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let's see your craftsman block grinders

WWShop

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This is awesome...i just found this thread. I have a 397.19580 with the original eye shields and it works great. I don't have the tray in the front or the lamp shade. The tray is not that big of a deal but i want the lamp shade real bad. Anyone know where to find one? Craigslist and ebay have turned up with nothing.
 
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drivesitfar

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WW: good to know you have a block and post up few pictures if you can. some of the guys have taken old lamps and made them work for the lamps for their blocks. not sure you can buy an original still, but maybe one of the other block head members knows. welcome to the forum and the block thread.

DOC: not sure we are going to be able to meet on this trip you came out to see Seattle, but i'm back from my mini vacation if you have any time for lunch or to say hi if you and your kids don't have all your time filled. also I've noticed it being a bit windier lately so are a few blocks finding there way into your empty suitcases? have a safe trip.

EX and McB: i agree that the next step up is a belt grinder, but you have to admit these little blocks do a great job.
 

vintage nut

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I couldn't live without my belt grinder! Well both of them actually..... Now that I have a 3/4hp baldor buffer, the only thing I use a bench grinder for is sharpening lathe cutters and drill bits....

I think for those multi tool things I'd want a pretty good sized grinder driving it... My home made 2x72 has a 1.5hp farm duty motor, and that thing is a beast. That said my 1x42 Kalamazoo has a 1/3hp baldor motor, and I can stall it out very easily..... The more you get used to a high powered grinder, the worse it is running a wimpy one....
None of it is block stuff, but I guess I can get pictures if anyone is interested.

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McBrownie

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I couldn't live without my belt grinder! Well both of them actually..... Now that I have a 3/4hp baldor buffer, the only thing I use a bench grinder for is sharpening lathe cutters and drill bits....

I think for those multi tool things I'd want a pretty good sized grinder driving it... My home made 2x72 has a 1.5hp farm duty motor, and that thing is a beast. That said my 1x42 Kalamazoo has a 1/3hp baldor motor, and I can stall it out very easily..... The more you get used to a high powered grinder, the worse it is running a wimpy one....
None of it is block stuff, but I guess I can get pictures if anyone is interested.

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I agree. The Multitool documentation says to use a "good quality" 1/2hp or higher for the 2x36 and 3/4hp or higher for the 2x42. I tried my 2x36 on both my 1/2hp and 3/4hp. They both ran well, but the 3/4hp had an easier time starting up.
 

vintage nut

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To really make use of the belt grinder, I'd probably want something like an 8" baldor or a 3/4 or 1hp block. I'd also highly recommend ceramic belts for heavy hogging use. They are all I use now for rough grinding knives.
Mind you, I am a knifemaker used to a lot heavier machine. If you haven't ran something like a bader (which my machine is a clone of) or burr king, even a small low powered belt grinder seems like a miracle compared to stones. Heck, my little 1/3hp Kalamazoo 1x42 is still 10x better than the 1/3hp baldor bench grinder....

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vintage nut

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I'd probably go for the 2x42. Even if you could get a wider one, it would probably be rather underpowered. My big grinder is also 2" wide, and it has a 17 amp 1.5hp induction motor. One horse is good for a 2", but I don't think I'd want much bigger.... Sure be a nice rig though!
If it was my machine I'd probably have a 2x42 multi tool on one side, and either a wire wheel or deburring wheel on the other side. That would be a nice unit!

Also for fine finishing, I highly recommend 3m trizact or norton norax belts!

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vintage nut

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I'm also ordering some scotchbright (well same idea different company) belts for doing satin finishes. I'll do a little post on how they work. I'll be using them for knifemaking, but I have a feeling that the finer ones would be really good for tool restoration work.

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bagged89s10

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I'd probably go for the 2x42. Even if you could get a wider one, it would probably be rather underpowered. My big grinder is also 2" wide, and it has a 17 amp 1.5hp induction motor. One horse is good for a 2", but I don't think I'd want much bigger.... Sure be a nice rig though!
If it was my machine I'd probably have a 2x42 multi tool on one side, and either a wire wheel or deburring wheel on the other side. That would be a nice unit!

Also for fine finishing, I highly recommend 3m trizact or norton norax belts!

Sent from my C1904 using Tapatalk


Thanks for the info. I can't wait to get back from vacation so I can button up some projects to sell so I can fund my belt sander.

