let's see your craftsman block grinders

drivesitfar · Jul 16, 2015

Outlaw: thanks for noticing my switch and outlets that need covers and i probably still have baby plugs in a box someplace. i know I own maybe 50 covers and every one inside the house was covered and with a baby plug in them for years while raising our 5 kids.

since we never put pop in the garage fridge the kids would rarely spend any time in our garage except to get in and out of my wife's car. there used to be a cabinet in front of these switches until i put the hanging organizer up a couple months ago and the bottom organizer below. i wanted to put my baldor buffer down below on a stand with wheels, but it would be in my wife's access to and from her car so that wasn't going to fly.

Jake and Bagged: i don't like the look of that 3/4 Block either and i'm waiting for a 3/4 or 1 HP if they made one to match my 1/2 HP commercial block as it appears.

harleybuilder · Jul 16, 2015

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/5126431389.html

Ad list as a 1/2-HP but it has the tool rest quench/tray base like the 3/4hp

jakemac · Jul 16, 2015

bagged89s10 said:
Yeah that one has been listed for like a month now. I tried to convince the guy to meet me closer but he never responded. The. I lost interest in the 80s style block.

It's not that far from me, I could have picked it up and put it on the Garage Journal Pony Express to get it to you. I've been watching it since he first put it up on CL but I didn't post here it until today because I kept pondering whether I was going to go for it or not. In the end, like you, that styling just doesn't do it for me.

jakemac · Jul 16, 2015

harleybuilder said:
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/5126431389.html

Ad list as a 1/2-HP but it has the tool rest quench/tray base like the 3/4hp

That heavy quench tray and rests were a separate option that could be put on any size grinder. Same as the stand.

harleybuilder · Jul 16, 2015

jakemac said:
That heavy quench tray and rests were a separate option that could be put on any size grinder. Same as the stand.

Gotcha. Guess I have only seen them on the 3/4hp.

bagged89s10 · Jul 16, 2015

jakemac said:
It's not that far from me, I could have picked it up and put it on the Garage Journal Pony Express to get it to you. I've been watching it since he first put it up on CL but I didn't post here it until today because I kept pondering whether I was going to go for it or not. In the end, like you, that styling just doesn't do it for me.

Thanks. Now I decided to only look for older blocks with metal eye shields.

bagged89s10 · Jul 16, 2015

jakemac said:
That heavy quench tray and rests were a separate option that could be put on any size grinder. Same as the stand.

I also saw another 1/2 hp somewhere with the heavy tray and rests. Maybe it was the same one on eBay.

jakemac · Jul 16, 2015

Another tidbit on the heavy quench trays -

I think they came in two flavors. The earlier ones were heavier and a little thicker cast. The later ones were a little lighter and thinner walled. IIRC.

BlueBomber · Jul 16, 2015

bagged89s10 said:
Someone in boston go grab this. It's a 1/3 hp round top with light and metal shields.

Craftsmen bench grinder $40
http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/tls/5119049888.html

Dang. Tewksbury is only 2 towns over from me.....but I'm not in town right now.

Bobioz1 · Jul 16, 2015

I have an 80's 1 hp right next to a 70's 3/4 hp. Even if the h.p. was equal the black one looks like it could kick the gray ones ***. They are the same grinder but the black one is just wider.

twertsy · Jul 17, 2015

Um, I'm thinkin' that light ain't original equipment? :spit:

CL Link

exmaxima1 · Jul 17, 2015

twertsy said:
Um, I'm thinkin' that light ain't original equipment?

CL Link

Maybe not , but the grinder must be mint---"used a couple of times"

torqueman2002 · Jul 17, 2015

Bobioz1 said:
I have an 80's 1 hp right next to a 70's 3/4 hp. Even if the h.p. was equal the black one looks like it could kick the gray ones ***. They are the same grinder but the black one is just wider.

Pics, please.

torqueman2002 · Jul 17, 2015

twertsy said:
Um, I'm thinkin' that light ain't original equipment?

CL Link

I could see $30 - $40, in SE Michigan; but $70. :headscrat

The bulb sure won't fit under the OEM lamp shade, but the goose neck lamp is OEM/option for m-397.19581, below.

For $90, I picked up this Block and a CM stand.

torqueman2002 · Jul 17, 2015

BlueBomber said:
Dang. Tewksbury is only 2 towns over from me.....but I'm not in town right now.

Call the seller.

Some times they will work with you.

I travel from SE, Michigan to Central NY several times a year. I've had 5 or 6 sellers hold the Block for me, after sending payment (PayPal or check).

Actually, right now a seller is holding on to a Block for me and doesn't want $$ until I pick it up.

harleybuilder · Jul 17, 2015

I am going to kick myself for posting this, but circumstances just don't allow me to buy it right now with the cost of the grinder and the shipping so I'd like to see someone in the thread get it.
http://appleton.craigslist.org/tls/5120517140.html

nine4gmc · Jul 17, 2015

3/4 round top with base :drool:

36truck · Jul 17, 2015

If I can get it picked up I like to get it. A 3/4 HP would be nice.

torqueman2002 · Jul 17, 2015

Well, I wouldn't call this a pre-Block. What about a prehistoric Block?

