let's see your craftsman block grinders

[rayh]

Thanks for the suggestions on balancing a wire wheel. I too have an 8"Anderson that's terribly out of balance. I almost tossed it but couldn't bring myself to do it considering the cost.

 

[firemanast]

Picked up this gem at the swap meet today. Needs a bit of clean up, and a new rest for the left side. And it runs. Not bad for $25.

Nice find I would love to have it in my collection !

 

[vertguy]

Looks really nice. What color silver did you use? Do you you have pictures of how you attached the rubber feet with pvc?


~Veeps

No painting involved as both my blocks have original paint. I did not snap any of the pvc, but I basically cut a length (~1-1/8 inch) to fill the void between the recessed stand bottom and the top of the rubber feet.

If you were referring to the silver on the stand, I used Rustoleum Hammered Gray.

 

[bagged89s10]

No painting involved as both my blocks have original paint. I did not snap any of the pvc, but I basically cut a length (~1-1/8 inch) to fill the void between the recessed stand bottom and the top of the rubber feet.



If you were referring to the silver on the stand, I used Rustoleum Hammered Gray.

Thanks. Yes I was referring to the gray on the stand. I'm hoping it starts to get warm out here in Connecticut so I can spraying some of my tools and accessories.


~Veeps

 

[torqueman2002]

In this particular case I clicked on the post number of my post. This brought the post up by itself in a new browser window. I highlighted and copied the resulting URL.

I started my message and when I wrote "...detailed the purchase in post # 4778 of this...", I clicked and highlighted "post # 4778". I then clicked on the "Add A Link" icon which opened a dialog box Titled: "Please enter the URL of your link:". I pasted the URL - that I had obtained when I highlighted and copied the URL of my post - into the dialog box and clicked "OK". That did it.

Many thanks for the safety concerns regarding the stones. I took them off the arbors and they "ring" nicely when tapped. Do you still think they are suspect despite this test?

Regarding the date on your grinder, I have to ask, did yours have a date stamp somewhere and, if so, where was it?

Best regards,

Scott

Scott,

Thanks for the tip, I tried it and it works like you described.

The date stamps are on the bottom cover plate, in black.

Mike

 

[Chef Juke]

I am getting more and more keen on these plentiful, little, sturdy guys!

They get the job done most people need doing, with out risking life and limb like with the 3/4 and 1-HP big-boys!

Hi,

I just spoke this weekend with a friend with a laser Engraver who is going to try to do a reproduction of my grinder's nameplate. I plan on making a vector illustration image reproduction and give to them and see what comes of it. I will post results here.

-Juke

 

[bagged89s10]

Hi,



I just spoke this weekend with a friend with a laser Engraver who is going to try to do a reproduction of my grinder's nameplate. I plan on making a vector illustration image reproduction and give to them and see what comes of it. I will post results here.



-Juke

I definitely want to see how that comes out.


~Veeps

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives, I've suggested doubling them up before and it works with both fine and twisted/braided wheels. IMO they last longer, however, they are more difficult to get into nooks. If anyone wants to try this pay attention, as you sometimes need to add spacers/washers in between, so the centers don't become dished...

 

[bczygan]

I picked up a used Anderson 8" stainless steel wire wheel off of ebay. These go for around $90 new, so $20 was a great deal for a homeowner.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anderson-03...852?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4635851514

When I put it on my 3/4hp (the blockmeister for the regular readers), it vibrated all over the place. That grinder probably weighs a good 50 pounds with the belt grinder attachment on it. So, I broke out the lawn mower blade balancer. This is a picture of a different wire wheel that is well balanced:

View media item 49142
The Anderson wheel was probably tipped by 20 degrees. I started thinking wheel weights on car wheels and came up with an idea for a washer. The trick was fastening it. I used some heavier gauge stainless wire and threaded it through a hole in the "arbor plate". It ended up looking like this:

View media item 49143
It solved the vibration problem. I have to admit, I stood back when I first fired this up. I think it is a decent fix, but I'm interested in everyone's thoughts on the safety.

Rather than an additive solution, how about a subtractive one by drilling holes on the heavy side of the flange, to remove material and weight?

 

[McBrownie]

Thanks for the suggestions on balancing a wire wheel. I too have an 8"Anderson that's terribly out of balance. I almost tossed it but couldn't bring myself to do it considering the cost.

Some better ideas have surfaced. If it warms up a little more, I'm going to give one a try. Don't throw out that wheel!

 

[McBrownie]

Rather than an additive solution, how about a subtractive one by drilling holes on the heavy side of the flange, to remove material and weight?