This one is not a block but came on a block grinder stand. Will be done this week once I replace the cord and assemble it.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1441552610.369641.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1441552623.693038.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1441552643.385578.jpg
 

exmaxima1

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This one is not a block but came on a block grinder stand. Will be done this week once I replace the cord and assemble it.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1441552643.385578.jpg

Bagged, I restored a similar Thor grinder and it was very time consuming to get it back together and running. Though the sleeve bearings are self aligning, I needed to shim them with aluminum foil to keep them from binding. That shaded pole motor has very little start up torque, and it doesn't take much drag to keep it from spooling up. I suspect you won't be keeping it long, but good luck!
 
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torqueman2002

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Jun 3, 2009
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Bummer- Checked your links and the Name plate , eye guards and quench tray are no longer available for my little guy.

Quench tray, large $22.16 +
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/Cra...780/0009/397/Model-39719440/0247/0721000.html

Eye Shield Kit, Bench Grinder, Replacement | $16.59 +
http://www.grainger.com/product/DAYTON-Eye-Shield-KIt-5PZP2

L-bracket | $0.63 +
http://www.mcmaster.com/#1556a26/=ytvqkm

Eye Shield Kit, Bench Grinder, Replacement
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3323239&postcount=465
 

torqueman2002

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....
DOC: not sure we are going to be able to meet on this trip you came out to see Seattle, but i'm back from my mini vacation if you have any time for lunch or to say hi if you and your kids don't have all your time filled. also I've noticed it being a bit windier lately so are a few blocks finding there way into your empty suitcases? have a safe trip.
....
I'm keeping up with them yungin', but just barely.

Yesterday, trip to Tolt-MacDonald Park in Carnation on RT-203, when we couldn't find parking at Snoqualmie Falls on RT-202.

The day before, Downtown Seattle, the Market, the Star War/Comic/Horror/Jimmy Hendrix museum/display at the Space Needle, the original Starbucks, ....

Oh, forgot to mention a U Dub walk-around, and a look at my son's office and lab. That was Thurs --- I think.

Today, the cute little light house at Mukilteo. A drive to Edmonds, ferry to Kingston, dinner at Anthony's HomePort when we returned.

Tomorrow, home made savory crepes for breakfast and more touring before they load me on the plane back to MI the next day.

Oh, did I mention constant fetch with an Australian Shepard dog that never, I mean NEVER stops until she's put in her cage. I have never seen a dog like this. It will wear out 3 adults, and still want more!

I was hoping to meet up with you, but the time is short. I'll be back, they tell me there's this mountain they think I should climb.
Mt%20Rainier.jpeg

:scared:
 
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BSAschields

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notlob

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Yesterday I received the new lamp covers I ordered from Sears parts express for my block grinders. Thought some might find the packing list interesting:
 

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erty67

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Yesterday I received the new lamp covers I ordered from Sears parts express for my block grinders. Thought some might find the packing list interesting:
Made in China....send it back! [emoji12]

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bagged89s10

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Yesterday I received the new lamp covers I ordered from Sears parts express for my block grinders. Thought some might find the packing list interesting:


Not a big fan of the plastic covers but interesting that it's from husqvarna. Too bad it's made in China's
 

dngrmse

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Mar 14, 2014
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Northern NJ
So true McBrownie! I just scored my 12th grinder tonite. That's right 12th! I'm keeping 4, selling 8. At least that's what I'm telling myself right now. Too dark to post pics, but it's a Delta Rockwell 1/2 horse 1940s-50s vintage on original pedestal.
 

bagged89s10

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So true McBrownie! I just scored my 12th grinder tonite. That's right 12th! I'm keeping 4, selling 8. At least that's what I'm telling myself right now. Too dark to post pics, but it's a Delta Rockwell 1/2 horse 1940s-50s vintage on original pedestal.


Wow 12! I thought I was bad with 7.
:thumbup:
 

drivesitfar

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Tim: bring an empty suitcase and take a couple day vacation to Seattle and i've got an extra 1/3 HP Block to sell you for the trip home. won't that be fun getting on the plane or through customs. i've put 150 pound vises in suitcases to Canada so work out the details or wish you luck finding one in your area because i don't think any escaped to Canada that weren't happy in new owner's hands.

Danger and Bagged: i probably have you both beat if we are just counting bench grinders, but i bet we are all still a few behind DOC BLOCK even though he's been giving away some to relatives and selling a few to members. Mrs. T is very understanding and i think he has them under a tarp in the furnace room or maybe he rented a storage unit like i recommended.

cheers all and happy hunting
 

jrobb316

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WI
Thats the solution to my storage issue, I got a storage unit. I don't have a block storage issue but a vise, tool box, and vidmar cabinet issue. I'll be moving lots of stuff including my KRL box on my 2 day unemployment, I mean vacation i'm on.
 

