let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

Here's an updated list of CM Block grinders and Stands (just added) for which GJ members are looking. Please let me know of any corrections or additions. Thanks.

 

[torqueman2002]

dang Tman, Thanksgiving at your place?

Hahaha!
I'm thankful you prodded me into action, does that count?

I can continue restoring Blocks for family, and eventually offer some of the more numerous (1/2 Flat-Top) Blocks pictured above. The worst of them is a 3/4 HP no one wanted, it was so sad looking with a broken goose neck and all!

The only challenge I see, is painting in the attached garage/shop. It's heated, but fumes and o'spray are a problem.

I have a plan for a mini-spray booth I'm noodling on. The extractor fan motor needs to stay out of the paint/air stream from what I've read.

I'll be asking for ideas/feedback in a separate thread a bit later on.

I'll see if I have a pic. of the fan I think will work and add it here for now.

 

[McBrownie]

All I know is I left 2 or 3 of them in the garage last winter, and now I am over run by them.

TM in his lair....

View media item 44834

 

[JCMTools]

JCM: oven in the shop yet for all your future painting projects and if so pop "SMOKEY" in it. don't use the family's oven as we've already been told not to with painted items.

I wouldn't try to deal with fumes in the family oven for marital harmony reasons at the very least, but I have been thinking about the prohibition of using a shop oven to reheat food.

Why?

If I use an oven to bake on paint, the only thing coming off in the oven are the volatile compounds in gaseous form. Since they are volatile, wouldn't they stay gaseous and leave the oven? If so, it would seem that food might be safe, especially if you covered it with aluminum foil or something.

Not snarky, just curious.

 

[torqueman2002]

Anyone in the Twin Cities area interested in a 1/2 HR(P?) Baldor shocking?

$150 (Greensburg)

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/4756996943.html

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: not that i could have got the Baldor, but the ad is deleted already. by the way thanks for sharing the family portraits. i give you such a good (or bad) time about Big Blue because you've told me several times that it is your son's, but yet it sits in your line up in your garage. it's a beast and with a perfect restoration by the cheif of the Blockheads. You might as well use it until he needs it.

as far as a makeshift paint booth i got this idea from Outlaw a while back. he said when he was living at his parents and in Jr. and High school he had a huge appliance box he used as his paint booth. that sounded like such a good idea i bought a client's crate on a pallet that they used to haul their belongings to shows around the country when they offered it to me. i haven't painted anything in it yet, but i know if i'm painting outside that i'll use half as much spray paint just by not having the wind carry it off during a quick paint job. Just a thought until you move and have room for a paint booth, hot rods and all your blocks with every wheel imaginable on them.

McB: nice post.

JCM: after you try it and survive a few meals like that maybe i'll give it a go. I almost bought a shop oven today, but i think i want a 40's or 50's made one to match all my vintage tools and vises.

Nines: we all want to go to your place because you have heat. i just came in from outside and with a little wind i bet it was in the teens up here and i'm not in the coldest part of the US. can we stop by if we have some vintage Craftsman tool as a gift?

 

[torqueman2002]

drivesit - You're welcome, and thank you for the idea. I didn't get a chance to snap a shot of the fan I am thinking I'll use. Maybe tomorrow.

I think I mis-lead you - Big Blue or Go Blue! is staying.

I dedicated it to my son's undergraduate school - University of Michigan. Not that he wouldn't be welcome to it, if he wanted it. He's not afflicted with things mechanical like his old man.

 

[nine4gmc]

No heat in my new shop, it's cold as a witch's ******* :****: No where near the teens though, IDK how you guys stand it!! It's been raining and 40's today, supposed to hit 30 tomorrow night and mid 20's first few days next week. F'N BURRRRRR

You guys are always welcome, though your presence is the best gift, Craftsman is not required.

 

[jakemac]

Portable Paint Booth -

Once upon a time, I was working for a company that had a warehouse space, but no shop. Some set pieces needed to be re-varnished at the warehouse. So, my partner and I built a spray booth out of 1x3 pine, 1/2" plywood scraps, and 6mil plastic sheet.

We first made 8x8 square frames with the 1x3, reenforcing the corners with plywood. Then, we made an X in the frame with more 1x3 and plywood to stiffen the frames.

