let's see your craftsman block grinders

[drivesitfar]

compu: if you truly are trying to help fellow GJ members might i suggest you make more posts on threads so we can get to know you and so you can get over 100 posts and you can post this sort of stuff in the Classifieds. ok?

also it sounds like you are also from DOWN UNDER. are you?

can you go in your GJ profile and put in your location and while you are there maybe click on Avatar so you can download a picture to show up under your name. ok?

cheers

Ziggy: I"m guessing you might have got more for your NOS 1 HP block. did you and did the buyer already pay you the funds? when i looked it was already more money than i'd pay for one cause i like the older style better. best of luck always and thanks for getting us all DROOLING!!

 

[compunaut]

Drives Just a long-time lurker who recently joined the party. Spending a lot of time lately reading the vise & CM grinder threads, but have a long way to go to hit 100 posts
Happened to notice at least 2 (or 3?) Aussies being members & by coincidence was sent above-mentioned auction notice - just wanted them to be aware.
Not from AU; Ft Worth via St Louis and Chicago. I'll update my profile a bit.
Thanks for the advice

 

[RedVise]

I was first on scene the other week to a well stocked garage sale by a retired electrician. Walked out with a nice Wilton and a 1/2 HP Block Grinder ! I fired it up on site, sounded good and took a while to spin down. It has a replacement light and had two cords, knew it wasnt original but didnt think much of it. All good, I figured.
Well, when I got a chance to run it the next day, I found lamp power cord was fine but the grinder plug had the prongs at a 90 degree angle. Didnt think much about it, figured the old guy just grabbed what was handy when he replace the plug. So I picked up a replacement this week and swapped them out. Well when I fired it up, it sounded terrible and would barely turn the wheels so I gave the wheels a spin to help, to no avail ! I shut it down and let it set. I was thinking about it yesterday, knew it ran OK when I tested it in his garage, and he was an electrician... so I pulled the bottom of the grinder and sure enough, he had it wired for 220v !! Switched a couple of wires around and fired it up. Success !!

1/2 HP 319.19591 with some stout 7" x 1" wheels on it, they look brand new. Looks like he broke the front when he was wiring it and I likely will change out the switch for a nicer one. Runs like champ !

Also recently grabbed an older 1/3 hp with the heavy cast sides. No side covers on this one either but does have the eye shields. Needs some TLC.

 

[exmaxima1]

Also recently grabbed an older 1/3 hp with the heavy cast sides. No side covers on this one either but does have the eye shields. Needs some TLC.

That Pre-Block is interesting as it looks more more like the 1/4hp versions: no end covers, simple rests, different logo plate. My 1/3hp model looks quite different. Is yours cast iron??

 

[RedVise]

That Pre-Block is interesting as it looks more more like the 1/4hp versions: no end covers, simple rests, different logo plate. My 1/3hp model looks quite different. Is yours cast iron??

X it well may be a 1/3 horse, I will double check this evening.
It does have the heavy cast sides, no doubt.

Brian

 

[bubinga]

those rests give a guy with out a mill an idea on how to make some though.

 

[Super Sport]

There's an old block pedestal stand with a newer import grinder for sale near Jackson, MI for $75 if anyone is interested: https://jxn.craigslist.org/tls/6153697765.html

Could probably sell the grinder for $25 or more - making the stand a more reasonable $50. I could probably use the stand, but don't really feel like driving that far for it.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

There's an old block pedestal stand with a newer import grinder for sale near Jackson, MI for $75 if anyone is interested: https://jxn.craigslist.org/tls/6153697765.html

Could probably sell the grinder for $25 or more - making the stand a more reasonable $50. I could probably use the stand, but don't really feel like driving that far for it.

Yeah that grinder is junk, but the stand is the ticket

 

[MissileBear]

There's an old block pedestal stand with a newer import grinder for sale near Jackson, MI for $75 if anyone is interested: https://jxn.craigslist.org/tls/6153697765.html

Could probably sell the grinder for $25 or more - making the stand a more reasonable $50. I could probably use the stand, but don't really feel like driving that far for it.

The stands go for $150 shipped on Eprey. I've been looking for one of the stands for years locally, and I've never even seen one listed.

 

[RedVise]

That Pre-Block is interesting as it looks more more like the 1/4hp versions: no end covers, simple rests, different logo plate. My 1/3hp model looks quite different. Is yours cast iron??

X I was wrong, it is a 1/4 horse, 397.19501 model.
from the early 60's (per Vintage Machinery site, Thanks guys).
It is cast iron, see the thick walls.


Brian

 

[exmaxima1]

X I was wrong, it is a 1/4 horse, 397.19501 model.
from the early 60's (per Vintage Machinery site, Thanks guys).
It is cast iron, see the thick walls.


