let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

I didn't want to sift through this entire thread but I know you guys have sanders attached to you blocks, can you put up some pics? Also, can you tell me the best sander to attach? I'm looking for a sander that can handle some light metal use.

Calling McBrownie! McBrownie!!!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=277798

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice score there JZ
Each part of that deal would have been a good buy at $50...the grinder alone OR the stand alone.
But combined I would say its a smokin' deal!

Nice 'get'!

 

[WWShop]

Calling McBrownie! McBrownie!!!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=277798

Awesome, thanks for the link!!

 

[McBrownie]

Awesome, thanks for the link!!

TM,

Thanks for posting the link!

WW,

There are a few of us who really like belts over stones. A few advantages:

Easy to change grits
Run cooler when removing a bunch of material
No need for dressing
No danger in grinding soft metals (aluminum, brass, etc.)
No worries about wheels coming apart.

Read through my thread and you'll see that the conversion isn't exactly cheap, but it's still my "go to" machine and I seem to find a use for it every weekend. 1/2hp cap start or bigger is required in the block world.

 

[McBrownie]

Dr. Block is right, they do seem to be coming out of hibernation! My first "big" round top, complete with factory base. ($50)

JZ,

That grinder with that stand should have cost twice that. Good job! I have that same 1/2hp cap start. A nice machine, but should seem tame compared to Big Ziggy.

 

[WWShop]

I've seen 4 or 5 on CL lately....I bought one and missed out on two others.

 

[SurfHunter]

I see these are somewhat collectors item's, I also noticed one for sale locally for $20 OBO.
is it worth it?

 

[torqueman2002]

I see these are somewhat collectors item's, I also noticed one for sale locally for $20 OBO.
is it worth it?

Nice ancestor to the Block grinder.

 

[Zeeman]

I'd get it for 20!

 

[Outlawmws]

I see these are somewhat collectors item's, I also noticed one for sale locally for $20 OBO.
is it worth it?

I'd get it for 20!

Me too. (But I'd also make an offer...)

 

[toddmp]

Dr. Block is right, they do seem to be coming out of hibernation! My first "big" round top, complete with factory base. ($50)

wow killer deal. I need one of those pedestals!

 

[JZiggy]

I have a couple! Let me hook you up!

 

[toddmp]

awesome! Ill PM you.

 

[Shiftless]

There are a few GJ members living in the SF Bay Area.

My current holdings...

Craftsman 100 Drill Press
Craftsman 1/2 HP Block grinder on factory stand.
A dozen or so vises in various stages of restoration including 4 bullets.

Anybody want to organize a sub group? ?

 

[S4cruiser]

Almost as good as new! Label is courtesy of Pup!

 

[G20-Budo]

Almost as good as new! Label is courtesy of Pup!

S4cruiser,

That looks AWESOME!! Great job!

 

[Reversepolarity]

Great job

 

[mbsinmich]

Almost as good as new! Label is courtesy of Pup!

Fantastic!!!

 

[Drill]

Can I join the party?
Although not too pretty, I picked this one up for $20. I re purposed a dead drill press to make an adjustable height stand for it.

 

[JZiggy]

Nice find! Drill press bases make great grinder stands.

 

[torqueman2002]

S4cruiser - Nice looking Block.

What brand and color paints did you use?

 

[torqueman2002]

Drill - Nice round top Block. Is it a 1/2-HP? What's the model number?

 

[Ratchet Guy]

I finally found a vintage craftsman bench grinder, got the chance to take it apart last friday and stripped the paint, yesterday went to HD to get a spray paint and started spraying it, will probably assemble it this week as I know enamel paint takes a long time to cure.

 

[S4cruiser]

S4cruiser - Nice looking Block.

What brand and color paints did you use?

Thanks! Used rustoleum hammere black with a couple coats of clear for the band and just regular Rustoleum gray for the rest. Hammered silver is clear on the light cover/shield.

 

[Drill]

Thanks Torqueman. Yes it's a 1/2 hp. I'll check the model tonight when I'm at home.

 

[I8URSVT]

Hi guys, just joined the forum because i just bought a 1hp with craftsman stand off craigslist today. Not sure if I got a good deal, probably a fair price, but seems to be in pretty good shape with the stand so I'm excited about the purchase. Heres a quick pic:

 

[drivesitfar]

I8: welcome to GJ and the block thread where we all try to make a great little old machine better. you landed a big one. not my favorite design for the 1hp and not the original stand but plenty of power and heft in the stand. are those wheels 10 inch because they look huge. i'm not exactly sure why the pics load sideways on GJ, but if you stick around i'm sure somebody will tell you.

