let's see your craftsman block grinders

[CRSINMICH]

CRS, welcome to the thread and Block ownership. Nice Block.

I see now where the labels came from in your brothers post, above: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5576388&postcount=8121

I met up w/ your brother, great guy! Cool set-up and work you're doing.

I think, in the interest of full disclosure, you both should be warned about these Block grinders.

Please follow this link, and heed the advise.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4832270&postcount=5478

Torque: I know about addictions - I did say I was on the vise thread. Grinders would have their work cut out for them if they are gonna take over from the vises in my garage. The next full moon is on the 23rd.

I suspect that we have probably seen each other at estate sales. I hope I didn't elbow you too hard when the doors opened. I was the old guy with the long gray beard. Remember now?

 

[mbsinmich]

Well, look at that! Its got a light and the whole shebang!!!

Hi guys:This is my first time posting on this thread. I usually hang out on the vise thread. My brother, mbsinmich, had so much fun with the block grinder that I found for him that I went and bought one for myself. Actually, I got two grinders and two stands but none of those others were any great shakes. I also got a Desmond Stephans Simplex No. 43S bench vise but that’s another story for another thread.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Well, look at that! Its got a light and the whole shebang!!!

And the light bulb works too - not counting the mezzanine!

 

[torqueman2002]

Torque: I know about addictions - I did say I was on the vise thread. Grinders would have their work cut out for them if they are gonna take over from the vises in my garage. The next full moon is on the 23rd.

I suspect that we have probably seen each other at estate sales. I hope I didn't elbow you too hard when the doors opened. I was the old guy with the long gray beard. Remember now?

Ha!

You were the guy I knocked-over, I think!

 

[Shiftless]

Welcome CRS
I've been hanging around on this tread for a while in between vise thread visits and contributions. I currently have just one block, a half horse model bought from the original owner, sitting on the original cast iron stand. I used to have 2 blocks but I gave one away to a deserving fellow GJ member.

 

[CRSINMICH]

Welcome CRS
I've been hanging around on this tread for a while in between vise thread visits and contributions. I currently have just one block, a half horse model bought from the original owner, sitting on the original cast iron stand. I used to have 2 blocks but I gave one away to a deserving fellow GJ member.

Fancy running into you here. Have you posted pix of your 1/2 horse and stand yet? I like this thread. It's not quite as fast and furious as the vise thread. I'll have to tell you the full story of my block sometime. It involves small town trust, vises, and really cool old cars. Think fender skirts and white side walls!

 

[DieselDent]

Diesel,

Welcome to the Block thread.

Nice one, is this your 1st Block?

Look here for a downloadable PDF version of the Owner's Manual:
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3

The spark arresters should be above the wheels, the OM will show you where and how to properly adjust them and the tool rests.

There maybe a manufacture date, ink stamped on the bottom cover, but it's a safe bet it's ~40 years old.

Keep in mind the following are consumables:

• wheels/stones
• bearings
• power cord
• power switch
• relay
• capacitor, if present

I also inspect/clean/replace

• electrical terminals
• internal wiring
• eye shields

There's a link to aftermarket eye shields in the thread posted in my signature line, post# 3.

The above updates will give you a grinder that should last for decades of home shop use, for most things around the garage.

I hope this is helpful.

Thanks, 1st block but the 6th grinder in the shop. 2 newer craftsman's, a big Dayton 10" 2hp, a Foley Sharp-all and a grizzly oiled tool grinder.

Haven't used it since I picked it up, waiting on new shields to come in. Ill get some pictures once its all cleaned up and set up proper.

 

[txusa03]

Thanks, 1st block but the 6th grinder in the shop. 2 newer craftsman's, a big Dayton 10" 2hp, a Foley Sharp-all and a grizzly oiled tool grinder.

Haven't used it since I picked it up, waiting on new shields to come in. Ill get some pictures once its all cleaned up and set up proper.

Nice grinder

New shield, from where?

 

[JZiggy]

Picked up a 1/2 horse. Business trip craigslist finds are the best... now how to stuff into my suitcase?

 

[drivesitfar]

Ziggy: with your skills i'm guessing you can take that block down to parts with a spoon in the room or out of the dining room.

would love to see the guy's face at security in the airport when you try to put that in your carry on bag?

my guess is you should ship it to yourself unless you have an empty suitcase and no extra luggage charges.

good luck

 

[Ridjobradi]

I found my block on a business trip to Portland. I had it packed by FedEx, so that I could take it as checked baggage.

 

[vertguy]

Stripped and repainted a stand that I bought from Bagged a while back. Trying a different color on this one after seeing a grinder done on here in Graphite wheel paint. Now I am convinced to use that and a hammered silver when I tear down the 1/2hp for bearings (hopefully tomorrow). Started my "GJ style" spring break today and this was one of several projects for day 1.

 

[Hemi49]

Vertical

Nice stand......I bought some graphite wheel paint too.......Now that "GJ" season is upon us, I've got many projects between vises and blocks......
Hemi

 

[torqueman2002]

Breaking News!

1-HP Block spotted for sale in north Chi-Town. 1 hour ago!

