let's see your craftsman block grinders
- Thread starter emeraldcoupe
- Start date
Itinerant
Well-known member
Nope. He got his $20.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
IT: happy to hear you paid the FULL price, but you still stole them. good to know they found a good home again.
TM: the crew is looking good and the future at TM's house is so bright they needed the shades.
TM: the crew is looking good and the future at TM's house is so bright they needed the shades.
I just bought my first commercial grinder, it's a 1/2 hp 7 incher. It's in good condition and has the wheel guards, but not the end caps. If anyone here has a parts grinder I'd be interested purchasing the end caps. Send me a PM or reply. Thanks
jakemac
Well-known member
Posting the model number and a few pictures would help. Does yours have the exhaust ports or not ?
Block grinder gurus, which is better given similar condition? A 1/2HP Commercial flat top or a 1/2HP Commercial roundtop?
It looks like the flat top has a little higher amps. Is there any other significant difference?
OR
It looks like the flat top has a little higher amps. Is there any other significant difference?
OR
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Assuming
it is a m-397.19591 1/2 H.P.; the Cover Guards are available.p/n - 534436527 Right
p/n - 534436627 Left
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-39719591-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871_205923.html
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Davefr - I haven't noticed any operational differences in the 3 or 4 I have used.
Theoretically, the higher the current draw (amps), the higher the work performed - all else being equal.
BTW - nice examples of the Round-Top/Mail Box and Flat-Top styles of CM Blocks!
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jakemac
Well-known member
Assuming
p/n - 534436527 Right
p/n - 534436627 Left
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-39719591-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871_205923.html
FYI - I bought a pair of these for a 397.19590 model. They'll fit, but the screw holes are a little off and the exhaust port is a little miss-aligned for that model. You'll need to remove the screws to put the sides on and off and fuss with it to get it to line up. There are pictures in this thread somewhere.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
jakemac
Well-known member
But ....... it should have worked. The model numbers are only 1 number apart after all. 
Block grinder gurus, which is better given similar condition? A 1/2HP Commercial flat top or a 1/2HP Commercial roundtop?
It looks like the flat top has a little higher amps. Is there any other significant difference?
OR
if they are both for sale, buy both
torqueman2002
Well-known member
bulletpruf is looking for 1 like this.
cagullett1
Well-known member
Well it looks like Dave is selling it on feebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/291268586307?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Hi all,
I'm a new member, entirely due to this thread.
I started out with $200 in birthday money for a plunge router (in between jobs right now, so money is a little tight), but the router I wanted was not to be found for my budget. I decided to concentrate on my other needs: spindle sander, bench grinder, bench buffer. I settled on a Ridgid spindle/belt sander, a Porter-Cable 8" variable speed grinder and a Central Machinery 6" buffer. Couldn't afford all three new, so I hit Craigslist.
Sander I got for $80. $110 remaining.
Buffer I got from HF for $34, $76 remaining.
Now stuck - couldn't find the PC grinder.
While researching alternatives, came across this thread and the light broke through the clouds. I love old quality tools and I could probably find a block grinder for a good price. I looked around Boston, CT, RI, NH, VT and ME and found a number of block grinders. I was able to score two within 2 days.
Listed in NH, drove 1:15 each way to get it. Nice guy, sad/interesting story.
Craftsman 397.19521 - 7" - 1/2HP - 5.5A
Asking $200, got it for $80
I realized that a block grinder could be set up as a buffer, so I returned the HF buffer and looked around CL some more.
Craftsman Commercial 397.19670 - 8" - 3/4HP - 5.0A
Asking $50, got it for $30
Just for grins, I looked around CL some more in a bunch of different cities, and most times, there were no block grinders listed. Final total: $160 with room for a CM sharpening attachment for $20. I think I got very lucky.
Sorry about the long-winded story. I have a bunch of questions, but I'll start with one.
My current plan is to use the 7" as a grinder, and 8" as a buffer. Since the 7" is complete it's the easiest choice and it will also keep the SFPM down a bit (6322) for sharpening. The 8" I'll set up as a wire wheel on the left and a buffer with a taper attachment on the right. This will give me 7226 SFPM for buffing and more HP.
What do you think? Any advice about which grinder for which job?
John
I'm a new member, entirely due to this thread.
