let's see your craftsman block grinders

[drivesitfar]

ND: you've just found probably a 3/4 HP Craftsman block grinder. the water tray and tool rests are worth 3 times what you paid for the grinder. unless that grinder has its insides toasted from mis use it's a keeper and you will have a grinder to last you until you want to quit using one.

nice find and welcome to Garage Journal and our Block heads thread.

cheers

 

[jakemac]

Found this today. Just worried about finding parts to fix it up with... its in kinda rough shape. But hey 10 bucks..

That's got to be one hellava buffing wheel to have worn down the rest like that !

 

[alpinewhite]

ND: you've just found probably a 3/4 HP Craftsman block grinder. the water tray and tool rests are worth 3 times what you paid for the grinder. unless that grinder has its insides toasted from mis use it's a keeper and you will have a grinder to last you until you want to quit using one.

Please educate me. How did you know it was a 3/4 horse? I'm still learning.

 

[drivesitfar]

AW: the larger tool rests off the bigger water basin and the wheel guards tell me that it might be a 3/4 or even a 1HP block. i don't think they had those with the 1/2 HP's or smaller ones. i'm still learning too, but i own 3 blocks and i have wanted the 3/4 or 1HP block for about a year now so sort of know the look of the one i'm looking for.

Tourqueman and McB and a few others might have a better handle on whether i'm right or if my thinking needs adjusting.

Even though i like the tool rests on the 3/4 HP or 1 HP blocks I think I like the ones on this grinder better.

cheers

 

[firemanast]

Found this today. Just worried about finding parts to fix it up with... its in kinda rough shape. But hey 10 bucks..

Nice find !

 

[McBrownie]

That's got to be one hellava buffing wheel to have worn down the rest like that !

Come on, it's a big boy - either 3/4hp or 1hp. It's not going to let a little metal slow down a buffing wheel!

That one looks like it has been used hard. The good news is that it looks complete and should still clean up nicely.

 

[McBrownie]

Even though i like the tool rests on the 3/4 HP or 1 HP blocks I think I like the ones on this grinder better.

cheers

Are those made out of granite?

 

[exmaxima1]

AW: the larger tool rests off the bigger water basin and the wheel guards tell me that it might be a 3/4 or even a 1HP block. i don't think they had those with the 1/2 HP's or smaller ones. i'm still learning too, but i own 3 blocks and i have wanted the 3/4 or 1HP block for about a year now so sort of know the look of the one i'm looking for.

I think the wheel size is also a factor. I believe the 3/4hp model came in both 7" & 8" sizes, where the 1hp was only 8". Not sure the wheel size on this one, but it could be the smaller version and therefore 3/4hp

FYI, here's a 1/3hp mostly complete:

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/tls/4908352015.html

 

[exmaxima1]

Are those made out of granite?

And check out the massive swing-up wheel covers!

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: if i can find a parts grinder with those 10 inch tool rests would it fit on the Blockmeister?

EX: thanks for the wisdom or thoughts and we'll have to see if all 8 inch wheels are 1HP's.

ALL: i picked up a couple little round hunks of steel for a good grinder or vise stand. probably for a 300 pound vise if one ever crosses my gun sites. for now they are resting and me too because i had to lift them off by hand up 3 or 4 inches off my trailer bed onto this cart. i'm guessing they are 20 inches around and pretty sure they are 4 inches thick. i think they will make a nice pair of stands. yes??

 

[akaodie]

That is a serious pancake of metal. Whatever you mount to those surely will not budge.

Before you say it, no I did not call you Shirley.

 

[exmaxima1]

EX: thanks for the wisdom or thoughts and we'll have to see if all 8 inch wheels are 1HP's.

To be clear, I meant to say that AFAIK all 8" are either 3/4 or 1hp, and all 7" are either 1/2 or 3/4hp. If this grinder is 7" with those rests, it has to be 3/4hp.

 

[drivesitfar]

Aka: you can bet i'm not taking it easy lifting nice pieces of steel like that daily. i like your sense of humor too. cheers

EX: Roger that big guy and thanks for the clarification. I'll probably have dirt over my head before i see a 1 HP Craftsman block in person that isn't entirely beat into submission, but i'm still hoping to find one in the wild.

