let's see your craftsman block grinders

[UIUC-Mech-E]

Here's one in Chicagoland that I almost missed. It's buried at the back of a bunch of pictures. Looks like a 1/3hp round top.

Go get it guys!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4676678789.html


(Insert catchy saying here)

 

[Tyberius]

Here's one in Chicagoland that I almost missed. It's buried at the back of a bunch of pictures. Looks like a 1/3hp round top.

Go get it guys!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4676678789.html

Looks like some other possibly good stuff there too. The Block appears to be sitting on a drill press that is otherwise not pictured. And of course, if he's cleaning out the grandpa's garage, there is probably a lot more not pictured.

 

[torqueman2002]

Just back from a road trip to beautiful Ohio.
I've had some good luck this week.
Details to follow.

1/2 HP

1/3 HP

Another 1/2 HP

CM rotating table with CM Jig Saw, CM Belt & Disk Sander, HF Grinder [please forgive me ], and small Wilton Vise.

 

[G20-Budo]

Torqueman,

I don't know what others are going to say, but I'll say it.. you ****! Nice score there on your trip!

 

[McBrownie]

TM,

You northeners swoop down here, take advantage of all of us southern folk, and then leave with our block grinders.

I haven't seen a block in the Cleveland area for months and the last one was $100. Can't wait to hear about the details of your latest looting trip.

 

[torqueman2002]

OK. As promised late last night, after a fruitful shopping trip, here's some more detail.

Location - Columbus, OH (spectacular weather and beautiful part of the Midwest). Oh, home of Ohio State (Buckeyes).

Equipment secured - 0.5 HP Craftsman Block Grinder, 397.19430 with Wolverine! ?? ! Really, is this some sort of ploy to get a U of M (Wolverine) fan to go where angles don't dare, during the fall? (Football reference, eh?)

OK. Emailed the owner and arranged a trip to see it and another CL item or 2 in the general area.

Got it home and snapped pictures of it 1st because it is just so nice! Did I mention my 3 nephews are starting their home shops and want grinders! Woohoo!

All the parts and some extra stones and a w wheel. Well, almost ALL the parts, he was starting to look for the misplaced eye shield wing nut, but I said "That's OK, I have one."

Even a quench tray with rubber feet.
When I was on the road, he said it might not happen. He was on the way to Urgent Care with a family member who had fallen and had head, arm, and shoulder injuries! I pressed on and juggled the 2nd stop to be the 1st, to buy some time.

It turns out, the seller wasn't the owner! He is retiring and selling off his wood working tools.

The grinder was his wife's!! Also, she still has a 1950's vintage CM 1/4" hand drill in it's own small tool case (I'll look for a picture, it's a style I haven't seen before).

Oh, they gave me the manual, the original sales receipt, and $5 back! I'll scan the manual for anyone that needs a copy. Shoot me an IM with your eMail.

April 14, 1977!
$84.88
$ 3.40 4% Tax
$88.28

I am a happy man! And a lucky Wolverine fan!

 

[torqueman2002]

Torqueman,

I don't know what others are going to say, but I'll say it.. you ****! Nice score there on your trip!

Thanks!

I appreciate it.

 

[torqueman2002]

TM,

You northeners swoop down here, take advantage of all of us southern folk, and then leave with our block grinders.

I haven't seen a block in the Cleveland area for months and the last one was $100. Can't wait to hear about the details of your latest looting trip.

Well now, McB, I am at a loss of words and even a little .

We have been so supportive of each others addiction/affliction/midnight looting raids.

Also, I checked. Detroit, MI is [North] south of Cleveland, OH. (If Google can be relied upon.)
Coordinates
42.3314° N, 83.0458° W -- Detroit, MI

41.4822° N, 81.6697° W -- Cleveland, OH

33.7550° N, 84.3900° W -- Atlanta, GA

Did I mention I grew up in the South? Yes, the South side of Syracuse, NY.

Oh, my 3 nephews I am gathering Blocks for, all live South of the M-D line.

I believe we Yankee carpetbaggers have to stick together.

Oh shite. I blew it. Just fixedd it. Detroit is North of Cleveland.

But, I do know Mexico is not the only country that has a Southern border with the US. Canada does also!

