let's see your craftsman block grinders

[bagged89s10]

I have emailed the seller twice about shipping with no response so maybe someone on here in that area might go save it.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/tls/4983321508.html

Yes someone please go get it. I wish my sister lived in that area, I would ask her to go get it for me.


~Veeps

 

[jakemac]

Scanned the owners book. Here are the pics, I don't have pdf creation software. If you need the originals, just PM me and ill email them direct to whoever wants to make a book out of it.

I can do it, PM sent.

jakemac & jrobb316 - Thanks!

Well, I planned on leaving this to work on today, but I couldn't help myself. I spent yesterday working on cleaning it up and finished it last night (this morning). I uploaded the PDF to VM a little after 2am. Normally it takes a few days for approval before it goes live for download, but there was a quick turnaround and it's now available.

Just to remind everyone, jrobb recieved an owner's manual with the block grinder he bought. VM didn't have that model's manual on file, so he scanned the pages and sent them to me to turn into a PDF and post it on Vintage Machinery. The pages are now cleaned up and available for download at this link :

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=7283

The grinder is a 1/3hp model 397.19390 Flat Top. The manual is dated 9/75.

 

[torqueman2002]

Well, I planned on leaving this to work on today, but I couldn't help myself. I spent yesterday working on cleaning it up and finished it last night (this morning). I uploaded the PDF to VM a little after 2am. Normally it takes a few days for approval before it goes live for download, but there was a quick turnaround and it's now available.

Just to remind everyone, jrobb recieved an owner's manual with the block grinder he bought. VM didn't have that model's manual on file, so he scanned the pages and sent them to me to turn into a PDF and post it on Vintage Machinery. The pages are now cleaned up and available for download at this link :

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=7283

The grinder is a 1/3hp model 397.19390 Flat Top. The manual is dated 9/75.

Downloaded!


Thanks guys! Nice work.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

I have emailed the seller twice about shipping with no response so maybe someone on here in that area might go save it.
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/tls/4983321508.html

That's only about 15 minutes from me. I just emailed him.

 

[harleybuilder]

[emoji106] [emoji106]

 

[Ss95003]

So who bought the one off ebay 2 sets of metal eye shields?

 

[harleybuilder]

That's only about 15 minutes from me. I just emailed him.

Where you able to buy it?

 

[bagged89s10]

Who in Massachusetts is buying block grinders? I just missed a flat top for $15


~Veeps

 

[jakemac]

Wasn't me. My last block grinder came from NH.
Someone got a good deal.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

Where you able to buy it?

Nope. Sold before I could snag it.

 

[RivennHewn]

Cleaned this up, thinking I'd repaint it……….Nah.

 

[torqueman2002]

Who in Massachusetts is buying block grinders? I just missed a flat top for $15


~Veeps

Wasn't me. I don't have family there, yet.

 

[torqueman2002]

Cleaned this up, thinking I'd repaint it……….Nah.

Sharp!

 

[softailgarage]

Anybody do this....whenever i go over to this friends house we always kick it in the garage (naturally) . Sitting in a corner is a 397.xxxx block grinder that rarely gets used. Now, i've tried to buy it, offered to restore it, both to no avail. Lately, while standing there talking, i catch myself just staring at it, not really hearing what hes saying, its like an obsession. Im thinking about different paint schemes, etc. The dude must think im losing it.

 

[jrobb316]

I'm the only mechanically inclined person amongst my friends. If one of them inherited a block grinder, as that's the only way they would ever have one, it would be in my garage right away. My friends are probably a good thing, I don't need competition and accumulate even more tools. And more vintage for me.

 

[balane]

Earlier I posted that I burnt up my 1/2 HP flat top working on the Renton Pile of vises I purchased. I had a backup on the shelf which is now mounted and in use but was looking to replace my backup. I saw this on on CL tonight and picked it up for $40. Runs very smoothly, sounds nice all over. Going to clean it up and save it for a rainy day. It's identical to the model I fried.

.

 

[jakemac]

What is it with all these grinders turning up with wood burned wheels ?

It's a crime I tell ya, a crime !

 

[jrobb316]

How did the block burn up? Lots of wire wheeling? I would think 1/2 hp would have the power to handle it.

 

[zkling]

Got a chance to work on my sad 3/4hp today. Took it apart for cleaning, bearing measurements and chucked the rotor/shaft in the lathe to go over the threads. I seemed to have trouble getting it back together squarely. It sounds as if the rotor is contacting the stator? I tried a number of different tightening sequences and it is minimized, but still present. Started on the surface plate to make sure both ends were coplanar. Any tips? I'll try to blue it tomorrow to see if there is any rotor stator contact. I still have the old bearings in, but it didn't have as much noise before I took it apart. :

 

[DJ_Schmo]

I just brought this home tonight. Drove an hour each way after getting off at 10 pm to get it. I got the grinder and the stand for $50. It's quiet and smooth. Just missing the quench tray and the cord has been replaced with the extension cord. I couldn't believe the guy still had it when he posted it on CL 22 days ago and then updated 3 days ago. Needless to say, I'm thrilled.