I started out with $200 in birthday money for a plunge router (in between jobs right now, so money is a little tight), but the router I wanted was not to be found for my budget. I decided to concentrate on my other needs: spindle sander, bench grinder, bench buffer. I settled on a Ridgid spindle/belt sander, a Porter-Cable 8" variable speed grinder and a Central Machinery 6" buffer. Couldn't afford all three new, so I hit Craigslist.
Sander I got for $80. $110 remaining.
Buffer I got from HF for $34, $76 remaining.
Now stuck - couldn't find the PC grinder.
While researching alternatives, came across this thread and the light broke through the clouds. I love old quality tools and I could probably find a block grinder for a good price. I looked around Boston, CT, RI, NH, VT and ME and found a number of block grinders. I was able to score two within 2 days.
Listed in NH, drove 1:15 each way to get it. Nice guy, sad/interesting story.
Craftsman 397.19521 - 7" - 1/2HP - 5.5A
Asking $200, got it for $80
I realized that a block grinder could be set up as a buffer, so I returned the HF buffer and looked around CL some more.
Craftsman Commercial 397.19670 - 8" - 3/4HP - 5.0A
Asking $50, got it for $30
Just for grins, I looked around CL some more in a bunch of different cities, and most times, there were no block grinders listed. Final total: $160 with room for a CM sharpening attachment for $20. I think I got very lucky.
Sorry about the long-winded story. I have a bunch of questions, but I'll start with one.
My current plan is to use the 7" as a grinder, and 8" as a buffer. Since the 7" is complete it's the easiest choice and it will also keep the SFPM down a bit (6322) for sharpening. The 8" I'll set up as a wire wheel on the left and a buffer with a taper attachment on the right. This will give me 7226 SFPM for buffing and more HP.
What do you think? Any advice about which grinder for which job?
John
drivesitfar
Well-known member
JCM: welcome to the Forum and to the block thread. you come fully armed with those two blocks. I've been looking for a 3/4 commercial block for a while now and i'm sure a few others who frequent this thread have too. nice finds.
as far as which ones to use for what i'm not sure you mentioned what exactly you are planning on doing or making with these so i'll give you my 2 cents as a general rule for grinders. you are missing the 3/4's shield and cover on the right wheel so I'd make that my buffer. i'd also make or have a threaded extension made to attach to the arbor so the wheel has better access. we have a member who might make a pair for $60 if you need them for both sides with right and left threads and will check to see if he'll make just one for a single side for maybe $30 plus shipping. that will save your threads as opposed to the stock ones Craftsman used that messed up the existing threads on the blocks.
as far as the other side i'd probably put some type of wire wheel on it. it sounds like you are going to do knife grinding or drill sharpening so use the 1/2 HP for those wheels.
good luck and you'll have plenty of help if you can't find the answers when you start cleaning them up if you need any.
as far as which ones to use for what i'm not sure you mentioned what exactly you are planning on doing or making with these so i'll give you my 2 cents as a general rule for grinders. you are missing the 3/4's shield and cover on the right wheel so I'd make that my buffer. i'd also make or have a threaded extension made to attach to the arbor so the wheel has better access. we have a member who might make a pair for $60 if you need them for both sides with right and left threads and will check to see if he'll make just one for a single side for maybe $30 plus shipping. that will save your threads as opposed to the stock ones Craftsman used that messed up the existing threads on the blocks.
as far as the other side i'd probably put some type of wire wheel on it. it sounds like you are going to do knife grinding or drill sharpening so use the 1/2 HP for those wheels.
good luck and you'll have plenty of help if you can't find the answers when you start cleaning them up if you need any.
espyking83
Well-known member
Does anyone have any extra polishing/deburring wheels they are willing to sell or trade?
Yep, tough decision but I'm resisting the urge to turn into a hoarder. It's one of the nicest/most complete ones I've ever come across.
Whoever get's it should be able to pass it down to their kids/grandkids.
" I've been looking for a 3/4 commercial block for a while now and i'm sure a few others who frequent this thread have too."