Windsor Ontario is South of Detroit, MI.

* Nothing in any of my posts are meat to offend, alienate, or pi$$-off anybody. I just can't help it.

 

[McBrownie]

Well now, McB, I am at a loss of words and even a little .

We have been so supportive of each others addiction/affliction/midnight looting raids.

Also, I checked. Detroit, MI is south of Cleveland, OH. (If Google can be relied upon.)
Coordinates
41.4822° N, 81.6697° W -- Cleveland, OH
42.3314° N, 83.0458° W -- Detroit, MI
33.7550° N, 84.3900° W -- Atlanta, GA

Did I mention I grew up in the South? Yes, the South side of Syracuse, NY.

Oh, my 3 nephews I am gathering Blocks for, all live South of the M-D line.

I believe we Yankee carpetbaggers have to stick together.

* Nothing in any of my posts are meat to offend, alienate, or pi$$-off anybody. I just can't help it.

TM, No hard feelings at all. It was a poor attempt at sarcasm on my part. I'm glad you are still finding the blocks where ever they are.

 

[torqueman2002]

TM, No hard feelings at all. It was a poor attempt at sarcasm on my part. I'm glad you are still finding the blocks where ever they are.

McB
I know. No worries, really. Just trying to make some funnies myself. We're still good.

McB
I was wwwrrrong. I fixed my previous post.

Cleveland is South of Detroit, sorry.

But, so is Windsor, ON, Canada! ?? !

 

[pendragon1998]

Um, does Ohio consider itself part of the south?

 

[McBrownie]

Um, does Ohio consider itself part of the south?

Oh no! What have I started?!?!?!?

 

[drivesitfar]

TM:thanks for the pictures because i never knew Detroit and Atlanta were as great looking as they are.

I also found this at the bottom of your posts and had to enlarge the font to read it. i'm not sure you ever pissed anybody off unless they didn't like your suggestion to totally restore their block grinder like you have so many times. or if you happened to buy the block they were hoping would last a couple hours on Craigs


* Nothing in any of my posts are meat to offend, alienate, or pi$$-off anybody. I just can't help it.

By the way nice score on those blocks and looks like you have an original stand too. were you wearing Michigan colors when you picked up that Buckeye block?

McB: TM didn't put that phrase on his posts until you started up with guarding your block territory. don't you know there aren't any more blocks within 200 miles of his house because he owns them all? Wait until he decides to deliver the ones he is fixing for his relatives down south and maps out all the ones down and back. A Uhaul truck won't be big enough to haul those blocks back to Michigan because he has the talent to really sniff these old grinders out.

he does know how to share though if asked politely with enough cash.

 

[McBrownie]

TM:thanks for the pictures because i never knew Detroit and Atlanta were as great looking as they are.

Drives,

Atlanta looks extra good to you because that is a picture of Cleveland! Contrary to popular belief, Cleveland isn't a dirty steel town anymore. It would look even better if all of it's block grinders weren't in Detroit.

 

[torqueman2002]

Um, does Ohio consider itself part of the south?

I wasn't sure either.

Yesterday, while driving to Cincinnati and Columbus on I-75, I spotted more than 1 Dixie/Southern Cross flag. The biggest covered a barn roof.

To answer your question, the number of states in the Confederacy = eleven: South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. http://www.pbs.org/civilwar/war/map1.html

The Dixie cross contains 13 stars, one for each of the 11 states that seceded plus one for both Kentucky and Missouri. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~class/am483_97/projects/sarratt/intro.html

 

[torqueman2002]

.... were you wearing Michigan colors when you picked up that Buckeye block?

McB: TM didn't put that phrase on his posts until you started up with guarding your block territory. don't you know there aren't any more blocks within 200 miles of his house because he owns them all? Wait until he decides to deliver the ones he is fixing for his relatives down south and maps out all the ones down and back. A Uhaul truck won't be big enough to haul those blocks back to Michigan because he has the talent to really sniff these old grinders out.

he does know how to share though if asked politely with enough cash.

Drives,
Atlanta looks extra good... It [Cleveland] would look even better if all of it's block grinders weren't in Detroit.

You guys are killing me!!

