let's see your craftsman block grinders

[balane]

I wish I could buy 1HP that grinder. That one is a keeper.

 

[bczygan]

Craftsman rotating table for your grinders or vises $30:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/tls/4540564816.html

 

[drivesitfar]

All: I started a thread on the fabrication side of GJ asking for ideas for mounting more than a few grinders and vises. the link below will get you there and feel free to post comments or add your ideas. there is one already that popped up that might be one i'm going to make so I can have my 2 blocks, 2 Baldors, 2 Daytons, 2 Jets, 1 old B & D and a huge old Craftsman with all different wheels.

also I just saw a member's vise restoration where he was using a deburring wheel on his grinder. anybody know a better source for them or have a couple spares to sell me? here's one source I found and it looks like they work great to clean up some steel.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#4628a48/=skyogc

 

[macnewbie]

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/for/4539674366.html

 

[Kaervak]

It's now down to $50 I'm tempted to buy it even though I already have two.

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

 

[tedsters]

It's now down to $50 I'm tempted to buy it even though I already have two.

this guy has had this up for sale for a while

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I'd grab it just for the stand and sell the grinder

 

[drivesitfar]

Rick: I agree about the crowntop stand and the shields are the nice metal framed ones too. heck it looks like it just needs a little cleaning up and a new wire wheel and it's a working grinder.

 

[txusa03]

Nice work Copilot. How much for the dayton eye shield if you don't mind and do you have Grainger part number? Where did you get the bracket from (homedepot or Lowes)?

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice work Copilot. ... do you have Grainger part number?

x2

 

[McBrownie]

Lets keep the Grainger/Dayton eye shield updates going.

So, how many of us have stuff like this because we thought "I can't throw this out, I might need it someday". Well that day came for my old planter box hangers.

View media item 41421
So, a bit of measuring, measuring, measuring, measuring, more measuring, some cutting, drilling, filing, filing, filing, a little more filing, and some paint and here is one of my brackets. You can also see the carriage bolt (14-20 x 2 1/4"), and a rubber washer that I had laying around that makes it all fit perfectly. Use what you have, right?
View media item 41424
Another angle:
View media item 41423
And close to the finished product. I still have to tweak the left hand tool rest.
View media item 41422
Here is the "before" picture for a comparison:
View media item 40366
This grinder is growing on me because of the new bearings and the amount of work I have into it. It's not a commercial, but a smooth runner nonetheless.

 

[McBrownie]

Copilot,

You have a nice 1930 Patent 974!

Here is another "before" pic of my 1983-84 257.191401 mounted in my 1965 Wilton wood worker's vise next to my freshly restored 1950's 974. The handle, in case you are wondering, is a GJ member (RitzBlitz) replacement. (That's my 1920's Parker 203 "problem child" peeking out from under the bench. A lot of work left in that one.)

View media item 40450

 

[Outlawmws]

Co-Pilot, I like that chopped corner mount of the Parker, and the deep "wall" bench top. looks beefy. Not sure how useful it is with the tool box that close (I have a similar problem), But it almost gives pedestal access without the pedestal.

 

[McBrownie]

Co-Pilot, I like that chopped corner mount of the Parker, and the deep "wall" bench top. looks beefy. Not sure how useful it is with the tool box that close (I have a similar problem), But it almost gives pedestal access without the pedestal.

Copilot,

$25? Ouch! I have 5 times that into mine. But it is a great vise.

Outlaw,

That's my chopped corner. 2x6 frame underneath and lag bolted into the wall studs. I agree with the tool box. It right where I need it most of the time and completely in the way other times. It's on wheels, so I can roll it out of the way if it gets too annoying. My work room is off the back of my garage and is "only" 8' x 14'. I know some would love to have that much room, but I struggle keeping it open enough to get things done.

 

[Outlawmws]

Whoops! Yep! (Sorry McB!)

 

[McBrownie]

I think you were referring to McBrownie's nice workbench.

My workbench was another great find. I went to an local estate sale a little over a year ago for some tools. Some were in the garage but many were in a basement workshop an an old workbench. Bought a few tools but didn't realize that the bench itself was for sale. The next day (the second day of the sale), just before closing time the thought occurred to me that I should go back and see if the bench was for sale. It was still there when I arrived and the sticker tag said $35. Since it was after 12 on the second day, everything as 1/2 price. I paid the man my $17.50 and he helped me muscle it up the narrow stairs and out to the driveway. Called a buddy with a pickup to get it home. In cleaning it up and looking it over more closely in my garage, I discovered that the benchtop and all of the structural members of the bench were solid maple!! The benchtop was made up of several full-dimension 2x5s and a 2x4. If I was buying the lumber new, I couldn't have even touched one of those boards for what I paid for the whole bench! It's an old, old bench, held together with carriage bolts with square nuts. Wish it could tell me it's story. It's an old veteran of more than a few projects and will be part of many more with me. Great piece of history.