 

[I8URSVT]

Thanks Drive! I will pull the numbers off the grinder and stand tomorrow, i know its a 257. This is my first grinder, and hopefully it lasts a long time. I would like to clean it up some eventually. Love some of the restorations on here!

Not sure if the wheels are 10", I thought they were 8's, may just be the photo. Here is another pic (hopefully not sideways):

 

[craftsman47]

20 clams.
works.



mineral spirits and stoner glass cleaner. glass is CLEAN.

 

[Drill]

Here's a picture of the tag. SO what year is it?

 

[torqueman2002]

I knew there was something special about theses grinders.

But, I swear I never thought they were magical!

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's a picture of the tag. SO what year is it?

I found a manual [6186.pdf], with a print date of January 1966.

So, I'd say mid 60's

There maybe a 'birthday' stamped in ink on the bottom plate.

Send me your eMail and I'll forward a copy of the manual; or, it should be on OWWM website for free download.

Mike

 

[Drill]

I found a manual [6186.pdf], with a print date of January 1966.

So, I'd say mid 60's

There maybe a 'birthday' stamped in ink on the bottom plate.

Send me your eMail and I'll forward a copy of the manual; or, it should be on OWWM website for free download.

Mike

Thanks Mike I'll hunt around on OWWM. If I can't find it I'll hit you up.

 

[WWShop]

I'm sure its been asked and answered but can i put buffing wheels on a 1/3 block? I have no experience with buffing wheels.

 

[torqueman2002]

Yes you can.

I believe a 1/2 or 3/4-HP would prove to be better suited. It's hard to imagine, but buffing requires more power than grinding or wire wheeling.

For buffing and better access to the wheels, I recommend removal of the wheel guards and related parts. Also, I'd say the holes in the grinder housings where the wheel guards bolt should be plugged/covered (to keep buffing swarf out).

 

[I8URSVT]

here are pics of my grinder and the stand it was attached to.

Any thoughts on the era of the stand?

 

[Cruzan80]

OWWM thinks mid 80's. The bottom of the manual they have scanned reads 1186, so not sure if that is Nov 86.

 

[torqueman2002]

here are pics of my grinder and the stand it was attached to.

Any thoughts on the era of the stand?

I8URSVT - Welcome to the GJ forum and to The Block Grinder thread!

That 1-HP Block m-257.192190 is the wide track, late model Block.

I call it that because the arbor/shaft is longer than other flat top Blocks m-357.19xxxx.

I'd be curious what the length actually is from end to end, should you get a chance to measure it.

I'm not sure why the later models have that design, but it will allow better access for buffing/polishing.

That style stand is the first Sears branded one I've seen.

It looks very well built and sturdy.

In fact, I have a Baldor that came out of a dental lab with a stand similar.

Sorry I cannot be more help.

You may wander over to VM website, link - --> http://vintagemachinery.org/

I believe your Block and stand qualify as Vintage Machinery, just don't post or ask question about any machine made outside of America.

Hmm, now that I think about it, the stand says Made in Taiwan. You might want to contact their moderator Brian Kachadurian, and ask before posting the stand.

My guess on the stand and Block are the mid-80s.

 

[torqueman2002]

Well, looks like Cruzan and I agree on apx. dates.

I should mention there can be a downside to owing a Block grinder, along with a responsibility. Follow the link below for more information.

Again -- Welcome!

'The Pledge' --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4832270&postcount=5478

 

[I8URSVT]

Thanks Torque!

I was able to get a couple quick measurements, not sure if these are 'exact' enough, but if you want more exact dimensions, I'd be happy to get them for you.

This thread (along with your other thread about the block grinder) was the reason I bought this grinder. I have a strong appreciation for the forums (having been a big contributor to some of the chevy and ford forums out there [I know, how could I like both ]), so the fact that these grinders have such a strong following really speaks to the quality of them. After reading that the 1hp's can be a challenge to find (which i didnt know until I typed in the model number) I immediately called and went over to get it. In that sense, you could say I took the oath/pledge before I bought my first block grinder.

I was on the verge of buying a late model grinder off craigslist and while searching on google for the 'best' bench grinders stumbled across these threads. I had read that the late model stuff was mostly made in China and I wanted something that was US made, so this was perfect. I ended up paying $160 for the grinder and stand, which I think is probably a 'fair' price based on the grinders great condition and that the 1hp's seem to be pretty hard to find. Granted the stand is not US made, which I was kinda disappointed about, the stand is very stout and with no moving parts, I suppose I can live with it. At least it is craftsman brand.

I think the stand you have is the same exact stand as mine.