Once the frames were made, we stretched the plastic over the frame and stapled it down using gaff tape (theatrical duct tape) to keep the plastic from pulling out of the staples.

6 panels (one with a flap) made up the walls, 2 more on top made a roof.

TA-DA, an 8x16 paint booth that can be stored away when not in use.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jake: Genius. any chance you might be able to grab some pictures or post a link so I (we) can see what your paint booth would look like because it sounds great.

TM: so a 1/2 HP old 6 inch Baldor that needs your magic touch and some cash might get me your Big or Old Blue?

Nines: I don't know any of us that love the cold or the wet. all i can say for me is i married a California girl that likes the 4 seasons of the Pacific Northwest and won't consider moving to the brownish warmer areas of the US where there is only 2.

 

[HunterMike]

I'd be interested in seeing that paint booth too. Been thinking about building one recently.

Shop may be heated, but the high temp here in Denver today was 6, although truck thermometer did show 7 this afternoon at one Jobsite. Brrr.

 

[jakemac]

Jake: Genius. any chance you might be able to grab some pictures or post a link so I (we) can see what your paint booth would look like because it sounds great.

I'd be interested in seeing that paint booth too. Been thinking about building one recently.

No pictures unfortunately. That was 20yrs ago.
The attached drawing is not to scale. It's of 1 frame made out of 1x3 and 1/2" ply. Stretch 6mil plastic sheet over the opposite side of the frame from the plywood braces. Tack it with a few staples, then run duct tape over the plastic, inline with the frame and staple the tape and plastic sheet in place.

The frames we used were 8'x8', but you can make them any size. We used seven. 2 for the top. 5 for the walls, with the open end covered with plastic to make a doorway to get the set pieces in and out. This made an 8x16 booth (with no ventilation, we were stupid back then)

It wouldn't be too hard to make one panel with a hole for a fan.
Use glue and screws on the braces.
If you use hinges, you could pair them off and fold them for storage.
Throw down some plastic, or a tarp as a floor.
If you use this outside, anchor it well to the ground. You just made a big-*** kite !

The truth is, we made about thirty to fifty of these to use as dividers in an exhibit hall and covered about ten or so in plastic, to make temporary work spaces so we wouldn't be spreading paint and sawdust around the sets and exhibits.

 

[kz5x]

Hi Guys-
I notice there has been interest in the old Craftsman Block Motor grinders. Wanted to see if there is still a demand out there. (and where on this forum I should be posting this) I'm considering selling mine in the $75-$80 range. It is a 397.19340 1/2hp, in very good condition - all original parts including hardly-used original wheels, probably original light bulb, quench tray, shields are still clear. Motor strong and smooth. Aged paint but very clean. Nameplate still readable.
Dan

 

[JCMTools]

During the depths of my Gunsmoke despair, I ran across a 1hp 8" Stanley grinder that I would have grabbed if it wasn't 2 hours away from me. Since I no longer need a new grinder, I thought I'd call attention to it, even though it's not a CM block. It's 2-speed and looks like a horse.

CL Posting

I'm pretty sure that as soon as I post this, I'll regret it, but I've been in contact with the guy and he seems like a good guy. This grinder could use a great home.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jake: thanks for making the effort to put a drawing together and describing your home made paint booth. a lot of us don't have the space to have one up full time, but most of us don't want the overspray to go all over the other tools or driveway.

KZ: this thread has become a great spot to find blocks so if you are a new member and are hoping to share your knowledge and learn we are happy to look at your block. if you are just looking for another Craigslist option then post there and we'll probably find it. can you post a few pictures by using the paperclip above where you are writing your posts just like attaching a picture to an email? welcome to Garage Journal and just a quick question why are you selling your block unless you have several others? also you'll be able to post in Garage Journal classifieds which are not a high volume sales tool after you have 100 posts. there is a lot of trading and selling back and forth between members once you get to know a few.

 

[torqueman2002]

Any members, in the Fort Wayne area, looking for a 1/2 HP Block (flat top)? Here's one with free saw sharpening attachments for $80.

Since it does not have the wheel guards, tool rests, spark arresters, and eye shields; it looks like a good candidate for a buffer.

Listed 2 hours ago.
http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/tls/4761760514.html

I would bet this was made by the same supplier that made the CM Block style motor grinders.

Posting deleted.

