let's see your craftsman block grinders

[bczygan]

Bagged: I'd think a 1/3 HP might not be quite strong enough for a deburring wheel and maybe a 1/2 might not be either. hopefully someone has a deburring wheel laying around to try and tell us.

i clicked on your Dayton ad and it's already been deleted so someone thought the price was ok.

BC: i bet the 1 HP purrs.

Actually I think one wheel is crooked and wobbles, which makes it shake. Haven't checked it out yet. Probably take another 40 years.

 

[torqueman2002]

...

BC: i bet the 1 HP purrs.

Drives, the 1-HP Go Blue with knotted wire wheels, sounds more like a caged big cat's unrelenting roar, demanding respect, stirring up the air all around it! Sort of like the sound of a big block Can-Am car from the 70's as it heads down the back straight of Watkins Glen!

Different race.

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's a 1968 1/3 HP I just finished. It was missing eye shields so these are from a newer model. New grinding wheel and 1" wide wire wheel. Runs great, like most of them do.

.

Now this little cat probably purrs!

Nice job! The stump really does the trick.

 

[torqueman2002]

OK, thanks for bearing with me while I recalled the days of my youth - camping in the in-field, cooking fresh Eye-talian sausage, and baking in the sun; while watching, hearing, smelling, and feeling the Glen!

Here's a sturdy guy I picked up this week.

I'm parting it out, PM me with what you need.

Detail of back, showing packing tape.

Bottom cover plate (not for sale), shown to illustrate no manufacturing date is present.

LH eye shield is broken and missing, RH eye shield is damaged, both eye shield bolts are present, and 2 mounting bolts with OEM mounting feet are availalble.

Detail of RH eye shield.

Thanks for looking.

 

[torqueman2002]

If you are looking for a complete Block, this 1 is in the Metro Pittsburgh area.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/5049513544.html

 

[drivesitfar]

DOC: July 1974 i flew to California for the US public links golf championship i qualified for that summer and discovered i could actually legally go in to a bar and drink. not a good combo for an 18 year old to play a tough golf course with a hangover and another learning experience in life. i did hit a few golf balls up into the Rose Bowl though since it was next to the golf course. the guys that beat me couldn't hit it that far with persimmon woods and golf balls that would go out of round in 3 shots for me. it was the first time i played greens as hard as concrete and as fast as the Masters tournament in Augusta so being the longest hitter in the field didn't help my score much.

oh yes we were talking about Block grinders. i'm not sure I've seen a set up like the one DOC just pictured for keeping the dust down in the shop, but it looks like it works. anybody else have a good way to keep their shop from getting taken over by grinder dust?

here's a great thread about a member's one car garage that he set up an awesome system in case you haven't seen it and i'd like to than Ainsley for sharing his ideas and pictures.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272678

have a great weekend all fellow blockheads

 

[bagged89s10]

DOC: July 1974 i flew to California for the US public links golf championship i qualified for that summer and discovered i could actually legally go in to a bar and drink. not a good combo for an 18 year old to play a tough golf course with a hangover and another learning experience in life. i did hit a few golf balls up into the Rose Bowl though since it was next to the golf course. the guys that beat me couldn't hit it that far with persimmon woods and golf balls that would go out of round in 3 shots for me. it was the first time i played greens as hard as concrete and as fast as the Masters tournament in Augusta so being the longest hitter in the field didn't help my score much.



oh yes we were talking about Block grinders. i'm not sure I've seen a set up like the one DOC just pictured for keeping the dust down in the shop, but it looks like it works. anybody else have a good way to keep their shop from getting taken over by grinder dust?



here's a great thread about a member's one car garage that he set up an awesome system in case you haven't seen it and i'd like to than Ainsley for sharing his ideas and pictures.



http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272678



have a great weekend all fellow blockheads

That's an interesting idea for dust collection. Kind of like the dust deputy. I wonder if it has a vacuum hose port.