I'm not sure if this is of interest, but I saw this on the RI CL:
http://providence.craigslist.org/tls/4702733767.html
And this, although I have no idea what kind of CM it is:
http://providence.craigslist.org/tls/4631544950.html
Another block grinder 6" 1/3HP 397.19580:
http://providence.craigslist.org/for/4656385777.html
I'm not sure if this is of interest, but I saw this on the RI CL:
http://providence.craigslist.org/tls/4702733767.html
And this, although I have no idea what kind of CM it is:
http://providence.craigslist.org/tls/4631544950.html
Another block grinder 6" 1/3HP 397.19580:
http://providence.craigslist.org/for/4656385777.html
cagullett1
Well-known member
It's a very nice grinder. The exact same model I bought from Torqueman. I will be watching it... having twins would be nice.
Would it be realistic to think that I could mount a taper to either your or Brent's extensions?
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Toolhorder
Well-known member
Need a tool that dresses the stone wheel. Anyone know what that is or where I can find one?
jakemac
Well-known member
Grinder dressing wheel. I use USA made Desmond's.
Hi folks,
I've completed the tear-down of the 3/4hp commercial grinder (397.19670) and come across a few things that I could some advice on.
---
Late last night I somehow decided that I should remove one of the arbor snap rings with pliers, since I didn't have a snap ring pliers. Predictably, the snap ring broke. Can I get a replacement at Home Depot, or do I need a special one?
The ugly result of late-night decision-making and the bearings, which are shot.
---
I'm using Evaporust for the first time on the parts, including the rotor. The stuff is amazing, but it has taken off the bluing on some of the parts like the spring washers. I would think that if I just put on a light coating of oil or lithium grease, they should be fine. Do I need to do anything else?
Spring washers without bluing.
Other parts that really cleaned up.
---
I noticed that it looks like the starter winding way overheated at one point, partially burning the winding. The grinder started up just fine, so can I just use it for now or is the stator toast?
Worst-looking side:
Other side, less cooked.
---
Finally, the felt washers are in good shape (Evaporust picture above), but have rust in them. Any ideas on how to clean them, or should I just make new ones?
Thanks,
John
I've completed the tear-down of the 3/4hp commercial grinder (397.19670) and come across a few things that I could some advice on.
---
Late last night I somehow decided that I should remove one of the arbor snap rings with pliers, since I didn't have a snap ring pliers. Predictably, the snap ring broke. Can I get a replacement at Home Depot, or do I need a special one?
The ugly result of late-night decision-making and the bearings, which are shot.
---
I'm using Evaporust for the first time on the parts, including the rotor. The stuff is amazing, but it has taken off the bluing on some of the parts like the spring washers. I would think that if I just put on a light coating of oil or lithium grease, they should be fine. Do I need to do anything else?
Spring washers without bluing.
Other parts that really cleaned up.
---
I noticed that it looks like the starter winding way overheated at one point, partially burning the winding. The grinder started up just fine, so can I just use it for now or is the stator toast?
Worst-looking side:
Other side, less cooked.
---
Finally, the felt washers are in good shape (Evaporust picture above), but have rust in them. Any ideas on how to clean them, or should I just make new ones?
Thanks,
John
Ravenbar
Member
I don't come around here much but I figured I'd show some of the modifications(more erplacement parts) I've done to my block grinder recently.
Made a larger tool rest...
New endplatemissing when I got it, work in progress, still need to come up with some kind of center hub):
Made a larger tool rest...
New endplatemissing when I got it, work in progress, still need to come up with some kind of center hub):
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Tools - See my comments in Blue, below. Also, check out the following restore with a number of similar issues.
http://tinyurl.com/Go-Blue-Block-Grinder
http://tinyurl.com/Go-Blue-Block-Grinder
torqueman2002
Well-known member
Any more information, so that people can help you?
pendragon1998
Well-known member
Does anyone use those white friable wheels in 7" size, and if so, where do you find them? I see them commonly in 6" and 8", but 7" is an oddball size.
Thanks. I've already taken advantage of your advice!
Here's the plan in more detail:
1/2 7"er
Grinding, used for some rough grinding on one side and chisel/tool sharpening on the other. I figure that I'm not going to be doing any real heavy grinding, so 1/2hp should be more than enough. So a 30 or 36 standard-type wheel on the one side and a 90-100 white wheel for sharpening/fine work. Also, the smaller 7" wheel will run at 13% less SFPM, so marginally better for tool sharpening than 8".
