let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Rileysan]

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)!

The price you paid was more than fair as the stand alone will easily bring up to $100 on eBay. It's a shame they couldn't find the guards. I would contact the seller and offer to pay the additional $25 if they can find them.

Sadly, those wheel guards are often missing from grinders (doesn't matter what make or model) because home users often ignore safety guidelines and leave them off in order to have more room to grind bigger things.

As such, finding spare guards is rare. Basically, you need to find someone who has parted out one of these and is willing to sell you the parts you're missing - if they have them.

Good luck!

Brian

 

[MercLSU]

Been busy with summer stuff but recently did a deal with MercLSU​

Was a pleasure meeting and doing business with you, and very glad to feed your addiction! Currently doing my best to downsize to where I can actually walk around in my small space...down to just a few blocks, but I still have the big orange one ​

 

[compunaut]

Anybody interested in a Model 257.192130, Made in USA grinder? Looks pretty complete (and with 3 extra wire/buffer wheels); tho seems like it might be kinda weak compared to the 1/2hp block I just got.
Interestingly (is that a word?), it appears to have multiple speed settings?

 

[torqueman2002]

Anybody interested in a Model 257.192130, Made in USA grinder? Looks pretty complete (and with 3 extra wire/buffer wheels); tho seems like it might be kinda weak compared to the 1/2hp block I just got.
Interestingly (is that a word?), it appears to have multiple speed settings?

Complete and it looks like the model 257.190470, variable speed + w/ light, I got new in 1987.

Nice, light duty grinder; but, not a Block. This little guy is plastic and heavily 'thrifted' - down to it's sleeve bearings.

 

[bubinga]

"Interestingly"
I think it is a word.
Like as in "Interestingly enough"............................
If it's not, We can make it a "GJ" one, Hows that?

 

[bubinga]

That "Model 257.192130" would be a nice little grinder for next to a wood lathe,
With the slower speed option.

 

[debrag1]

Hi. I think that is what I have.

 

[compunaut]

That "Model 257.192130" would be a nice little grinder for next to a wood lathe,
With the slower speed option.

I like the idea of a small, dedicated grinder for lathe tools. But I don't have a lathe any more Hardly ever used it when I had it

 

[compunaut]

Looks like there's a 1/4hp block Model 397.19400 available in San Antonio, but that's still an hour out of my way. $50 seems too much for the trouble. Any thoughts?

 

[torqueman2002]

Looks like there's a 1/4hp block Model 397.19400 available in San Antonio, but that's still an hour out of my way. $50 seems too much for the trouble. Any thoughts?

Nice shape, but it is about 2x what I like to spend (ie: $10 per 0.10 HP).

It would be good for cleaning up threads, and sharpening drills.

 

[Rileysan]

Hi. I think that is what I have.

Welcome to Garage Journal and thanks for showing off your block!

I took the liberty of fixing your pictures so they can be viewed right side up.

Cheers!

Brian

 

[bubinga]

welcome to garage journal and thanks for showing off your block!

I took the liberty of fixing your pictures so they can be viewed right side up.

Cheers!

Brian

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^test^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Rileysan]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^test^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

HAHA! It took me a moment to see what you did!

 

[Rick B.]

My latest refurb. 1/2 hp and it all works great. Just have to keep my eyes open for some side covers and a water trough. Or maybe I'll make them!

Before
View media item 71645
After
View media item 71642View media item 71643
And it's future home once I get a stand for my drill press.
View media item 71644

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Rikki Sixx sweet resto, ford blue?

 

[Rick B.]

Rikki Sixx sweet resto, ford blue?

Nah, just brightest blue ACE hardware had.

 

[Rick B.]

​

​

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

Geez, where do you guys find all these stands! I never see one for sale around here.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Geez, where do you guys find all these stands! I never see one for sale around here.

I just picked up two stands and two blocks plus a foley belsaw 1055 grinder (read craftsman look a like) in one deal, it was one of my better scores in person, the others I buy off ebay or from fellow GJ members

inside of foley belsaw, look familiar? (exact same as a craftsman grinder!)

 

[bubinga]

HAHA! It took me a moment to see what you did!

Yeah, Then I figured out You just didn't bother to fix that one.......................

 

[trijeff]

This is a pretty cool base for up to three grinders.

https://reno.craigslist.org/tls/6203167855.html

 

[Rileysan]

Yeah, Then I figured out You just didn't bother to fix that one.......................

I did it on purpose

 

[Rileysan]

I found a Craftsman 3/4 HP block in Woodburn, Oregon for sale for $80. It comes with a universal 4 legged power tool stand. I don't need another block unless I find a 1 HP block so am passing this lead on to whomever may want it. PM me if you want the contact information.

Brian

 

[torqueman2002]

Where are all of these blocks in boxes coming from? I thought I had that checked off my list?? Guess not

hawk!
Look what you made me go and do.

