let's see your craftsman block grinders

[drivesitfar]

Doc: so i know you are running a new thread, but we don't want you to abandon us on the Block thread so post up those new blocks over here even if they are parts grinders if you have time. or did you already??

ALL: i just met MT (MtWaterGuy) because he stopped by my place to pick up an original Craftsman block grinder stand that he paid me for months ago that i was holding for him. Great guy and easy to deal with and i bet we'd still be talking if he hadn't had to pick up a friend that was waiting for him to get a ride. thanks again MT for a smooth transaction and hope to see you again in a few months. let's see if we can get a few of our grinders hooked up in our shops with some different wheels and maybe we can shine up a vise or a tool like that Craftsman vise i posted a few days ago.

we did have a question and curious if it might make any difference. since i don't use these cool stands yet is there a difference which way they are turned at the base? also do the rubber hockey puck type feet make a big difference in stability or just quieter?

thanks

 

[torqueman2002]

As requested, here are the 1/4-HP and another 1/2-HP Block for spares/ parts.

PM me with your needs.

For more of this little brother Block, follow the link to the PB SlideShow. Aren't the skinny stones cute?
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/CM 25 HP 397_19300 115V Ann Arbor

What we have here, is a 1/2-HP; see.

Model 397.19430, really!

No, really really, see it's right here.

Thanks PO for having the forethought to write it down.

Did you ever wonder what the large round knock-out on the back of the center band was for? Not the small one for the lamp, but the one to it's left.

The PO hard wired the Block with BX to an outlet above the bench.

More pics at this PB SlideShow link.
http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/CM 50 HP 397_19430 Howell

Thanks for looking.

 

[torqueman2002]

.... stands... is there a difference which way they are turned at the base? ....

These old ads show the orientation of the 'cut outs' for grinder stands to be front and back.

But, there's this Assembly/Instillation Instruction sheet.

I'm betting it doesn't matter.

 

[vintage nut]

Drives had mentioned that you guys were looking for the best way to clean a file. I'd recommend avoiding the steel brush file cards, unless they are not your files. They definitely shorten the life of them. The other side of the file cards (some sort of bristle) works well and is good for your files. The trick is to clean them before they get packed full. One method is to drag it backwards along the palm of your hand every 4-6 strokes, as this knocks all the swarf out before it gets packed in. Your jeans or apron will also work. If ot really gets packed in, a piece of thin sheet brass or copper (heck, even a rifle cartridge) will conform to the teeth, and scrape everything out without hurting them.

A few more little tricks, first if you rub down the file with chalk, it prevents material from sticking (helpful for aluminum) and if you do get aluminum really packed in them, a soak in lye or drano will eat all the aluminum out without harming the teeth. And if a file is starting to dull, soaking it in citric acid (preferably a strong solution mixed in hot water) will actually bring some life back into them. My understanding is that it eats the teeth away evenly, and eats off the dull parts leaving it sharp again. This won't work on a completely worn out file though, just one starting to dull.

you can never have too many tools

 

[torqueman2002]

VN - thanks!

 

[bagged89s10]

These old ads show the orientation of the 'cut outs' for grinder stands to be front and back.

But, there's this Assembly/Instillation Instruction sheet.

I'm betting it doesn't matter.

Has anyone put wheels on one side of the stand to make it more mobile? It's really not that heavy but it would be nice to just lean it forward and wheel it outside.

 

[Outlawmws]

These old ads show the orientation of the 'cut outs' for grinder stands to be front and back.

But, there's this Assembly/Instillation Instruction sheet.

I'm betting it doesn't matter.

From a practical standpoint, the long part of the base needs to go in the direction of any thrust. So for the small grinder stand, which direction is longer? Also, if you have he leeway, mount the grinder more "Forward" (closer to you.). That gives you more "leg" in the back...

Some of those are an accident waiting to happen, especially the band saw...

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: pretty sure the Craftsman grinder stands bases are square. interesting that the pictures in the catalog pages show them with the base in both directions. also the tops are pre drilled for the block and it looks like they are centered.