Anyway, here it is. I emailed the seller 3 weeks ago and forgot about it when I didn't get a reply.

1/3-HP CM m-115.7397

It is cast iron and must weight 50+ #s. Everything is there, red-plastic quench tray, lighted & chromed eye shields, ....

Thanks for looking.

G20-Budo · Jul 17, 2015

Torqueman,

What's the year on this one?

bagged89s10 · Jul 18, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Well, I wouldn't call this a pre-Block. What about a prehistoric Block?

Anyway, here it is. I emailed the seller 3 weeks ago and forgot about it when I didn't get a reply.

1/3-HP CM m-115.7397

It is cast iron and must weight 50+ #s. Everything is there, red-plastic quench tray, lighted & chromed eye shields, ....

Thanks for looking.

Looks like the one okcguy posted a couple days ago.

BlueBomber · Jul 18, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Call the seller.

Some times they will work with you.

I travel from SE, Michigan to Central NY several times a year. I've had 5 or 6 sellers hold the Block for me, after sending payment (PayPal or check).

Actually, right now a seller is holding on to a Block for me and doesn't want $$ until I pick it up.

Good advice, T-man, but Block mania hasn't grabbed me hard enough yet to go to those lengths. That day may come...

. I do like it enough to check on it when I return to see if I can get it for a YS price.

torqueman2002 · Jul 18, 2015

See my comments/replies in Blue.

G20-Budo said:
Torqueman,

What's the year on this one?
I'm not sure.
More investigation and report soon.
It's not a Block; but it sure is in the Block family -- Great Grandpa maybe?

bagged89s10 said:
Looks like the one okcguy posted a couple days ago.
It sure looks like it, his center band looks to be in better shape. I hope mine cleans up. It's good to know what it should look like.

BlueBomber said:
Good advice, T-man, but Block mania hasn't grabbed me hard enough yet to go to those lengths. That day may come....
Give it time. When it does, remember .... you have been warned.
I do like it enough to check on it when I return to see if I can get it for a YS price.
That's what keeps me searching.
Good Luck.

bagged89s10 · Jul 18, 2015

It's probably a 40s or 50s.
Same motor style on my table saws.

Here is a 50s one on vintage machinery.

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?ID=6129

jakemac · Jul 18, 2015

There is a date code stamped at the bottom of the label under Sears and Roebuck. The last two numbers should be the year.

drivesitfar · Jul 18, 2015

Doc: nice old Pre block. it looks like a 1954 stamped in the bottom section of the label?

36truck · Jul 18, 2015

The 3/4 hp is sold and I didn't get it.

harleybuilder · Jul 18, 2015

36truck said:
The 3/4 hp is sold and I didn't get it.

That's my luck a lot of times. ..

torqueman2002 · Jul 18, 2015

See my comments in Blue.

bagged89s10 said:
It's probably a 40s or 50s.
Thanks. Looks like 51 from the label, below.
Same motor style on my table saws.

Here is a 50s one on vintage machinery.

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?ID=6129
Nice!

jakemac said:
There is a date code stamped at the bottom of the label under Sears and Roebuck. The last two numbers should be the year.
Found it, 51. Thanks.

drivesitfar said:
Doc: nice old Pre block. it looks like a 1954 stamped in the bottom section of the label?
Thanks, Drives. It may be hard to see from the pictures, but it is E3 51.

This tipped the scale at over 71 #s, as pictured below.

okcguy · Jul 18, 2015

Torqueman, that is like the one I posted a few days ago. This particular grinder was listed in the 1948 catalog. It was touted as "new" so that may mean that was the first year it was offered. I have not been able to look at a 1947 catalog to see if it is listed there. However, the 1953 catalog is the last year it was offered. I looked on the back of mine to try to determine what the date of manufacture was. It read L1 47. I assume that means the 51st week of 1947. Just in time to roll out for 1948. In the 1948 catalog it lists the shipping weight at 98 pounds. Some of that would have been shipping material, but the bulk of that would have been the grinder itself. So, when you noted that it was heavy, you were spot on. It is heavy enough that when I bought it at an estate sale, I had my wife bring the car down closer! That was not one I was going to heft up and skip down the street to the car.