 

[alpinewhite]

To be clear, I meant to say that AFAIK all 8" are either 3/4 or 1hp, and all 7" are either 1/2 or 3/4hp. If this grinder is 7" with those rests, it has to be 3/4hp.

Is mine a 3/4 or a 1HP? I tried an 8-inch stone and it fits. Here's a pic:

 

[mtwaterguy]

As I understand, with info supplied it could be either one. If the 8" didn't fit, with the pictured rest setup it would be a 3/4hp.

 

[Jamiep]

Craftsman block grinder twin in disguise?

Saw a Foley-Belsaw Sharp-All 1055 on my local Craigslist and noticed the grinder power unit looks very familiar.
Link to manufactures site

Ive ordered their parts catalog might turn out to be an excellent source for rebuild parts or add on's for our Craftsman block grinders.

Link to GJ thread i got pic from

 

[McBrownie]

To be clear, I meant to say that AFAIK all 8" are either 3/4 or 1hp, and all 7" are either 1/2 or 3/4hp. If this grinder is 7" with those rests, it has to be 3/4hp.

Ex,
Agreed. My 3/4hp Industrial Rated (with the rounded 1960's wheel guards) has guards that will accomodate 8", but my 1/2hp commerical (which used to be yours) is 7". The 1/2hp has the Princess Leah "bun" guards, which are cool, btw.

 

[McBrownie]

Is mine a 3/4 or a 1HP? I tried an 8-inch stone and it fits. Here's a pic:

TM can provide Amp ratings which may help. He had a similar conundrum with "Go Blue". You'll have to read back to this thread if you aren't familiar with Go Blue.

 

[exmaxima1]

As I understand, with info supplied it could be either one. If the 8" didn't fit, with the pictured rest setup it would be a 3/4hp.

I think I read somewhere that the 1hp had 3/4" diameter shaft, while the 3/4hp (8" version) had 5/8" dia shaft.

Can anyone confirm?

 

[Gojeremy]

I have already posted a picture of my grinder but posting another because i found eyeshields for it about a week ago. Its rusty but works great. This spring/summer I'm going to restore it. Hopefully.

 

[McBrownie]

I think I read somewhere that the 1hp had 3/4" diameter shaft, while the 3/4hp (8" version) had 5/8" dia shaft.

Can anyone confirm?

My 3/4hp 8" has 5/8 shafts. Like Drives, I'll probably never get to see a 1hp either. They are rare beasts.

 

[McBrownie]

I have already posted a picture of my grinder but posting another because i found eyeshields for it about a week ago. Its rusty but works great. This spring/summer I'm going to restore it. Hopefully.

That will shine up nicely, but how the heck did you find those eye shields?

 

[torqueman2002]

TM can provide Amp ratings which may help. He had a similar conundrum with "Go Blue". You'll have to read back to this thread if you aren't familiar with Go Blue.

From the Blocks I have had the good fortune to know.

Resistance and current draw in reply #54. http://tinyurl.com/Go-Blue-Block-Grinder

 

[zeet]

"Heads up" for the collectors/restorers here.... Fellow member KODITTON is making a very generous offer of a block grinder to anyone interested. The ad in the classifieds (Here on GJ) is below;

--------------------

Location: Central Michigan
Price: $1.00

I have this grinder that I picked up years ago in an estate sale. It actually runs great. Very quiet and smooth. I have moved it 3 times over 20 years and its time to for it to go.

I use hand grinders for everything, so I have no use for it. I saw the thread on these things getting refurbished and thought someone else would like the chance to give it new lease on life.

All I ask is someone makes it worth my while to ship it or just picks it up and maybe gives me a 12 pack of beer.

If no one wants in the next week or so, to Craigslist it goes.

Give me a shout at 989/239/9919

Later

Kirk

----------------

 

[torqueman2002]

Woohoo! Another Block with a BRAKE. See my comments in Blue.

.... This is the model with the Brake, works great however very scary stopping that much momentum at once. The motor groans to a stop. The ones I have seen doe the same thing. Date of manufacture looks like MAR 3 1958 or 1968. 1968 is my guess.

