let's see your craftsman block grinders

[drivesitfar]

Chilang (AKA CA or whatever that new name is): it's confusing enough in this place keeping track of the members, but if you like the new name change i'm sure we'll like it.

i just want to tell you there have been a few members in your area looking for blocks for months and maybe years like the two you just found and are still looking. nice finds

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Chilang (AKA CA or whatever that new name is): it's confusing enough in this place keeping track of the members, but if you like the new name change i'm sure we'll like it.

i just want to tell you there have been a few members in your area looking for blocks for months and maybe years like the two you just found and are still looking. nice finds

Drivesitfar: I have been fortunate and in the right place at the right time finding these block grinders, this is my fourth one in the that last 5 months. I sold two to members on this site and I try to be better then fair when I sell items, in particular to guys who need it for parts or need to make a little profit to pay for groceries or whatever. As far as name change just wanted something that reflected AZ a bit more and still was a bit uncommon, you can call me whatever you would like just dont call me late for dinner.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

So I have a friend who needed some help driving two Penske moving trucks from Phoenix to Austin so I offered up my assistance and he was extremely grateful. I actually enjoyed doing it even though the truck was limited to 71MPH, but we did it in about 17 hours 10hrs the first day 7hrs the next. While I was out there looked at some CL adds found this little beauty and my buddy picked it up and is sending it to me tomorrow for helping him. Its a 1/2 HP should go well with the 3/4

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[G20-Budo]

So I have a friend who needed some help driving two Penske moving trucks from Phoenix to Austin so I offered up my assistance and he was extremely grateful. I actually enjoyed doing it even though the truck was limited to 71MPH, but we did it in about 17 hours 10hrs the first day 7hrs the next. While I was out there looked at some CL adds found this little beauty and my buddy picked it up and is sending it to me tomorrow for helping him. Its a 1/2 HP should go well with the 3/4

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Dang!! I need to start hanging out with you!! I've been wanting to get a 1/2HP round top for awhile now..

 

[exmaxima1]

While I was out there looked at some CL adds found this little beauty and my buddy picked it up and is sending it to me tomorrow for helping him. Its a 1/2 HP should go well with the 3/4

That's rare to find a 1/2hp version with factory installed deluxe base---note that there are no holes in the wheel guards to mount regular rests.

 

[Bobioz1]

Looks like a pre block. Extra wide 2 tone center band. Switch mounted up instead of front. Looks like a real clean one. Would like to see some more pictures when you get it.

 

[drivesitfar]

CA: you've got a great eye. yes that is a pre block so check the date on the name tag for a date probably about mid 1950's. great buy with the metal shields and extra beefy rests and water tray.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Thanks for the input I am excited to get it. I will get more PICs up as soon as I get.

 

[Hounddog]

Found a Garage Sale Add on Craigslist early Saturday morning around 4 AM. Needing a little upgrade I made sure I arrive at the posted start time. From the online pics I could tell it was cherry... Me and another fella pull up in front of the house at the same time...***DANGER***DANGER***. From across the lawn (gotta get in front of this process, I really want this thing) I shout out "what do you got on that grinder?" Owner says, "$80" and I immediately counter with "$50"...owner says "$ure"!!! So now I have just a little cleanup/polishing to do on it. Very smooth running. Stones are in great shape, possibly original. I believe it needs more weight at the bottom...seems a little top heavy. Have yet to date it.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

So the 1/2 Cast Block came in today 92 pounds shipping weight, it is fantastic. Used a little Kroil and steal wool to clean it up a bit will do more clean up this weekend. Date code I believe is 1957. It came with the wrench to adjust the tool rest.

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[torqueman2002]

So the 1/2 Cast Block came in today 92 pounds shipping weight, it is fantastic. Used a little Kroil and steal wool to clean it up a bit will do more clean up this weekend. Data code I believe is 1957. It came with the wrench to adjust the tool rest.

Glad to hear it made it safely.

I really like the center band.

 

[Rileysan]

My recent acquisition. From a garage sale for $30. Runs like a charm!

Brian

 

[bczygan]

More great finds here!

Congrats!

