let's see your craftsman block grinders
- Thread starter emeraldcoupe
- Start date
bczygan
Well-known member
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
Welcome to GJ.
Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here.
Because here there be dragons...
McBrownie
Well-known member
Bearings and spin down times! I'm on the fence with this one, but leaning towards long spin down times = dry bearings = end of life for the bearings.
The 6203 bearings in these grinders are very common and used in automotive for belt pulleys and alternators. I've had some fail in cars over the years and have bought new. Every new bearing I have seen is very smooth, but does not spin freely. I even replaced the bearings on my 1/2hp 6" non-commercial with new SKF's and my spin down for that grinder is about 40 seconds, but it is silky smooth. I think this is because the bearings are packed with fresh grease.
My commercial 1/2hp, with original bearings, spins down for a good 2-3 minutes. I'm assuming that this has to do with dry grease and means that the bearings will fail soon with more use. But, it could have something to do with the inertia of this grinder spinning two fat 7" wheels.
So, what do others think? Is a 2 minute spin down a good thing or a sign of old bearings?
Looking forward to your insights.
The 6203 bearings in these grinders are very common and used in automotive for belt pulleys and alternators. I've had some fail in cars over the years and have bought new. Every new bearing I have seen is very smooth, but does not spin freely. I even replaced the bearings on my 1/2hp 6" non-commercial with new SKF's and my spin down for that grinder is about 40 seconds, but it is silky smooth. I think this is because the bearings are packed with fresh grease.
My commercial 1/2hp, with original bearings, spins down for a good 2-3 minutes. I'm assuming that this has to do with dry grease and means that the bearings will fail soon with more use. But, it could have something to do with the inertia of this grinder spinning two fat 7" wheels.
So, what do others think? Is a 2 minute spin down a good thing or a sign of old bearings?
Looking forward to your insights.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I don't really agree with that thought. Worn bearings get noisy, and even noisier in spin down. Is the grease there? Maybe, maybe not.
Most modern bearings have a seal and the seal also lends drag. Older mantra was to use well shielded bearings, but not sealed. Mostly because they were cheaper. Modern seals last well and don't really add cost.
Heck my dad's old belt driven bench grinder/Arbor, had OPEN ball bearings (think bicycle) and you oiled then directly. Needless to say, that thing was noisy as all get out...
Most modern bearings have a seal and the seal also lends drag. Older mantra was to use well shielded bearings, but not sealed. Mostly because they were cheaper. Modern seals last well and don't really add cost.
Heck my dad's old belt driven bench grinder/Arbor, had OPEN ball bearings (think bicycle) and you oiled then directly. Needless to say, that thing was noisy as all get out...
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Man, it has been only a few days (seems like longer) since I read/posted here. Great finds guys!
The trip is going well, I will post pics. asap; 1 more left to snag before heading back to the old fishing grounds.
So, I'll put my $0.02 worth in Blue.
The trip is going well, I will post pics. asap; 1 more left to snag before heading back to the old fishing grounds.
So, I'll put my $0.02 worth in Blue.
Beautiful day for drive. Did you get it?????????I was a great day, I got a grinder - but not that one. I'll post up pics. of my catches, soon.
McB:take it easy on TM because he just shipped off a block to Cag and he still needs to fire up his new Baldor buffer. Besides it's not a "real" block and he already has several on his trip that are paid for to pick up.
McNew:i was halfway out the door to go pick up that old Craftsman for the shields and water tray for the BIGUN i just picked up until i saw that the picture wasn't the actual grinder. also i think he mentions that he doesn't have the water tray. thanks for posting it up because i might have missed it if it was one i could have used for parts. Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!
Whilst perusing Ebay (big words huh?), I came upon another victim of the crack pipe. ????!!!! This is why dope is for dopes...??
...
I agree! $65 with the stand. TM will probably offer $5 for the grinder only. He puts a high value on stands. Yup.
Bearings and spin down times! I'm on the fence with this one, but leaning towards long spin down times = dry bearings = end of life for the bearings. I'm with you. My 11 year old Dayton has always taken 90-120 sec to spin down.
The 6203 bearings in these grinders are very common and used in automotive for belt pulleys and alternators. I've had some fail in cars over the years and have bought new. Every new bearing I have seen is very smooth, but does not spin freely. I even replaced the bearings on my 1/2hp 6" non-commercial with new SKF's and my spin down for that grinder is about 40 seconds, but it is silky smooth. I think this is because the bearings are packed with fresh grease.That's my experience too, and I'm still with you.