I added a picture of Atlanta.

BTW - thanks for the idea: " .... maps out all the ones [Blocks] down and back."

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: so is the Michigan block going to sit on the Ohio State original stand for good luck or is that just not allowed?

ALL: since you guys are posting pictures of your cities i couldn't find one that wasn't copy right protected so i remember i took a couple a few weeks ago when we grabbed pizza a couple miles from where i grew up. not the best, but i smile every time i drive by and look across the water at it.

anybody been to Seattle might appreciate this. my friends and i would rent row boats and row across that water where the huge ships and ferry boats travel when we were in junior high and high school. probably get a ticket or get sued for doing that now.

in case you haven't seen the thread i started Grinder Safety 101 i added a few more videos and would like others safety tips they can share or things that you've done and wish you didn't.

 

[torqueman2002]

drivesit

Interesting idea to extend an olive branch to Ohio State. But then there's my son's UofM friends who have tossed a MSU door mat into the front lawn when they visit. No telling what they'd do to the UofM Block on a Buckeye stand!

For now, it is safe on the vintage CM Crown Top Stand.

BTW - my son is headed to Seattle; after the 1st of next year. He's accepted an offer at U of Washington, and is very excited. He and his wife love to hike, camp, and canoe.

47.6097° N, 122.3331° W - Seattle, WA

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: very nice pictures. it looks like your assistants are at the ready to use your 3 blocks lined up there against the wall. do you have 6 different wheels on them. very nice and i do like your colors you painted them. it looks like 4 different types of wire wheels and a couple stones on the one at the end.

Plenty of stuff to do for your son and his bride if they both like to do all the outdoor things you mentioned. if they have any questions feel free to give them my email and i'll try to help. bear in mind my wife's and my version of camping is staying at a hotel without room service not that we did that all that often either raising our 5 kids.

Just an FYI. in the picture of Seattle that is the space needle built at the world's fair in 1962 in the foreground and in the background is Mt. Rainier that is 14,000 foot high and plenty of hiking there about 80 miles from downtown Seattle.

cheers

 

[nine4gmc]

torqueman, all you guys, thanks for posting!! over the great grinders you guys are posting!!!

 

[DPG]

I found my first blockhead a few weeks ago. Runs great, looks bad. It took around 2 minuets for it to come to a stop after I test drove it. It is a 1/2 hp with the correct stand. Gave the guy 60.00 for it. The wheel housings have seen better days. Anyone have any spare parts including the tool rests?

 

[McBrownie]

I found my first blockhead a few weeks ago. Runs great, looks bad. It took around 2 minuets for it to come to a stop after I test drove it. It is a 1/2 hp with the correct stand. Gave the guy 60.00 for it. The wheel housings have seen better days. Anyone have any spare parts including the tool rests?

DPG,

That is a nice early to mid 60's model and will clean up nicely if you decide to do it. The left hand tool rest looks stock to me and the bottom half of the right one looks stock too. Torqueman has specs on the glass, I believe. All in all, a great find for $60 especially with the stand. Congrats!

Edit: By the way, Have you taken it off of the stand to see if there is a manufacture date stamped on the bottom?

 

[gilbo]

well i finally had some free time to make some progress on my 3/4 HP grinder. grinder runs great, so no work needed, here what i started with, and a few before and after's

ran parts through electrolysis, even the label panel. then primed and painted
still have a few parts left to spruce up

 

[McBrownie]

well i finally had some free time to make some progress on my 3/4 HP grinder. grinder runs great, so no work needed, so work here what i started with, and a few before and after's

ran parts through electrolysis, even the label panel. then primed and painted
still have a few parts left to spruce up

Gilbo,

That is looking great. I can't wait to see the completed project!

 

[drivesitfar]

Gilbo: nice start to the restoration and i'm not sure I've seen many of the 3/4 HP commercial Blocks on here. it should have all the power you'll ever need. nice find.

so just double checking you put the name plate in the electrolysis and it survived ok?

please post more pictures after you do more work if you can. thanks for sharing.

 

[jakemac]

I was wondering the same thing about the label. I would have thought that it would have come off in the tank.

Looking forward to hearing the answer.

 

[cagullett1]

Gilbo, what paint did you end up using?

