let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

I would buy that just for the eye shields! Dang they are nice!

Thank you.

This was a nice CL find and like almost all of my CL experiences, a great one too. We talked for over an hour!

Sometimes I pay the asking price, this is one of them.

Once I bought a 3.5" Wilton Bullet vise. I offered the seller a few dollars less than his asking price: "Would you take $** for it?". His reply was: "No, but I'll take $yy (which was $15 less than I offered him!?) We talked about cars, trucks, ... for a while. When it was time to pay I handed him $**. He gave me $15 back!

I hope you find the eye shields. If I was a fabricator, I'd consider doing a run of re-popped eye shields.

 

[bluebolt]

BB: i hate to mention this, but really only trying to help. i'm pretty sure you own Baldor, Dayton, B & D, and a few old style belt grinders too or are they all gone or in a different location?

just trying to help you get down to maybe 10 because 4 might be a stretch as you've already mentioned.

The big shop will get the Dayton's and the big Baldor and one block. The 1/3 HP Baldor is missing guard parts and will be the house garage buffer.

 

[bluebolt]

Thank you.

This was a nice CL find and like almost all of my CL experiences, a great one too. We talked for over an hour!

Sometimes I pay the asking price, this is one of them.

Once I bought a 3.5" Wilton Bullet vise. I offered the seller a few dollars less than his asking price: "Would you take $** for it?". His reply was: "No, but I'll take $yy (which was $15 less than I offered him!?) We talked about cars, trucks, ... for a while. When it was time to pay I handed him $**. He gave me $15 back!

I hope you find the eye shields. If I was a fabricator, I'd consider doing a run of re-popped eye shields.

Keeping that one for yourself huh LOL. I was just getting ready to message you about that one!

I have the eye shields but they need new glass and one has cracks that need to be repaired by welding. I have too many car restorations that are overdue for attention, don't need to spend all my time restoring tools!

 

[McBrownie]

Page 200!!!

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: this is one of my favorite threads because of the guys that post here probably more than these awesome grinders. looks like it won't end anytime soon because we keep finding NOS blocks that have been sitting in boxes for 30 or more years. any more work on the Blockmeister to report?

also you might want to post Blockmeister on the old tool thread i started so those that don't see this thread can see what's possible. your choice.

BB: i thought you had a few more in your stash you weren't mentioning. so you are maybe down to 10-12 total which sounds about right for two shops or garages??

TM: you'll need to talk Mrs. T into moving so you can get one of those huge GJ shops for your new machine shop. it sounds like a great idea for a little retirement activity to make parts for blocks and other old tools.

 

[torqueman2002]

Keeping that one for yourself huh LOL. I was just getting ready to message you about that one!

I have the eye shields but they need new glass and one has cracks that need to be repaired by welding. I have too many car restorations that are overdue for attention, don't need to spend all my time restoring tools!

It's headed to one of my nephews.

I have one 1/3 HP rt Block for each, maybe I should name the grinders after them.

Really, they are great young men. One, texted (sp?) me he's looking at a 60's Mustang to restore and work on with his 4 year old son.

 

[McBrownie]

McB any more work on the Blockmeister to report? also you might want to post Blockmeister on the old tool thread i started so those that don't see this thread can see what's possible. your choice.

Drives, Actually, the BlockMeister is humming along just fine. I have usedd it to even up the jaw inserts on the Prentiss vise that I'm restoring and done some other things where it is easier to bring the work to the machine instead of the other way around. I still need to do some tweaking to the side platen, but that has to wait for warmer weather. I like you idea of moving this post, but how do I go about doing that?

 

[torqueman2002]

Or page 100 if you show 40 posts per page. Still, nearly 4000 posts is amazing.

Thank you FrankLee. I had forgotten about the option to display 40 posts per page.

While I was tweaking (no not twerking!) the settings I made some other changes to my settings. I'll have to see if I like getting a pop-up announcements when I get a PM.

