Nice set up with the grinder (I may have to consider doing something similar to this). And the grinder itself, of course, is a beauty. And your shop/work area is enticing. Great job.
let's see your craftsman block grinders
- Thread starter emeraldcoupe
- Start date
Nice set up with the grinder (I may have to consider doing something similar to this). And the grinder itself, of course, is a beauty. And your shop/work area is enticing. Great job.
RedVise
Well-known member
UIUC-Mech-E
Well-known member
Question for everyone… Can someone shed some light on the interaction between Delco and Packard Electric as far as block grinder production? The reason I ask is that the other night I had my 1/2 hp Packard Electric grinder (115 prefix) sitting next to my newly acquired 1/4 hp Delco (397) and I was struck by how nearly identical the castings were (size excepted of course.)
Now I’ve read that the 115 grinders aren’t considered “proper” block grinders but I can’t help but wonder, did Packard Electric make round top block grinders first then, at some point, transfer the engineering/patterns to Delco? They were both owned by GM so it wouldn’t surprise me, but I’ve not seen anyone make that connection in any of the forums I have searched.
And yes, I need pictures. I’ll try to take some tonight.
Now I’ve read that the 115 grinders aren’t considered “proper” block grinders but I can’t help but wonder, did Packard Electric make round top block grinders first then, at some point, transfer the engineering/patterns to Delco? They were both owned by GM so it wouldn’t surprise me, but I’ve not seen anyone make that connection in any of the forums I have searched.
And yes, I need pictures. I’ll try to take some tonight.
UIUC-Mech-E
Well-known member
Hmm, I may have just answered my own question. Digging on VintageMachinery: In 1932 GM bought Packard Electric, then in 1933 Delco (then part of GM) bought Sunlight. In 1943 GM consolidated small motor production between the two.
Since round tops were made through the 50s and 60s the motors were pretty much made by all Delco companies.
So has anyone identified specific physical changes between Packard/Sunlight and Delco grinders?
Since round tops were made through the 50s and 60s the motors were pretty much made by all Delco companies.
So has anyone identified specific physical changes between Packard/Sunlight and Delco grinders?
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McBrownie
Well-known member
Over on the vintage bench grinder thread, there is a Sunlight Packard that looks really old and nothing like a block. Check out page 19.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107092&page=19
I found this on vintage machinery.org and posted it over there:
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex...l.aspx?id=2048
"In 1932 General Motors bought Packard Electric Co., of Warren Ohio, (which had been founded in 1890, and spun off the Packard Motor Car Co. in 1902). In 1943, Sunlight Electric's small motor production was consolidated with Packard. It was later renamed Packard Electric Division-General Motors Corporation (Warren Ohio)."
I understood what he was saying, geesh you guys.
Jot- Flitz is pretty abrasive stuff, did it leave any scratches in the plastic?
Softail, here's a pic. I took a microfiber cloth to them to make sure there was no residue left over. It does appear to be some slight swirl marks on the plastic. And to be honest I could have been the ignoramoose who put them there. However, the swirls do not affect transparency. With that said if you do have new eye shields I would not recommend using flitz.
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toomanytoyzz
Well-known member
UIUC-Mech-E
Well-known member
I agree there are plenty of Sunlight/Packard grinders that are not blockish, but here's my 115.7575.
The castings bare a remarkable similarity to other roundtop blocks. If they weren't done by the same pattern shop they were VERY good copies. I haven't torn down my new 1/4 hp yet (397.19501) but a quick peek doesn't show any major differences.
Just wondering if anyone has done a detailed side by side look at the construction of the 115 model blocks.
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UIUC-Mech-E
Well-known member
Is this a repaint or an original color combo? I've seen others paint them in this config, but I always thought it was just a personal like.
I have two with that combo so pretty sure it is a factory combo
softailgarage
Well-known member
Yes, it's factory paint. The eye shades look pretty damn good!
softailgarage
Well-known member
I was finishing up a grinder today and looking at the label, which looked like ****, I remembered I was lucky enough to get one of Fyrme's last home made labels. Of course I scanned it first as I would like to be able to make more and need to learn how to do this anyhow. It's been a long time since I've had to deal with decals and forgot how tricky they can be once they've slid off the backing paper, so of course it managed to fold itself a couple of times, but letting it float in the water a bit straightened it out. I put some soapy water on the substrate before applying the decal, which allows you to be able to adjust it a little before it totally adheres. Once it was on, I gently dabbed at it with a paper towel, getting all the air bubbles out and then set it aside to fully dry. Well, impatience got the better of me and I decided to go ahead and rivet the plate back on and while doing so the decal began moving...and tearing...and wrinkling. I managed to save it a bit but it dried rapidly and this is what I ended up with...