Can't find a close match for the manual on Vintage Machinery. Maybe some one here can help narrow down the year (1958 or 1968) and manual 397.19580 0.33 HP Grinder.pdf (closest I have found on VM, there is however a parts list on eReplacementParts). As you see it $35, didn't even haggled on the price. Good price, I don't always haggle either. ....

 

[bluebolt]

"Heads up" for the collectors/restorers here.... Fellow member KODITTON is making a very generous offer of a block grinder to anyone interested. The ad in the classifieds (Here on GJ) is below;

--------------------

Location: Central Michigan
Price: $1.00

I have this grinder that I picked up years ago in an estate sale. It actually runs great. Very quiet and smooth. I have moved it 3 times over 20 years and its time to for it to go.

I use hand grinders for everything, so I have no use for it. I saw the thread on these things getting refurbished and thought someone else would like the chance to give it new lease on life.

All I ask is someone makes it worth my while to ship it or just picks it up and maybe gives me a 12 pack of beer.

If no one wants in the next week or so, to Craigslist it goes.

Give me a shout at 989/239/9919

Later

Kirk

----------------

Phone message and PM sent to Kirk!

 

[Gojeremy]

I found the eyeshields on ebay. With shipping i paid over $60 but it was worth it to me when i attached them. Its my favorite tool in my shop.

 

[McBrownie]

From the Blocks I have had the good fortune to know.

TM, I just double-checked and my 397.19670 has an 8" wire wheel that fits in the housing with room to spare. In other words, it isn't rubbing. You have yours listed as a 7". Can you double check to see if yours will accommodate 8" wheels?

 

[McBrownie]

I found the eyeshields on ebay. With shipping i paid over $60 but it was worth it to me when i attached them. Its my favorite tool in my shop.

I know what you mean, I really like having mine ready to go with all of the right parts. My grinders and vises are both like that to me. I think it's because they seem to get some use on almost every project.

 

[bluebolt]

"Heads up" for the collectors/restorers here.... Fellow member KODITTON is making a very generous offer of a block grinder to anyone interested. The ad in the classifieds (Here on GJ) is below;

--------------------

Location: Central Michigan
Price: $1.00

I have this grinder that I picked up years ago in an estate sale. It actually runs great. Very quiet and smooth. I have moved it 3 times over 20 years and its time to for it to go.

I use hand grinders for everything, so I have no use for it. I saw the thread on these things getting refurbished and thought someone else would like the chance to give it new lease on life.

All I ask is someone makes it worth my while to ship it or just picks it up and maybe gives me a 12 pack of beer.

If no one wants in the next week or so, to Craigslist it goes.

Give me a shout at 989/239/9919

Later

Kirk

----------------

I have paid for this grinder and Koditten is shipping it today. Thanks for the heads up Zeet!

This is a 3/4 hp block in rough cosmetic condition but runs good. Looks like I will be using my NOS 7" wheels pretty soon!

 

[exmaxima1]

My 3/4hp 8" has 5/8 shafts. Like Drives, I'll probably never get to see a 1hp either. They are rare beasts.

It occurred to me this morning that all the Blocks use the same bearings, so the shaft is limited to 5/8"

Based on the rarity of the 1hp, it is most likely the OP's grinder is a 3/4hp model

 

[torqueman2002]

I have paid for this grinder and Koditten is shipping it today. Thanks for the heads up Zeet!

This is a 3/4 hp block in rough cosmetic condition but runs good. Looks like I will be using my NOS 7" wheels pretty soon!

Well done.

I have the truck gassed, a case of Coors Light, and ready to go, should you change your mind!

 

[drivesitfar]

JamieP: there are more than a few of us that think Foley-Belsaw might have been one of the makers of the famous Craftsman block grinder. let us know what you find out because i can't say for certain that we have it all figured out yet. if you do find parts that work on the craftsman block grinders also let us know and add the parts #'s and where to buy them.

BB: that was right in TM's backyard that you picked that block from. i hope it treats your new stones well, but it looks like you might have more than a few hours of spiffing it up.

well done and best wishes.

TM: it's ok to let one get away once in a while. how's the 1HP doing? any progress in the cold weather or too much traveling to have any time in the cold garage?

 

[torqueman2002]

TM, I just double-checked and my 397.19670 has an 8" wire wheel that fits in the housing with room to spare. In other words, it isn't rubbing. You have yours listed as a 7". Can you double check to see if yours will accommodate 8" wheels?