 

[torqueman2002]

During the depths of my Gunsmoke despair, I ran across a 1hp 8" Stanley grinder that I would have grabbed if it wasn't 2 hours away from me. Since I no longer need a new grinder, I thought I'd call attention to it, even though it's not a CM block. It's 2-speed and looks like a horse.

CL Posting

I'm pretty sure that as soon as I post this, I'll regret it, but I've been in contact with the guy and he seems like a good guy. This grinder could use a great home.

That is a great find. The listing has been deleted; it sure would be nice if someone in this thread snagged it.

 

[JCMTools]

That is a great find. The listing has been deleted; it sure would be nice if someone in this thread snagged it.

Yep, sold. A guy was there to buy something else, saw it, and grabbed it.

:sigh:

 

[torqueman2002]

Once again, I want to thank nine4gmc for helping me clear my workbench. Well, in a round about way, that its. When I pulled out the Blocks for the portraits a couple of days ago, I kept going and cleared the workbench.

I have decided to give the 1st Block my treatment. {modified treatment, that is}

I uncovered this old fella in a Rubbermaid tote, that I overlooked. The Q-tray was a stow-away and didn't come with the grinder.
As found, before 'treatment'.

It has led a productive life in a western NY back yard hot rod shop, there is still swarf left on it's backside.

Here's the original CL ad from June of this year.

More to follow shortly.

 

[torqueman2002]

OK, this is what I decided to do to the 1/3 HP m-397.19580. Full details. -->http://tinyurl.com/CM-rat-Block-grinder

Earlier today while cleaning up assorted bits for another non-Block project, I was using a 3/4 HP m-397.19350 to clean threads on bolts. After chasing the 2nd bolt that was snatched from the pliers and tossed against the wall, I decided I needed to go 'smaller'.

It was after that I found the answer in a Rubbermaid tote - a rat-Block!

It would be safe - eye shields, wheel guards & covers, spark arresters, tool rests, good wire wheels, and proper power cord & switch.

Looks - not important.

1st - It got a good dust-off (no swarf, dust, or debris). Maybe I'll give it a rub-down with Kroil to stop the light surface rust.

Next - The cord 'strain' relief was reversed, put on the outside of the casting and a cable tie placed on the inside to keep it from pulling out.

Then - The repaired part of the power cord (it can be seen in the 1st and last pictures above), was cut out, properly repaired, the power plug cleaned, and the resistance measured.

Done. All that is left to do is mount the eye shields, spark arresters, tool rests, a good brass wheel.

Then put it on a stand and make room for it along the wall with the others.

 

[JCMTools]

Bearing installation update.

I reinstalled the bearings for my 1/2hp 7" and I tried out the advice I got from the motor repair shop to heat them in a 220 degree oven. Worked like a charm. The only tricky part is that they will slide right off the arbor for a minute or so until they cool down. Oh, and don't touch the bearings with your bare hands - they're boiling hot.

 

[torqueman2002]

JCM: Good to hear you're making headway on the Block grinder.

Thanks for the tip.

I remember reading that 'shrinking' the shaft/arbor in the freezer helps too.

 

[JohnKal]

Don't know much about these. Is this worth $15? It's a 5 inch.model 315.1964

 

[torqueman2002]

That one is not the CM Block motor style grinder, if that's what you are asking.

See post #3224 above for more info, on what are the CM desirable Block grinders.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4371387&postcount=3224

 

[jakemac]

If case is plastic, $5 - $8
If case is aluminum, $10 -$15

This isn't one of the traditional block grinders, it's a cheaper box shaped object that can be used for light duty grinding.

I'm not trying to be snobby, I just want you to know that this is a light machine for hobby work, not something that can ignore heavy abuse.

 

[JohnKal]

Yes, that is what I was asking. Thanks torqueman, I appreciate it.

Edit: and jakemac

 

[Duct Tape Man]

Here's an updated list of CM Block grinders and Stands (just added) for which GJ members are looking. Please let me know of any corrections or additions. Thanks.

So, TM, how does one go about getting on this list? Been looking for a CM bench grinder for a while around here, no luck...

 

[exmaxima1]

Don't know much about these. Is this worth $15?

Nope.

 

[drivesitfar]

DTM: just make a post on what size block you are hoping to buy and Tourqueman will happily put you on the list or he might even ship you one from his family of blocks if you want to buy one and pay shipping like a few other members have already.

