picked up my first old school craftsman grinder today, I paid 45$ for it, which seems a little steep (for a 1/4hp, 4.5a, model 115.195000) ...
My questions .... is would you repaint the housings?
... would try to keep the grinder in its original manufactured state (paint scheme) or repaint it to a more modern look. ...
Ryan

Ryan, welcome to the forum and this thread.

Thanks for posting this great example of pre-Block CM grinder.

Here are a couple of links you may find helpful as you progress.
"Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss (with resource information)"
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4000536&posted=1#post4000536
"Craftsman pre-Block Grinder resto"
http://tinyurl.com/CM-GJ-Lil-Brownie-115-7566

You will find a number of restores that are in keeping with the OEM paint and as many that have taken liberty; I am guilty of both.

If you're wondering about 'value' of the grinder for resale my guide line is - condition, location, location.

A pristeen, well cared for, or lightly used complete grinder will alway get me to part with more of my $$.

As for location, location - this influences what is available for local 'shopping' on CL, etc ...

For example, the members in SE Michigan and N Ohio seem to enjoy a steady supply of these Block grinders in various HP and conditions. Some other members are not so lucky and have paid shipping.

Truth be know, I've spent more $$ on gas pulling a grinder from SE MI or OH than it takes to send a grinder from MI to TX, 3-day ground.

Keep us up-to date on your restore.

FWIW - I like to replace the 'consumables' when I open one of these guys up. ie: switch, capacitor, power lead, grinding stones, and bearings.

As an improvement and added safety feature (to protect the grinder), I am adding an in line slow-blow fuse. This will protect the start-up and stator windings, should a start-up relay/centrifugal switch fail in the closed position.

 

[torqueman2002]

I have not received many hits from my search script in the past couple days, but here are a couple:

http://twinfalls.craigslist.org/tls/4507689286.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tls/4503027091.html

Both are nice Blocks.

Cool script!

Nice that you are able to turn these up for us (err, ... everybody but me )!

 

[torqueman2002]

What do I use my grinders/buffers for?

Right now I have 2 Blocks 'on-the shop' floor -

• 3/4 HP with wire wheels: steel & brass coated - crimped
• 1 HP with wire wheels: steel - knotted and crimped

They are used to remove paint & rust from fasteners and severely rusted sheet and cast metal pieces, prior to paint prep. Examples of recent projects - 1/2 HP Baldor, 1/4 HP CM pre-Block, and 1/3 HP Block with Brake.

Also, 'on-the shop' floor -
1/3 HP Dayton with grinding wheels
It is used to sharpen drill bits (Drill Dr. does a much better job!), sharpen mower blade (hand held Milwaukee and ******* file do a much better job), shape supports for shelf, deburr metal after drilling and cutting.

3/4 HP twin-speed Baldor Buffer - waiting, patiently waiting for a polishing job - probably the machine turned motor band on the vintage CM floor drill press.

More Blocks in the wings -

• on the bench in process of restore
• ready to go
• in-line for restore and waiting for arbor adapter/extenders

I use the grinders several times a week.

 

[macnewbie]

What do I use my grinders/buffers for?

Right now I have 2 Blocks 'on-the shop' floor -

• 3/4 HP with wire wheels: steel & brass coated - crimped
• 1 HP with wire wheels: steel - knotted and crimped

They are used to remove paint & rust from fasteners and severely rusted sheet and cast metal pieces, prior to paint prep. Examples of recent projects - 1/2 HP Baldor, 1/4 HP CM pre-Block, and 1/3 HP Block with Brake.

Also, 'on-the shop' floor -
1/3 HP Dayton with grinding wheels
It is used to sharpen drill bits (Drill Dr. does a much better job!), sharpen mower blade (hand held Milwaukee and ******* file do a much better job), shape supports for shelf, deburr metal after drilling and cutting.

3/4 HP twin-speed Baldor Buffer - waiting, patiently waiting for a polishing job - probably the machine turned motor band on the vintage CM floor drill press.

More Blocks in the wings -

• on the bench in process of restore
• ready to go
• in-line for restore and waiting for arbor adapter/extenders

I use the grinders several times a week.

I have 4 blocks and one Metabo grinder.

3/4HP commercial block - This is my go-to guy. Coarse and fine aluminum oxide wheels - used primarily to grind HSS lathe bits and hard alloys

1/2HP commercial block - wire wheel on the left, multitool attachment on the right. Used primarily for the multitool as a belt grinder - sharpening everything from lawn mower blades to expensive Japanese kitchen knives. I also have polishing belts for it, but those get used infrequently.

1/2HP standard block - used as buffer

1/3HP standard block - awaiting restoration, missing eye shields.

Metabo 3/4HP grinder - silicon carbide wheels used for grinding soft metals

 

[macnewbie]

http://salem.craigslist.org/gms/4509111059.html

 

[Duct Tape Man]

Located near Richmond, VA for $10 !!!

http://richmond.craigslist.org/tls/4490643882.html

 

[Kaervak]

You guys are slipping.....http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/4507593302.html

 

[pendragon1998]

Still don't have my block in-hand, but I would like to start getting some accessories ao I can hit the ground running. Where should I source wheels and dressing/truing tools? This is my first grinder so I have nothing. I want to clean up rusty tools and regrind bevels on woodworking chisels and plane irons I am restoring.

 

[macnewbie]

You guys are slipping.....http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/4507593302.html

Nice find. That would have never shown up for me since the listing contains neither of "Sears" or "Craftsman".