 

[emeraldcoupe]

picked up another one a couple of weeks ago. it's on a very nicely built home made stand. got it for $25

 

[CRSINMICH]

Just picked this up at a nearby estate sale. No epic story though. I drove 7 minutes to the sale, parked directly in front, walked through the house to the back door and then into the garage - $25. I've told my brother, mbsinmich, that Grinder Mania didn't manage to take hold of me but since I now own 4 of them, 3 of which are Blocks, I guess I have to re-evaluate my situation.

 

[Davefr]

I picked up this beauty a couple weeks ago. It's in about the nicest condition I've ever seen. But unfortunately it has to find a new home since I already have spares.

 

[mbsinmich]

Nice block bro!

Just picked this up at a nearby estate sale. No epic story though. I drove 7 minutes to the sale, parked directly in front, walked through the house to the back door and then into the garage - $25. I've told my brother, mbsinmich, that Grinder Mania didn't manage to take hold of me but since I now own 4 of them, 3 of which are Blocks, I guess I have to re-evaluate my situation.

 

[torqueman2002]

Just picked this up at a nearby estate sale. No epic story though. I drove 7 minutes to the sale, parked directly in front, walked through the house to the back door and then into the garage - $25. I've told my brother, mbsinmich, that Grinder Mania didn't manage to take hold of me but since I now own 4 of them, 3 of which are Blocks, I guess I have to re-evaluate my situation.

I agree, nice block, great price, and a good story!

I believe, that this is in order.

 

[CRSINMICH]

I agree, nice block, great price, and a good story!

I believe, that this is in order.

Torqueman: Little ol' moi? Thanks!

 

[Shiftless]

CRS:
Torqueman has spoken and he is the expert.
You got a great deal. As for me, right now I have only one block. Right after I bought my second one, I realized that a collection of block grinders would take up the space I needed for my vise collection and had to make a choice... so I gave my second one to a fellow GJ member.

 

[CRSINMICH]

CRS:
Torqueman has spoken and he is the expert.
You got a great deal. As for me, right now I have only one block. Right after I bought my second one, I realized that a collection of block grinders would take up the space I needed for my vise collection and had to make a choice... so I gave my second one to a fellow GJ member.

Shift: Thanks! I'm thinking that I'll use the 1/2 hp for grinding and set up one of the 1/3 hps for polishing/buffing. I could then sell the other 1/3 hp to pay for the two I keep. Stay tuned though, there's a sale coming up and I can just barely see the edge of a grinder in one of the pix.

p.s. If there is a GJ member in my area who needs their first Block just PM me. Member discount applies.

 

[stsmytherie]

New member of the block grinder club. This might be on the pricey side for these things, but it was at the Habitat for Humanity resale store and I don't mind paying a little extra to support them. Came with a buffer wheel and coarse grinding wheel. Everything works just fine.

No intention to restore, just clean up, get a wire brush on there instead of the buffer, and put it to work.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Hello Gents was wondering if blocks ever came without side plates from Craftsman this one didn't have any and doesn't look as if the mounting holes were ever taped for a plate.

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[CrotalusAtrox]

Picked this guy up all so came with all the parts to make it complete

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[Outlawmws]

Early ones were sold without side guard plates.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

Early ones were sold without side guard plates.

That explains it. I was thinking the screws were sheared off or ground off but there is no sign of them at all.
Thanks

 

[TXNinAZ]

That explains it. I was thinking the screws we sheared off or ground off but there is not sign of them at all.

Thanks

Wow haven't seen that before. I think osha would like a word with you, old Sears!

 

[vertguy]

My older brother drove 4 hours round trip yesterday to pick up this one... he got a "you ****" from me on email as the guy held it for a week and he paid $95. Think I rubbed off on him as this is #2 as bought a 3/4hp cap start a couple months back.

 

[torqueman2002]

My older brother drove 4 hours round trip yesterday to pick up this one... he got a "you ****" from me on email as the guy held it for a week and he paid $95. Think I rubbed off on him as this is #2 as bought a 3/4hp cap start a couple months back.

 

[Shiftless]

vertguy:
Your brother SCORED on that deal!