But, nearly 4,000 posts on Block grinders, who could have guessed?



Who will be the one to post # 4,000?

 

[torqueman2002]

My comments are in Blue.

McB: this is one of my favorite threads because of the guys that post here probably more than these awesome grinders. I agree! It's a great place, and my 1st and last stop each day. looks like it won't end anytime soon because we keep finding NOS blocks that have been sitting in boxes for 30 or more years. ... I keep hoping to see 1 in my price range.

BB: i thought you had a few more in your stash you weren't mentioning. so you are maybe down to 10-12 total which sounds about right for two shops or garages?? Do you mind if I quote you to Mrs. Torqueman? I would love to have a separate shop.

TM: you'll need to talk Mrs. T into moving so you can get one of those huge GJ shops for your new machine shop. it sounds like a great idea for a little retirement activity to make parts for blocks and other old tools. Again - Do you mind if I quote you to Mrs. Torqueman? I would love to have a separate shop. Plus, I need extra $$ to pay for a spring wedding.

BTW - post # 3,993. Getting closer.

 

[bluebolt]

Thanks McBrownie.

I probably would have given $35 just for the Craftsman cast iron / tubular steel pedestal, so getting that AND the grinder (which runs quite well) was a nice package.

I didn't show it in the photo, but my new-to-me 397.19391 is missing all of its right hand side shielding, the quench tray, and has a broken shield on the left side.

If anyone has a 'parts' machine around that has any or all of the pieces I'm missing for this grinder, I'd be interested in speaking with you.

Post up more pictures of your grinder so we can see what you need. Do you have a lamp?

 

[drivesitfar]

McB and ALL: if you have a thread over in the general tool section and you would like to have it moved to this new vintage section just PM a mod like NUTTSGTX or any of them with the link and they will move it. you can also put it in a post on that thread to have it moved and they might read that and it will be moved.

what i was thinking is just making one post of the Blockmeister in the pre 1970's tool thread i started a few days ago here in the vintage tool section since your old Block has become somewhat of a do all machine that others haven't seen yet.

TM: you'll find that house with some land to build a shop if you just look half as hard as you do for used block grinders. Mrs. T i'm sure would love to see you with more room for your cool old tools because the smile on your face would be hard to remove if you had space for all of them.

 

[McBrownie]

What i was thinking is just making one post of the Blockmeister in the pre 1970's tool thread i started a few days ago here in the vintage tool section since your old Block has become somewhat of a do all machine that others haven't seen yet.

Drives, I just started another thread in the Vintage section with a little more background on the grinder restoration and linked to the Multitool thread. I'll put a link in your thread as well. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[torqueman2002]

Here is the latest update of the Want/Wish List.

If you see something that needs changing or updating, please PM me.

Thanks for looking.

 

[WallynSC]

Than you all!

 

[Rickenbackerman]

I ordered the gooseneck and socket from McMaster because the one on my block was in pretty rough shape. I went with black. I think I'll reuse the aluminum shade if possible.

pn's (also replacement bearings for my little 6" block):

50035A682 Ultra-Flexible Positioning Arm, Threaded Mount, Black Vinyl-Coated Steel, 15" Max Projection 9.88

14695K55 Medium-Base Light Bulb Socket, with 1/8 NPSM Female Base, Plastic 3.29

14695K14 Nut/Washer Assortment for 1/8 NPSM Lamp Pipe 0.84

5972K2 Metric Steel Ball Bearing, Double Shielded Bearing No.6203 for 17MM Shaft Diameter 2 x 5.05Each 10.10

I've been away for a few days, but thanks for that list, browntown! I'll be ordering the first three things on that list. I'm trying to source a bulb shade/cover now... anybody have any luck finding one? I don't see anything at McMaster.

 

[bluebolt]

I've been away for a few days, but thanks for that list, browntown! I'll be ordering the first three things on that list. I'm trying to source a bulb shade/cover now... anybody have any luck finding one? I don't see anything at McMaster.

