let's see your craftsman block grinders

[tedsters]

HELP me with a close paint match GJ Friends, Balane suggested some paint to me and i can not find it anywhere.
i need the silver and the gray on the round top block, I did notice the stand is darker which the rustoleum charcoal gray would be real close

 

[McBrownie]

HELP me with a close paint match GJ Friends, Balane suggested some paint to me and i can not find it anywhere.
i need the silver and the gray on the round top block, I did notice the stand is darker which the rustoleum charcoal gray would be real close

Take a look at post #2391 for the colors I used. They are a close match to the original and should be easy to find.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&page=120

 

[bubinga]

Just missed a 3 footed Craftsman stand for $5.

Guy in front of me got it for a table base.

Didn't know what it was.

what a waste IMO

 

[tedsters]

Take a look at post #2391 for the colors I used. They are a close match to the original and should be easy to find.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&page=120

Thanks i may try the flat soft iron, Menards has a really good selection of rustoleum, for silver i have been using rustoleum metalic silver aluminum.
i never tied it on the blocks may be a tad brighter then should be but it looks nice goes on good and dries super fast, I always set my spray cans in the sun also when i can seems to help a lot

 

[balane]

Here's a 1/3 HP with nice eyeguards in Tacoma for $15. I hope somebody can grab it.

Used Craftsman bench top grinder, 1/3 HP, 3450 RPM ball bearing. Works Great! Cash only, no deliveries.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/tls/4666563780.html

.

 

[pendragon1998]

I have been watching this 1/2 HP block grinder with what I believe is the original pedestal on CL fo the last 2 months. It was 3 hrs from me so I didn't buy it, but I happened to be driving literally 3 minutes away from the guy on my way to Memphis, so $60 later I have a new grinder and pedestal sitting in my cargo space. Guy's dad had passed...he was a mechanic. They already sold his boxes and the remaining tools were nothing I had to have. Grinder and pedestal need a good cleanup and will get a new coat of paint this fall. Also needs a lamp and shade, but no biggie. Seemed to spin ok.

 

[nine4gmc]

Awesome, it came with the shields, rests, dipping bowl and a stand, YOU ****!

 

[hemifalcon]

That's a nice one Hemi!!!

Good looking grinder Hemi! I'd love to find an older one like that..

Hemi, that's the same model as my first block. Very nice machine. Strictly speaking the 115 code grinders aren't blocks, but there aren't any real design differences, so that's just a technicality.

If you don't want to collect these, get rid of it quick or soon you'll be obsessing over getting the perfect crinkle paint or what kind of stand you should have.


(Insert catchy saying here)

Thanks again guys---this will be in the care of a new owner in the next week or so after the auction ends!! (I've got three other smaller ones that I've nabbed over the past week as well.. Starting to be a problem of mine snaking these off of CL along with an old viCes listed by dumdumbs..)

 

[McBrownie]

Awesome, it came with the shields, rests, dipping bowl and a stand, YOU ****!

Ditto! I would happy to find an original stand for $60.

 

[McBrownie]

Thanks again guys---this will be in the care of a new owner in the next week or so after the auction ends!! (I've got three other smaller ones that I've nabbed over the past week as well.. Starting to be a problem of mine snaking these off of CL along with an old viCes listed by dumdumbs..)

I have to ask. Does that '62 falcon actually have a hemi? If so, pics are mandatory.

 

[tedsters]

I have been watching this 1/2 HP block grinder with what I believe is the original pedestal on CL fo the last 2 months. It was 3 hrs from me so I didn't buy it, but I happened to be driving literally 3 minutes away from the guy on my way to Memphis, so $60 later I have a new grinder and pedestal sitting in my cargo space. Guy's dad had passed...he was a mechanic. They already sold his boxes and the remaining tools were nothing I had to have. Grinder and pedestal need a good cleanup and will get a new coat of paint this fall. Also needs a lamp and shade, but no biggie. Seemed to spin ok.

great find for $60 thats what i gave for the one i am spiffing up right now with the stand but yours is a killer one to restore with the water tray in the front and tool rest on the bars

 

[tedsters]

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4667328228.html

new in the box, its not mine

 

[G20-Budo]

Well I don't have any new pictures, but I sure did enjoy using my block grinder this weekend on a few projects!