Aha! That would work too. Thanks for the idea.

 

[Steroblan]

Got the 1/4 hp and 1/2 hp industrial round tops today off CL $ 65.00 for the pair. The seller was getting ready to have an estate sale and had a garage full of stuff from his mechanic FIL who had recently passed.
The 1/3 hp Baldor (20.00) and the other 1/2 hp block (35.00) from another recent CL purchase. For some reason there have been quite a few grinders on the local CL. Two other blocks were already gone when I called.

 

[Outlawmws]

Rather than an additive solution, how about a subtractive one by drilling holes on the heavy side of the flange, to remove material and weight?

Looking at the apparent thickness of that washer compared to the hub material, I'd be cautious about removing material from the hub. You don't want chunks of the bristles coming out either. Even if none hits you, it will destroy the wheel.

 

[Chef Juke]

Chef -
Welcome to the enabler's club .......... errr .... I mean, welcome to GJ.

Looking at the parts diagram from Sears, it looks like you may have found a previously unknown grinder of the type that we call a "pre-block". Your description that the "rear has no "lip" for adding lamp fixture" got me thinking.

My 1/4hp pre-block has the 115 prefix (Packard Electric) in the model number, yours has the 397 prefix (Paramount/Allegretti) that the later Block Grinders had (along with the 257 prefix). I wonder if yours was built after the vendor change, but before the design change from pre-block to block. These could be the transition years.

As for the date, the pre-blocks had a date code on the data plate like the motors of that time. You can see on your label a code of E-62 (or 61?) under the AMPS. That would mean that your grinder was made in 1962 (or 1961. It's hard to read under the paint in the picture).

What is the wheel diameter ? Is it a 6" wheel ?

Tourqeman may want as much info on your grinder as possible, so that he can add it to his database.

Plus - WE NEED MORE PICTURES !!!!!!


EDIT -
I found it in the 1962 Sears catalog on page 968. (clipping included)

Jake,

More pics below. For some reason I missed taking pics BEFORE I started the refurb. So here's the story on this grinder and then the pics.

My friend James brought over his Dad's old grinder for us to use in our home shop. It was covered in 2-3 coats of paint (a red and a metallic blue) and tons of gunk. Had a 6 inch buffer on one side and what had once been a 6 inch grinding wheel on the other, now down to a 3 inch nub. Both of the Outer Guards were M.I.A. and the left inner guard was missing the bottom.

I took apart the grinder and put the Left and Right Frame pieces as well as the outer guards in my electrolysis tank to de-rust and get as much of the paint off as I could. It did a pretty good job and only needed some paint stripper in a few crevices.

While the pieces were de-rusting, I found this thread and a few others on old craftsman grinders. Well, this of course got some ideas flowing in terms of doing a nicer job of cleaning up the grinder more than I originally planned.
The next day at our local recycling store I found what seems to be an old Craftsman grinder stand for $15. SOLD! Figured it had to be fate.

So far I've primed all of the outer pieces and ordered new bearings, switch and capacitor and will try to make this little guy as nice as I can.

In terms of the model, as I noted, the model number is 397.19511 The castings of the frame pieces are

Inner Frame Pieces
SR 3169221 6
SR 3169223 6

Right Outer Frame piece
6218706-SR5

I'm still finding it really interesting that I haven't seen one other matching grinder in all of the forums or just in general. Curious.

At any rate, here are the pics of the primed pieces ready for paint, the motor parts and the new mockup of the nameplate that I will see if my friend can laser engrave a decent reproduction of..

-Juke

 

[Chef Juke]

I definitely want to see how that comes out.


~Veeps

I will definitely post the results.

-Juke

 

[bluebolt]

Got the 1/4 hp and 1/2 hp industrial round tops today off CL $ 65.00 for the pair. The seller was getting ready to have an estate sale and had a garage full of stuff from his mechanic FIL who had recently passed.
The 1/3 hp Baldor (20.00) and the other 1/2 hp block (35.00) from another recent CL purchase. For some reason there have been quite a few grinders on the local CL. Two other blocks were already gone when I called.

Did you mean 3/4 hp, not 1/4 hp. And by the way you ****!

 

[larry4406]

Where is a good source to buy wire wheels?

 

[bagged89s10]

Who has their block setup as a buffer/polisher and what parts did you use to extend the shaft? I want to setup one of mine up as a permanent buffer/polisher unit. I've heard some people say the tapered spindle arbor shafts with set screws are either not balanced correctly or they just damage the arbor.


~Veeps

 

[Outlawmws]

Where is a good source to buy wire wheels?