 

[jrobb316]

Nice, and nice dedication to go round it up.

 

[firemanast]

D J nice grinder got to love the pre blocks !

 

[McBrownie]

Got a chance to work on my sad 3/4hp today. Took it apart for cleaning, bearing measurements and chucked the rotor/shaft in the lathe to go over the threads. I seemed to have trouble getting it back together squarely. It sounds as if the rotor is contacting the stator? I tried a number of different tightening sequences and it is minimized, but still present. Started on the surface plate to make sure both ends were coplanar. Any tips? I'll try to blue it tomorrow to see if there is any rotor stator contact. I still have the old bearings in, but it didn't have as much noise before I took it apart. :

I had trouble getting my 1/2hp flat top 257.191401 back together without rubbing. I put it on a very flat surface and tightened it up a little at a time while spinning the rotor. I have not had that problem on either of my round tops. I'm not aware of an alignment "trick".

 

[torqueman2002]

I just brought this home tonight. Drove an hour each way after getting off at 10 pm to get it. I got the grinder and the stand for $50. It's quiet and smooth. Just missing the quench tray and the cord has been replaced with the extension cord. I couldn't believe the guy still had it when he posted it on CL 22 days ago and then updated 3 days ago. Needless to say, I'm thrilled.

Nice little early Block.
Is this the one: "craftsman grinder +large stand" (Cincinnati) (Craigs List)?

I believe that model (1/4-HP) didn't come with the q-tray, light, or wheel guard covers.

Still a v. nice score. What are your plans for it?

Funny, I've been watching that grinder and found myself in the Columbus, OH area late Friday afternoon.

The seller and I set up a tentative meet after I completed my dealings in Columbus/London.

As it turned out, I begged off when meeting him would have put me back home after midnight. Had I realized it had a Summit sticker, I would have snapped it up.

Anyway, I'm glad it landed up in the hands of a GJ member!

 

[DJ_Schmo]

Nice little early Block.
Is this the one: "craftsman grinder +large stand" (Cincinnati) (Craigs List)?

I believe that model (1/4-HP) didn't come with the q-tray, light, or wheel guard covers.

Still a v. nice score. What are your plans for it?

Funny, I've been watching that grinder and found myself in the Columbus, OH area late Friday afternoon.

The seller and I set up a tentative meet after I completed my dealings in Columbus/London.

As it turned out, I begged off when meeting him would have put me back home after midnight.

Anyway, I'm glad it landed up in the hands of a GJ member!

It is one and the same. He actually mentioned he had a guy that decided not to come and get it because he would have been home pretty late.

I'm going to clean it up and use it around the garage when needed. I'm actually surprised at the paint. It's in very good condition with the only rust on the frames for the eye guards. The stand is in nice shape too. I'll give the stand and the eye guard frames a coat of paint after I clean it up and keep it around forever.

 

[drivesitfar]

DJ: nice purchase of your new January 1961 pre block grinder. the date is on the front cover just under the Amps and i think it is stamped 1-61.

a quick fix for the orange cord replacement might be an old PC's computer's power cord or there are many new options for under $15 if you don't have a cord handy. your grinder should clean up just fine and the old 1/4 HP bench grinders probably have as much power as the new imported 1/2 HP's because of the way they were built. also the new HP readings are on a different scale or system and I'll let one of the engineers tell you why if you are interested just ask.

 

[DJ_Schmo]

DJ: nice purchase of your new January 1961 pre block grinder. the date is on the front cover just under the Amps and i think it is stamped 1-61.



a quick fix for the orange cord replacement might be an old PC's computer's power cord or there are many new options for under $15 if you don't have a cord handy. your grinder should clean up just fine and the old 1/4 HP bench grinders probably have as much power as the new imported 1/2 HP's because of the way they were built. also the new HP readings are on a different scale or system and I'll let one of the engineers tell you why if you are interested just ask.

Thanks for the info on the date! That's a great suggestion for the cord. I have a ton of them laying around.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

I had trouble getting my 1/2hp flat top 257.191401 back together without rubbing. I put it on a very flat surface and tightened it up a little at a time while spinning the rotor. I have not had that problem on either of my round tops. I'm not aware of an alignment "trick".

I had some issues getting mine back together, too. I tightened all four bolts evenly but even then the rotor didn't turn as smoothly as it should have. My assumption is that there was still some friction/sticktion between the rotor shaft and the bearings. I grabbed my deadblow and smacked the ends of the rotor to the left and to the right a few times, and that seemed to help, but it's still not quite as smooth as it should be. I'm just going to run it and hope that it breaks in eventually.