Even the owner's manual there looks to be in great shape.

 

[drivesitfar]

VERT: i was wondering why it was on CL so long. if it was a round top i would have driven the 90 minutes to grab it and i was very tempted to grab this one (of course if it was available and not already reserved). happy to hear it went to a deserving guy.

i'm going to put wire wheel on one side of my Baldor buffer and wondered if that would effect the balance at all? second question where would any of you buy the best 8 inch wire wheel from? also i think Outlaw mentioned that he doubles them up and uses the twist type ones but i think that might take off too much cast material if i'm cleaning up a few of my vises.

you guys are the grinder experts so for lack of wanting to start another thread thought i'd ask you guys first.

thanks

 

[RedVise]

Picked up an older (50's?) 1/4 HP bench grinder.
Weighs a ton ! Older, no provisions for side covers.
Will replace the missing glass and be good.

Brian

 

[[email protected]]

hello all, don't know if this is the proper place to ask, but here we are: picked up a local craftsman bench grinder, #11519500, 11/ 58 date, 1/4 hp. it could use a little help and so i was wondering if parts were still available for these old timers?

 

[Outlawmws]

It depends on what parts, but plenty of these have been rebuilt if you peruse the thread...

 

[McBrownie]

Picked up an older (50's?) 1/4 HP bench grinder.
Weighs a ton ! Older, no provisions for side covers.
Will replace the missing glass and be good.

Brian

Red,

That appears to be a 1953 model. Could that be the oldest pre-block? Maybe TM will know. No side covers because back then, men were men and didn't mind losing the occasional body part.

 

[torqueman2002]

Red,

That appears to be a 1953 model. Could that be the oldest pre-block? Maybe TM will know. No side covers because back then, men were men and didn't mind losing the occasional body part.

That one is 4 years older than my 1/4-HP rtop m-115.19500 pre-Block, dated 10 57.

The 1952 & 1953 Craftsman Power Tool Catalogs do not list a rtop pre-Block, but do have a beautiful 1/3-HP m-115.7397, very heavy CI and lighted eye shields. (pre-pre-Block?)

The 1954 Craftsman Power Tool Catalog does list both a 1/4-HP (w/o wheel guard covers) and a 1/3-HP (w/ wheel guard covers) pre-Block grinder.

So, my guess is that is a very early pre-Block grinder.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

VERT: i was wondering why it was on CL so long. if it was a round top i would have driven the 90 minutes to grab it and i was very tempted to grab this one (of course if it was available and not already reserved). happy to hear it went to a deserving guy.

i'm going to put wire wheel on one side of my Baldor buffer and wondered if that would effect the balance at all? second question where would any of you buy the best 8 inch wire wheel from? also i think Outlaw mentioned that he doubles them up and uses the twist type ones but i think that might take off too much cast material if i'm cleaning up a few of my vises.

you guys are the grinder experts so for lack of wanting to start another thread thought i'd ask you guys first.

thanks

For quality McMasters has great wire wheels but you can get decent ones on Amazon. I never had a problem using a wire wheel with a buffering wheel or grinding wheel I would not be concerned about balance as long as your not running it 10 hours a day 7 days a week. Baldors are tuff SOB,s and can handle what ever you throw at it. I only used twisted wire wheels on my angle grinders for heavy work and straight wire on my bench grinders. That s just me everyone has there way of doing things.

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives I've done the doubled braided wheels a lot, but that was for forged car parts like suspension parts where I was removing both rust and crud and needed it to cut. The finish generally was not seen so if the wire brush left a mark I didn't care much. Vises have machined surfaces, and you look at them all the time so Id go easy on those.

For rust an Etank is easier, but if the vise has gunge, that needs to come off first.

 

[CrotalusAtrox]

What Outlaw said- I used e tank for the first time on a DP base its like fricken magic

 

[JZiggy]

I restored a nice 1/3hp flat top. Rustoleum graphite wheel paint for housing and satin nickel for the band.

Parts out for a tan

When putting back together I use the 0.010" shim alignment method -- works every time!

Switch was fubar so I used a Bunn switch as recommended by Dr. Block. It works and looks good.