My commercial 1/2hp, with original bearings, spins down for a good 2-3 minutes. I'm assuming that this has to do with dry grease and means that the bearings will fail soon with more use. But, it could have something to do with the inertia of this grinder spinning two fat 7" wheels. Yes.
So, what do others think? Is a 2 minute spin down a good thing or a sign of old bearings?
On a re-build - I replace them are well as power cord, condenser, and power switch (if they cannot be cleaned) I also clean the relay or start-up switch contacts. ....
torqueman2002
Well-known member
My thoughts in Blue.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
TM:so you are catching block grinders with a fishing pole? 
best of luck with the rest of your vacation and have a safe and successful trip bringing a few more neglected blocks back to your garage.
does Mrs. TM get dropped off at the mall when you make a side trip for a block or does she have as good of an eye for these grinders as you do?
best of luck with the rest of your vacation and have a safe and successful trip bringing a few more neglected blocks back to your garage.
does Mrs. TM get dropped off at the mall when you make a side trip for a block or does she have as good of an eye for these grinders as you do?
cagullett1
Well-known member
Great buy! I saw that one pop up and I decided to sleep on it. The next day, I decided to buy it and noticed it was already sold. I have the same model # already, and it has been a great grinder so far!
WhoWhatNow
Well-known member
Anyone have a copy (or know where I can find one online) of the owner's manual for this Craftsman 1/2 HP grinder? The model number is 397-19340. So far my online searches for a PDF of the manual have come up empty. Any help appreciated!
http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=6691
WhoWhatNow
Well-known member
Anytime. Vintage Machinery is always my first stop when I get a new piece of old iron.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Ok, I think we are all saying roughly the same thing. The criteria for good bearings is smoothness, not necessarily how freely they spin. I replaced my 1/2hp shielded with sealed. The old shielded bearings had a "clicky" feel to them, but they spun freely. The new ones are rock solid, silky smooth, BUT only spin for about 40 seconds.
So, my vote is for:
1) No roughness, clicks, play, wobble, etc...
2) No noise
Distant 3rd) Long spin down time
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balane
Well-known member
McBrownie
Well-known member
balane
Well-known member
I bought a bunch of stuff together so I can't really say what this cost me exactly. Also grabbed some old chisels, tap and die set and this old Craftsman 1x48 belt sander which isn't going anywhere....ever! It came with nearly 70 new old stock Craftsman belts of various grits still in their old school crown logo boxes!
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Attachments
torqueman2002
Well-known member
drive Mrs. TM has to work, so she's missing all the fun. 
Part of the catch. I've got 1 more on the line, hope to 'land' it soon.
Part of the catch. I've got 1 more on the line, hope to 'land' it soon.
TM:so you are catching block grinders with a fishing pole?
best of luck with the rest of your vacation and have a safe and successful trip bringing a few more neglected blocks back to your garage.
does Mrs. TM get dropped off at the mall when you make a side trip for a block or does she have as good of an eye for these grinders as you do?
drivesitfar
Well-known member
TM: Sorry the Mrs. didn't get to tag along, but probably for the best.
now therapy is going great on your end.
you sold one block to Cag and just picked up 3 more and one had the "cool" stand and another today.
we are all looking forward to the restorations. or have you already found new homes for them and their owners get to restore them?
Balane: it's not really block related, but that 3 wheel grinder is awesome. i know you said it isn't going anywhere which i don't blame you, but if you find another please PM me if you want to see it find a permanent home.
also nice clean up on another block that really shines on your stump.
now therapy is going great on your end.
you sold one block to Cag and just picked up 3 more and one had the "cool" stand and another today.
we are all looking forward to the restorations. or have you already found new homes for them and their owners get to restore them?
Balane: it's not really block related, but that 3 wheel grinder is awesome. i know you said it isn't going anywhere which i don't blame you, but if you find another please PM me if you want to see it find a permanent home.
also nice clean up on another block that really shines on your stump.
softailgarage
Well-known member
Anybody have a spare toggle switch for a 397. 19580 ? I either sold it or lost it, but I need one. I think they're mostly interchangeable as long as its the short, metal type. 3 Prong, no light.