So basically a lesson learned, when dealing with label decals..."Patience Grasshopper". Still looks better than what was on it before.
So basically a lesson learned, when dealing with label decals..."Patience Grasshopper". Still looks better than what was on it before.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I was finishing up a grinder today and looking at the label, which looked like ****, I remembered I was lucky enough to get one of Fyrme's last home made labels. Of course I scanned it first as I would like to be able to make more and need to learn how to do this anyhow. It's been a long time since I've had to deal with decals and forgot how tricky they can be once they've slid off the backing paper, so of course it managed to fold itself a couple of times, but letting it float in the water a bit straightened it out. I put some soapy water on the substrate before applying the decal, which allows you to be able to adjust it a little before it totally adheres. Once it was on, I gently dabbed at it with a paper towel, getting all the air bubbles out and then set it aside to fully dry. Well, impatience got the better of me and I decided to go ahead and rivet the plate back on and while doing so the decal began moving...and tearing...and wrinkling. I managed to save it a bit but it dried rapidly and this is what I ended up with...
So basically a lesson learned, when dealing with label decals..."Patience Grasshopper". Still looks better than what was on it before.
I'm impressed and would love to know more about this decal process.
I have a number of good pics of various Block labels. Can they be turned into decals on an inkjet printer, or ....?
TIA
Mike
McBrownie
Well-known member
Brian, looks like a good one. A little tlc and it will shine up nicely. Is this your first block? If not, you have to buy another to restore this one.
McBrownie
Well-known member
It's raining 3/4hp blocks! That's a good deal with the stand. I can't wait to see it cleaned up. Congrats!
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yea i also think the stand might a craftsman stand, but i will know for sure once i start the resto
i see some of the numbers 38222-103 under top of the stand, there were also a few i couldn't make out
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UIUC-Mech-E
Well-known member
A picture would confirm it pretty quickly. If it is a craftsman stand consider yourself lucky. In chasing grinders so far I've found a B&D (?) sheet metal stand, a belsaw stand and a very nice homemade pedestal, but never a craftsman stand.
I ended up with 2 - a 1/3 HP someone gave me and a 3/4 HP that came with my garage! The 1/3HP doesn't have the side covers and the lamp cover, but seems to work well. The 3/4HP has everything and has been my go to grinder for a while. It's a beast though the 7" wheels are a bit hard to find reasonably priced.
I think I'm going to sell my 1/3HP in Raleigh, NC if anyone is interested.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQ3HDeLItwE/U9l69vAfykI/AAAAAAAAEWU/CpHqjTNr038/w2716-h1530-no/IMG_20140730_190759714.jpg" width=800 />
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xEJOflLkXLA/U-ff9Kzx5eI/AAAAAAAAEe4/VPOv1s88gog/w2716-h1530-no/IMG_20140810_171056286_HDR.jpg" width=800 />
I think I'm going to sell my 1/3HP in Raleigh, NC if anyone is interested.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQ3HDeLItwE/U9l69vAfykI/AAAAAAAAEWU/CpHqjTNr038/w2716-h1530-no/IMG_20140730_190759714.jpg" width=800 />
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xEJOflLkXLA/U-ff9Kzx5eI/AAAAAAAAEe4/VPOv1s88gog/w2716-h1530-no/IMG_20140810_171056286_HDR.jpg" width=800 />
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Gilbo: that stand is the original Craftsman stand for their block grinders and if you have one then post pictures of it to because you know we can't get enough pictures of these blocks and stands. nice purchase.
UIUC-Mech-E
Well-known member
ill try and grab a pic tonight, but my stand looks just like this one:
If it looks like that, then it's the real deal.
