let's see your craftsman block grinders

[drivesitfar]

Rick: nice job on your block turned into a buffer and wire wheeler. since you have so much thread on the end of your buffing wheel i'm wondering if you might put some washers in the inside of that wheel to move it out toward the and of those threads? also some of the block guys have bought left and right threaded extensions to put on the end of their arbors for better access to buffing and wire wheels.

sorry to hear about the wife situation and hope it works out for the best in the long run.

Wildfire: did you get your bearings or still need help? there are links to them all over this thread and not sure, but maybe Nines has a store close to you since he lives down your way?

BB, Outlaw, & Jake: throw the scale in the garage and only use it for weighing tools and parts. eat what you like when you want to is my theory because dieting never works. the key is to get plenty of exercise and not overeat and we'll all maybe live as long as some of our tools. if big vises and grinders weren't so expensive i'd buy a couple everyday and get my exercise that way, but for now i'll keep picking up what i have an moving them around.

 

[JackDiddly]

Rickenbacker, looks like I wasn't the only one showing my block grinder some love on V-day.... Looks good I like the Black/Grey combo.
All, I wanted to share a few 'teaser' pics of my resto so far. I was finally able to set the new bearings and sit down with the painted parts necessary to get the core back together. Still need to sand and paint the wheel gaurds/covers, order quench tray (which is more than I paid for the grinder) new wheels...etc. Went with Valspar gloss classic red (85014) and Rust-oleum metallic dark steel (262662). Decided to forgo a label reprint and opted to make one of my small carry boxes a badge-less wonder, It was same era logo and I think it went to a good cause!

 

[Pupuhd]

I'll pass the label document on to TM if Frank gives me the go-ahead since he's the king of all that is block and it would help others.

Still working on getting a lamp setup for it. I ordered the gooseneck and socket from Mcmaster and I have the plastic cover from searspartsdirect. Just need to figure out what to to about the metal bulb cover, if I even need it. If the plastic cover fits snug enough on the socket to not move around, I might be able to get away with a flourescent coil bulb. Those don't get very hot and shouldn't melt the cover.

First, very NICE rebuild. Looks great.

If Frank gives you the ok with the label, I would be interested in a copy of the document. Currently scouting a possible 1/2hp CM Grinder in the next few days.

As far as the plastic sears plastic cover, you'll need a metal bulb cover. When you receive the plastic one, you'll see it doesn't/won't directly attach to the bulb socket. It straddles it and is fastened to the metal bulb cover via a small screw inside. I'm thinking possibly sourcing a metal bulb cover that's similar in size from a sewing parts vender online or try McMaster. Just an idea, good luck.



I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

 

[vertguy]

Still working on getting a lamp setup for it. I ordered the gooseneck and socket from Mcmaster and I have the plastic cover from searspartsdirect. Just need to figure out what to to about the metal bulb cover, if I even need it. If the plastic cover fits snug enough on the socket to not move around, I might be able to get away with a flourescent coil bulb. Those don't get very hot and shouldn't melt the cover.

A few pages back, I posted another potential option by using a metal trouble light cage/cover. The cage pops right off and it clamps right onto the lamp socket... but it will require some trimming to fit into the plastic cover. I picked up another lamp assembly with the correct metal shade, so I have not got around to trying to modify mine. A template from an original would make the trimming super easy. Maybe someone with an original one could do a simple paper trace and scan/upload it??

After buying one for $7 on Amazon, I saw them at a local Ace for around $3.

 

[Cypherian]

Well this ought to be fun. Tore down the model 397.19571 all looked good except.. brittle insulation cracking off the wires to the windings.


Cypher

 

[Outlawmws]

Pretty common on stuff this old...

Which why I always recomend an inspection and new grounded cords on the all aluminum hand held power tools. (if you've never gotten a tingle from something with either bad wiring or mis-wired gear, be thankful...)

 

[nine4gmc]

Drives, there are several bearing stores here local but they are overpriced. If you need a special bearing and can not locate it, I could probably go pick one up easily but for the bearings in these grinders, I suggest ebay for the most economical route.

Also, you guys with the CFL, be careful because they have a built in ballast and some get hotter than standard incandescent.

 

[Cypherian]

Ohh I have been here before , just was hoping since everything else looked really clean. Been umm tumbled by 12,24,36 V DC magnetos hurt just so you know. L ol On the AC side everything up to 240 3 phase big *** Air conditioning unit that the Damn sparky wired backward so the squirrel cage was running backward lol .

 

[jakemac]

Ohh I have been here before , just was hoping since everything else looked really clean. Been umm tumbled by 12,24,36 V DC magnetos hurt just so you know. L ol On the AC side everything up to 240 3 phase big *** Air conditioning unit that the Damn sparky wired backward so the squirrel cage was running backward lol .