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Mgnu
Well-known member
Sure would like a nice old one, and don't mind putting in the elbow grease to restore it. So if you guys see one in Phoenix, let me know......
softailgarage
Well-known member
Keep an eye on Craigslist. Type in the search box "vintage Craftsman", that'll bring up all sorts of goodies.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
You may remember these CL ads posted here a few weeks ago.
I was able to net and land 3.3 of them!
^^^..........Springwater, NY ..................... Cory, PA ............................... Oswego, NY..^^^ That's the 3 of 3.3!
+ 1 Tool Rest from the Penfield one, is the 0.3 of the 3.3!
Whenever I can, I complete the purchase as quickly as possible. I just was not able to get to the Penfield seller be for he found a use for the grinder.
Since $$ had already changed 'hands', he offered the eye shields, and whatever else I wanted. We agreed on what is posted - cost $15.
All-in-all, we both parted happy.
As far as the one from Springwater, I eMailed the seller expecting it to be gone. But she was happy to see it go. And I was happy to pay the asking price; in fact I paid the asking price on all of these.
As her ad said, the grinder was from her Dad's shop. He build hot rods for a hobby, but I didn't see his latest 1 - it was running errands with her 61 year old mom.
I took her up on her offer to look around.
These and the stand came with the grinder.
I offered her $5 for both, which she accepted.
I almost looked past this 1. She said: "Oh, I donno. $3 or $5."
I gently insisted on $10, and said to charge 2x or 3x what she thinks she wants if it says Snap-On.
She gave me these and the wooden ammo box the grinder is on, when I asked if she had milk crates to sell, so the grinder wouldn't roll around.
This 3/4 H.P. guy will get a replacement goose neck from the repair shop in my brothers town, Manlius.
Thanks for looking.
Mike
I was able to net and land 3.3 of them!
^^^..........Springwater, NY ..................... Cory, PA ............................... Oswego, NY..^^^ That's the 3 of 3.3!
+ 1 Tool Rest from the Penfield one, is the 0.3 of the 3.3!
Whenever I can, I complete the purchase as quickly as possible. I just was not able to get to the Penfield seller be for he found a use for the grinder.
Since $$ had already changed 'hands', he offered the eye shields, and whatever else I wanted. We agreed on what is posted - cost $15.
All-in-all, we both parted happy.
As far as the one from Springwater, I eMailed the seller expecting it to be gone. But she was happy to see it go. And I was happy to pay the asking price; in fact I paid the asking price on all of these.
As her ad said, the grinder was from her Dad's shop. He build hot rods for a hobby, but I didn't see his latest 1 - it was running errands with her 61 year old mom.
I took her up on her offer to look around.
These and the stand came with the grinder.
I offered her $5 for both, which she accepted.
I almost looked past this 1. She said: "Oh, I donno. $3 or $5."
I gently insisted on $10, and said to charge 2x or 3x what she thinks she wants if it says Snap-On.
She gave me these and the wooden ammo box the grinder is on, when I asked if she had milk crates to sell, so the grinder wouldn't roll around.
This 3/4 H.P. guy will get a replacement goose neck from the repair shop in my brothers town, Manlius.
Thanks for looking.
Mike
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Does your's look like this one?
If you are OK with an functional equivalent, but not identical looking, try Zoro.
For example.
http://www.zoro.com/g/Tool%20and%20Motor%20Control%20Switches/00055128/
Another place to try, Newark.
http://www.newark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CompareProductsDisplay?catalogId=15003&langId=-1&storeId=10194&catentryId=4401119,4407253,4703245,4915433&pageType=PLP
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UIUC-Mech-E
Well-known member
Quick alert to any blockheads in chicago. There's a grinder available out in the suburbs. They are asking too much and it comes with other stuff but they obviously want it gone so somebody might get a deal.
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4531318676.html
Also if someone needs me to pick up for them I'm close enough to get it any weekday evening.
(Insert catchy saying here)
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4531318676.html
Also if someone needs me to pick up for them I'm close enough to get it any weekday evening.
(Insert catchy saying here)
McBrownie
Well-known member
drive Mrs. TM has to work, so she's missing all the fun.
Part of the catch.
TM, nice milk crates! The grinders look pretty awesome too. Where are the Foley-Belsaws?
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torqueman2002
Well-known member
Belsaws? Belsaws!?TM, nice milk crates! The grinders look pretty awesome too. Thanks!Where ate the Foley-Belsaws?