 

[gilbo]

Gilbo: nice start to the restoration and i'm not sure I've seen many of the 3/4 HP commercial Blocks on here. it should have all the power you'll ever need. nice find.

so just double checking you put the name plate in the electrolysis and it survived ok?

please post more pictures after you do more work if you can. thanks for sharing.

I was wondering the same thing about the label. I would have thought that it would have come off in the tank.

Looking forward to hearing the answer.

its MAGIC, you guys know a magician can't tell there secrets, hhhhhh, of course the label didn't go in the tank, I did it in sections, got as close as I could to the label about half inch away, then clamped the panel to the bucket

 

[gilbo]

Gilbo, what paint did you end up using?

primer is what I had laying around, from previous projects, which was rustoleum rust primer

paint was rustoleum dark machine grey

for the label panel I used rustoleum stainless steel

 

[torqueman2002]

primer is what I had laying around, from previous projects, which was rustoleum rust primer

paint was rustoleum dark machine grey

for the label panel I used rustoleum stainless steel

Nice work!

That is a LOT of grinder.

Check-out my restores for ideas on the electrics: condenser, relay, switch. Worth the time, IMO, while it's apart; also, new bearings I do routinely, easy to find, not expensive, and easy to replace at this stage.

Nice job!

 

[bubinga]

Still worth $50.00. Esp. with the stand.
I like the older look to it too, you can tell it's old.

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.

 

[DPG]

DPG,

That is a nice early to mid 60's model and will clean up nicely if you decide to do it. The left hand tool rest looks stock to me and the bottom half of the right one looks stock too. Torqueman has specs on the glass, I believe. All in all, a great find for $60 especially with the stand. Congrats!

Edit: By the way, Have you taken it off of the stand to see if there is a manufacture date stamped on the bottom?

You nailed the date.
Date on bottom is April 14, 1965. I would like to clean it up, what the picture does not show is the bottom of the right wheel housing is broken off. Anyone know where I can find a replacement?

 

[drivesitfar]

Gilbo; thanks for sharing your secret.

 

[jeffro30]

I just found a 1\2 HP with worklight and stand. Guy is asking 100 bucks for it
What do you guys think? Can post pics later.
Thanks

 

[McBrownie]

I just found a 1\2 HP with worklight and stand. Guy is asking 100 bucks for it
What do you guys think? Can post pics later.
Thanks

Ultimately, it depends on the condition. However, if is an original Craftsman stand and a 1/2hp commercial, then I would jump on it. If it is a split phase and a non-craftsman stand, then I would probably pass. Please post pics and you'll get more responses/opinions.

 

[jeffro30]

Ultimately, it depends on the condition. However, if is an original Craftsman stand and a 1/2hp commercial, then I would jump on it. If it is a split phase and a non-craftsman stand, then I would probably pass. Please post pics and you'll get more responses/opinions.

Here are the pics of it

 

[McBrownie]

Here are the pics of it

Well, it's a split phase, not a commercial. Although it's in rough shape, it is complete and on an original stand. But, I don't know. $75 feels better to me. What do others think?

 

[torqueman2002]

jeffro...

Looks like the stand could be a vintage CM, the base is the key.

The model is a single voltage (115V) home model (not the dual voltage Commercial /Industrial model).

I've paid $105 for a complete 1/2 HP M 397.19440 (the dual voltage Commercial /Industrial model) with perfect eye shields and CM stand.

Location, condition, and supply are also considerations on these little machines.

I agree with McB $75 is a good price, wait for him to sit on it a while, the price might soften (it's only a 4 hour old listing).

 

[jakemac]

The base sells on fleabay for $100-$150 (when they sell), the grinder is a $40-$50 grinder (if it runs well). Put them together and they don't actually add up that way though. As others suggested, try to get it for $75, but be prepared to go higher if you really want it.
$100 would be the tops for a "really want".

 

[Itinerant]

You nailed the date.
Date on bottom is April 14, 1965. I would like to clean it up, what the picture does not show is the bottom of the right wheel housing is broken off. Anyone know where I can find a replacement?

What is the model number? Look up your machine on Searspartsdirect.com and get a part number, I may have what you're looking for.