I also just confirmed that I'm picking up a nice 1/2 HP commercial flat top on Monday. Pretty pumped!

 

[drivesitfar]

EX: just curious do you use your deburring wheel much on your little 1/3 HP? also is it pretty easy to stop the wheel with that little HP?

Bagged: good luck and don't forget to pick up that old Reed vise on the bench next to that block. i'm betting that simple bucket system is gravity fed, but Ainsley's system he has on his grinders works off a shop vac if you have time to read it.

 

[bagged89s10]

EX: just curious do you use your deburring wheel much on your little 1/3 HP? also is it pretty easy to stop the wheel with that little HP?



Bagged: good luck and don't forget to pick up that old Reed vise on the bench next to that block. i'm betting that simple bucket system is gravity fed, but Ainsley's system he has on his grinders works off a shop vac if you have time to read it.

Drives, maybe you saw a different grinder because I didn't see a block with a vise sitting on a bench.

 

[drivesitfar]

Bagged: i'm just feeding you a little fodder for your vice for vises in case a nice old Reed is sitting on the bench which sometimes is the case. good luck on your trip to add to your block collection.

 

[bagged89s10]

Bagged: i'm just feeding you a little fodder for your vice for vises in case a nice old Reed is sitting on the bench which sometimes is the case. good luck on your trip to add to your block collection.

Haha. Gotcha.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

You guys are a bad influence. I found one of these today, with a stand, and all the pieces for $35. The guy even threw in a buffing kit, and an extra wheel.

 

[exmaxima1]

EX: just curious do you use your deburring wheel much on your little 1/3 HP? also is it pretty easy to stop the wheel with that little HP?
.

I admit I don't use it much, but I've never even see the wheel slow down when deburring. Don't really know if I could stop it.

 

[xs650shawn]

So I guess this is a pre-block. Started overhaul yesterday, raised some questions. Needs new bearings and a cord, which I expected. Found a ~3/4" crack in the housing, under the center strip. Is there enough stress on the housing to make it crack more? Should I worry about having it repaired? It's covered, but I don't want it to go further. Also, the cloth covered wiring is incredibly brittle. I feel competent enough to replace it, but wanted to know before I destroy the windings, are the wires just soldered to a single winding wire under the paper tube covers, which are also very brittle. Finally, any resources for replacement work rests and shield glass (metal framed). Tried looking online, no luck. Should I make my own?

 

[pendragon1998]

xs650shawn, I recently restored a pre-block grinder, and you may find my thread on the restoration of some use. It's linked in my signature. I would probably consider drilling a stop hole at the end of that crack and call it good. Perhaps someone else can confirm that's the way to go. As for the wiring, it was also very crispy in my grinder. I ended up sliding shrink tubing as far up the wires as I could go, but I found it impossible to get to where the wires were originating, as they emerge from the windings and aren't accessible without drilling out rivets and goodness knows what else. Just make sure nothing's shorting out. For my eye guards, I was planning on getting some abrasion resistant 1/4in polycarbonate cut, but the guy I was working with disappeared.

 

[vertguy]

Picked up #3 today at a local flea market. Not exactly sure why I need 3, but I could not pass it up for $35... especially since it was complete with lamp, quench tray and eye shields! It runs smooth and just needs some clean up. I plan to put this one away for a rainy day as I have too many other projects to wrap up.

I figured an updated family photo was appropriate

 

[bagged89s10]

Picked up #3 today at a local flea market. Not exactly sure why I need 3, but I could not pass it up for $35... especially since it was complete with lamp, quench tray and eye shields! It runs smooth and just needs some clean up. I plan to put this one away for a rainy day as I have too many other projects to wrap up.

I figured an updated family photo was appropriate

Why do you need 3? Haha. Why do I need 4? Once you get one, expect to get at least 2 more.
That's a nice 1/2 HP. I have the same one complete with the light quench tray(not shown in this pic) but my label is faded. It was so much better using wire wheels on the block versus the cheap import bench grinder I used to use.