Bagged: i always like the idea of wheels, but these cast iron stands might not take a screw or a weld very good. also i don't think the stand and the grinder weigh much more than 40-50 pounds so even carrying them to their new position isn't really an issue. you can try it and let us know how it works if you want to have a go at it. the grinder and vise stand thread has several stands with wheels on them if you want to get some ideas.

All: i wish McB owned one so he could do his testing that like he did for his new Blockmeister stand he built to find the COG.

anybody use the blocks on their stands and have any issues with stability?

 

[jakemac]

The only problem I have with stand stability is my uneven floor. My wire wheel wobbles a bit, so I keep a foot on the base to keep it from moving. Otherwise, its fairly stable.

My block grinder is on a good spot on the floor and stays put.

My polisher is on a 4-legged HF stand, and if I didn't have it weighed down with sandbags, it would walk all over the shop due to unbalanced buffing pads.

 

[bagged89s10]

Outlaw: pretty sure the Craftsman grinder stands bases are square. interesting that the pictures in the catalog pages show them with the base in both directions. also the tops are pre drilled for the block and it looks like they are centered.



Bagged: i always like the idea of wheels, but these cast iron stands might not take a screw or a weld very good. also i don't think the stand and the grinder weigh much more than 40-50 pounds so even carrying them to their new position isn't really an issue. you can try it and let us know how it works if you want to have a go at it. the grinder and vise stand thread has several stands with wheels on them if you want to get some ideas.



All: i wish McB owned one so he could do his testing that like he did for his new Blockmeister stand he built to find the COG.



anybody use the blocks on their stands and have any issues with stability?

Yeah they are not really heavy but I was curious to see if anyone used 2 of the existing holes to fab up wheel mounts. I wouldn't drill into my stand.

 

[Toolfool]

Pretty clean 1/2 HP for $20 in Washington : http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/tls/5060435377.html .

 

[bagged89s10]

Pretty clean 1/2 HP for $20 in Washington : http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/tls/5060435377.html .

That one is a steal. I hope someone on here grabs it.

 

[torqueman2002]

That is a great 1/2-HP Block. Now, if my son was back from his trip AND he'd agree to go get it, ....

Man, I just can't help myself!

Anyway, I'd probably wind up selling it for parts and that would be a crime.

Speaking of Blocks for parts, (see how I snuck that in?) ..... Take a look at the new thread in my signature line, or follow this link.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293364

Feedback is welcome.

Thanks for looking.

 

[bagged89s10]

It's a good thing I have a family because if I didn't, I would be taking long road trips every weekend to buy tools.

 

[mtwaterguy]

ALL: i just met MT (MtWaterGuy) because he stopped by my place to pick up an original Craftsman block grinder stand that he paid me for months ago that i was holding for him. Great guy and easy to deal with and i bet we'd still be talking if he hadn't had to pick up a friend that was waiting for him to get a ride. thanks again MT for a smooth transaction and hope to see you again in a few months. let's see if we can get a few of our grinders hooked up in our shops with some different wheels and maybe we can shine up a vise or a tool like that Craftsman vise i posted a few days ago.

we did have a question and curious if it might make any difference. since i don't use these cool stands yet is there a difference which way they are turned at the base? also do the rubber hockey puck type feet make a big difference in stability or just quieter?

thanks

I had a good time also. Thanks for keeping the stand safe for me. Wish we had been able to spend more time together on this trip. Hopefully next trip wont be as rushed. Thanks again, Mike.

 

[firemanast]

Just finished the face lift on one of the 3/4 H.P.



The other tool rest is in the mail thanks to torqueman2002.

 

[drivesitfar]

Fireman: to say you have some talent restoring blocks and vises doesn't do justice to you. amazing and i can't remember if you posted any pictures of your brown painted block next to your last vise restoration. or did you?

MT: Happy to hear you made it back ok and i'm working on organizing so maybe i'll be able to let you see some serious big steel the next trip.

cheers and it was a good time talking with you in person. also i don't think you've posted any family photos of your blocks so when you have them all out in the open and if they are behaving how about a few pics?

 

[firemanast]

Fireman: to say you have some talent restoring blocks and vises doesn't do justice to you. amazing and i can't remember if you posted any pictures of your brown painted block next to your last vise restoration. or did you?