The metal part is not available but the black plastic part that goes over it is still available at sears parts direct. Only $5.99 plus shipping!

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/Cra...del-39719391/0247/0721000/00030605/00001.html

 

[Rickenbackerman]

Still available at sears parts direct. Only $5.99 plus shipping!

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/Cra...del-39719391/0247/0721000/00030605/00001.html

Add to cart! Thanks BB!

 

[vertguy]

Add to cart! Thanks BB!

Keep in mind that is the plastic black shade cover... the metal shade itself that clamps to the bulb socket is unavailable.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: so just curious if i'm the only one that thinks like this. we've all seen the Blockmeister of McB's lately and TM's Go Blue is one of the nicest block restorations I can think of.

so we've seen NOS grinders sell for $150-$200 and up maybe, but am i the only one that would pay an extra $50-$100 or so above that to have a nice used 1/2 hp commercial or a 3/4 or 1 hp restored by TM or McB or another member that has the skills with our colors or team logos?

I'm pretty sure even my wife would want to buy a Seattle Seahawks grinder like Go Blue for $300 that i could almost set in her way while she gets in her car.

Thoughts on maybe finding another market for these cool old block grinders so eventually not a one of them will be scrapped?

 

[Rickenbackerman]

Keep in mind that is the plastic black shade cover... the metal shade itself that clamps to the bulb socket is unavailable.

Ah, got it. I'll have to take a closer look at the light on my other identical block tonight. I didn't realize there was metal under there. I guess I'll have to figure out some sort of metal shade so as to not melt the black cover...

 

[drivesitfar]

Rick: i can't remember if it was on our block thread here or on another thread where someone took one of those hand held work lights like we used to hand from under our hood and made one out of it. also desk lamps and other old vintage metal shades will work if you can't find what you are looking for.

even Frank Lee's photo enlarger lamps he just posted a few days ago with a bench grinder sitting under them is an option.

 

[vertguy]

Rick: i can't remember if it was on our block thread here or on another thread where someone took one of those hand held work lights like we used to hand from under our hood and made one out of it. also desk lamps and other old vintage metal shades will work if you can't find what you are looking for.

Drives: I mentioned this on the thread below using an old style trouble light housing. I still have not tried to modify it, but it should be pretty simple to trim down. I may tackle that tonight as I am overdue for some garage time.

Trouble light guard

 

[drivesitfar]

Vert: thanks and i'm almost done with this flu bug so between it and my aging memory it's hard to be helpful lately.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

drives and vert - thanks guys! I'll be watching... I ordered the black cover so I'll wait until it shows up before I order the gooseneck and socket from McMaster so I can make sure they're compatible.

 

[Wayne_In_Akron]

I may tackle that tonight as I am overdue for some garage time.

What?

Work in the garage instead of watching the President's "State of the Union" speech?

 

[HunterMike]

My continuous search for another gem finally paid off today. It seems these are pretty scarce in the Mile High city. Anyway, saw one on CL last night, wanted $100. It didn't show the quench tray, was missing a side wheel cover, and didn't look like it had a light. I thought I would call anyway and go see today. I get there, and am shown this contraption of a machine.

The owner's husband had built a custom stand out of a wheel, a 4x4, and some misc wood. The grinder was on top of the stand, and it had a GE 1/6 HP motor with a Powr-Kraft 15 FSC 2695 flexible shaft "dremel" bolted to the side of the stand. The light was there, the nut had just come off and the light was hanging down out of the picture view posted on CL. It also had half of a Craftsman 9-6677 Drill Grinding Attachment screwed in next to the grinder. He had installed an outlet on the front of the stand and had both units plugged into the outlet, and a cord that you plugged into the wall. I offered $80 and came home with the whole package.

Of course I dug right into tearing all the pieces off of the stand before taking pictures (I always get too excited to think about pics) since I won't be using the stand.