BTW, for anyone who is curious, you can construct fairly complex search queries on Craigslist that follow the general notation below.

(X|Y) - include results that contain term X OR term Y
-X - exclude results that contain term X
* - wildcard. For example hot* will include a result that contains hottub and hotel

My general query is:

(sears|craftsman) grinder -die -angle -meat

you can add more parameters to refine, for example

(sears|craftsman) grinder -die -angle -meat (257*|397*) - please note this will ONLY return listings that have the model number in it.

or

(sears|craftsman) grinder -die -angle -meat ("1 HP"|1HP|3/4HP|"3/4 HP")

or

(sears|craftsman) grinder -die -angle -meat (commercial|industrial)

etc.

 

[Itinerant]

I have an appointment to pick this one up tomorrow morning.

http://twinfalls.craigslist.org/tls/4507689286.html

Did you notice the restored Studebaker Commander that's part of this estate sale? Sweeeeet!

http://salem.craigslist.org/gms/4509111059.html

 

[macnewbie]

You got yourself a good deal - congrats!

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/4509285801.html

Someone go grab this one!!
http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/tls/4509228408.html

 

[McBrownie]

Nice find. That would have never shown up for me since the listing contains neither of "Sears" or "Craftsman".

BTW, for anyone who is curious, you can construct fairly complex search queries on Craigslist that follow the general notation below.

(X|Y) - include results that contain term X OR term Y
-X - exclude results that contain term X
* - wildcard. For example hot* will include a result that contains hottub and hotel

My general query is:

(sears|craftsman) grinder -die -angle -meat

you can add more parameters to refine, for example

(sears|craftsman) grinder -die -angle -meat (257*|397*) - please note this will ONLY return listings that have the model number in it.

or

(sears|craftsman) grinder -die -angle -meat ("1 HP"|1HP|3/4HP|"3/4 HP")

or

(sears|craftsman) grinder -die -angle -meat (commercial|industrial)

etc.

$65 with the stand?!?!? In my own backyard?!?!?!?

By the way, what does "-meat" mean in your query?

 

[Itinerant]

By the way, what does "-meat" mean in your query?

He's telling the search engine to ignore any ads with the word "meat" in the description, hence no meat grinders.

 

[drivesitfar]

Maybe it tells computer at craigs he is hungry for blocks. Or that he won't buy one from a vegetarian.

I picked up an monster pre block craftsman and will post pictures Tuesday.that means I might need to sell my 1/3 hp block on original stand.pm me offers if you might want it and thought I would give my block guys first shot before classified or craigs. Pictures of it on Tuesday also because the Mrs. kidnapped me and out of town til then.

 

[McBrownie]

$65 with the stand?!?!? In my own backyard?!?!?!?

By the way, what does "-meat" mean in your query?

He's telling the search engine to ignore any ads with the word "meat" in the description, hence no meat grinders.

Aha! Then I think I would add "-crappydeal" to that search just be safe.

 

[macnewbie]

Maybe it tells computer at craigs he is hungry for blocks. Or that he won't buy one from a vegetarian.

I picked up an monster pre block craftsman and will post pictures Tuesday.that means I might need to sell my 1/3 hp block on original stand.pm me offers if you might want it and thought I would give my block guys first shot before classified or craigs. Pictures of it on Tuesday also because the Mrs. kidnapped me and out of town til then.

If you separate, I'd be interested in the stand.

 

[jakemac]

If you separate, I'd be interested in the stand.

HA ! you and half the forum !

 

[bczygan]

There's one here for $35:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/4509025538.html

 

[jakemac]

Interesting, but just not the same.

 

[McBrownie]

This 1/2hp commercial 7" for $65 with the quench tray pictured above is a good one.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/4509285801.html

I spent an hour on mine today making tool rests for my 1/2hp 6". What a beast. It made quick work of shaping cold-rolled steel plate. I'm not sure it knew the difference between me grinding or not. It just hummed along. I left it running the whole time. No sweat.

 

[torqueman2002]

This 1/2hp commercial 7" for $65 with the quench tray pictured above is a good one.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/4509285801.html

I spent an hour on mine today making tool rests for my 1/2hp 6". What a beast. It made quick work of shaping cold-rolled steel plate. I'm not sure it knew the difference between me grinding or not. It just hummed along. I left it running the whole time. No sweat.

Well that's never happened before when I clicked on a CL link.

Edit:
Just tried Detroit CL bookmark, then GA > Atlanta. Same warning.
Detroit Metro searches are normal.

Anyone else have trouble?

 

[torqueman2002]

HA ! you and half the forum !

That stand is cool.

First time I saw one was on this thread last year.

When a 1/4 HP m-397.19400 on a stand like that showed up on CL >100 miles South of me in Ohio, I went down there to pick it.

Here it is holding up Go-Blue!

 

[McBrownie]

That stand is cool.

First time I saw one was on this thread last year.

When a 1/4 HP m-397.19400 on a stand like that showed up on CL >100 miles South of me in Ohio, I went down there to pick it.

Here it is holding up Go-Blue!

A picture of the Torqueman lair! Does that stand have any room for storage of wheels, etc...?

 

[torqueman2002]

A picture of the Torqueman lair! Does that stand have any room for storage of wheels, etc...?

The lair is protected with chocolate labs! We now have an 11 week old and the ******* the left that spend the week days with me, while my daughter is still teaching!

There is a lot of Open space that could be fitted with shelves, but a bit awkward to reach around the side.