$17.50?!?!?!? I haven't seen many "You ****"'s on this thread, but the maple top bench, Parker vise, and block grinder deals earn you an official "You ****!!!"

 

[drivesitfar]

Co-Pilot: nice job on your block's new shields.

that maple bench does look pretty beefy and of course a very nice Parker holding down the one end does make it look a bit better.I have a question for you. that wood looking holder for all your punches, screwdrivers, pliers and what nots at the base of your peg board. did you make it and care to share because I've seen that in several guy's shops and it looks a lot handier than having everything in a tool box? if you inherited it with your peg board how do you like using it and is there a randomness to the holes or a pattern?


McB: nice bench too and sounds like you could use more space like all of us could, but you seem to get things done in there.

 

[pcos]

Ancaster, ON Block Grinder Alert

Those of us north of the border might as well get in the game . . . here is a nice 397 prefix 1/3 HP complete WITH a stand for $50 Cdn:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/h...ght/584040209?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Mosaic of the posters images attached. I emailed poster to confirm it's available as the post date was old - it is, owner out of town until Wednesday. (Canadian Long Weekend)

And . . . NO - I don't need THREE 1/3 HP blocks!!!! so I'm not buying it.

 

[McBrownie]

Re: Ancaster, ON Block Grinder Alert

Those of us north of the border might as well get in the game . . . here is a nice 397 prefix 1/3 HP complete WITH a stand for $50 Cdn:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/h...ght/584040209?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Mosaic of the posters images attached. I emailed poster to confirm it's available as the post date was old - it is, owner out of town until Wednesday. (Canadian Long Weekend)

And . . . NO - I don't need THREE 1/3 HP blocks!!!! so I'm not buying it.

Nice grinder, eh. . Thanks for joining in. You may not NEED 3 blocks, but you WANT 3 blocks. Did you see the 1HP in Philly a page or two back? Time for a Canada Day road trip!

 

[drivesitfar]

Co-Pilot: you forgot to put time wasted looking for other tools and benches while stealing what I finally paid for to your Master Card ad.

nice bench sir and thanks for the awesome story. I know this isn't the benches of the Block grinders, but I think a full size picture is in order so we all can mount our blocks so nicely.

Have a great weekend everyone

 

[torqueman2002]

There are measured pictures of both here --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4000528&postcount=2

I'll try to remember and try the 'round' top Q-tray on a 'flat' top Block grinder.

I remembered.

Updated the thead in my Sig Line.

The 2 Quench Trays and 2 grinders I put them on fit OK.

Here's a slide show.
http://tinyurl.com/CM-Block-Grinder-Quench-Trays

 

[McBrownie]

I remembered.

Updated the thead in my Sig Line.

The 2 Quench Trays and 2 grinders I put them on fit OK.

Here's a slide show.
http://tinyurl.com/CM-Block-Grinder-Quench-Trays

That slide show is great. Thank you for posting that. It looks like trays are interchangeable at least between 257 and 397 round tops and flat tops.

 

[torqueman2002]

Re: Ancaster, ON Block Grinder Alert

Those of us north of the border might as well get in the game . . . here is a nice 397 prefix 1/3 HP complete WITH a stand for $50 Cdn ... I don't need THREE 1/3 HP blocks!!!! ....

Thanks - nice grinder.

Well, around here [SE Michigan, aka Detroit] Canada is South.

Oh, and Need has nothing to do with it.

 

[Outlawmws]

Copilot: Nice bench! I've had that same model Parker for near 30 years as my primary vise.

And bolt the grinder to a heavy piece of ply, and glue/screw a cleat laterally down the middle and clamp it into the wood vise when you need it... Rack it when not in use.

 

[drivesitfar]

CoPilot: thanks for the picture of your awesome bench. that looks like it might be there another 100 years and a good working space you have there.

Outlaw: I like your idea about the wood base for the grinders with the piece under it to set in the wood vise. if you have one already set up like that can you post a picture here or on my Vise and Grinder stand thread? I like the plan of having several grinders and vise at the ready without taking up bench or floor space when they are not in action.

 

[pcos]

Re: Ancaster, ON Block Grinder Alert

Oh, and Need has nothing to do with it.

Wants and needs can both quickly be met when I see a round top 3/4 HP or 1 HP in that good of condition cross my path - until then, hold your fire men!

I'm still at the point with my addiction that I think I have some control - a VERY dangerous state.

 

[mtnwkr]

Here's my 1/2hp on the newly acquired stand I finished. I found the base and platform at a G-sale and fitted a 38" piece of 3.5" heavy steel pipe for the column. Weighs about 80lbs so I can still move it easy but it's solid with no vibrations. Very happy with it.

 

[drivesitfar]

Mtnmkr: nice grinder and happy to see you found a steel post for all those other parts you had for the stand. you'll be happy you didn't use a thick plastic one like you were thinking might have worked on a thread you had asking about it. now you have the right tool for most any job. i'm sure it will be tougher for me to find that 1 HP with another block guy close by.

welcome to the group.

