let's see your craftsman block grinders

[bluebolt]

Must have been raining 1/3hp Block grinders this weekend. Sunday morning from Craigslist 1hr posting just 25 minutes from home. PO wouldn't budge from the asking $30. Couldn't resist, it's in great not abused shape, just missing rubber feet and spark shields.

Model 397.19580 non-INDUSTRIAL. Original bare bones model with the knockouts for the light and quench tray still intact.

Number three for me CM Block grinder out of six total now. Will probably use this ine for fine wire wheels.

Just happen to know a guy who knows a guy who's uncles garderner next door neighbor has a brand spacking reproduced matching badge.


I "see" said the blind man to the deaf man as he picked up his hammer and saw.

I would have paid $30 just for the eye shields, they are the hardest thing to find.

 

[toddmp]

Also the generic blank Sears, Roebuck and Co. machinery badges will be available for sale soon.

This material able to take a letter punch?

 

[exmaxima1]

Yes!

Another, of the ever so numerous, 1/3-HP m-397.1958x Blocks in fine condition!

$30 is a v. good price for that one, BTW.

If that's a 3M Scotchbrite wheel on the left side, those are nearly $50 all by themselves!

 

[Pupuhd]

If that's a 3M Scotchbrite wheel on the left side, those are nearly $50 all by themselves!

Now that you mention it, I believe so. I didn't put any mind to it, I have an 8" wheel of that type I've only used once.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

So after washing off the left and right side housings from my poor cosmetic condition $5 grinder, it occurred to me that these parts seem to be cast aluminum. The plan was to clean them up by hand but they are in pretty rough shape, cosmetically speaking, and it looks as if there are some carbon deposits are on top. Would soda blasting be strong enough to clean them up? I'm half tempted to just use sandpaper and elbow grease and attack it that way. Also, has anyone ever polished them? I looked through tons of pictures on the forum and didn't come across anyone who had polished them before.

 

[04chase]

Well I hope this goes well making a 2 hr drive each way to go pick up a grinder . I may get some love and hate responses . I'll post up in a bit when I have it in hand.

I'll say it's not something you find everyday and it has a stand for under 100 bucks.

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[Bobioz1]

Well I hope this goes well making a 2 hr drive each way to go pick up a grinder . I may get some love and hate responses . I'll post up in a bit when I have it in hand.

I'll say it's not something you find everyday and it has a stand for under 100 bucks.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I've driven across town to pickup a grinder before. Hope you get a good one.

 

[04chase]

Paid 80 bucks , but also got a speeding ticket for 10 over. ***** as I have my class a license, but will probably fight it. Though I can now attend traffic school since I was in a class c vehicle.



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[torqueman2002]

04chase,

You are the Block whisperer!

Good one!

You ****!

 

[Bobioz1]

Yep. That's a nice one.

 

[Ridjobradi]

04Chase - nice find

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[bczygan]

This thread has almost too much information.

It is the be all and end all for Craftsman "block" grinders.

When I get to doing mine up, it will be my resource.

BTW, did someone here grab the 1/2 HP one for $50 that was on the Detroit CL early today?

Bill

 

[McBrownie]

Paid 80 bucks , but also got a speeding ticket for 10 over. ***** as I have my class a license, but will probably fight it. Though I can now attend traffic school since I was in a class c vehicle.
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I'm no lawyer, but as a GJ Senior Member, I call BS on the 10mph over. Especially while in pursuit of a 1hp. Nice find and congrats!

 

[Reversepolarity]

Nice!!!!!!!

 

[04chase]

I said the same thing , but he didn't have me on radar. Valentine1 in my truck and k.a. nor laser went off. So it must have been pased. A lawyer will cost me about the same as paying but will keep me eligible for traffic school.

Thanks for the kind words , now it's time to make this thing a gem. Seems to be in good shape and the eye shields may buff too near perfect. Probably paint it the factory colors.

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[Pupuhd]

CRAFTSMAN BADGES

Thank you guys for your request and orders. Here are two additional models reproduced and on order to be printed.

1/2HP 397.19590 with gold background and mounting holes

1/2HP 397.19591 with silver background, no mounting holes

 

[JZiggy]

Paid 80 bucks , but also got a speeding ticket for 10 over. ***** as I have my class a license, but will probably fight it. Though I can now attend traffic school since I was in a class c vehicle.



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Great find! I saw that one pop up, wondered if it would find its way into the GJ family fold

 

[torqueman2002]

.... BTW, did someone here grab the 1/2 HP one for $50 that was on the Detroit CL early today? Bill

The posting is gone!

 

[Pupuhd]

This material able to take a letter punch?

Took a scrap piece off of one of the prints and did a test at work using a stamp machine. The stamped letters on the right are 3/32", the ones on the left are 1/8". The side of the aluminum piece is the one with the coating on which the image is infused into. I couldn't see any issues stamping these and quality. Only issue on my part is having the correct size stamps to provide these tags with requested serial numbers, I believe the original ones are either 3/16" or 1/4" tall letters.

 

[torqueman2002]

There's been snow in the air and sticking to the ground the last few days in SE Michigan.

However, the robins, blue jays, and cardinals have returned form wintering in their southern homes.

That and the appearance of Blocks in SE and Western Michigan CL, are sure signs Spring is here.

This one is west about 2 hours, a bit $$, but it looks complete and it has a CM stand.

1/2-HP m-397.19430

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/tls/5521912807.html

 

[CalsXS2]

Is this the wrong tool rest. It's adjusted up all the way. That just don't seem right.

It's on a 3/4.