I was minding my own business, when it showed up on the local CL.

I waited as long as I could, 20 mins, before contacting the seller.

We agreed on a lower price and I opened it there to verify it indeed was all there.

More picture to follow.

Oh, it's a 1/4-HP m-397.19400. A Baby-Block!

 

[torqueman2002]

Anyone near South Bend?

There's a complete 1/2-HP flat top m-397.19340, with lamp, q tray, and manual.

Not mine, just a heads up.
https://southbend.craigslist.org/tls/6183708815.html

Someone go get it!

 

[Exeter]

Just picked this up from an antique store for a song. The stand is nearly mint. Almost no vibration, it has the 4 original grommets that are still pliable and the water tray punch out has not been punched out.

 

[AntiqueVises]

picked this up today off craigslist, $44. came with the eye gaurds, tool rests, and stand

mounted it on my workbench already

seems to run really well! should i replace the wheels on it? they tested okay doing the ring test that i saw online, this is my first bench grinder

 

[bczygan]

1/3HP for $50:
https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/6201629228.html

 

[torqueman2002]

1/3HP for $50:
https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/6201629228.html

I've bought 2-3 Blocks from him.

He's a good guy to deal with.

 

[Tool_Master]

Pick this one up today at the flea market for $30. Not too bad for a 1970 C-Man Block.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AntiqueVises]

mounted the grinder i picked up yesterday, i feel like this gives me enough room to still work with my vise without getting in the way. i only store drills and batteries/chargers behind it.

anyone have an idea what years these models were made? it's a 397.19340

i'd like to restore the grinder and paint it but wondering what to do about the sticker label? where can i find a new badge for it?

 

[Zeeman]

I have a similar model, and my sticker is on crooked also. If you can live with the sticker, just tape it off and paint. That's what I did.

 

[AntiqueVises]

I have a similar model, and my sticker is on crooked also. If you can live with the sticker, just tape it off and paint. That's what I did.

i think you're right, ill tape over it and paint, will add character if i leave it original and faded. might go a completely different color scheme. i searched and saw several nice restorations on here!

have a picture of yours by chance?

 

[EOC_Jason]

There was a member that was making stickers for people, I still have mine he made on my desk, I've been too busy to restore my block but he did an excellent job. Do a search and you will probably find the thread with pics of the labels he's made.

 

[Zeeman]

i think you're right, ill tape over it and paint, will add character if i leave it original and faded. might go a completely different color scheme. i searched and saw several nice restorations on here!

have a picture of yours by chance?

There were pictures of it and a lot of my projects, but photobuckit is holding them hostage. I am in the process of painting it now. All I have to do is paint the main housing, and put it back together. I'll try to post some picture w/o using p b.

 

[torqueman2002]

I'll comment in RED.

Pick this one up today at the flea market for $30. Not too bad for a 1970 C-Man Block.
Cool, and a unique RH tool rest. PO was a woodworker, would be my guess.

mounted the grinder i picked up yesterday, i feel like this gives me enough room to still work with my vise without getting in the way. i only store drills and batteries/chargers behind it.
Nice find. You may want to cove the chargers to keep the swarf out of the electrical contacts.

anyone have an idea what years these models were made? it's a 397.19340
Some Blocks have the date stamp on the bottom cover.

i'd like to restore the grinder and paint it but wondering what to do about the sticker label? where can i find a new badge for it?
Follow this link for more information on labels/badges.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6401811&posted=1#post6401811

There was a member that was making stickers for people, I still have mine he made on my desk, I've been too busy to restore my block but he did an excellent job. Do a search and you will probably find the thread with pics of the labels he's made.
Jason, could it be mattblast, from the link ^^^ above?

 

[EOC_Jason]

Jason, could it be mattblast, from the link ^^^ above?

I think so, I remember his name was Matt...

 

[mercman1951]

Just picked up this unit. Looks like a 1963? - it's a 397.19590 C2372 design. Other than replacing the broken glass, this one needs only a missing quench tray and works fine. I was going to refurbish it, but I don't see the need after seeing it in person. A simple clean-up will do. $60 complete!

 

[Tool_Master]

Just picked up this unit. Looks like a 1963? - it's a 397.19590 C2372 design. Other than replacing the broken glass, this one needs only a missing quench tray and works fine. I was going to refurbish it, but I don't see the need after seeing it in person. A simple clean-up will do. $60 complete!

Mercman, great find!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Zeeman]

That's a great deal. At this point, I'd almost pay 60 for the stand!

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Just picked up this unit. Looks like a 1963? - it's a 397.19590 C2372 design. Other than replacing the broken glass, this one needs only a missing quench tray and works fine. I was going to refurbish it, but I don't see the need after seeing it in person. A simple clean-up will do. $60 complete!

Yeah YOU ****! (in the best way possible!)