The difference between my other 1/3 HP 397-19850 is this one stated that it is "Industrial Rated". Jun 4 1963

I reinstalled the nut on the base of the light, installed new bulb, and it's ready to rock. This one will be a wire wheel machine.

 

[nine4gmc]

I love that round top industrial and the powrkraft flex shaft is awesome as well!! Good score!

 

[dngrmse]

That stand is cool. The guy took his time planning that one out.

 

[firemanast]

Nice find HunterMike !

 

[bluebolt]

I see a Craftsman vise in the back Huntermike! 5196?

Plus that drill sharpener part has the older blue background Crown logo tag on it, the later ones are black background.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's a thread for parts - 1/3 HP rt CM Block m-397.19580. Sorry if it's already been posted.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274670

 

[torqueman2002]

ALL: so just curious if i'm the only one that thinks like this. we've all seen the Blockmeister of McB's lately and TM's Go Blue is one of the nicest block restorations I can think of.

so we've seen NOS grinders sell for $150-$200 and up maybe, but am i the only one that would pay an extra $50-$100 or so above that to have a nice used 1/2 hp commercial or a 3/4 or 1 hp restored by TM or McB or another member that has the skills with our colors or team logos?

I'm pretty sure even my wife would want to buy a Seattle Seahawks grinder like Go Blue for $300 that i could almost set in her way while she gets in her car.

Thoughts on maybe finding another market for these cool old block grinders so eventually not a one of them will be scrapped?

Mrs. Torqueman agrees with the college colors idea, BTW.

Thanks for the .

 

[HunterMike]

Blue: the vise is a Crown Logo 506-51820. Now I have to find the missing pieces on the drill sharpener

 

[bluebolt]

Blue: the vise is a Crown Logo 506-51820. Now I have to find the missing pieces on the drill sharpener

Check out my stash photo post 3664 page 184. The blue is on the left note the different ribs than the 3 black ones. These were made by General Tool and I used parts of a General to fix one that had stuff missing.

 

[Waltrip88]

Finally picked up the 3/4 hp grinder (model 397.19450) last night. The seller didn't have any history on it other than a coworker gave it to him and he had no use for it. It has a 1974 stamp on the bottom.


I sent the 1/2 hp home with my brother yesterday.

 

[dngrmse]

Nice pickup W88.. Looks pretty clean!

 

[exmaxima1]

Drives: I mentioned this on the thread below using an old style trouble light housing. I still have not tried to modify it, but it should be pretty simple to trim down. I may tackle that tonight as I am overdue for some garage time.

What is the allure of those old gooseneck lamps? They get too hot to touch, and seem so low-tech. Has anyone considered more modern upgrades?

Here's a few I find useful. My machinist friend has a one-piece guard with flourescent lamp on it. The shield is Lexan polycarbonate, and the lamp looks like something from an aquarium. It works great.

I also have an orchestral music lamp that I bought when I was gigging in the local bars, but when when we upgraded to iPads for our music the lamp went on the shelf. I tried it on a small belt grinder I built, and the wide spread of light reduces shadows. It's lightweight and clamps anywhere.

 

[Outlawmws]

Exmax, (and others) instead of replacing the whole lamp, change the (hot & inefficient) incandescent with an LED bulb. These are getting more and more cost effective (esp if you shop on line...)

 

[exmaxima1]

Exmax, (and others) instead of replacing the whole lamp, change the (hot & inefficient) incandescent with an LED bulb. These are getting more and more cost effective (esp if you shop on line...)

My music light has an LED array.

 

[torqueman2002]

Finally picked up the 3/4 hp grinder (model 397.19450) last night. The seller didn't have any history on it other than a coworker gave it to him and he had no use for it. It has a 1974 stamp on the bottom.


I sent the 1/2 hp home with my brother yesterday.

Nice to be your brother!

I'm jealous of your 3/4 HP find. Want to trade ??? for those tool rests?