 

[torqueman2002]

Got a chance to work on my sad 3/4hp today. Took it apart for cleaning, bearing measurements and chucked the rotor/shaft in the lathe to go over the threads. I seemed to have trouble getting it back together squarely. It sounds as if the rotor is contacting the stator? I tried a number of different tightening sequences and it is minimized, but still present. Started on the surface plate to make sure both ends were coplanar. Any tips? I'll try to blue it tomorrow to see if there is any rotor stator contact. I still have the old bearings in, but it didn't have as much noise before I took it apart. :

The only things I can think of are:

• check the bearings are fully seated on the arbor/shaft and in the housings.
• verify the coil assembly is in the same pre-disassembly position and it is seated fully.
• replace the bearings with new, cost ~ 9.00/ea.
• check run-out of arbor/shaft

Best of luck.

 

[torqueman2002]

OK. The SE Michigan 1-HP Block inventory is back in balance.

As of 12:35 AM this fella is now out of Michigan and on it's way to points west.

Also, it is traveling separately, but to the same destination as a HD base with quench tray and tool rests.

So, you may be wondering if these left SE MI, what took their place.

Here it is. Sears Best, out of London. Ohio, that is.

It sits on a 108 # home-made stand. It was in the seller's basement, I took the lightest end.
It literally took 2 men and a boy to get it into the bed of the truck.
But, I did get $4.00 in scrap for that 180 #.

1-HP Block m-397.19360

It is wired for 230 Volts.

The HD base is on it's way west to another GJ member active on this thread.

I have another HD base for this newcomer.

More pictures in PB SlideShow --> http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/CM 1 HP 397_19360 London Sears Best

Thanks for looking.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's the latest update to the Want/Wish List.

Please let me know if there are corrections, updates to be made.

For more information on the Want/Wish List Process, see: 01/03/2015 GJ (post #3761). Last updated on: March 12, 2015

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4516788&postcount=3761

 

[mtwaterguy]

Anyone close to Seattle?

Posted: 2 hours ago
CRAFTSMAN BENCH GRINDER WITH STAND - $50 (ENUMCLAW)
condition: good
Craftsman ½ hp 6" Bench Grinder with stand. $50
An Oldie but a Goodie. Works fine.

post id: 4994164154

 

[drivesitfar]

MT: shopping my area or just the US in general? sorry this one's a good deal, but it's an hour's drive each direction and no time today. here's the ad in case any of you other block members or lurkers can use a nice grinder on the cool original Craftsman stand.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tls/4994164154.html

TM: nice work on moving the big and little blocks out and making room for the new ones to stop by and get your magic touch. thanks again I (we) all appreciate all that you do for this thread and us in general.

McB: i haven't forgotten you and just a lot of stuff on my plate these days.

ALL: any welders want to comment or look at my old Lincoln welders i saved please do and the link is in my signature now. they might even look as cool as a block grinder.

 

[mtwaterguy]

MT: shopping my area or just the US in general? sorry this one's a good deal, but it's an hour's drive each direction and no time today. here's the ad in case any of you other block members or lurkers can use a nice grinder on the cool original Craftsman stand.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tls/4994164154.html

Just checking within a couple days travel from here. Not much in the valley so I have to open up my search area to find anything. I've only seen one block within 50 miles in the last year or so. I'd ****** that one for the stand if it was closer.

 

[Rickenbackerman]

I sent that link to a buddy of mine. He's in Seattle and is looking for a block, I think.

 

[mtwaterguy]

I sent that link to a buddy of mine. He's in Seattle and is looking for a block, I think.

Good luck to him.

 

[torqueman2002]

Those doggies love the snow.

The biggest one on the left with 2 different colored eyes, he just turned 10 months!

April 25, 2015 - UPDATE

As pictured above, the Block arrived with no wheel guards/covers, eye shields, spark arresters, tool rests, or quench tray.

I asked if the previous owner came across the missing bits 'n pieces, as she went through her dad's estate, to let me know.

I received a hoped for, but unexpected eMail from her about this nearly NIB 3/4-HP ftop Block.

Attached to her eMail was this picture.

Looks like I won't have to cannibalize it's siblings after all.

 

[McBrownie]

April 25, 2015 - UPDATE

As pictured above, the Block arrived with no wheel guards/covers, eye shields, spark arresters, tool rests, or quench tray.

I asked if she came across the missing bits 'n pieces, as she went through her dad's estate, to let me know.

I received a hoped for, but unexpected eMail from the previous owner of this nearly NIB 3/4-HP ftop Block.

Attached to her eMail was this picture.

Looks like I won't have to cannibalize it's siblings after all.

TM, that is really good news. Those accessories would have ended up in a landfill if you hadn't asked.

Drives, no hurry and thanks again.

 

[firemanast]

Torq that is great that they found them and are sending them !

 

[bluebolt]

April 25, 2015 - UPDATE

As pictured above, the Block arrived with no wheel guards/covers, eye shields, spark arresters, tool rests, or quench tray.

I asked if the previous owner came across the missing bits 'n pieces, as she went through her dad's estate, to let me know.

I received a hoped for, but unexpected eMail from her about this nearly NIB 3/4-HP ftop Block.

Attached to her eMail was this picture.

Looks like I won't have to cannibalize it's siblings after all.

Is that the one I found and posted up here?