Locally I've had the best selection from a local (Good) ACE hardware, other than that, I suspect on line...

I've heard others using their local Welding supply, but that will certainly vary supplier to supplier...

 

[McBrownie]

Looking at the apparent thickness of that washer compared to the hub material, I'd be cautious about removing material from the hub. You don't want chunks of the bristles coming out either. Even if none hits you, it will destroy the wheel.

I'm coming to the same conclusion. That is a thick washer and I think a grade 8 too. In other words, it's got some heft to it, which makes me wonder why this wheel is this far out of balance in the first place. I don't think it has mange (missing bristles ).

 

[oilhammer]

Guess I should do the ring test before I use that thing. This is a "fun" video to watch. No such thing as a safe power tool really, but good to be reminded about a few of them in the shop.

 

[bluebolt]

Where is a good source to buy wire wheels?

I got a USA made Weiler wire wheel from a local tool place, it simply does NOT throw wires.

 

[bagged89s10]

Getting my commercial 1/2 round top tomorrow.


~Veeps

 

[mtwaterguy]

Getting my commercial 1/2 round top tomorrow.


~Veeps

I got mine this morning,

 

[bagged89s10]

I got mine this morning,

Nice let's see it


~Veeps

 

[mtwaterguy]

Nice let's see it


~Veeps

I've got a 1hp that should show by Wednesday. I'll wait and post both then.

 

[Steroblan]

Did you mean 3/4 hp, not 1/4 hp. And by the way you ****!

It is a 1/4 hp. The 1/4 hp round top is not an industrial model, only the 1/2 hp is. I have seen several of these 1/4 hp roundtops without the side covers. I wonder if they were an option. There aren't any mounting holes where they would attach.

 

[jrobb316]

Picked this up today. My first block grinder. Dated 1975. How did I do? These things must be a hot commodity. The guy had tons of inquiries.

 

[zkling]

Picked this up today. My first block grinder. Dated 1975. How did I do? These things must be a hot commodity. The guy had tons of inquiries.

How much was it?

 

[jrobb316]

45 and I spent 25 in gas to get it.

 

[drivesitfar]

JRobb: i paid twice that for my 1/2 HP commercial block and i don't think i'll ever sell it. that one is a keeper and plenty of information on this thread to spiff it up, restore it or rebuild it. also a great bunch of guys too.

congrats

 

[jrobb316]

I'm a little afraid that now I'm going to be on the hunt for more. I really just wanted a nice grinder to use but this is over the top smooth and powerful. The light even works. I did some driving to get it.

 

[bagged89s10]

Picked this up today. My first block grinder. Dated 1975. How did I do? These things must be a hot commodity. The guy had tons of inquiries.

45 and I spent 25 in gas to get it.

I'm a little afraid that now I'm going to be on the hunt for more. I really just wanted a nice grinder to use but this is over the top smooth and powerful. The light even works. I did some driving to get it.

That's a great commercial model you picked up. If you're afraid that you'll be on the hunt for more, you will be joining the rest of us addicts.


~Veeps

 

[bluebolt]

It is a 1/4 hp. The 1/4 hp round top is not an industrial model, only the 1/2 hp is. I have seen several of these 1/4 hp roundtops without the side covers. I wonder if they were an option. There aren't any mounting holes where they would attach.

Ah thought the 1/2 was the one on the right, hadn't seen a 1/2 with the big base before.

 

[bagged89s10]

Pickup up a really clean 1/2 HP commercial round top with stand and a tool holder.





Just need to fix the light. This one is the nicest of the 3 I've purchased. Has anyone found any cheap light replacements that match the ones from these grinders?


~Veeps

 

[torqueman2002]

45 and I spent 25 in gas to get it.

Nice grinder at a good and fair price.

$25 for gas is less than what FedEx has charged to pack and ship from MI 48334.

Keep us posted on what you do with and to it; as well as the next one(s) you get.

There are a lot of restoration examples and links to resources of many kinds in my sig. line.

 

[torqueman2002]

Pickup up a really clean 1/2 HP commercial round top with stand and a tool holder.
....
Just need to fix the light. This one is the nicest of the 3 I've purchased. Has anyone found any cheap light replacements that match the ones from these grinders?
~Veeps

Veeps;

Nice one, with stand, and tool attachment!

The socket part is readily available from common sources as you likely know. I think you are asking about the metal shade and it's plastic cover.

