let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Summersteel]

How bad is your switch?


-Veeps

It's bad. PO smashed it, so toggle just flops side to side, but won't operate on and off. It's a McGill branded switch, but I can't find that they make it any more.

 

[torqueman2002]

Not sure this is the place to ask as this is my first post, but I have a craftsman block grinder model 397.19581 that has a snap-in McGill rocker on-off switch that is broken. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement?

Thanks

Summersteel, without looking at it, I'm assuming that is the one we have not found a direct replacement for. If so, you can use a round hole type switch with a vanity plate to cover the hole. If I'm mistaken on the model/switch, or someone found a direct fit replacement, I apologize in advance.

Someone with more knowledge will chime in shortly, lets see what they say .

Btw, welcome to the GJ, sounds like you'll fit in well!

Steel - Yes, welcome to GJ and this Block grinder thread.

Does your Block's switch look like this one?

If it does, replacement parts are not available; at least I have not found any. You may want to check these 2 sources, though.
eReplacementParts.com
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/cra...86_159871.html
SearsPartsDirect.com
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...r-Parts?page=1

Note: Try various/similar model numbers if your specific model is not listed.

Here are some solutions, others have come up with.

Link --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103220&page=2

 

[bagged89s10]

It's bad. PO smashed it, so toggle just flops side to side, but won't operate on and off. It's a McGill branded switch, but I can't find that they make it any more.

Is it possible to take the switch apart and repair it using parts from a new switch? The closest style I found onlin

Take a look at this thread where someone suggested a bunn coffee warmer switch.
http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=5493.75


Maybe one of these would work

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BN5P8DU/?tag=atomicindus08-20



~Veeps

 

[McBrownie]

Not sure this is the place to ask as this is my first post, but I have a craftsman block grinder model 397.19581 that has a snap-in McGill rocker on-off switch that is broken. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement?

Thanks

A picture would help. Since you say snap-in, I assuming it is the plastic "paddle" switch that goes in the rectangular hole? McGill still makes swtiches, but I can't find that "paddle" style. However, you should be able to find a rocker switch that will fit the hole. Post some pictures and I'm sure you'll get more ideas/help.

 

[montanafordman]

FWIW I *think* have one of those plastic switches from a 1/2 hp that I parted out. I'll try and post a picture later if you're interested.

 

[McBrownie]

Is it possible to take the switch apart and repair it using parts from a new switch? The closest style I found onlin

Take a look at this thread where someone suggested a bunn coffee warmer switch.
http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=5493.75


Maybe one of these would work

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BN5P8DU/?tag=atomicindus08-20



~Veeps

The switches you are showing are all double-pole (two contacts inside) and are a bigger form factor than the single-pole switches that came in the block grinders. I went for overkill when I replaced my metal toggle and put in a double-pole that I "jumped" to make it a single-pole with twice the contact area. Not necessary, but........

 

[mtwaterguy]

I posted about that one earlier. I've tried both e-mail, twice. and phone with no response. Still looking for someone in the Redding area to help out with this one.

Just an update: With help from a local Redding member, thanks "roverhybrids", I found out the 1hp had been sold. I was fortunate enough to find a commercial 1/2 that's on the way from the west coast bay area, and this one should be dropped off at fedex this morning, heading my direction from Georgia.

 

[bagged89s10]

I got the flat top. Not getting the round top until next week. I think I misread my emails. Not a big deal because the buyer said I can get it hopefully Monday or Tuesday. I will post pics later.


~Veeps

 

[Ss95003]

OK, this is your Official Warning. Blocks grow on you, the strong willed have little hope of resisting the Sirens' call. Need has nothing to do with it. Blue.

This is not true, on a side note I have a 1/2hp commerical grade, flat top coming in the mail tomorrow
And I just mailed a check for a pre block. the pre block is super nice paint looks great and original and original metal eyeshields and tool rests are mint.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

Switches, switches, switches...