 

[mbsinmich]

I snagged this block that was on Detroit cl! With a big nod to Torqueman!!

 

[CalsXS2]

Is a 1/2hp 257.xxxx version the same. Are they as desirable?

 

[torqueman2002]

Is this the wrong tool rest. It's adjusted up all the way. That just don't seem right.

It's on a 3/4.

I pulled this from a 0.50-HP m-397.19340 manual.

Looks like you just need to mount the rests on the out side of the wheel guard, with 'notch' facing away from wheels. You will need to swap them side to side, too.

 

[torqueman2002]

Is a 1/2hp 257.xxxx version the same. Are they as desirable?

It looks like a Block.

Check here for more info. --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4000529&postcount=3

 

[Pupuhd]

CRAFTSMAN BLOCK GRINDER BADGES

Still have available four badges. Three 3/4HP INDUSTRIAL RATED 397.19670 with gold color background and one 1/3HP non-industrial rated 397.19580 with the brush aluminum clear look. Ready for delivery to be installed on your Blocks. David

 

[Outlawmws]

Is this the wrong tool rest. It's adjusted up all the way. That just don't seem right.

It's on a 3/4.

I pulled this from a 0.50-HP m-397.19340 manual.

Looks like you just need to mount the rests on the out side of the wheel guard, with 'notch' facing away from wheels. You will need to swap them side to side, too.

Isn'
t that missing the extension plate? you should be able to set it from 90 to the face to an angle...

 

[CalsXS2]

Isn't that missing the extension plate?

you should be able to set it from 90 to the face to an angle...

Yes it is missing the extension. I knew that couldn't be right. Thanks for confirming.

I guess you can't use the smaller tool rests on the bigger grinders. Or can you?

I surely would have thought those were the originals from the story I got from the guy I bought it from. I might have been swindled,,,lol.

The first pic shows the type of mount. The second pic shows how I fixed it.

 

[CalsXS2]

Wire wheel mounting issues on my 3/4.

I'm finding I have to use spacers when trying to mount a wire wheel. Otherwise there's not enough thread, and to keep the wires from digging into the wheel guard. Is this normal.

Also. Is it safe to run with out the wheel guard. It just gets in the way. I'm sure the manufacture will say you must use it. But are any of you guys not using it.

I guess I've gotten lucky over the years. I never used any wheel guards and got by with it. I've even used the side of the wheel a lot. I never knew that was a big no no until I joined in this thread and seen about the exploding wheels.

As you can see in the last pic I'm UPGRADING!!

 

[erty67]

good deal for some lucky person in CT....
(not mine)

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/tls/5525204537.html

 

[torqueman2002]

Isn'
t that missing the extension plate? you should be able to set it from 90 to the face to an angle...

Yup, I 'assumed' the tool rest was correct.

The mount Cals shows above makes it clear the correct tool rest is a 2-piece deal.

Now, isn't someone making replacement 2-piece rests?

 

[exmaxima1]

Wire wheel mounting issues on my 3/4.

I'm finding I have to use spacers when trying to mount a wire wheel. Otherwise there's not enough thread, and to keep the wires from digging into the wheel guard. Is this normal.

Also. Is it safe to run with out the wheel guard. It just gets in the way. I'm sure the manufacture will say you must use it. But are any of you guys not using it.

I run spacers on my wire wheels, and no guards. If you use decent wheels, they don't throw many wires. But I still always wear a face shield.

 

[torqueman2002]

good deal for some lucky person in CT....
(not mine)

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/tls/5525204537.html

They're coming out of hibernation, I tell ya!

Nice, complete, with a stand (non-CM though).

 

[torqueman2002]

I run spacers on my wire wheels, and no guards. If you use decent wheels, they don't throw many wires. But I still always wear a face shield.

Graingers has arbor spacers, but flat washers work too.

 

[erty67]

Graingers has arbor spacers, but flat washers work too.

7/16" flat washers are a pretty snug fit

 

[CalsXS2]

Well this *****. I have a brand new 7" Craftsman wire wheel. But that dang thing is too rough.

I'm having a hard time finding a 7" medium. What are you guys using.

I could stick with my 6" wire wheel I have now. But then I might as well stick with that grinder too. Not likely.

 

[Outlawmws]

I run spacers on my wire wheels, and no guards. If you use decent wheels, they don't throw many wires. But I still always wear a face shield.

WW use = Safety glasses, Face shield, and heavy shirt (unless you LIKE getting stabbed (acupuncture?) from flying wires, because no mater how good the wheel they will ALL throw a wire once in a while.

 

[Outlawmws]

Graingers has arbor spacers, but flat washers work too.

7/16" flat washers are a pretty snug fit

Use the arbor spacers. Washers are not concentric enough IMO for 3600 RPM anything...

 

[Outlawmws]

Well this *****. I have a brand new 7" Craftsman wire wheel. But that dang thing is too rough.

I'm having a hard time finding a 7" medium. What are you guys using.

I could stick with my 6" wire wheel I have now. But then I might as well stick with that grinder too. Not likely.

I use fine/very fine for most use. If I need heavy cutting I use a 4" mini grinder with a braided Cup WW.

 

[bulletpruf]

WW use = Safety glasses, Face shield, and heavy shirt (unless you LIKE getting stabbed (acupuncture?) from flying wires, because no mater how good the wheel they will ALL throw a wire once in a while.

^^^This.

Last week, I thought I had a splinter in one of my fingers, but couldn't dig it out. Carved away some flesh with a pocket knife until I could get to it. Turned out it was a piece of wire about 1/3" long.

Just think of what that would do to your eye!