The plastic cover is available. This is what I have paid.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/ <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="442"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-source:userset;mso-width-alt:2528;width:59pt" width="79"> <col style="width:54pt" span="2" width="72"> <col style="mso-width-source:userset;mso-width-alt:2400;width:56pt" width="75"> <col style="width:54pt" span="2" width="72"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td colspan="2" style="height:14.25pt; mso-ignore:colspan;width:113pt" align="left" height="19" width="151">Black cover</td> <td colspan="2" style="mso-ignore:colspan;width:110pt" align="left" width="147">March 10, 2015</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:54pt" align="right" width="72">$4.19 </td> <td class="xl64" style="border-left:none;width:54pt" width="72">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td class="xl65" style="height:14.25pt" align="right" height="19">4971958</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-top:none" align="right">$0.25 </td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top:none;border-left:none" align="left">Tax</td> </tr> <tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td style="height:14.25pt" height="19">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-top:none" align="right">$6.99 </td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top:none;border-left:none" align="left">Shipping</td> </tr> <tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td style="height:14.25pt" height="19">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-top:none" align="right">$11.43 </td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top:none;border-left:none" align="left">Total</td> </tr> </tbody></table>http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="370"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-source:userset;mso-width-alt:2528;width:59pt" width="79"> <col style="width:54pt" span="2" width="72"> <col style="mso-width-source:userset;mso-width-alt:2400;width:56pt" width="75"> <col style="width:54pt" width="72"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td colspan="2" style="height:14.25pt; mso-ignore:colspan;width:113pt" align="left" height="19" width="151">Black cover</td> <td colspan="2" style="mso-ignore:colspan;width:110pt" align="left" width="147">Jan 20, 2015</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:54pt" align="right" width="72">$6.28 </td> </tr> <tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td class="xl65" style="height:14.25pt" align="right" height="19">534497198</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
A metal shade replacement is not available as far as I have found.

There is a post in this thread where a 'drop' light was modified to work with the plastic cover.

I hop this helps.

Thanks for posting the great pictures.

 

[bagged89s10]

Veeps;

Nice one, with stand, and tool attachment!

The socket part is readily available from common sources as you likely know. I think you are asking about the metal shade and it's plastic cover.

The plastic cover is available. This is what I have paid.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/ <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="442"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-source:userset;mso-width-alt:2528;width:59pt" width="79"> <col style="width:54pt" span="2" width="72"> <col style="mso-width-source:userset;mso-width-alt:2400;width:56pt" width="75"> <col style="width:54pt" span="2" width="72"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td colspan="2" style="height:14.25pt; mso-ignore:colspan;width:113pt" align="left" height="19" width="151">Black cover</td> <td colspan="2" style="mso-ignore:colspan;width:110pt" align="left" width="147">March 10, 2015</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:54pt" align="right" width="72">$4.19 </td> <td class="xl64" style="border-left:none;width:54pt" width="72">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td class="xl65" style="height:14.25pt" align="right" height="19">4971958</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-top:none" align="right">$0.25 </td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top:none;border-left:none" align="left">Tax</td> </tr> <tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td style="height:14.25pt" height="19">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-top:none" align="right">$6.99 </td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top:none;border-left:none" align="left">Shipping</td> </tr> <tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td style="height:14.25pt" height="19">
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-top:none" align="right">$11.43 </td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top:none;border-left:none" align="left">Total</td> </tr> </tbody></table>http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="370"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-source:userset;mso-width-alt:2528;width:59pt" width="79"> <col style="width:54pt" span="2" width="72"> <col style="mso-width-source:userset;mso-width-alt:2400;width:56pt" width="75"> <col style="width:54pt" width="72"> </colgroup><tbody><tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td colspan="2" style="height:14.25pt; mso-ignore:colspan;width:113pt" align="left" height="19" width="151">Black cover</td> <td colspan="2" style="mso-ignore:colspan;width:110pt" align="left" width="147">Jan 20, 2015</td> <td class="xl66" style="width:54pt" align="right" width="72">$6.28 </td> </tr> <tr style="height:14.25pt" height="19"> <td class="xl65" style="height:14.25pt" align="right" height="19">534497198</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
A metal shade replacement is not available as far as I have found.

There is a post in this thread where a 'drop' light was modified to work with the plastic cover.

I hop this helps.

Thanks for posting the great pictures.

Thanks Torqueman. I'm not a big fan of those plastic covers so I was just looking for the metal shade. But that's a nice cheap price for anyone looking for them.


~Veeps

 

[Ss95003]

I agree wonder why they ever put the plastic cover on them in the first place. the metal only looks nice to me.

 

[exmaxima1]

I agree wonder why they ever put the plastic cover on them in the first place. the metal only looks nice to me.

The metal gets extremely hot. The plastic cover protects you from burns.