MT: Happy to hear you made it back ok and i'm working on organizing so maybe i'll be able to let you see some serious big steel the next trip.

cheers and it was a good time talking with you in person. also i don't think you've posted any family photos of your blocks so when you have them all out in the open and if they are behaving how about a few pics?

Drives
No I have not done that need to get it done. Also thanks for the compliment.

 

[drivesitfar]

Fireman: honest compliments are easy to give and you are welcome. also no hurry on the family pictures of your vises and blocks, but all of us should line them up ours for a group shot.

have a great day all

 

[torqueman2002]

Yes indeedie! Nice work there fireman.

What did you do to get that nice finish and what brand and color paint did you use?

 

[firemanast]

Yes indeedie! Nice work there fireman.

What did you do to get that nice finish and what brand and color paint did you use?



That would be Rust-Oleum Dark Machine Gray and Rust-Oleum Semi-Gloss Anodized Bronze. Also thanks for the compliments.

 

[kturn15]

Just got this today for ten bucks!!!!

 

[torqueman2002]

Just got this today for ten bucks!!!!

kturn - welcome to the Block grinder thread.

I know there's a lot to read/digest in this thread.

I've put a link in my signature line to shorter, related Block grinder thread.

Take a look there to see what constitutes a Craftsman Block motor style grinder, post #1 describes what they are and why they are still held in good regard.

There are several examples of Block grinder models, but basically they are 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 and 1-HP.

Additionally, there are 2 'styles'.
Earlier round top
6" 1/3-HP m-397.19580

Later flat top models.
8" 1-HP m-397.19360.
Tool rests donated from 1/2 H.P. Model - 397.19470.

Unfortunately, your CM bench grinder is not a Block grinder.

 

[bagged89s10]

Torqueman: I received the quench tray you sent me. I didn't realize until this morning that It was stuck in my mail slot all day yesterday.

It's excellent thank you.

 

[torqueman2002]

I'm glad you have it.

It's from an owner that actually used it, as evidenced by the SWARF left in the bottom after a Simple Green soak.

I think with a plastic scraper it should clean up though, maybe EvapOrust to help.

 

[bagged89s10]

I'm glad you have it.

It's from an owner that actually used it, as evidenced by the SWARF left in the bottom after a Simple Green soak.

I think with a plastic scraper it should clean up though, maybe EvapOrust to help.

Yeah I quickly scraped it off. No big deal.

 

[txusa03]

torqueman: Wow, that round top is gorgeous!

 

[torqueman2002]

torqueman: Wow, that round top is gorgeous!

It certainly is.

I should have kept track of the owner/restorer.

Maybe someone will claim it and I'll add the proper credit here and in the '... What's the Fuss?' thread below

If anyone is /knows the owner/restore of the other Blocks in that thread, please let me know.

 

[BlueBomber]

I never knew Craftsman block grinders existed until I found this thread. My first thought as I was clicking on it the first time was, "Wow, why all the interest in a tool to grind engine blocks?!?" However, that which has been learned can not be unlearned, and since that fateful day, I've been on the look out for a block grinder to call my own. Today it finally happened.
View media item 51228View media item 51227
I found this at a company disposing of estate sale leftovers. I picked it up for $40, with eye shields, quench tray, and light. Heck, even the bulb still works.

I like.

 

[bagged89s10]

I never knew Craftsman block grinders existed until I found this thread. My first thought as I was clicking on it the first time was, "Wow, why all the interest in a tool to grind engine blocks?!?" However, that which has been learned can not be unlearned, and since that fateful day, I've been on the look out for a block grinder to call my own. Today it finally happened.
View media item 51228View media item 51227
I found this at a company disposing of estate sale leftovers. I picked it up for $40, with eye shields, quench tray, and light. Heck, even the bulb still works.

I like.

Welcome to the block grinder club. Nice find!

 

[jakemac]

Welcome to the madhouse BB. Now you'll be buying ever one you find, just to keep them from being orphaned. I hope you have extra room for them in your garage, they'll be breeding like vises if you turn the lights out.