I looked around on the mouser site looking for switches. Not sure if any of these would work, and I didn't check the mounting hole size or anything, but these might be worth taking a look at if you're in need of a switch.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMtFyPk3yBMYYGH/gsfCjMpZ9GuWICO93cs=

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...GAEpiMZZMtFyPk3yBMYYLBAWrVqP7zqb8Osv%2bc30NA=

Also found this guy through a google image search:

http://www.vetco.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9288

Or if you'd like a lighted rocker, you could use one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bunn-Coffee...813?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cdd462e15

 

[bagged89s10]

This is not true, on a side note I have a 1/2hp commerical grade, flat top coming in the mail tomorrow

And I just mailed a check for a pre block. the pre block is super nice paint looks great and original and original metal eyeshields and tool rests are mint.

Haha


~Veeps

 

[exmaxima1]

This is not true, on a side note I have a 1/2hp commerical grade, flat top coming in the mail tomorrow
And I just mailed a check for a pre block. the pre block is super nice paint looks great and original and original metal eyeshields and tool rests are mint.

I agree that you can walk away from Blocks. I only have one left (a 3/4 flat top), and that might go away soon as I picked up a vintage Atlas 2770. Once you play with heavy iron, like that pre-Block, the alloy Blocks don't feel as substantial.

 

[t4runner]

Heres a Block grinder I picked up at a estate sale, can anyone tell me when it was made? To me it looks almost unused. I ended up paying $40 for it.

 

[mtwaterguy]

Heres a Block grinder I picked up at a estate sale, can anyone tell me when it was made? To me it looks almost unused I am deciding wether to keep this one or swap out my Delta ( 8 inch, 1/2 hp ) I ended up paying $40 for it.

The ones without the HD base have a date stamped on the removable cover on the bottom side of the grinder. After you take off the base to check, send it to me and I'll give you your purchase price plus shipping for it. Oh, and you **** !!!

 

[Waltrip88]

My third block grinder. 1/2 hp from a retired NASA engineer.

 

[t4runner]

Thanks for the info. You know the thing is it was covered up by a bunch of books and there must have been 15 guys looking for tools but they kept passing it by.

 

[firemanast]

Thanks for the info. You know the thing is it was covered up by a bunch of books and there must have been 15 guys looking for tools but they kept passing it by.

Nice and by the way "YOU **** !"

 

[jakemac]

Heres a Block grinder I picked up at a estate sale, can anyone tell me when it was made? To me it looks almost unused I am deciding wether to keep this one or swap out my Delta ( 8 inch, 1/2 hp ) I ended up paying $40 for it.

The "Sears Best" sticker, flat top, and switch style would place it in the mid to late 70's I believe. I'm not sure when the use of the "Sears Best" label started or ended, but I think it was the late 60's to the late 70's.

I have the same 1HP machine, but I haven't looked for a date on it yet. The digital manual found at VM is dated 1977. Yours is pristine (mine's a wreck in comparison). You ****.

Here's the link to the manual -
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/6144.pdf

 

[Tyberius]

Heres a Block grinder I picked up at a estate sale, can anyone tell me when it was made? To me it looks almost unused I am deciding wether to keep this one or swap out my Delta ( 8 inch, 1/2 hp ) I ended up paying $40 for it.

That's a beautiful 1 horse

 

[t4runner]

Thanks all for the info.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Heres a Block grinder I picked up at a estate sale, can anyone tell me when it was made? To me it looks almost unused. I ended up paying $40 for it.

nice! great price to. I paid $50 for mine, it's the first post in this thread. mine doesn't have any date stamp either.

 

[bluebolt]

TZ4runner, you ****! I would have paid $100 for a 1 HP that nice without a monents fault.

Speaking of $100 that was the price of the estate sale block I posted earlier. It is a 1/2 hp 5.1 amp split phase, light, decent eye shields, water cup and original owners manual was there. Label was faded and I didn't turn it on to hear it run. I passed, would have had to have an original stand for that price. Even at half price tomorrow for $50 I can't make enough money of it to make it worth my while.

 

[Outlawmws]

Yup, that 1 horse is a bit of suckage at $40!

 

[bagged89s10]

So here is the block grinder I picked up today.
397.19340 with stand I picked up for $75. Needs some paint and a new label. The paint on the stand is excellent. Who can print me a new label or can email me a label?











~Veeps

 

[harleybuilder]

Bagged, be sure and ring test the stones, before using them. New toys are fun but think safety first. ...

 

[bagged89s10]

Bagged, be sure and ring test the stones, before using them. New toys are fun but think safety first. ...

