let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Zeeman]

I have one that I'll be starting on as soon as I get a few more things restored.

 

[dubyaohohdee]

Parts compatibility question. I have a 1/3 hp model with a burnt stator. Still works, but smokes when i use it. Another member has a 1/2 hp parts donor. The stators have diff part#s so I assume they are not direct swap or are they? If not, what other parts from the donor would I need to make it work?

Mine = 397.19391

His = 397.19370

I think I burned it up by using the wire wheel too much or too aggressively, but perhaps it is something else? Here are some pics of mine. And his label for reference.

 

[nine4gmc]

Pretty sure you let the magic smoke out wire wheeling. I did that with my NEWLY restored 1/3hp way back in this thread. I highly recommend a 1/2hp or greater for wire wheeling.

I don't think any internals will swap but lets hear from the Block Master!

 

[cheechi]

I highly recommend a 1/2hp or greater for wire wheeling.

I have been meaning to ask this thanks for the answer.

what are good tasks that a 1/3 is well suited? I have one and am deciding what wheels to put on it.

 

[nine4gmc]

NO buffing or wire wheeling imo, anything less than 1/2 I would only use for grinding lawnmower blades, sharpening knives etc. Put a coarse and fine grinder wheel on there and try not to force anything into the wheels so that it stops them from spinning. Light grinding only.

 

[Itinerant]

NO buffing or wire wheeling imo.

Light grinding only.

I'll take a slightly contrarian position, I agree with Nine about no buffing and (very) light grinding. However, I use the wire wheel on my 1/3HP extensively for small and/or delicate parts. These machines are easily stalled by aggressive use and the 6" 1/2HP models aren't any better.

You've got to step up to the dual voltage Commercial 1/2HP machines before you can begin to do serious work.

 

[cheechi]

I have a 100 & 150 on one of my 1/2HP's. Could that work?

My 36 & 60 are both on my 1HP as I didn't have a ton of 8" wheels to choose from but also my 1HP is the most complete so I have rests and guards.

The other 1/2 with no side guards or rests has a flap disc & wire wheel. Then I have a 1/2HP free to put other wheels on if needed. I do have a HF buffer with the long shafts, I have no doubt a 1/2 block is a better choice for buffing wheels but the long arms are very useful.

edit: what about a brass wire wheel on the 1/3, you make a good point about delicate stuff.

 

[nine4gmc]

I took the inner/outer guards off my 1/2hp for better access with my wire wheels. It is a dedicated wire wheel grinder, never use a grinder stone wheel without a guard.

 

[cheechi]

the 1/2 with the wire wheel is a 397.19440 it's a crown top Commercial unit. I assumed all the blocks were dual voltage. However since I don't have the outer guards, I guess it could make sense to take off the inners. I hadn't as I figured something is better than nothing.

I got it with a buffing wheel on it interestingly enough; it was used to grind & polish belt buckles in a clothing factory.

 

[torqueman2002]

Pretty sure you let the magic smoke out wire wheeling. I did that with my NEWLY restored 1/3hp way back in this thread. I highly recommend a 1/2hp or greater for wire wheeling.

I don't think any internals will swap but lets hear from the Block Master!

I agree with nine - looks like the start-up (thin wire) coil/winding has been 'cooked'; note the dark color on outer part of the windings.

I would suspect the relay (however, they are very reliable) or a mechanically 'stuck' arbor that prevents it from reaching the critical speed for the relay to cut power to the start-up windings.

You can test windings with a VOM for short to ground/housing, and/or internal short, or open. See #11 & 12 here, Wiring Diagrams --> http://s786.photobucket.com/user/torqueman2002/slideshow/CM%20009%20Wiring%20Schematics

Let me/us know if you'd like tips on how to test the coils.

You may be able to swap parts, because I think the end frames are the same. However, unless the 1/3 HP has sentimental value, it would be easier, cheaper, and faster to find another Block and sell your 1/3 HP for parts. But, that is just my opinion.

 

[torqueman2002]

I have been meaning to ask this thanks for the answer.

what are good tasks that a 1/3 is well suited? I have one and am deciding what wheels to put on it.

Here's my take on what different HP Blocks are suited for.

Setting aside the round top vs. flat top style preference, and the differences in the numbers Sears produced for the different HP/model Blocks.

"Like many tools, what the application/use will be, is very helpful in choosing the grinder to buy.

Here are my thoughts on the different Block grinder HP models, round top vs. flat top style preferences aside:
1/4-HP, pre-Blocks, under rated power - more like 1/2-HP, may not come with eye shields, spark arresters, light, or power sw
1/3-HP, light grinding sharpening, light rust removal
1/2-HP, light - medium duty home shop use. Sharpening mower blades, light - moderate rust removal
3/4-HP, medium - heavy duty home shop use. Sharpening mower blades, moderate - heavy rust removal, light - moderate polishing
1-HP, heavy duty home & industrial shop use. heavy grinding, heavy rust removal, moderate - heavy polishing".