 

[drivesitfar]

BB: welcome to the block heads group finally. looks like you did awesome. a little spiffing up and you will be in business. i like your little table and for you and others that grind on top of a wood bench be very careful to make sure you don't leave hot pieces of metal on the bench top when you leave the garage or shop.

Kturn: for $10 you did ok and because it's not a block doesn't mean you can't use it like a grinder until you find a block. can i have you read the Grinder Safety 101 thread before you start using it though. it's a power tool and that said we've all taken them a bit too lightly and most of us got lucky maybe our entire lives. not that you don't know how to work a grinder but i bet a lot of us haven't dressed or checked our grinder's stones in years and should.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4914775#post4914775

cheers

 

[bagged89s10]

Has anyone ordered 7" grinding wheels from ereplacementparts.com ? Just wondering how they are as far as quality.

 

[BlueBomber]

BB: welcome to the block heads group finally. looks like you did awesome. a little spiffing up and you will be in business. i like your little table and for you and others that grind on top of a wood bench be very careful to make sure you don't leave hot pieces of metal on the bench top when you leave the garage or shop.

cheers

Ooh, good point. I've got some sheet metal I can put down on the top work surface.

 

[jakemac]

Ooh, good point. I've got some sheet metal I can put down on the top work surface.

Give that sheet a bend to create a backsplash, so the embers don't get stuck in the crack against the wall.

 

[torqueman2002]

Has anyone ordered 7" grinding wheels from ereplacementparts.com ? Just wondering how they are as far as quality.

Not me.

But they are available here.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#abrasive-grinding-wheels/=xk1v99

And here.
http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/...87923589+4288161721&searchterm=grinding+wheel

 

[torqueman2002]

I never knew Craftsman block grinders existed until I found this thread. My first thought as I was clicking on it the first time was, "Wow, why all the interest in a tool to grind engine blocks?!?" However, that which has been learned can not be unlearned, and since that fateful day, I've been on the look out for a block grinder to call my own. Today it finally happened.


I found this at a company disposing of estate sale leftovers. I picked it up for $40, with eye shields, quench tray, and light. Heck, even the bulb still works.

I like.

Nice find!

 

[bagged89s10]

I want this 1/2 commercial grinder but it's missing the side covers. Seller is firm on $75. I'm debating to go get it and use it as my buffer. Then I would sell my complete 1/2hp standard flat top.

 

[McBrownie]

Thought I would post some trivial block grinder information. I picked up a set of Split-phase tool rests from our Doctor in Residence last week. Thanks to TM for a fast delivery. He may steal our Ohio blocks, but I can try to get them back one piece at a time. I believe that these tool rests were off of a 1970's 397 prefix machine. I needed a set for my 1980's 257.191401 1/2hp split-phase. I still had one of the originals from the 257 for comparison. They are a perfect match in every dimension, but the older 397 tool rests are much thicker. .180" versus .118", and wouldn't surprise me if these were made with the same tooling.
View media item 51218
I like the older 397 ones better. The mounting hardware is also a little beefier. Just another piece of evidence of Sears trying to reduce costs.

By the way, a couple of minutes with a wire wheel on the BlockMeister and they shine right up. More proof that you need a Block Grinder to work on a Block Grinder. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.
View media item 51219

 

[bagged89s10]

Thought I would post some trivial block grinder information. I picked up a set of Split-phase tool rests from our Doctor in Residence last week. Thanks to TM for a fast delivery. He may steal our Ohio blocks, but I can try to get them back one piece at a time. I believe that these tool rests were off of a 1970's 397 prefix machine. I needed a set for my 1980's 257.191401 1/2hp split-phase. I still had one of the originals from the 257 for comparison. They are a perfect match in every dimension, but the older 397 tool rests are much thicker. .180" versus .118", and wouldn't surprise me if these were made with the same tooling.

View media item 51218


I like the older 397 ones better. The mounting hardware is also a little beefier. Just another piece of evidence of Sears trying to reduce costs.



By the way, a couple of minutes with a wire wheel on the BlockMeister and they shine right up. More proof that you need a Block Grinder to work on a Block Grinder. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.

View media item 51219

I've noticed the slightly smaller gauge steel used on even some of the newer 397 flat tops.