Question: What do people think about ceramic wheels for tool sharpening? Better than white wheels? Longer lasting? I think I remember seeing a 7" for $69, so about 2x the cost of a white wheel. Would it be worth the extra cost?
I saw a very interesting post on grinding wheel recommendations on another site. I can't locate it at the moment, but I'll post when I find it.
3/4 8"er
Bigger wheel means higher SFPM which would seem to better for buffing, and the higher HP will help too, since I do more buffing than grinding. Also it's already missing the right guard, so it's seems logical to make that side a buffer and the left side put in a wire wheel. I want to use a taper on the buffer side so I can easily change between wheels, which removes the need for a two-sided buffer, or even two separate buffers to hold four different wheels. As far as an extension, I saw a bunch of posts on a group extension buy. Did that ever happen?
Thanks TM! I've read through all the previous posts, but I missed those details. Thanks for pointing the way.
Here's a link to the post I mentioned about grinder speed and wheels. I don't recall seeing any mention of this in earlier posts. If I missed it, my apologies.
Teaser:
"1750 RPM bench grinders have been sold to gullible woodoworkers for several years now. They are hawked as the cure for over-heating cutting tools while grinding their edges. As grinders they work OK but not as efficiently as the "regular" speed grinders running at 3450 RPM. My complaint with these low speed grinders is they are sold to as a solution to a problem they do not solve. "
Full post:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/bench-grinders-1750-vs-3600-rpms-215968/
Teaser:
"1750 RPM bench grinders have been sold to gullible woodoworkers for several years now. They are hawked as the cure for over-heating cutting tools while grinding their edges. As grinders they work OK but not as efficiently as the "regular" speed grinders running at 3450 RPM. My complaint with these low speed grinders is they are sold to as a solution to a problem they do not solve. "
Full post:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/bench-grinders-1750-vs-3600-rpms-215968/
Olinrj
Well-known member
I stumbled upon one on craigslist last night and picked it up on the way in to work today. Spins quietly and has all the guards but will need a restoration as it has safety orange paint all over. Only cost me $10. Pretty happy with it and now have a pair of 1/3 hp blocks. Its a 397.19580, with a build date of 5 20 63 (or 68). Photos to follow.
vartz04
Well-known member
ybnormal70
Well-known member
clean that puppy up , and make your grandpa, proud
very nice find
drivesitfar
Well-known member
All & JCM: Kevin 54 has the ability to make a pair of extensions for our blocks with right and left threads for $60 plus shipping if anybody might need any to make their block a buffer or a wire wheel with better access. PM him if you are interested and have your specs ready when you PM him. arbor size of your block and if you want to keep it the same or maybe make it smaller or a bit larger. not sure if same cost for larger or smaller so you work that out with Kevin.
i'll be buying a pair if and when i ever find a 3/4 or 1 HP block to make a buffer out of.
Vartz: glad to hear your Gramps had a block and that you know own it. you'll be surprised how much power that 1/4 HP actually has and use it as is or if you want to do a total rebuild clean up i'm sure there are plenty of them to be found if you need a little help or just ask if you tried to find and need any.
YB: nicely done. did you use a rag and simple green to spiff it up or do tell?
Olinrj: if you don't have pics nobody will give you a YS for a $10 block find because we think it didn't happen.
i'll be buying a pair if and when i ever find a 3/4 or 1 HP block to make a buffer out of.
Vartz: glad to hear your Gramps had a block and that you know own it. you'll be surprised how much power that 1/4 HP actually has and use it as is or if you want to do a total rebuild clean up i'm sure there are plenty of them to be found if you need a little help or just ask if you tried to find and need any.
YB: nicely done. did you use a rag and simple green to spiff it up or do tell?
Olinrj: if you don't have pics nobody will give you a YS for a $10 block find because we think it didn't happen.
New endplatemissing when I got it, work in progress, still need to come up with some kind of center hub):
Sharp work. Before I converted mine to open ends I planned on doing the same thing and using a model a center/hub cap. You can get them blank, i.e., without Ford's logo, too.
hell_fish_65
Well-known member
Picked up my first block grinder this weekend. Not a killer deal, but Austin doesn't seem to have great deals on them as I have been looking for some time. I need to get a label made, make a pair of eye shields and one tool rest.