McB - I'm sure an 8" will fit if yours has room to spare.

My list is what I found (or my best recollection) on the Block, when I acquired it.

I'll make a note in my list, it accommodates an 8"er.

 

[torqueman2002]

My comments are in Blue.

JamieP: there are more than a few of us that think Foley-Belsaw might have been one of the makers of the famous Craftsman block grinder. let us know what you find out because i can't say for certain that we have it all figured out yet. if you do find parts that work on the craftsman block grinders also let us know and add the parts #'s and where to buy them.
Foley-Belsaw motors do have an un-canny resemblance to Blocks and pre-Blocks.

BB: that was right in TM's backyard that you picked that block from. i hope it treats your new stones well, but it looks like you might have more than a few hours of spiffing it up.

well done and best wishes.
Glad BB got it.

TM: it's ok to let one get away once in a while. how's the 1HP doing?
I'm waiting on some bits 'n pieces. I hope I have a new center band from eReplacementParts on the way.
any progress in the cold weather or too much traveling to have any time in the cold garage?
All the bits are cleaned, and blasted (where needed). I still plan to 'repair' the original cast aluminum base with epoxy, even-though the cast iron replacement is good to go.
I am half-hoping our dryer will get replaced, so I can harvest the motor, blower, and duct work for a spray booth.
They make excellent small spray booth fans, the motor sits outside of the air stream, greatly increasing the safety factor.

 

[torqueman2002]

I have paid for this grinder and Koditten is shipping it today. Thanks for the heads up Zeet!

This is a 3/4 hp block in rough cosmetic condition but runs good. Looks like I will be using my NOS 7" wheels pretty soon!

The 1-HP Sad Sack needs a RH Wheel Guard Cover. Should you decide to part this guy out.
Hint, hint.

 

[bluebolt]

Well done.

I have the truck gassed, a case of Coors Light, and ready to go, should you change your mind!

TM, you will have to chase the mailman now it's already shipped! And it cost me a lot more than a case of beer LOL. Shipping alone was $42.

Drives, Foley used Delco motors, says so right on the motor ID plate. The 397 prefix on most blocks is for Delco.

 

[bluebolt]

I wonder if Foley Belsaw motors are now made by Lincoln / Leeson? If so they may be a source for switches and starting capacitors.


"Lincoln Service, LLC
Our History


The Lincoln Service Centers were founded by the Delco Division of General Motors in the early nineteen seventies.




At that time, most plants carried their own spare motor inventory without sharing with other plants in the area. It was decided that each plant in a geographical area would donate all of the spares to a common inventory operated by Delco. This allowed GM to greatly reduce duplication in their spares and lowered the cost of keeping a backup inventory. This allowed Delco Service Centers to accumulate a huge inventory of various types of motors, most likely the largest in the nation.




A plant would contact the Service Center when they had a failed motor, the Service Center would exchange the failed motor with a good one and repair the failed motor to be put back on the shelf for the next time it was needed.




In 1992, Delco sold their motor division including the Service Centers to Lincoln Electric, Lincoln continued to operate the service centers for GM while expanding the service to Ford and Chrysler.




In 2000, the present owners purchased the Service Centers for Lincoln Electric. Today the Service Centers have over 13,000 motors in stock for exchange or sale while serving a wide range of customers including auto, farm, cement, food and a large variety of manufacturing industries."

 

[McBrownie]

I wonder if Foley Belsaw motors are now made by Lincoln / Leeson? If so they may be a source for switches and starting capacitors.

BB,
Really interesting! This is something I have been wondering about. Do you think these guys could rewind a lower hp machine and turn it into a 1hp?

http://www.lincolnservicecenter.com/industrial-repair/a-c-motor-repair

 

[bluebolt]

BB,
Really interesting! This is something I have been wondering about. Do you think these guys could rewind a lower hp machine and turn it into a 1hp?

http://www.lincolnservicecenter.com/industrial-repair/a-c-motor-repair

Looks like they do 3 phase, not single phase. I do find it interesting the Foley Belsaw 1/2 HP split phase motor is rated a 6.2 amps versus 5.2 for mine.