I realize that there are 1/4-HP round and flat top Blocks, but I don't have any experience with them.

 

[bagged89s10]

I find my half horsepower industrial block grinders suitable for most tasks. I mainly use a wire wheel on one and some light grinding. The other is set up with buffing wheels and I find I have enough power.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I found a 1/6 HP 1725 RPM motor with a wire wheel on it mounted to a piece of ply for $4 at an estate sale... Since then I made a box, added a switch, and bought a good USA wire wheel for it. Does great at cleaning small items and the box keeps most of the crud from flying on the wall or on the table. Being 1725 RPM it also is a lot more gentler and wont' eat your flesh if your finger brushes up against it.

Finding those lower RPM motors isn't too hard, likewise I've come across so many of those little arbor's that attach to the end of motor shafts...

 

[Rick B.]

Here it is, my Craftsman Model 379-19430 1/2 hp grinder that I just scored for $20 at the Legion Hall Sunday flee market. Motor works and the light works. It will be getting a refurb in the near future. Is there a way way to date these?

Anybody know off hand where I can snag a pair of wheel covers and a water dish for this baby?
View media item 71645

 

[dubyaohohdee]

Did some testing and I think I need a new relay. Although I am a bit confused by the results.

Also, I tested the voltage and the black wire runs at 110v 100%. The red wire starts at 110v then drops to 100v after 1.5 seconds. The expectation here is that it would drop to 0v right?

Here is a pic of my relay.

 

[Itinerant]

Here it is, my Craftsman Model 379-19430 1/2 hp grinder that I just scored for $20 at the Legion Hall Sunday flee market. Motor works and the light works. It will be getting a refurb in the near future. Is there a way way to date these?

Anybody know off hand where I can snag a pair of wheel covers and a water dish for this baby?

Look on the bottom for a date stamp, sometimes it's on the inside of the cover.

You'll either have to stumble across the wheel covers in the wild or watch e-bay for them.

In the recent past I have seen some of the models on Searspartsdirect.com showing the quench trays as still available and as I recall, moderately priced. You would have to poke around on there to find them as it's not showing as available under your model. E-bay also an option.

 

[torqueman2002]

Did some testing and I think I need a new relay. Although I am a bit confused by the results.

Also, I tested the voltage and the black wire runs at 110v 100%. The red wire starts at 110v then drops to 100v after 1.5 seconds. The expectation here is that it would drop to 0v right?

Here is a pic of my relay.

Have a look at the Relay links in post #5, in the following thread for more information on the style of relay used in the Block grinders; they are not voltage actuated, rather current.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249539

 

[torqueman2002]

Here it is, my Craftsman Model 379-19430 1/2 hp grinder that I just scored for $20 at the Legion Hall Sunday flee market. Motor works and the light works. It will be getting a refurb in the near future. Is there a way way to date these?

Anybody know off hand where I can snag a pair of wheel covers and a water dish for this baby?

Check here for the quench tray Part #: 534436227. http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/534436227/0071/358.html

AFAIK - the stamped steel side covers will fit several different HP and models; but, alas are NA from the above link or any other source. Perhaps, eBay, etc ....

Best of luck.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Check here for the quench tray Part #: 534436227. http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/534436227/0071/358.html

AFAIK - the stamped steel side covers will fit several different HP and models; but, alas are NA from the above link or any other source. Perhaps, eBay, etc ....

Best of luck.

You are correct on parts interchangeability on several generations. I just swapped side covers from my 1970 1/3 hp mail box to a newer 80's block and they bolted right on and fit perfectly. The metal light cover bolted on but is technically incorrect since they were a black plastic cover.


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[Rileysan]

Smokeshow69. Please see this link for my first 3/4 HP block:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5588746&postcount=8143

And speaking of 3/4 HP blocks ... THIS followed me home today. For the time being you'll have to live with the picture from the CL ad.

The seller stated: "Nearly brand new 3/4 HP Craftsman Bench Grinder. Pretty sure it's only been used one or twice."

I spoke to the owner's wife. She said her husband came down with Parkinson's a few years after purchasing it new and never really used it. She seemed to think it was only 20 years old but I didn't have the heart to tell her it was probably 35 years old (or older). No sense in offending the seller when she's giving a good deal!

It came with the original owner's manual and two NIB grinding stones.

Paid $100.

Brian

 

[JZiggy]

Now that's a nice find!!

 

[cbacres]

picked this up last week. Runs good, but missing about everything.
Figured I don't see these very much, so I gladly paid $ 30.