PC: I think buying tools is sort of like ice cream or chocolate. you might be able to avoid it if it's not in front of you, but if its the right flavor or brand it will be coming home with you.

TM: Glad to hear you made it back safely from the "road" trip to pick up a few more blocks. saving to restore or passing them on? I just saw what a deburring wheel can do so adding that to the list of wheels to have at the ready.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's my 1/2hp on the newly acquired stand I finished. I found the base and platform at a G-sale and fitted a 38" piece of 3.5" heavy steel pipe for the column. Weighs about 80lbs so I can still move it easy but it's solid with no vibrations. Very happy with it. ...

Very nice, indeed!

 

[macnewbie]

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/tls/4542511254.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/tls/4543132045.html

 

[torqueman2002]

drives - Thanks. I held at 3.3 Blocks, the one on the line I just couldn't net. I might have converted the seller to a Block believer. He say's he might just keep it, since we tried and couldn't make the timing work out.

The haul is still in the truck bed. I'll unload it soon and take more pics.

I did get a nice metal 2-drawer file/storage cabinet. It needs the full treatment: sand blast, wire wheel, prime & color paint. But, it beats the cardboard box I'm using now.

Oh, it was free. My SIL gave it to me - it had been sitting in the summer boat house for years, not being used.

I will sell all the recent catches. I have 3 keepers in process of restore, then these will be restored or parted out.

macn Nice job, sniffing these guys out.

Here's one I don't recall being posted.
http://saginaw.craigslist.org/tls/4519041582.html

 

[McBrownie]

Here's my 1/2hp on the newly acquired stand I finished. I found the base and platform at a G-sale and fitted a 38" piece of 3.5" heavy steel pipe for the column. Weighs about 80lbs so I can still move it easy but it's solid with no vibrations. Very happy with it.

Very nice stand. Did you fill the pipe with anything like sand or concrete? Also, where did you acquire a pipe like that?

 

[McBrownie]

It is complete! My 1/2HP 257.191401. Lesson learned: Don't under estimate how much time is spent restoring a block grinder with missing parts and beat up paint. At first, I wasn't going to touch it, but then I got a nice commercial round top and it kept making this one look worse and worse.

Here is where I started - on the garbage can:
View media item 40366
A complete tear down for new bearings:
View media item 40373
Then a lot of wire wheeling, paint stripping, sanding, tool rest fabrication, eye shield purchase and fabrication, and new rubber feet. I even went the extra mile and got a vintage Made in USA Levitron lamp holder (I had a hard time finding one of those for less than $20 ) and rewired the grinder to have a switching light. The original just turned on and off with the grinder and was held together with duct tape.
View media item 41437
And here is the finished product, back on the garbage can, with a new wire wheel and new medium grit wheel.
View media item 41436
It's a shame the label is a little beat up, but I guess that gives it some character. I don't know how many hours that I put into this, but there is no way I could get my money back. Looks like I'll have to use it!

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: nice work and i'm sure the next few will get easier. just ask TM.


there is a reason why I've been buying ones lightly used, but some day when they need a rebuild i'll use this thread and the awesome block members to have a good guide and the help if needed.

 

[McBrownie]

Thanks Drives! I agree with you on buying grinders that only need light restoration.

Here is a picture of my "collection"

View media item 41438
If I had to pick a favorite it would be the 1/2HP commercial round top. It is a serious machine. It weighs a good bit more than the flat top and just feels more solid when it runs. I'm planning on putting a multi-tool belt sanding attachment on one of these in the near future.

 

[RustnGrease]

Figured i would add my first block grinder and first bench grinder to this thread. It's not the prettiest and missing a few parts but works good. Picked it up today for 20 bucks.

 

[McBrownie]

Figured i would add my first block grinder and first bench grinder to this thread. It's not the prettiest and missing a few parts but works good. Picked it up today for 20 bucks.

Starting with a block is a great way to start. Congratulations! Looks like a new cord is in order. . Also, check back through the posts on this thread. There is a cleaner that apparently shines those metal label plates right up like new.

 

[RustnGrease]

Mcbrownie, Thanks! Yes a new cord is in order, the current one has seen better days. Thanks to this thread is how i found out about the blocks and knew i had to come home with me.

 

[drivesitfar]

RustnGrease: Welcome to the block gang and glad you knew where to find us and a good grinder. that one you bought should clean up nicely and work great if it wasn't abused too hard in it's past life. best of luck with that.

also Tourqueman started a couple other threads with a lot of the stuff you'll need to make yours like new if you didn't already find them. he might have those links on his signature too so check one of his posts.

nice find on the Blue Point I see you got in your Garage sale post and post that over in the vintage grinder thread because I would love to hear more about that beast. nice haul today and looks like you are tooling up nicely.

 

[bisley45]

And they multiply number 3 for me

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