Yes I definitely will before I actually use one. I don't need a stone exploding in my face.


~Veeps

 

[torqueman2002]

ALERT - Buyer beware!

This may look like our CM Block grinder, but it is a poser.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4941136681.html

 

[bagged89s10]

ALERT - Buyer beware!

This may look like our CM Block grinder, but it is a poser.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/4941136681.html

Picture to follow.

It's a black and decker


~Veeps

 

[torqueman2002]

It's a black and decker


~Veeps

Nothing WRONG with a B&D, .... well maybe.

Here's one dissected.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=267412

 

[drivesitfar]

TM: any idea when Black and Decker went from one of the better makers of old tools to the cheap plastic stuff? did they get bought out and i don't think I've bought a B & D tool newer than 1970 that I've kept or liked. i still have a 6 inch grinder set up that i do some wire wheeling on that i don't think will ever die and i'm guessing 1950's version.

T4: one of the nicest looking 1HP's since TM restored Go Blue.

i think you overpaid so please go back and get $10 back from that seller.

Waltrip: it's pretty easy to get from zero blocks to three isn't it? nice find and do you have them all set up with different wheels yet? which wheels did you choose to put if you are using 6 different ones?

MT: nice to see you are getting the Mini Blockmeister from Georgia. BTW how many blocks is that for you since i'm guessing you are reaching double figures?

 

[mtwaterguy]

MT: nice to see you are getting the Mini Blockmeister from Georgia. BTW how many blocks is that for you since i'm guessing you are reaching double figures?

I think these last two will make eight. I will be selling the 1/4 and the non commercial 1/2 as soon as I figure out what parts I may need off them.

 

[torqueman2002]

Bagged ....,

My comments are in Blue.

Is it possible to take the switch apart and repair it using parts from a new switch?
It is possible to repair the switch. Follow this link to a forum, where 1 was repaired. http://tinyurl.com/0-5-HP-CM-Block-Motor-FINISHED

The closest style I found onlin

Take a look at this thread where someone (that was the Torqueman, ) suggested a bunn coffee warmer switch.
http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=5493.75


Maybe one of these would work

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BN5P8DU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Good alternatives.

~Veeps

 

[Chef Juke]

Hi All,

So, I am having trouble finding ANY other exact matches to the grinder my friend brought over to our communal shop. It is his Dad's grinder which he's had for about 40 years...I'm in the process of refurbing it, but found it strange that in all of the pics and documents I could find here and on other sites about Craftsman Block Grinders, this particular model number hasn't shown up.

It's a 397.19511. Don't have a before pic right now, but here is the nameplate:

http://chefjuke.com/MISC/0037-Kristy-.jpg

Anybody seen one of these? No date on bottom plate. Just wondering why, with hundreds of other grinder pics and a bunch of different models, nobody else seems to have one of these.

Thanks,

-Juke

 

[drivesitfar]

Chef: not that i'm paranoid, but very leery of clicking on a link provided by a new member. so not sure if that's the reason you didn't get a quick reply from others too or if we are all busy.

can you post up a few pictures of your grinder and we'll try to help if we can. i use the paperclip just above where you write your posts to attach pics like an email. also welcome to our forum.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

Got one out from under the local SE michigan block mafia!

3/4 horse with stand, $30.

 

[torqueman2002]

Is it just me, ...... or is anyone else thinking things are picking up in the Block grinder thread?
Some great scores and well deserved ****age!

Comments in Blue, follow.

This is not true, on a side note I have a 1/2hp commerical grade, flat top coming in the mail tomorrow
And I just mailed a check for a pre block. the pre block is super nice paint looks great and original and original metal eyeshields and tool rests are mint.

Switches, switches, switches...

I looked around on the mouser site looking for switches. Not sure if any of these would work, and I didn't check the mounting hole size or anything, but these might be worth taking a look at if you're in need of a switch.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMtFyPk3yBMYYGH/gsfCjMpZ9GuWICO93cs=

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...GAEpiMZZMtFyPk3yBMYYLBAWrVqP7zqb8Osv%2bc30NA=

Also found this guy through a google image search:

http://www.vetco.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9288

Or if you'd like a lighted rocker, you could use one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bunn-Coffee...813?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cdd462e15
Nice job, thanks.
I'm 'bookmarking' them. Look for them in my thread (linked below), later.