Stand looks like a Baldor, to me.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/tls/5485364626.html

 

[JZiggy]

Better get on it!

 

[WWShop]

This sander grinder was in post #1882 and I have an opportunity to buy one of these tomorrow but I am wondering if the sander can be used for metal parts. Nothing too heavy duty.

 

[JZiggy]

Here's one of those block grinder sander attachments out in the wild:

http://delaware.craigslist.org/tls/5420022631.html

 

[CalsXS2]

Here's one of those block grinder sander attachments out in the wild:

http://delaware.craigslist.org/tls/5420022631.html

I find it odd that mine seems to be the only one that I've seen that came from the factory that way.

Maybe mine is a fake. Or I got the only one they ever made,,,lol. Sure would be nice to see another one.

All right. Which one of you label fakers faked this.

 

[Rileysan]

After several tries, I have finally acquired my first block!

This one came by way of ambiguous Craigslist ad that simply stated "Bench Grinder for Sale - $30". The seller didn't post a photo, nor did he provide a description, but he did follow the CL setup procedures and typed-in "Make/Manufacturer", "Model Name", and "size".

This one is Model # 257.192170

When I googled it, I found several links to GJ (naturally) and set my expectations accordingly.

We met at a neutral location, but he had taken cell phone video of it running.

What I expected to find was a 3/4HP grinder for home use but was surprised to find it labeled "Industrial". I'm curious if these were all "Industrial" or if this is a heavy duty version of this model.

I got it home, fired it up and this badboy is smooth! I grabbed my phone and opened the stopwatch app to time how long it took to stop after turning it off - 1 min, 37 seconds.

I need a few accessories for it, including shields, a light, and the right side wheel cover. If anyone has these things available at a reasonable price, please PM me. If I missed any details, I'd love to learn!

Brian

 

[drivesitfar]

Riley: nice find. that 3/4 HP should clean up nicely. it's not my favorite style because it closely resembles the little plastic cheapy imitation blocks, but sounds like it works great and has plenty of power.

Ziggy: so tell us how you are planning on getting that block home that you bought on a business trip? I like the idea of having Fed Ex box it up and checking it in as baggage or did you l leave you clothes at the hotel and just put it in your suitcase.

I've contemplated putting some vises in my suitcases if we travel to Iceland to make trades with our members across the pond because at the moment I don't know of a reasonable way to ship heavy items to Europe unless you are in the military.

Cal: that might be Jack's label he made for his block. you might have seen his thread the 12 gauge garage??

 

[JZiggy]

I never noticed that the 80's black blocks had the HP rating stickers on the side covers. That's kind of a cool touch.

Fortunately I visit that location often so I stashed it with a buddy and will bring a bigger suitcase with me next time!

Cal: That is definitely an original label. I studied some of them pretty closely when I was trying to find the right font for a reproduction.

 

[drivesitfar]

Ziggy: so the actual labels have that safety stuff on them? i'll have to look at mine right now and check for myself because I thought Jack made some of that up to work in our Safety 101 ideas.

nice to have a PLAN B (a friend in the area to hold it) when buying a block or tools out of town when not fully prepared.

 

[JZiggy]

Correct, Jack's label had his own humorous interpretation of the standard safety warning

 

[scooternut]

This sander grinder was in post #1882 and I have an opportunity to buy one of these tomorrow but I am wondering if the sander can be used for metal parts. Nothing too heavy duty.

Love love mine, I have made many knives on mine. It turns a bit fast and hot for sharpening so you have to work cool to keep your hardness on tools and hardened blades, but I highly recommend it as an all around. I find myself using it over my "bench" grinders.

 

[Ridjobradi]

I was able to find the red replacement switch on eBay for cheaper, especially after shipping. I was also reviewing the dimensions and it is the same size as the Carling style switches and many other styles. After I ordered the recommended replacement switch, I also ordered the Carling style switch in red.

Item # 261769965701 on eBay.

Sent from my SM-T330NU using Tapatalk

 

[torqueman2002]

I was able to find the red replacement switch on eBay for cheaper, especially after shipping. I was also reviewing the dimensions and it is the same size as the Carling style switches and many other styles. After I ordered the recommended replacement switch, I also ordered the Carling style switch in red.

Item # 261769965701 on eBay.

Sent from my SM-T330NU using Tapatalk

Nice looking switch.

Good find.

I'm a bit confused. It's listed as a SPST, then the description is: "This double pole, 20A, 12VD".

I'd also want more information about using a 20A, 12VD switch on a 15A, 120VAC application.

Maybe another member with more knowledge can answer, but I suspect it's not designed to handle the current/wattage of a 1/2-HP Block grinder.

Thanks for finding this, it's good to have as many options as possible.

 

[Outlawmws]

That's roughly a 2A switch @ 120 V so not much beef.

Looking up the referenced PN it is a SPST...

 

[Ridjobradi]

The switch that matches Grainger part is rated for 20 amps at 125V AC and the Carling V series is rated for 15 amps at 150V. I included a poorly written eBay vendor. Here is the Carling data.