 

[torqueman2002]

TM: awesome job again. just curious if you use the simple green for quick clean up and then the wax? about how long does it take a pro like you to get from before to after? do you have a picture of the can or jar of wax to post on your next reply or when you get a chance?

have you buffed anything yet with your big B or tried any of the arbor extensions with a buffing wheel on them?

drive ... sorry for the slow response, I haven't been on-line muck of late. Nothing special, just good weather, trips, fixing the family cars (even my little bro's wife's car when I visit back East), busy doing God know what ... you know.

Simple Green is my 'go to' cleaner and usually my 1st step in a project.

Nothing special for wax, actually just grabbed what I had on the shelf.

That little guy pictured above was in good shape, about 1-2 hours, including dressing the stone.

The Baldor and adapters are patiently waiting for me to turn my attention back to them.

 

[torqueman2002]

Great looking grinder Balane. I too picked up a 7" commercial unit this morning, for $8. This one is dated 1974 and was missing one eye shield and both tool rests. Some idiot had spray bombed the thing and it looked like **** but ran like new.

I was looking for one to make into a buffer, and well, this be that. Just need some wheels for it and to re-attach the lamp.

When I got it this morning.

After a few hours of prepping and paint. Rustolium Professional Aluminum paint and Hammered black for the shell.

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: GJ and this thread in particular has missed your expertise and your humor. happy to see you posting again and sounds like you had a busy summer. thanks for sharing your wisdom again

i wonder if we should start a thread about how we are using our blocks now that a few of us have several. just a thought since anybody reading this thread now could probably build a block from scratch. still use this thread for trouble shooting and showing off the new purchases. just a thought.

hope you are healthy and ready for another Midwest winter.

 

[Pupuhd]

Great looking grinder Balane. I too picked up a 7" commercial unit this morning, for $8.

REALLY! $8? YOU **** MAN. I need to find deals like that around here.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[torqueman2002]

Craftsman bench grinder from 1977/1978 new in box

Grand Rapids, MI $225

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4667328228.html

Looks like it might be a 1/2 HP, and may have the quench tray.

But $225! Really?

 

[bubinga]

Craftsman bench grinder from 1977/1978 new in box



Grand Rapids, MI $225

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4667328228.html

Looks like it might be a 1/2 HP, and may have the quench tray.

But $225! Really?

He had it on e bay for $250.00, no bids, someone offered $200.00, he would not take it.

 

[davethorik]

This is my 1st block grinder. I picked it up yesterday at a yard sale that was liquidating the remnants of a tag sale. 1/2 HP 5.1 amp model 397.19340. It looks like it saw little to no use, but it must have been by a window because the data sticker is very faded. Has all the parts and everything works as it should.

My question is about the stand...it breaks down into 2 pieces. Every other block I've seen on here had the cast iron pedestal. This stand looks like it was made for this grinder...it has 8 mounting holes that line up with the mounting slots on the grinder body. Is this the newer/cheaper to produce version of the pedestal?

Oh and I got the grinder with a lot of small hand tools for $20.

 

[torqueman2002]

dave ...
Nice score. See my comments in Blue.

This is my 1st block grinder. ... 1/2 HP 5.1 amp model 397.19340. ... sticker is very faded. I have a 3/4 HP of the same vintage and I've seen others with similarly faded labels. I have a MS Word document I will send you (IM me with your eMail address) that you can edit to suit your grinder. I printed mine on photo paper using a HP DeskJet and covered it with lamination after applying it to the grinder.
Before.

After.

... This stand looks like it was made for this grinder...it has 8 mounting holes that line up with the mounting slots on the grinder body. ...
I have a 1/2 HP grinder that came with a similar CM stand.

 

[torqueman2002]

CL - Philadelphia; Posted: 4 days ago
Craftsman 6" Bench grinder - $20 (garnet valley)

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/4672778217.html

 

[torqueman2002]

CL - Baltimore; Posted: a month ago
Bench Grinder with Light - $25 (Aberdeen - Boyds Buy)

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/for/4617359046.html

 

[torqueman2002]

CL - Long Island; Posted: a day ago
craftsman industrial grinder 1/2 hp - $50 (massapequa park)

http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/4677068349.html

 

[Pupuhd]

Oh and I got the grinder with a lot of small hand tools for $20.

First, congratulations on a great find for the initial cost. I'm still on the look out for a similar bargain find. Second, you ****.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[davethorik]

torqueman- thank you for all the work you've done! I am not going to resto this grinder at this time, it works great and has hardly been used. When it is time I will pm you for the label.

pupuhd- i have a knack for finding deals, i always have a hard time paying new prices or even fair market used prices. thank you

 

[torqueman2002]

CL - Detroit metro >Oakland co; Posted: 14 hours ago
6" Craftsman Grinder with Light - $50 (New Hudson) [1/3 HP]

This 1 is near me, IM me if interested.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/4679389807.html

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

if that one in philly wasnt 2 ninutes from DE it would be mine.