MPOWERD

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I just received my 1/2 HP Craftsman Block Grinder (397.19591) in UPS today... Bought it over on OWWM.org...

It works... Makes a heck of a noise at startup but runs very smooth after it picks up speed... Takes between 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 minutes to spin down after power is turned off to the motor...

I need to do the ping test and to true the wheels... I'm one step closer to rebuilding my Dad's shop we had on the farm...

image1.JPG
 
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McBrownie

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I just received my 1/2 HP Craftsman Block Grinder (397.19591) in UPS today... Bought it over on OWWM.org...

It works... Makes a heck of a noise at startup but runs very smooth after it picks up speed... Takes between 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 minutes to spin down after power is turned off to the motor...

I need to do the ping test and to true the wheels...

Noise at startup? My first thought is bearings. What kind of noise?
 

drivesitfar

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MP: i'm sure you'll sort out the issues and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. also not all stone wheels that are in good working order will pass the ring test so wait until Doc chimes in about the wheels that won't. probably good to replace wheels no matter what and you'll probably want a wire wheel on one side unless you already have another grinder with one.

that 1/2 HP commercial has plenty of power for most any job and with a little spiffing up and care should last you another 50 years.

good luck
 

timbitca

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Moncton, NB, Canada
Tim: bring an empty suitcase and take a couple day vacation to Seattle and i've got an extra 1/3 HP Block to sell you for the trip home. won't that be fun getting on the plane or through customs. i've put 150 pound vises in suitcases to Canada so work out the details or wish you luck finding one in your area because i don't think any escaped to Canada that weren't happy in new owner's hands.

Hehe. I'm going down to Orlando from Dec 29th to Jan 7th with the varsity volleyball team my Girlfriend is assistant coach for. I'm fairly certain I'm going to be bringing back some kind of tools with me. We're going down on the bus and flying back, but the bus is coming back up to Canada without us... might throw a few goodies on there for good measure if the driver ends up not using up all his shopping allowance. ;) That or I might buy a few golf goodies... but I may just end up bringing my clubs down with me and forgetting some stuff at the hotel.
 

drivesitfar

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Tim: that has me thinking because the new Shipsticks might be a way to ship tools in golf bags. i have seen a lot of their ads and a cute one where a great looking gal tries to ship her husband in a golf bag. check it out and get back to us. another option if you make it to Seattle i'll give you some great swing tips if you need any or check out the Golf 101 thread i started in Free Parking for some already mentioned.

cheers
 

timbitca

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Tim: that has me thinking because the new Shipsticks might be a way to ship tools in golf bags. i have seen a lot of their ads and a cute one where a great looking gal tries to ship her husband in a golf bag. check it out and get back to us. another option if you make it to Seattle i'll give you some great swing tips if you need any or check out the Golf 101 thread i started in Free Parking for some already mentioned.

cheers
Thanks for the offer... But my swing is doing pretty good nowadays. Unless you can give me Tigers putting ability from around 2002-ish... Only 'advice' I need right now is a swift kick in the **** to go play more.

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MPOWERD

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MP: i'm sure you'll sort out the issues and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. also not all stone wheels that are in good working order will pass the ring test so wait until Doc chimes in about the wheels that won't. probably good to replace wheels no matter what and you'll probably want a wire wheel on one side unless you already have another grinder with one.

that 1/2 HP commercial has plenty of power for most any job and with a little spiffing up and care should last you another 50 years.

good luck

I will likely replace the bearings and see how things go anyway... The spooldown time seemed excessive to me as well.

Which bearings do I order and from where?

Also I have a 1/3 horsepower block grinder on the way as well and it has a wire wheel already attached...
 

bluebolt

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Benton LA
Spotted a round top block with nice metal/glass eye shields and large water tray at an estate sale in the pictures for tomorrow. Wish me luck!
 

exmaxima1

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I will likely replace the bearings and see how things go anyway... The spooldown time seemed excessive to me as well.

Which bearings do I order and from where?

Standard 6203zz (double shields) is what is in their now. You can also use double sealed if you like. I buy mine from the auction site. I don't buy vintage NOS bearings as the grease in them is already getting old at that point. I look for bearings with an ABEC rating of at least 3 or more if I can.
 
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