 

[u118224]

I've been looking for a while with no luck. Please put me on the list for a 1/2 hp block. Thank you!

 

[torqueman2002]

So, TM, how does one go about getting on this list? Been looking for a CM bench grinder for a while around here, no luck...

I've been looking for a while with no luck. Please put me on the list for a 1/2 hp block. Thank you!

drivesit said it right.
It will help (speed up search/response time) if you provide your must haves and nice to haves, ie:

• HP and style (round vs. flat top)
• quench tray
• lamp
• eye shield style - metal vs. plastic
• tool rests
• wheel guard covers

Lately, I've been seeing an ample supply of 1/3 Round Top (RT), good condition and with almost all of the above.

In descending supply, are:
1/3 HP Flat Top (FT)
1/2 HP FT
1/2 HP RT
1/4 HP FT
1/4 HP RT
3/4 HP FT RT
1 HP FT RT

Prices increase by HP, completeness, condition, and some what by area. There is a 1/3 HP FT, nice condition, complete, in Columbus, OH that has been on CL for weeks at $150!

I enjoy the hunt, and have reached my level of 'collecting' and I'm moving slowly, very slowly to restoration and gifting to family. Therefore, I am looking for GJ members.

There is a fairly good supply in the SE MI area, within about a 20 or 30 min. drive for me. If I travel more than that for a grinder, say to Toledo, or Dayton I ask for gas money. The truck averages 18-19 mpg on highways.

I have used FedEx with great results. They have packed, insured, and shipped 2-day ground for between $35 - $40 from 48334 to 35226 (AL).

You may PM me with the details. Oh, a phone number will speed up response time too, which I find helps with getting there first.

 

[Moose364]

I know this maybe a stupid question, but I ran across a big I think 8" 1/3 hp craftsman plastic Block grinder with a variable speed slide in the front, for $29.00 would it be good enough for cloth polishing wheels on both sides it was in pretty good shape other than being made of plastic

 

[torqueman2002]

I will be in Columbus, OH tomorrow - Wed, 11/19.

If anyone is looking for a 1/3 HP round top Block grinder, I will be about 25 miles [~ 2.7 gallons/round trip] from this CL listing.
Note: this is a very mature listing. As such and the statement the $100 price is Firm, I leave it up to GJ members to negotiate the purchase price and payment. I will bring it home with me and ship it or arrange a time for the buyer to meet me to pick it up.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/4727721055.html

 

[nine4gmc]

I know this maybe a stupid question, but I ran across a big I think 8" 1/3 hp craftsman plastic Block grinder with a variable speed slide in the front, for $29.00 would it be good enough for cloth polishing wheels on both sides it was in pretty good shape other than being made of plastic

Only if you plan on polishing plastic. My personal opinion is not to use anything less than 1/2 hp for buffing or wire wheeling metal parts as large as, or larger than the grinder itself.

That and I don't like the plastic grinders at all.

 

[Moose364]

nine4gmc Thanks
I was so excited when I walked in and spotted the big block grinder with the 29.00 big price tag. you could see from 30' away. I was so disappointed when I got to it and seen it was plastic.

 

[browntown]

I had no idea this thread existed or that my grinder had some kind of name. What makes it a "block" grinder? That the motor housing looks like a block?

I bought this a couple years ago for 20$ on CL. It wasn't running, but with a new power cord she works like a champ. 1/3hp, 6" wheels, put a $60 green wheel on it and then hardly ever use it. This thread makes me want to pull it apart and paint it. Not in the picture, but it has the functional light on the flexi metal shaft. Also the quench gutter is still there, forgot to put it on in the first pic. As it sits now:

 

[drivesitfar]

Browntown: you have one of the good Craftsman block grinders. if you want to take the bottom plate off their might be an ink date stamped inside. my guess yours is a 60's version with the metal framed eye shields and block styling. i should know this, but can you tell me what you use a Green wheel for or what it's intended use is made for?

Moose: i agree with Nines that the plastic ones not only don't have the metal exteriors, but they also don't have the old better quality insides.

TM: you are awesome and keep up the search and rescue.

 

[browntown]

Browntown: you have one of the good Craftsman block grinders. if you want to take the bottom plate off their might be an ink date stamped inside. my guess yours is a 60's version with the metal framed eye shields and block styling. i should know this, but can you tell me what you use a Green wheel for or what it's intended use is made for?