 

[jdjm]

Picked up #3 today at a local flea market. Not exactly sure why I need 3, but I could not pass it up for $35... especially since it was complete with lamp, quench tray and eye shields! It runs smooth and just needs some clean up. I plan to put this one away for a rainy day as I have too many other projects to wrap up.

I figured an updated family photo was appropriate

I got one off craigslist just like this in early April. Paid $45 from an old guy that lived in an apartment. I didn't have the heart to offer less. The guy looked like he really needed the money. I didn't post pictures because I don't know how and I figure I would wait til someone posted one like mine.

 

[drivesitfar]

XS: while i commend you for trying to save your pre block grinder i'm not sure it's worth all the time you are spending on it since it's only a 1/4 HP. do you have a specific need for a small HP grinder or are Craftsman block grinders or other old US grinders hard to find in your area?

i'm pretty sure one of the members with more than a few might be able to ship you a nice grinder so at least once you get it finished it will have more power and do more work for you. just ask and maybe you can find a member locally to avoid shipping costs.

or do your best to get your grinder up and running so you'll have something to use until a better grinder shows up. those old 1/4 HP grinders might still have more power than the new 1/2 HP imports the way they measure HP now.

Vert: nice family you are putting together and just another warning about using grinders with open wire wheels. make sure to use a full face mask and thick clothing or you might find wires sticking out of your skin or eye.

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice grinders! See my comments in Blue.

I got one off craigslist just like this in early April. Paid $45 from an old guy that lived in an apartment. I didn't have the heart to offer less. The guy looked like he really needed the money.
I hear you, sometimes the item is priced right and/or the seller needs the little bit I'd try to lower the ask, and no haggling is needed/appropriate.
I didn't post pictures because I don't know how and I figure I would wait til someone posted one like mine.
I use PhotoBucket, it has free picture hosting for basic service, and fee based for enhanced service. There are other picture hosting websites, of course.

Set-up an account with PhotoBucket.com

Drag & Drop the picture on your computer to PhotoBucket

Select and copy the 'IMG' link of the uploaded picture.

Paste the link directly into where you want it in your post.

You are done.

Also, if you search the forum you should be able to find more information.

Good luck.

 

[drivesitfar]

Doc: nice example of how to use Photobucket and maybe it works for other online picture hosting sites too. i gave up using my Photobucket account when they kept changing their set up and now i use the little paperclip above where we write our posts and attach pictures sort of like attaching pictures to an email.

JDM: if you are trying to post pictures from your phone and are still having issues just ask and maybe a member that has that method down will help you and some of us.

 

[torqueman2002]

Doc: nice example of how to use Photobucket and maybe it works for other online picture hosting sites too. i gave up using my Photobucket account when they kept changing their set up and now i use the little paperclip above where we write our posts and attach pictures sort of like attaching pictures to an email.

JDM: if you are trying to post pictures from your phone and are still having issues just ask and maybe a member that has that method down will help you and some of us.

drives,

Thanks, lets see if I can do that.

 

[drivesitfar]

Doc: you and fellow blockheads are welcome if that picture tip helped. might i suggest you and a few others get the matching Craftsman crown top or even an older Craftsman 519x vise accessory for your blocks that look like this? or maybe one with a little more shine and a little lighter?

cheers all and have a great week

 

[bagged89s10]

Missing a tool rest, but I think I have one from my other 7" bench where I installed the grinding tool attachment. Or I'll make one. Also has a quench tray very nice craftsman commercial for $45.


Oh and Drives, there was a rusty light duty Wilton under the bench. I think model 4a. It was seized and the owner tried to unscrew and open up the jaws, which I told him not too, and the collar screw cracked right off. I would have bought it for $15-$20 but he said $25, and he didn't really want to sell it. So I passed.