Brian

Take some pics and post it on the Pre-Block thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339921&highlight=Pre+block+love

 

[compunaut]

There's a guy just outside of Chicago with a 1/2hp Craftsman Commercial, 397.19591. $50
As of this morning he was still waiting to make a deal. No Wheel covers or guards but otherwise looks nice. Looks to be one of those fancy tool rests under the grinder?
Was hoping my dad could pick it up for me, but he has other plans. Maybe someone here interested in it instead?
Below is third photo of CL ad...

 

[cajunfirehawk]

There's a guy just outside of Chicago with a 1/2hp Craftsman Commercial, 397.19591. $50
As of this morning he was still waiting to make a deal. No Wheel covers or guards but otherwise looks nice. Looks to be one of those fancy tool rests under the grinder?
Was hoping my dad could pick it up for me, but he has other plans. Maybe someone here interested in it instead?
Below is third photo of CL ad...

You mean Tool holder for sharpening? If you get the grinder tell him to toss that in too they go for $50 or more on ebay by them selves

 

[trijeff]

Acquired an extra pedestal today, PM if interested. Will throw in the drill grinding attachment for free.

 

[mazak mark]

I picked this 1hp grinder off craigslist yesterday for $50 but it was a 3 1/2 hour drive round trip.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Give ya $500 for the grinder and the old school GMC truck behind it, wut ya say? ;-)

Good score, base is worth $50+ alone, IMHO

 

[Rileysan]

I picked this 1hp grinder off craigslist yesterday for $50 but it was a 3 1/2 hour drive round trip.

I would have driven twice as far for that block! Grats! Oh, and you ****!

Brian

Sent from my LGL41C using Tapatalk

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Ziggy!!!

 

[bczygan]

So the other day I found a 397. 19581 1/3HP round top block at a garage sale. It was mounted to the bench and the middle plate was half removed. It had the quench tray and a light. Owner didn't know if it worked, so he gave it to me.

Got it home and some wires are disconnected and the big yellow one is cut off. Would like to know how to wire and connect it up.

Photos:

Bill

 

[Smokeshow69]

Scored a newer 1/2 block from rileysan ! It will do until I find a 3/4 or 1 hp mail box! It is in good shape and just needs a good scrub and a few missing parts. It is missing the side guards and the light cover so if someone has some please let me know .







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[cajunfirehawk]

So the other day I found a 397. 19581 1/3HP round top block at a garage sale. It was mounted to the bench and the middle plate was half removed. It had the quench tray and a light. Owner didn't know if it worked, so he gave it to me.

Got it home and some wires are disconnected and the big yellow one is cut off. Would like to know how to wire and connect it up.

Photos:



Bill

Cant see pics Bill assume your hosting on google? its a a common issue, try flickr, IMHO

 

[bczygan]

Cant see pics Bill assume your hosting on google? its a a common issue, try flickr, IMHO

Thanks!

 

[EOC_Jason]

So the other day I found a 397. 19581 1/3HP round top block at a garage sale. It was mounted to the bench and the middle plate was half removed. It had the quench tray and a light. Owner didn't know if it worked, so he gave it to me.

Looks similar to me 1/2 HP 397.19591

You seem to be missing the capacitor...

Did yours not have the wiring diagram on the bottom plate?

 

[torqueman2002]

So the other day I found a 397. 19581 1/3HP round top block at a garage sale. It was mounted to the bench and the middle plate was half removed. It had the quench tray and a light. Owner didn't know if it worked, so he gave it to me.

Got it home and some wires are disconnected and the big yellow one is cut off. Would like to know how to wire and connect it up.
Bill

Bill, there's a link to PB wiring schematics slideshow in the thread in my signature line also.

Jason, very similar. Your model IIRC is a dual voltage and uses a 4-terminal relay; where as Bill's model is a 115VAC and uses a 3-terminal relay.

 

[bagged89s10]

Note to anybody restoring a block grinder. Be careful not to damage the windings when disassembling or assembling. I managed to do exactly that on one of my restorations. I broke a few of the wires. Good news is that it was only a cheap 1/3HP. Now I'm going to just part it out and use the lamp for my drill press. Live and learn.

 

[dogzbody1]

I collected a gold colored grinder that was "thrown in" with a lathe that I picked up last weekend. It says "For Farm and Home Use Only" at the bottom of the tag, model 11519500. What vintage would the gold color be? There are no side covers but there does not appear to be any bolt holes for them so maybe this one didn't come with them (?). I can post an image later today.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I collected a gold colored grinder that was "thrown in" with a lathe that I picked up last weekend. It says "For Farm and Home Use Only" at the bottom of the tag, model 11519500. What vintage would the gold color be? There are no side covers but there does not appear to be any bolt holes for them so maybe this one didn't come with them (?). I can post an image later today.