So it isn't very legible, but you can make out the 64 on the galvanized plate. Cool, didn't know it was that old.

As for the green wheel, it is silicon carbide. When I bought the wheel I told the guys at the welding shop I wanted a fine wheel for knife sharpening. They told me the green wheel would resist taking the temper out of the steel. Looking at the wheel now it says for non-ferrous applications. Maybe they thought it was good for stainless steel blades, although ferrous, maybe that was the reasoning. I feel jipped a little. I don't need a wheel for carbide. Maybe I'll sell the wheel to recoup some of the expense. Pics for clarification, and a somewhat better pic of the nameplate.

 

[Pupuhd]

Moose: i agree with Nines that the plastic ones not only don't have the metal exteriors, but they also don't have the old better quality insides.

First time posting here, I believe, have read all the posts since its initial inception. Excellent source reading for CL block grinders.

1) I was unaware that plastic versions were made. What year were the plastics ones manufactured? I'm assuming towards the end of the production run.

2) Torque: even though I read all the posts, I assumed wrong with your ongoing database. I did post a month ago a 1hp version we have at work. Was asked here who it belonged to and price. I thought this information was going to your database to gather all information on existing block grinders. Now realize it is for possible searches to buy. Thank you.

I am in the market for a 6" grinder for sharpening purposes only. I currently have a vintage 12"x2", 2hp Cincinnati grinder with pedestal for medium to heavy duty grinding. Just acquired an 8", ¾ hp Baldor that I will be using for buffing and wire wheel setup only.

What I now need is a 6" grinder, either 1/3 or ¼ hp for sharpening chisels, metal lathe tool bits, small duty, finish, etc work. No base, however complete. Guess I'll Pm you with specific details.

Again thank you, David.





Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[torqueman2002]

Hi;
My comments are in Blue.

I had no idea this thread existed or that my grinder had some kind of name. What makes it a "block" grinder? That the motor housing looks like a block? Yes, mostly. See post #3224 above for more info, on what are the CM desirable Block grinders....

TM: you are awesome and keep up the search and rescue. Thank you. It keeps me out of the bars and keeps me from running around with bad women.

So it isn't very legible, but you can make out the 64 on the galvanized plate.
It looks like there is still part of the complete date hiding there. My dad use to raise the faded lettering on vacuum tubes, by blowing his hot breath on them. Sounds silly, but it might just work on the bottom plate as well.

First time posting here, I believe, have read all the posts since its initial inception. Excellent source reading for CL block grinders.

1) I was unaware that plastic versions were made. What year were the plastics ones manufactured? I'm assuming towards the end of the production run. I think that's correct, there doesn't seem to be any production information on models/suppliers/dates/serial numbers; at least that I've come across. I know the plastic 'Blocks' have the magic 257. prefix, I'm skeptical that they were produced by the well regarded Paramount/Allegretti & Co., as mentioned in post #3224. But, without documentation one way or the other, I can't say. Just that there are plenty of the metal housing 257 and 397 Blocks still out there. I have a plastic housed variable-speed 1/3 HP m-257.190470 purchased new on July 14, 1987. I don't regard it with the same esteem I do the metal Blocks.

2) Torque: even though I read all the posts, I assumed wrong with your ongoing database. I did post a month ago a 1hp version we have at work. Was asked here who it belonged to and price. I thought this information was going to your database to gather all information on existing block grinders. Now realize it is for possible searches to buy. Thank you.
That is an excellent idea. I'm glad you volunteered!
I am in the market for a 6" grinder for sharpening purposes only. I currently have a vintage 12"x2", 2hp Cincinnati grinder with pedestal for medium to heavy duty grinding. Just acquired an 8", ¾ hp Baldor that I will be using for buffing and wire wheel setup only.

What I now need is a 6" grinder, either 1/3 or ¼ hp for sharpening chisels, metal lathe tool bits, small duty, finish, etc work. No base, however complete. Guess I'll Pm you with specific details.
Sure Dave, I need to add another member to the list, I'll add you at the same time. BTW - did you see post #3293, about a 1/3 HP round top Block. I'll be in the Columbus area tomorrow, I could pick it up for you. It is complete and has an some what rare Crown Top logo base.
Again thank you, David.
You bet.