I hear you.

I used to work in Theater Lighting. After a while you start to crave the electric shocks. The day I looked at a 440v box and the voice in my head asked "Hmmmmm, I wonder what that tastes like ?" - I knew it was time to change over to carpentry.

 

[Pupuhd]

Quick question, can't find a fast answer with search.

The 1/2hp flat top CM grinders, do they only use 6" or 7" wheels? Thanks

I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

 

[McBrownie]

Quick question, can't find a fast answer with search.

The 1/2hp flat top CM grinders, do they only use 6" or 7" wheels? Thanks

I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

I believe the split-phases are 6" and the commercials are 7".

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives, there are several bearing stores here local but they are overpriced. If you need a special bearing and can not locate it, I could probably go pick one up easily but for the bearings in these grinders, I suggest ebay for the most economical route.

Also, you guys with the CFL, be careful because they have a built in ballast and some get hotter than standard incandescent.

A good reason to move to LED lighting...

 

[Wildfire]

picked up a set of bearings at the local ACE hardware. overpriced, I'm sure. but much better than the dried out ones that were in there.

working a replacement switch and a new label now. the old ones are just going to look terrible with the fresh paint.


This one from Lowes looks like a good fit:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_541839-37672-393327_0+1z0vixw__?productId=50107272&Ntt=switch&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_price%7C0%26Ntt%3Dswitch%26page%3D3&facetInfo=In%20Store

Dimensions are very close, might need to open up the hole just a bit, but that is easy enough.

Also curious how others have restored their gooseneck flex tube. I wire wheeled mine and it looks better, but not as nice as the rest of the machine. Can these be painted and still work OK.

 

[exmaxima1]

Decided to forgo a label reprint and opted to make one of my small carry boxes a badge-less wonder, It was same era logo and I think it went to a good cause!

That is an awesome idea. I might just steal the metal placard off my dad's old 60's tool box......Thanks!!!

Update: Just checked, and the old toolbox has the "1950-1964" logo, so it's too old for my 3/4hp square top block. damn..

 

[SS8UUP]

SS: not quite a block, but we'll let you join our Block group if you would like to with that one. nice to hear it works great as is and if you need any help on a fix or restore the information is here and if you can't find it after a search just ask. by the way you have the "cool" Craftsman block original stand so it has a place to sit for another 50 years.

haha thanks for letting me in the group dispite it not being a block, now that I know what it is, I need to read up and learn more about them.

It is a 1/3 H.P. pre block made in April 1953. It is a nice one looks to be in good condition. Got to love those pre blocks !

Thanks for dicyphering the tag, I was curious if that 53 was the year.

That is like my first CM grinder. It is a pre-Block style grinder. The tag/label is like this one.

Yours is 6 years older - 'M 53' from what I can make out.

You have a nice piece of history there, family to boot.

Funny, yesterday I received the last piece, LH wheel guard cover, for my 1st restore I started in 2009.

If you decide to work on it, feel free to refer to this link, with a step-by-step.
http://tinyurl.com/CM-GG-Lil-Brownie-115-7566

awesome, thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

 

[Squashfest81]

Heads up. 1/2 horse on pedestal RI Craig's. I'd call for details, but then I'd have to go get it.

 

[CNGsaves]

Heads up. 1/2 horse on pedestal RI Craig's. I'd call for details, but then I'd have to go get it.

With big snowstorm up there, that's unique OPPORTUNITY to go snag another C-man block grinder !! 4WD GJer gets the block grinder prize !!

 

[pendragon1998]

You had me at "It's literally so simple a child could work on one." Sounds like the capacitor is bad. I'll take the little ******* apart and replace it. So where is this "capacitor" you speak of? Got a picture? Is that what's in the lump on the side of a common electric motor?

Maybe I should mill some flats for a wrench before re-assembling?

Here is the capacitor on a 115.7575.

It is wrapped in a cardboard tube and mounted in a sheet metal bracket.

Replacement without cardboard:

 

[torqueman2002]

Quick question, can't find a fast answer with search.

The 1/2hp flat top CM grinders, do they only use 6" or 7" wheels? Thanks

I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

This is what I have in my records.

 

[Lucky 13]

Okay, here is mine. It's a 1/4 HP version I found last year locally at a yard sale. I don't remember what I paid for it but it wasn't over $10.00. I need to replace the cord but it's pretty clean otherwise.

 

[McBrownie]

This is what I have in my records.

TM,

If you are keeping records, you might want to add:

1/2hp 257.191401 Split-Phase 115v 5.1 Amps 6" 1/2" arbor.

It was one of the last flat tops and built in the early '80's.

And,

1/2hp 397.19591 Commercial 115/230v 5.2/2.6 Amps 7" 1/2" arbor.