Gold and no side covers tells me it is a vintage 50's power bronze 1/4 hp model. Good unit but I hated not being able to bolt mine down so I sold it... Pictures of the data plate will help us date it. Post some when you have time!


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[bczygan]

Thank you all for the help!

Now I just need time to mess with it.

Bill

 

[Rileysan]

Scored a newer 1/2 block from rileysan ! It will do until I find a 3/4 or 1 hp mail box! It is in good shape and just needs a good scrub and a few missing parts. It is missing the side guards and the light cover so if someone has some please let me know .







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

This brings up a question: Am I just unlucky, or is it common for these grinders to be missing side guards? I have had terrible luck with mine. With the exception of the 1/3 hp block & pre-block grinders, which I have been somewhat choosy about, I have yet to find a block grinder fully in-tact. The two (now one) 1/2 hp and 3/4 hp blocks I own all have missing guards. It's really irritating!

Brian

 

[Zeeman]

Mine weren't missing the guards, and I bought whatever I could because they don't seem to show up that often around me. I'd say just unlucky though.

 

[compunaut]

Hello all. "Long time listener, first time caller"
There's a 1/2 hp block, model 397.19340 (115V, 1/2" arbor) available about an hours drive from me for $100. Overall great condition and appears to include original pedestal stand but probably missing wheel covers, safety guards & tool rests (typical trouble reaching the seller for confirmation).
That is more $$ (and more grinder) than I was looking at getting for myself (1/3 hp model 397.19580; maybe $40-50), but if somebody was really interested I could be persuaded to help out by picking it up & being the origin point for a GJ Mule Train delivery.
Look forward to hearing from thread 'block-heads'

So the seller confirmed original pedestal AND missing wheel covers, safety guards & tool rests; dropped the price to $75. Should I keep looking for a complete unit or just buy this & use aftermarket for what's missing? Are 'originals' available anywhere?

 

[Smokeshow69]

So the seller confirmed original pedestal AND missing wheel covers, safety guards & tool rests; dropped the price to $75. Should I keep looking for a complete unit or just buy this & use aftermarket for what's missing? Are 'originals' available anywhere?

I would buy it at that price in a heart beat. The pedestal is worth that alone and other members have parts... Pick it up and join the fun !


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[cheechi]

This brings up a question: Am I just unlucky, or is it common for these grinders to be missing side guards? I have had terrible luck with mine.

I have four blocks of different eras and sizes. 3 have the princess leia guards one has stamped. I have both of the stamped guards, in fact that grinder is pretty well complete. My 1HP has both its guards, but I have 3 guards missing out of the other 2 grinders. so my luck is about 50/50

I really wish someone were making replacement guards for these. Maybe they are and I just missed it?

Should I keep looking for a complete unit or just buy this & use aftermarket for what's missing?

I regret not going for one about an hour away from me, granted mine would have been more complete grinder but had no stand.

 

[EOC_Jason]

So the seller confirmed original pedestal AND missing wheel covers, safety guards & tool rests; dropped the price to $75. Should I keep looking for a complete unit or just buy this & use aftermarket for what's missing? Are 'originals' available anywhere?

If you could get them down to $50, I think it would be worth it... Don't count on finding the missing parts anytime soon, but be patient and you never know what will pop up on CL or eBay...

 

[compunaut]

Note to anybody restoring a block grinder. Be careful not to damage the windings when disassembling or assembling. I managed to do exactly that on one of my restorations. I broke a few of the wires. Good news is that it was only a cheap 1/3HP. Now I'm going to just part it out and use the lamp for my drill press. Live and learn.

Are you really parting out a block grinder? Several of us are missing various covers, guards & tool rests and would love the opportunity to pick them up from a trusted GJ member

 

[bagged89s10]

Are you really parting out a block grinder? Several of us are missing various covers, guards & tool rests and would love the opportunity to pick them up from a trusted GJ member

Yes I have many parts from a 1/3 hp block and a 1/2 hp.

 

[cheechi]

I'd be interested in as detailed a list as you'd like to provide.

 

[bagged89s10]

I'd be interested in as detailed a list as you'd like to provide.

If you are referring to the parts I have available, I will take a picture tomorrow of what I have. For now, if anyone needs anything just message me to see if I have it.

 

[joe.striper]

Bagged S-10 passed on this gorgeous 1/4 hp grinder two days ago, but I didn't. this is my 6th Craftsman block grinder...and I dont use any of them.
I have 2 1hp Baldors but I still buy these when I find them...on my shelf I have 1 -3/4 hp, 3 - 1/2 hp, 3 - 1/3 hp and this 1/4 hp

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Not seeing a lot of block rebuilds during the summer on gj, guess everyone is outside?