 

[torqueman2002]

Now that's a nice find!!

x2!

 

[torqueman2002]

picked this up last week. Runs good, but missing about everything.
Figured I don't see these very much, so I gladly paid $ 30.

That's a great find!

 

[rrich1]

Hey guys, when I did my restore on my 397.19580 torqueman2002 was kind enough to send me some reproduction shatterproof glass stickers. I ended up not using them and wondering if anybody needs them? I was able to save mine. I meant to do this a while ago but forgot. If you want them on me and I'll send them out to you.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[compunaut]

Seems like a pretty good deal (right now) for a vintage Craftsman bench grinder, as long as you're in York, PA area & skip shipping: $40 eBay auction (6d+ left)
PREOWNED CRAFTSMAN 1/3 HP BENCH GRINDER
I've posted in the HOT DEALS/eBay permathread as well

 

[compunaut]

Speaking of wheel covers, they seem like a great application for a 3D printer project.
Somebody up for the challenge? Anyone?
Bueller? #crickets

 

[pharmerphil]

I like the Craftsman pedestal power tools. I picked this up today for $55.00; made my day!

 

[torqueman2002]

Speaking of wheel covers, they seem like a great application for a 3D printer project.
Somebody up for the challenge? Anyone?
Bueller? #crickets

Here's how one clever guy made his own!
http://tinyurl.com/nu58ce9

 

[Itinerant]

I like the Craftsman pedestal power tools. I picked this up today for $55.00; made my day!

And how!

 

[exmaxima1]

I like the Craftsman pedestal power tools. I picked this up today for $55.00; made my day!

That's a Pre-Block, and I'll bet it weighs close to 100 lbs with the base. That would have made my day as well!

 

[Smokeshow69]

That's a Pre-Block, and I'll bet it weighs close to 100 lbs with the base. That would have made my day as well!

You freakin **** for this great pick up! Well done and with a stand to boot!


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[Rileysan]

I finally got around to taking photographs of my newly acquired 3/4 HP Block.

- Craftsman 3/4 HP 257.191500 Bench Grinder on Craftsman Stand


Listed for $100, I didn't hesitate to pay the asking price. Came with NOS Craftsman grinding wheel, NOS Craftsman wire wheel, and original owner's manual.

Notice the price tag on the wire wheel ($7.49). I sure wish they were that cheap nowadays!

Brian

 

[Itinerant]

I finally got around to taking photographs of my newly acquired 3/4 HP Block.

- Craftsman 3/4 HP 257.191500 Bench Grinder on Craftsman Stand


Listed for $100, I didn't hesitate to pay the asking price. Came with NOS Craftsman grinding wheel, NOS Craftsman wire wheel, and original owner's manual.

Notice the price tag on the wire wheel ($7.49). I sure wish they were that cheap nowadays!

Brian

First, you ****.

Second, $7.49 then is $35-$45 today depending on exactly when "then" was.

 

[Rick B.]

So I've started the tear down of my block grinder and hit a wall. I'd like to get the wheel guards off so I can clean and prep for paint but I can't get these wheel stops off the shaft. I searched around and can't find any tips or tricks regarding removal. They wobble a bit but won't slide off. Any ideas from those who have gone before?

 

[torqueman2002]

So I've started the tear down of my block grinder and hit a wall. I'd like to get the wheel guards off so I can clean and prep for paint but I can't get these wheel stops off the shaft. I searched around and can't find any tips or tricks regarding removal. They wobble a bit but won't slide off. Any ideas from those who have gone before?

I've had that happen on some Blocks.

Check the arbor for burrs and remove them with gentle use of a file.

The flange(s) should slide off; otherwise, use a puller - but that should not be necessary.

Good luck.

 

[Rick B.]

Thanks for the help. I'll give it a try.

Update:

I got them off. I used a couple of short pry bars and gently wiggled them from side to side and they popped off. Thanks again.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Been busy with summer stuff but recently did a deal with MercLSU for these;

• clean lil 1/3 hp

• clean 1 hp

• as well as a newer craftsman grinder stand and an older one too

​

​

Thanks Steven for feeding my addiction, how bout them TIGERS!
​

 

[torqueman2002]

V nice!

 

[compunaut]

Finally got around to taking photos of my new-to-me 1/2hp, Model 397.19340 block grinder & stand. Original asking price was $100, but dropped it to $75 after realization they couldn't find wheel covers, shields, or tool rests. Only thing PO ever used it for was polishing antique silverware & hand-made cutlery. Sounds strong, yet quiet.

Haven't unbolted it from the stand yet to check for date code. My plan is to use it for rust removal with wire wheel(s), so maybe I can do without the missing eqmt? If anyone has some extras, I'd be interested (especially the shields)!