Two things about this grinder surprised me. One that it was only a third hp. For the size and bulk, I would have thought around 3/4 or more. The other thing is that after all these 67 years, that red, plastic quench tray is still there and not broken. I noticed that yours was there too. It really is a unique looking grinder.

torqueman2002 · Jul 19, 2015

Good morning guy, see my comments in Blue.

okcguy said:
Torqueman, that is like the one I posted a few days ago. This particular grinder was listed in the 1948 catalog. It was touted as "new" so that may mean that was the first year it was offered. I have not been able to look at a 1947 catalog to see if it is listed there.
I have a 'library' of CM tool catalogs, starting with 1940-41-42, skipping to 1948. I think that the 'gap' is due to WWII.
See below for a link to CM catalogs.
However, the 1953 catalog is the last year it was offered. I looked on the back of mine to try to determine what the date of manufacture was. It read L1 47. I assume that means the 51st week of 1947. Just in time to roll out for 1948. In the 1948 catalog it lists the shipping weight at 98 pounds. Some of that would have been shipping material, but the bulk of that would have been the grinder itself. So, when you noted that it was heavy, you were spot on. It is heavy enough that when I bought it at an estate sale, I had my wife bring the car down closer! That was not one I was going to heft up and skip down the street to the car.

Two things about this grinder surprised me. One that it was only a third hp. For the size and bulk, I would have thought around 3/4 or more. The other thing is that after all these 67 years, that red, plastic quench tray is still there and not broken.
I have seen others like these grinders, but missing the quench tray and eye shields. I think we're lucky.
I noticed that yours was there too. It really is a unique looking grinder.
Yes, I like the style too.
The 1948 catalog says the color is: "Finished in attractive Craftsman gray with contrasting chromium trim. Convenient removable built-in water pan of bright red plastic."

Rose Tools Scanned Catalog Archives, now located at the link below.
http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/rose-tools-catalog-archives/index.html
Because there are 32 Sears catalogs in the archives, they are listed on a separate page.
http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/rose-tools-catalog-archives/sears/index.html

Update
Here's a link to a pdf file for parts, etc .... for this 1/3-HP Grinder, submitted about 5 weeks ago.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=8421

torqueman2002 · Jul 19, 2015

Is anyone in the Indianapolis area looking for a Block AND CM stand?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/5129669046.html

:thumbup:

harleybuilder · Jul 19, 2015

torqueman2002 said:
Is anyone in the Indianapolis area looking for a Block AND CM stand?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/5129669046.html

[emoji106]

I think I emailed the seller last night, I'll have to look at my emails (hell getting old and can't remember sh=t )

Edit - I did email seller, no response yet.

WhoWhatNow · Jul 19, 2015

harleybuilder said:
I think I emailed the seller last night, I'll have to look at my emails (hell getting old and can't remember sh=t )

Edit - I did email seller, no response yet.

It may be worth asking about the tool next to the grinder as well. Looks like another craftsman stand with a motor on top. Could be a belt sander.

harleybuilder · Jul 19, 2015

WhoWhatNow said:
It may be worth asking about the tool next to the grinder as well. Looks like another craftsman stand with a motor on top. Could be a belt sander.

I did [emoji106] [emoji106]

WhoWhatNow · Jul 19, 2015

harleybuilder said:
I did [emoji106] [emoji106]

[emoji106]

drivesitfar · Jul 19, 2015

Harley, WWN, Doc, Jake, McB, Ex and others: i bet you can spot a Craftsman original stand from 100 yards. that stand in the right of the picture looks pretty tall too so wonder what tool is on it. this catalog picture might have been posted here before, but while i'm posting a picture doesn't hurt does it to refresh our memories?

harleybuilder · Jul 19, 2015

drivesitfar said:
Harley, WWN, Doc, Jake, McB, Ex and others: i bet you can spot a Craftsman original stand from 100 yards. that stand in the right of the picture looks pretty tall too so wonder what tool is on it. this catalog picture might have been posted here before, but while i'm posting a picture doesn't hurt does it to refresh our memories?

My eyes aren't what they used to be so I can only spot one at about 90 yards anymore. .lol. ... I'm hoping to get a response and pic of the "mystery tool" and go from there.

WhoWhatNow · Jul 19, 2015

drivesitfar said:
Harley, WWN, Doc, Jake, McB, Ex and others: i bet you can spot a Craftsman original stand from 100 yards. that stand in the right of the picture looks pretty tall too so wonder what tool is on it. this catalog picture might have been posted here before, but while i'm posting a picture doesn't hurt does it to refresh our memories?

I'm betting on a repurpose of the stand. The grinder stands are about waist height so that one is pretty tall. I think the stands for larger tool were shorter. I think the stand is just 4" pipe so it shouldn't be too hard to replace with a taller one.

exmaxima1 · Jul 19, 2015

WhoWhatNow said:
I'm betting on a repurpose of the stand. The grinder stands are about waist height so that one is pretty tall. I think the stands for larger tool were shorter. I think the stand is just 4" pipe so it shouldn't be too hard to replace with a taller one.

I would agree with you, but I also think the pipe is 3-inch or less. I already checked the CL ads to see if that seller had more ads, cuz that "thing" on the tall stand looks like a Wilton Square Grinder at first glance, but I don't see any.

let's see your craftsman block grinders

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