I agree that you can walk away from Blocks. I only have one left (a 3/4 flat top), and that might go away soon as I picked up a vintage Atlas 2770. Once you play with heavy iron, like that pre-Block, the alloy Blocks don't feel as substantial.
OK, I see I have failed to fully express myself; or maybe it IS just me.
The pre-Blocks are great, sturdy guys, I have more than 1 (doesn't everybody here?), and I didn't mean to exclude them.
I have been reducing my Block inventory, too. I've made room for 'heavy iron', no Atlas' yet, but a Milwaukee (or 2), a Delta (or 2), a Baldor (or 2), and 1 Diehl (for sale).

Heres a Block grinder I picked up at a estate sale, can anyone tell me when it was made? To me it looks almost unused. I ended up paying $40 for it.
Suckage awarded!

The ones without the HD base have a date stamped on the removable cover on the bottom side of the grinder. After you take off the base to check, send it to me and I'll give you your purchase price plus shipping for it. Oh, and you **** !!!
That would look great on a freshly painted CM stand!

My third block grinder. 1/2 hp from a retired NASA engineer.
This is Rocket Surgery!

nice! great price to. I paid $50 for mine, it's the first post in this thread. mine doesn't have any date stamp either.
Thanks for getting this thread started.
And ..... if I have failed to say this, ..... You ****, too!

So here is the block grinder I picked up today.
397.19340 with stand I picked up for $75. Needs some paint and a new label. The paint on the stand is excellent. Who can print me a new label or can email me a label?
Nice Block.
PM me with an eMail address.
....
~Veeps

TM: any idea when Black and Decker went from one of the better makers of old tools to the cheap plastic stuff? did they get bought out and i don't think I've bought a B & D tool newer than 1970 that I've kept or liked. i still have a 6 inch grinder set up that i do some wire wheeling on that i don't think will ever die and i'm guessing 1950's version.
Drives... Sorry, I don't know much about B & D, but the vintage ones look well built and worth keeping/restoring.
T4: one of the nicest looking 1HP's .....
I agree!
i think you overpaid so please go back and get $10 back from that seller.

Waltrip: it's pretty easy to get from zero blocks to three isn't it? nice find and do you have them all set up with different wheels yet? which wheels did you choose to put if you are using 6 different ones?
Maybe I'm not alone, after all. In the garage/shop there is:
1 set-up with 6" 36 and 60 grit stones;
1 set-up with 7" brass and a steel wire wheels;
1 set-up with 8" knotted and hd wire wheels.

MT: nice to see you are getting the Mini Blockmeister from Georgia. BTW how many blocks is that for you since i'm guessing you are reaching double figures?
I'm not alone!

 

[torqueman2002]

Got one out from under the local SE michigan block mafia!

3/4 horse with stand, $30.

That looks like my lawn and sidewalk!

Well done!

tedsters & bulletpruf - I'll keep looking for you.

RuleZ, if you find a horse head, well .....

 

[torqueman2002]

Hi All,

So, I am having trouble finding ANY other exact matches to the grinder my friend brought over to our communal shop. It is his Dad's grinder which he's had for about 40 years...I'm in the process of refurbing it, but found it strange that in all of the pics and documents I could find here and on other sites about Craftsman Block Grinders, this particular model number hasn't shown up.

It's a 397.19511. Don't have a before pic right now, but here is the nameplate:
{URL removed by Torqueman}

Anybody seen one of these? No date on bottom plate. Just wondering why, with hundreds of other grinder pics and a bunch of different models, nobody else seems to have one of these.

Thanks,

-Juke

I agree with what drivesit has posted above about the pictures AND the welcome to the GJ forum and the Block thread.

Please post pictures, I'd like to see what you have found.

I checked my 'library' of CM grinder labels and did not get a hit on '397.1951x'.

 

[Outlawmws]

That looks like my lawn and sidewalk!

Hmmm, Shadow, did you happen to pick it up from a housewife,? Maybe one that was just a bit pissed at her SO?

 

[bagged89s10]

Got one out from under the local SE michigan block mafia!

3/4 horse with stand, $30.

You deserve a big YOU ****! Great find!


~Veeps