 

[torqueman2002]

Okay, here is mine. It's a 1/4 HP version I found last year locally at a yard sale. I don't remember what I paid for it but it wasn't over $10.00. I need to replace the cord but it's pretty clean otherwise.

<$10 !?!

Yes, You ****.

 

[torqueman2002]

TM,

If you are keeping records, you might want to add:

1/2hp 257.191401 Split-Phase 115v 5.1 Amps 6" 1/2" arbor.

It was one of the last flat tops and built in the early '80's.

And,

1/2hp 397.19591 Commercial 115/230v 5.2/2.6 Amps 7" 1/2" arbor.

Sure, but ............. Hmmmmm ,,,,,,, Must make new TAB.

This is what the rest of that list (Blocks I own or have known ) looks like.

If you send me pics of the labels, I'll keep a copy for reference.

Here's a list of Labels of which I have copies.
257.192160 6x3/4 long wheel guard, black plastic?
397.19340
397.19441
397.19460
397.1949* Commercial Crown Top
397.19591* Commercial Crown Top

* round top

 

[Lucky 13]

<$10 !?!

Yes, You ****.

Hey torqueman, I'll keep you in mind this yard sale season!!

 

[Wayne_In_Akron]

Rickenbackerman,

I have sent you a Private message.

Thanks!

-Wayne

 

[firemanast]

Okay, here is mine. It's a 1/4 HP version I found last year locally at a yard sale. I don't remember what I paid for it but it wasn't over $10.00. I need to replace the cord but it's pretty clean otherwise.

Yes you sux!

 

[torqueman2002]

Hey torqueman, I'll keep you in mind this yard sale season!!

 

[vertguy]

Picked up another 1/3 HP today on CL that looks like a twin to my current one... but with a few extras including lamp and quench tray. Perfect timing as they were setting up for an estate sale and this was only item they listed separately before the real sale started. Thought I might score some other tools, but nothing caught my eye. Of course my wife wanted to know why I needed another one

Here's a photo from the ad, but more to follow when it warms up a bit.

 

[nine4gmc]

It's easy to explain away the first few Vertguy, but after half a dozen there aren't a lot of excuses left...

 

[Rickenbackerman]

I don't understand why anybody would need more than two - one for coarse and fine grinding and one for a wirewheel and buffing pad?

...says the guy with SEVEN vises.

 

[jakemac]

Well, let's see ................
One for grinding steel - fine and course
One for wire wheels - fine and course crimped
One for heavy striping wire wheels- fine and course knotted
One for buffing - red and white rouge
One for buffing - blue and green rouge
One for de-burring - fine and course
One for grinding aluminum - fine and course
One for grinding brass - fine and course
and one for good luck.

Did I miss anything ?

 

[vertguy]

Great ideas!! This gives me a good excuse to retire the "import" as I had planned to set that one up as Rickenbackerman with a wire wheel and buffing pad. But now I need to find another pedestal stand... it never ends

 

[Rickenbackerman]

Jake... nail. head. BOOM. I guess there a lot more possibilities that I never thought about...

 

[sb7979]

Picked up my first block grinder today on Craigslist. I think I may have paid too much, but I wanted it and I have not seen alot of them around here for sale. Build date stamp says April 25, 1969. What do you guys think its worth?

 

[sb7979]

Well, lets see ................
One for de-burring - fine and course......

What do you use for deburring? I always used a wire wheel. Is there something better?

 

[zkling]

Picked up my first block grinder today on Craigslist. I think I may have paid too much, but I wanted it and I have not seen alot of them around here for sale. Build date stamp says April 25, 1969. What do you guys think its worth?

Nice older unit. Save us all the guessing game, what did you pay for it?

 

[Outlawmws]

Well, lets see ................
One for grinding steel - fine and course
One for wire wheels - fine and course crimped
One for heavy striping wire wheels- fine and course knotted
One for buffing - red and white rouge
One for buffing - blue and green rouge
One for de-burring - fine and course
One for grinding aluminum - fine and course
One for grinding brass - fine and course
and one for good luck.

Did I miss anything ?

Yup!

A green stone for sharpening carbide, and a slow speed wet wheel for basic sharpening (keeps the heat down)

 

[nine4gmc]

SB, round top commercial? Me being a tightwad, I'd go. $50-65 but wouldn't sell it for less than $150-200

 

[sb7979]

SB, round top commercial? Me being a tightwad, I'd go. $50-65 but wouldn't sell it for less than $150-200

Nice older unit. Save us all the guessing game, what did you pay for it?

I paid $125, but it seems stuff is always more around here than what I see people posting in other areas of the country. I'm happy at that price, but less is always better.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

Less is always better, but if you wanted it, had the scratch and you thought the price was worth it, you done good. Find a comparable new one that works as well and looks as cool for a buck and quarter. Not gonna happen.