McBrownie
Well-known member
Belsaws? Belsaws!?
You drove right by three nice units.
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/for/4499506589.html
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/4523140629.html
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tls/4531890256.html
And maybe more.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I could sharpen saws and retire! 
What?, wait ... I am retired?!
^^Mine^^
^^What it should look like^^
What?, wait ... I am retired?!
^^Mine^^
^^What it should look like^^
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
TM: Is that Foley sitting in your truck or driveway now and the 4th grinder you were talking about buying? or did you already own one?
i guess i'll have to start picking up all the boxes of dull saw blades i see in so many garages i visit so I can ship in the flat rate box to you so you can make that extra $60 per week like the ad says. of course gas was $.29.9 per gallon then and not $4 but heck it's a living.
cheers and hope you are having a good time on the road and have a safe trip back to the homefront and the Mrs.
McB: Did you ask anybody about that 606 Columbian at work so you can really make some big stuff to shine up on your Blocks? i hope you get it, because not only did it look like it was in great shape the history it can speak would be awesome to hear.
ALL: since the Foley grinders look like our basic block grinders were they all built by the same company and remind me who that was?
i guess i'll have to start picking up all the boxes of dull saw blades i see in so many garages i visit so I can ship in the flat rate box to you so you can make that extra $60 per week like the ad says. of course gas was $.29.9 per gallon then and not $4 but heck it's a living.
cheers and hope you are having a good time on the road and have a safe trip back to the homefront and the Mrs.
McB: Did you ask anybody about that 606 Columbian at work so you can really make some big stuff to shine up on your Blocks? i hope you get it, because not only did it look like it was in great shape the history it can speak would be awesome to hear.
ALL: since the Foley grinders look like our basic block grinders were they all built by the same company and remind me who that was?
McBrownie
Well-known member
No word on the 606. I'll be asking tomorrow. I could use it to hold my block grinders! For those who don't know what we're talking about, head over to the Vises thread and see the beast I found last week lurking in the basement of a 100 year-old factory.
As for the Belsaws, I assume the grinders were supplied by Delco (or Delco-Remy?) in Dayton, Ohio. If so, I wonder if they made grinders for anyone else?
torqueman2002
Well-known member
drives - The Packard/Foley is back in the TM 'lair', waiting for paint. I had to have it when I saw the Block motor design last August.
I have some heavy CI pieces to the saw sharpener, but after posting them on VM site, I may keep them for ???
I am missing too many pieces to interest me in making it a 'BelSaw' again. I just want that Packard GM motor.
The 1 yet to be netted is VGC 1/3 H.P. m-???; with eye shields, tool rests, wheel guards & covers.
I will need to up-date my inventory list and decide which get TM-restore/re-sell, sell-as found, and parted out.
I'll post here first.
Mike
I have some heavy CI pieces to the saw sharpener, but after posting them on VM site, I may keep them for ???
I am missing too many pieces to interest me in making it a 'BelSaw' again. I just want that Packard GM motor.
The 1 yet to be netted is VGC 1/3 H.P. m-???; with eye shields, tool rests, wheel guards & covers.
I will need to up-date my inventory list and decide which get TM-restore/re-sell, sell-as found, and parted out.
I'll post here first.
Mike
McBrownie
Well-known member
Itinerant
Well-known member
Looks great! Nice work.
Tyberius
Well-known member
UIUC-Mech-E
Well-known member
Awesome! Always good to see another one become part of the GJ community. Send pics when you get it home!
(Insert catchy saying here)
cagullett1
Well-known member
What paint did you end up using?
McBrownie
Well-known member
All big box stuff. Rustoleum Flat Iron. Rustoleum Metallic Silver. Covered everything with Rustoleum Cyrstal Clear. No primer this time. I stripped everything down to bare metal, wiped it down with lacquer thinner, left the parts and the paint cans in direct sunlight for an hour or so, and sprayed even coats. It turned out pretty nice. Good enough for a grinder, that's for sure.
cagullett1
Well-known member
All big box stuff. Rustoleum Flat Iron. Rustoleum Metallic Silver. Covered everything with Rustoleum Cyrstal Clear. No primer this time. I stripped everything down to bare metal, wiped it down with lacquer thinner, left the parts and the paint cans in direct sunlight for an hour or so, and sprayed even coats. It turned out pretty nice. Good enough for a grinder, that's for sure.
It looks good!