 

[McBrownie]

Nice finds on the increasingly rare blocks, but I need to see some shiny restores asap!

View media item 40852

 

[torqueman2002]

I hear you Brownie. I'm stalled on some restores, but to help out this thread here's a fellow GJ's restore of a pre-block grinder.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262651

 

[torqueman2002]

CL - Philadelphia; Posted: 14 days ago
[2] Bench Grinders - $75 (overbrook) [1/3 HP CM Block & some 'other' grinder]

I wish I was closer. I'd pick up the Block for one of my nephews!

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/tls/4661677535.html

 

[jakemac]

Look what followed me home Ma. Can I keep it ? Can I, can I ?!!

I found this pre-block grinder on CL this afternoon. Normally I don't give 1/4 or 1/3 hp grinders a second look. I'm a hp snob, 1/2hp is my limit. The seller wanted $50 and wouldn't budge. But that was OK, I was really after the stand. They just don't show up for sale and I won't pay ebay prices for one (again).

The model # is 115.19500
1/4hp
3450rpm
Date code : 4_56
The label has a blue background.

The cord is split and needs to be replaced, the bearings sound like they need to be cleaned and greased. And the switch contacts need some attention. It's only missing one tool rest and the glass in one of the guards. The stones are worn and should be replaced. It takes 1:20s to run down. I like the last line on the label -
FOR FARM AND HOME USE ONLY


I had to pass on two small Dake arbor pressed because they were welded for specific tasks and were missing the original base plates. I also had to walk away from a Dewalt Panel Saw for $100 because if I came home with something that large, the cops would be investigating my homicide.

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice find.

I like the pre-blocks too.

 

[gilbo]

jakemac very nicely done there

 

[drivesitfar]

Jake: glad to see you found another original Craftsman grinder stand and a bonus with an old grinder on top. i'm thinking that little 1/4 HP old block has more power than most of the newer grinders that say they are 1/2 HP. congrats.

ALL: so i found this video while i was checking out different grinding wheels and it's not for the weak stomachs. we've mentioned exploding wheels before so not a new thing, but this shows some of the damage to the users. I'm not posting just for the blood, but there is also some very good information in there on how to correctly use a grinder that i wasn't aware of.

i would like to know where to find a couple of those higher quality full face shields and face protectors in case anybody has a source.

TM: nice to see you back posting on the thread again and i see you still have a knack for finding great deals on these block grinders.

 

[exmaxima1]

I found this pre-block grinder on CL this afternoon. Normally I don't give 1/4 or 1/3 hp grinders a second look.
The model # is 115.19500
1/4hp
3450rpm
Date code : 4_56
The label has a blue background.

That grinder looks to be cast iron. How much does it WEIGH?

 

[torqueman2002]

drivesit

Good & graphic video. I included it in my Block thread.

I do get a kick out of hunting down these blocks.

Thanks.

 

[jakemac]

That grinder looks to be cast iron. How much does it WEIGH?

The grinder weighs 37lbs
The stand weighs 25lbs


While I had the grinder off the stand, I decided to get a few more pictures.

- The first is the bottom, using a full plate with the feet holding it down rather than a separate set of screws.

- The second is with the plate off, showing that the casting creates a closed space. As opposed to the open space on a regular block grinder. Notice that, except for the switch, all pre-electronic wizardry is place up in the head of the grinder, not in the base like we're used to.

- The last picture is a comparison of the rubber feet on the pre-block (left) vs the foot off a classic Block Grinder (right).

 

[torqueman2002]

jakemac,

Those pre-blocks are sturdy.

I've noticed the 1/4 HP grinders are simple too. Just a power switch, no start winding and therefore: no start-relay or start-cap + start-up centrifugal sw.

The power cord on mine are 2 wire and simple pinch on wire 'strain relief' thingies.

 

[jakemac]

jakemac,

Those pre-blocks are sturdy.

I agree. I'm still deciding what I'm going to do with this one though. I initially picked it up for the stand only, I have two 1/2hp roundtop blocks (without stands) in addition to my 1hp flattop and was planning to set one up as an aluminum/brass grinder. But there's something about this little 1/4hp pre-block that's whispering in my ear.
Jedi mind-trick -"This IS the grinder you're looking for"