 

[drivesitfar]

Bagged: i know you already know to ask for other tools because it might be in your blood. sorry it wasn't a Reed 108 sitting under that bench which we'd had a little bigger vise to talk about.

personally i like these 1/2 HP an 3/4 HP commercial blocks the best and would sell all my Baldors once i find a few deals on a few more. Baldor money can go to finish paying off kid's tuition.

nice find and it also looks like you found another Wilton vise in your travels today that was a little nicer so have you given up your "real" job and made tool picking your preferred way to make a few bucks?

cheers

 

[bagged89s10]

Bagged: i know you already know to ask for other tools because it might be in your blood. sorry it wasn't a Reed 108 sitting under that bench which we'd had a little bigger vise to talk about.



personally i like these 1/2 HP an 3/4 HP commercial blocks the best and would sell all my Baldors once i find a few deals on a few more. Baldor money can go to finish paying off kid's tuition.



nice find and it also looks like you found another Wilton vise in your travels today that was a little nicer so have you given up your "real" job and made tool picking your preferred way to make a few bucks?



cheers

I wish tool picking could be my "real" job. Luckily I've built up my accounts in my "real" job enough that I can have about as flexible schedule as possible without being retired. Gotta love email and wifi which allows me to work wherever and whenever. Sometimes it's annoying when my accounts call me at 8pm but I love the flexibility.

Oh and I'm not done. I'm meeting a guy next to my office for two vintage craftsman toolboxes shortly.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: for some of you that might have a block sitting on your bench that you might not be using or have a relative to give it to might i introduce a song from my youth that i also just posted on the vise thread which might give you some ideas on what to do with that block that is taking up space.

Doc: are you singing it in your sleep now??

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

#3 for me!





This one is just gonna get wiped down and some grinding stones thrown on it. The buffer side eye shield / tool rest is included, after hunting in the barn for it for 15 minutes, but the side covers seem to be MIA. Has a bad vibration to it, once I level out the base and get stones on it I'll see if it needs new bearings or not. The switch is a little sloppy, any good replacements for it? Autozone sells a slightly longer toggle, 115/230 rated for 15amps, will that be enough?

Think the vibration might be because they used carriage bolts to hold it to the base, run on the inner slots and not through the rubbers. Also, no date code to be found either...

 

[twertsy]

Hey gents, ran across a block "finger sander" 1/2 HP at the flea this weekend but didn't pursue it. Good shape, any idea of a good price? I may go back and snag it....

 

[bagged89s10]

#3 for me!





This one is just gonna get wiped down and some grinding stones thrown on it. The buffer side eye shield / tool rest is included, after hunting in the barn for it for 15 minutes, but the side covers seem to be MIA. Has a bad vibration to it, once I level out the base and get stones on it I'll see if it needs new bearings or not. The switch is a little sloppy, any good replacements for it? Autozone sells a slightly longer toggle, 115/230 rated for 15amps, will that be enough?

Think the vibration might be because they used carriage bolts to hold it to the base, run on the inner slots and not through the rubbers. Also, no date code to be found either...

What does the side of this one look like? Also is it a 7" wheel model? That's a nice unit!

 

[drivesitfar]

Rick: when you open up that Block can you take a few pictures of the insides to show us if there is a ton of fiber from the buffing wheel being that close? if you do still want to use it as a buffer you might want to buy a threaded extension and depending on which side you put the buffing wheel on make sure the extension is the correct right or left threaded ones.

nice find.

Twertsy: finger sander and no pictures? i have to admit some of the guys on here are pretty amazing, but a picture or something a little more might help. it sounds like a cool tool to add to one's shop so if priced right might be worth having.

cheers

 

[twertsy]

Rick: when you open up that Block can you take a few pictures of the insides to show us if there is a ton of fiber from the buffing wheel being that close? if you do still want to use it as a buffer you might want to buy a threaded extension and depending on which side you put the buffing wheel on make sure the extension is the correct right or left threaded ones.

nice find.