 

[Outlawmws]

Are those the same P/N's that are on the Eprey listing? (its in the title along with MFG.)

Those ratings don't make a lot of sense. Does A X V = W not apply to switches? I get that High voltage arcing is part of the equation, but 12V DC and 120 AC aren't HV.

 

[Reversepolarity]

Where do you guys order your 7" wheels from?
No one stocks them locally here.

 

[Goldhawg]

I want it...too bad its local pickup only.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cra...343463?hash=item2813c49a27:g:ZEYAAOSwu1VW4vEa

 

[bulletpruf]

I want it...too bad its local pickup only.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cra...343463?hash=item2813c49a27:g:ZEYAAOSwu1VW4vEa

Chicago area 1 hp with stand, current bid is $250. Anyone have a guess how high it will go?

Ad is fairly descriptive; wonder if the seller is a GJ member?

Scott

 

[exmaxima1]

Chicago area 1 hp with stand, current bid is $250. Anyone have a guess how high it will go?

Ad is fairly descriptive; wonder if the seller is a GJ member?

Scott

That same rig was $200 a few days ago on CL, and the seller had noted in his ad that "He had received several offers for just the stand, but will not separate". It's part of an estate sale. Whatever the final bid, the stand is a big influence.

 

[torqueman2002]

Where do you guys order your 7" wheels from?
No one stocks them locally here.

MSC, McMaster-Carr
http://tinyurl.com/MSC-Wire-Wheels
http://tinyurl.com/McMaster-Carr-Wire-Wheels

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275799&highlight=MSC-Wire-Wheels

 

[torqueman2002]

A big , to mbsinmich!

He created labels for a round top 1/3-HP m-397.19580 in .ai and .jpg formats.

Note: INDUSTRIAL RATED, label.

They have been posted on page 4, in: "Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss ..." See link below in my signature line.

The four Adobe Illustrator format files (.ai), are high resolution vector files for best printing.
1. (Craft converted1High resolution.ai) & (Craft Industrial Converted High Resolution.ai)
Are correctly sized labels 3-1/8" X 2-5/8" with a silver background.

2. (Craft clear converted1 High Resolution.ai) & (Craft Industrial Clear Converted High Resolution.ai)
Are correctly sized labels 3-1/8" X 2-5/8" with a clear background.

3. (Craft clear short converted high resolution.ai) & Craft short Clear Industrial Converted High Reesolution.ai)
Are shortened labels 3" X 2-5/8" with a clear background. These are for printing on the "metallic" paper.
This is the longest size available at:
http://www.case-badges.com/metallic-rectangular-custom-labels-3-x-4-max-p-360.html
--these are the ones that would probably be best, as the 'brushed silver" background will show through.

4. (Craft short converted1high resolution.ai) & (Craft short Industrial Converted High Resolution.ai)
Are the same as #3 but with a silver background

You can also get to the files, using this DropBox link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2kmi4ik6k4ff5ou/AAAJ-qWY75biKXy9YQjRIzARa?dl=0

 

[mbsinmich]

Big thumbs up right back at you Torqueman! I could create the labels, but not figure out how to post them! LOL!
Thanks again.

A big , to mbsinmich!

He created labels for a round top 1/3-HP m-397.19580 in .ai and .jpg formats.

They have been posted on page 4, in: "Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss ..." See link below in my signature line.

The four Adobe Illustrator format files (.ai), are high resolution vector files for best printing.
1. (Craft converted1High resolution.ai) Is a correctly sized label 3-1/8" X 2-5/8" with a silver background.
2. (Craft clear converted1 High Resolution.ai) Is a correctly sized label 3-1/8" X 2-5/8" with a clear background.
3. (Craft clear short converted high resolution.ai) Is a shortened label 3" X 2-5/8". With clear background. That is for printing on the "metallic" paper (that is the longest size available at:
http://www.case-badges.com/metallic-rectangular-custom-labels-3-x-4-max-p-360.html)
--this is the one that would probably be best, as the 'brushed silver"
background will show through.
4. (Craft short converted1high resolution.ai) Is same as #3 but with a silver background

You can also get to the files, using this DropBox link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/l9bwvb5kbcffs0j/mbsinmich_Labels_Up_2016313.zip?dl=0

 

[torqueman2002]

Big thumbs up right back at you Torqueman! I could create the labels, but not figure out how to post them! LOL!
Thanks again.

You are welcome!

There are file type and size limits that keep .ai and large .zip files from uploading here.

So, I used DropBox (had to ask my kids, wouldn't you know ).

I loaded the INDUSTRIAL RATED labels just a few mins. ago.

 

[S4cruiser]

Refreshed this guy a couple weeks ago. Turned out great but could really use a new label...

Wire wheels are on the way for this guy.

 

[Reversepolarity]

Nice job

 

[mbsinmich]

Great job!
Is that an 397 1/3 hp? If so, I just created that label. See Torqueman,s post #8179 for details. Also I just ordered some of those printed on "Metallic" Paper, if you are interested I should have extras, I will pm you when they arrive if you like.

Refreshed this guy a couple weeks ago. Turned out great but could really use a new label...

Wire wheels are on the way for this guy.