Color me jealous.
jakemac
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DING, DING, DING ! We have a winner ! 
jakemac
Well-known member
See my previous post.
macgee
Well-known member
well i finally joined the crowd, with a 3/4 HP, model 397.19450, with stand, dolley, and grinder dresser $70
shouldn't be too bad to restore, i think, runs fine, and the lamp works
Gilbo,
That's great you got this grinder. I actually recommended it to a fellow member to jump on this one in Houston asap when i saw the craigslist ad but I don't think he shared the same love. He said he's a got baldor (whatev) but that's good for you. It didn't last long on craigslist. Tools on craigslist are usually high priced in Houston
Yes, everything is complete and orig. I would love to have a 3/4" to complement my three 1/2hp. After some work cleaning it up it will serve you well.
yea ur correct, seems people want higher than compared to other areas for tools. when i was searching for a usa drill press, it was either not worth a darn, or something priced through the roof . then when i search other states just to look, things are priced like they are giving it away
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Gilbo: you have my favorite stand, best water tray that i think came with these blocks and a commercial 3/4 HP so you definitely scored.
now for my curiosity is that a plywood wheel on the left one and what is that wood dolley all about?
ALL: i was thinking of selling a block and maybe a stand and guess what? i now own another 1/2 HP block on an original stand so i now own 3 smallish blocks and 3 original Craftsman stands. i also have 2 3/4 HP buffers and a 1/2 HP Baldors so what would be the 12 best wheel combos to have on them? or should i just sell the Baldors?
i'm thinking a couple different buffing wheels, 4 different wire wheels including a brass one, 2 deburring wheels for sure and not sure what i should use for the rest. please post your favorite wheels and sources to buy them or maybe i should start a thread?
now for my curiosity is that a plywood wheel on the left one and what is that wood dolley all about?
ALL: i was thinking of selling a block and maybe a stand and guess what? i now own another 1/2 HP block on an original stand so i now own 3 smallish blocks and 3 original Craftsman stands. i also have 2 3/4 HP buffers and a 1/2 HP Baldors so what would be the 12 best wheel combos to have on them? or should i just sell the Baldors?
i'm thinking a couple different buffing wheels, 4 different wire wheels including a brass one, 2 deburring wheels for sure and not sure what i should use for the rest. please post your favorite wheels and sources to buy them or maybe i should start a thread?
i haven't really looked at the left wheel yet, but it is fiber type material
the guy i bought it from, made a wood dolley and attached the grinder and stand to it so it would be easier to move around i guess, he even made a little holder for the grinding wheel dresser
here a couple pics of the wheel dresser, it needs a resto also
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well i finally joined the crowd, with a 3/4 HP, model 397.19450, with stand, dolley, and grinder dresser $70
shouldn't be too bad to restore, i think, runs fine, and the lamp works
It looks like there is a relief cut in the left wheel. Why would that be there? Is it there on purpose?
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Dave: one of my small grinders has a pair of those on it that i picked up a long time ago. not sure how to use those wheels and does the powder or paste go on the wheel or knife or at all? have you used that style wheel before and what is the secret? final touch up or during the making of a knife??
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Trey T
Well-known member
gilbo: I offered $150 for that around 4PM same day but the guy said he's giving you until 6pm to pick it up. Apparently you arrived on time. GJ!
I looked for it them for about a year for a 3/4hp one w/ stand but it slipped away. that's extremely rare around here. I even told the seller to tell you that I want that stand and dolly for $100; did he mention that to you?
I looked for it them for about a year for a 3/4hp one w/ stand but it slipped away. that's extremely rare around here. I even told the seller to tell you that I want that stand and dolly for $100; did he mention that to you?
You actually glue some carbide grit on the face of one wheel and it's used for the sharpening. The second wheel (ie the one with the slits) is used for final honing with a separate compound. (both wheels look like they're laminated carboard)
I think it's called the diamond edge sharpening system.
It actually works quite well.
actually I was at his house waiting for him to get home from work at 5.45
It's a special wheel for knife sharpening. Like this:
davefr looks like you nailed it right on the head
volleyball
Well-known member
Sears has got new stands on sale for $50 right now
pendragon1998
Well-known member
My grinder arrived today. Here are the wheels that were on it. I removed it from the base it is on to see the date stamp...Aug 14, 1974....40 years old tomorrow! It is clean, clean, clean. Almost no rust and virtually no grinding residue inside the wheel guards.
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nice find, i havent removed mine from the base yet, but i think my grinder gonna be around the same time frameMy grinder arrived today. Here are the wheels that were on it. I removed it from the base it is on to see the date stamp...Aug 14, 1974....40 years old tomorrow! It is clean, clean, clean. Almost no rust and virtually no grinding residue inside the wheel guards.
Time to post this here. I found this one at an estate sale on 8/15... new old stock in box! The parts bag is un-opened. The newspaper wrapping the light shade is dated December 14, 1977!
REALLY !!! YOU **** MAJORLY
great find