Twertsy: finger sander and no pictures? i have to admit some of the guys on here are pretty amazing, but a picture or something a little more might help. it sounds like a cool tool to add to one's shop so if priced right might be worth having.

cheers

We didn't snap any pics. It was mounted to a table with a bench DP and he was asking $150 for all. I asked if he'd sell just the sander and he said no. Later, Beat told me he said he would (after I walked away) separate but I never went back to find out a price. Sorry!

Drives, speaking of prices...........,

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Bagged, I'm believing it should be a 7" model since it has the dust exit's on it, but not 100% sure yet.

Drives, clean as a whistle underneath. Has a tad of rust right under the switch, but the wiring is mint. I'll take a pic in a bit

 

[torqueman2002]

#3 for me!

This one is just gonna get wiped down and some grinding stones thrown on it. The buffer side eye shield / tool rest is included, after hunting in the barn for it for 15 minutes, but the side covers seem to be MIA. Has a bad vibration to it, once I level out the base and get stones on it I'll see if it needs new bearings or not. The switch is a little sloppy, any good replacements for it? Autozone sells a slightly longer toggle, 115/230 rated for 15amps, will that be enough?

Think the vibration might be because they used carriage bolts to hold it to the base, run on the inner slots and not through the rubbers. Also, no date code to be found either...

Good solid Block.

Try --> http://www.zoro.com/carling-technol...conn-onoff-2gk91-78/i/G3912763/?category=4800

 

[torqueman2002]

My comments are in Blue.

Doc: you and fellow blockheads are welcome if that picture tip helped. might i suggest you and a few others get the matching Craftsman crown top or even an older Craftsman 519x vise accessory for your blocks that look like this? or maybe one with a little more shine and a little lighter?
WOW!
cheers all and have a great week

ALL: for some of you that might have a block sitting on your bench that you might not be using or have a relative to give it to might i introduce a song from my youth that i also just posted on the vise thread which might give you some ideas on what to do with that block that is taking up space.

Doc: are you singing it in your sleep now??
I will now!

What does the side of this one look like? Also is it a 7" wheel model?
Yes, the 397.19590s have 7" wheels/stones.
That's a nice unit!
x2

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Drives: Here you are sir!

 

[drivesitfar]

Rick: a set of 4 rubber feet and it looks like you are ready to grind and buff something. all you need is a little compound for that buffing wheel that doesn't look like it's ever seen any.

Doc: so how about first taking that Columbian swivel jaw vise you found and hitting it with Go Blue's wire wheels then fire up the Baldor buffer and spend a few hours buffing yours to outshine that shiny Craftsman i posted. then sir you will have a vies to match the quality of Go Blue.

ALL: anybody else want to see Doc Block shine up a vise with a block and a baldor buffer??

 

[bagged89s10]

It's a Block party.


I just need 1 commercial 1/2HP quench tray and 1 standard 1/3 HP quench tray

Quench tray part number 4971780 off my 1/2HP commercial block


Quench tray part number 3166351 off my 1/2HP standard block. This one has the rough finish.


I'm assuming sears sold a different quench tray for the 1/3 HP.

 

[jakemac]

The quench tray for the flat top is still available. It's about $7 cheaper at ereplacementparts, but there is a delay in shipping while they special order it from Sears.

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/quench-tray-p-972856.html

The round top tray is no longer available as new stock.

 

[torqueman2002]

The quench tray for the flat top is still available. It's about $7 cheaper at ereplacementparts, but there is a delay in shipping while they special order it from Sears.

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/quench-tray-p-972856.html

The round top tray is no longer available as new stock.

Funny, I was just checking on the large Q-Tray.
$29.55 + SearsPartsDirect, today
$22.82 + eReplacement, today
$20.02 + SearsPartsDirect, Feb 20, 2015
$32.60 + eReplacement, Feb 20, 2015