let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Outlawmws]

I found 2 names for "397" on the vintage machinery site:

http://vintagemachinery.org/Craftsman/manufacturers.aspx

I assumed it was right, but who really knows.....

Hmmm, I have that exact same note, except its under the 257 Mfg code, and I'm inclined to think that is correct. Sears assigned Mfg codes to companies, NOT tools...

MY note: "257 Allegretti & Co & Paramount; Paramount (now Poulan), who continued the Delco model Block Grinders"

Delco is still part of GM last I looked (or possibly split off during the "reconstruction" of GM? But surely was back in the Block era...

Are 257 blocks with stamped dates before, after, or during the same range of dates as the 397's?

Anyone? Everyone? Surely we collectively have sufficient blocks of both codes to determine this fairly quickly?

 

[Outlawmws]

AW; IMO the best way is to use a B&D Workmate as a grinding station, mount the grinders on same size plates with cleats on the bottom (giving the WM something to grip), and rack those not in use in a "book case" sized to fit the plates as shelves on cleats. This way they take minimum space and the cleats are not rocking on regular shelves...

If you absolutely want the thing on a workbench, do the same thing with one of the smaller table top workmates, only embed the small WM so the bench and the WM top surface are the same level.

See the Workmate thread for more on this.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Guys, I have had the addiction for several years now. I'm at 4 block grinders and I'm only using one. How do you guys set up multiple grinders? I'd love to see some pics to get ideas.

I have 3 grinders... and one low-speed motor...

A hella-beefy early 80's Dayton 3/4HP (but rated over 10 amps) that has a 60 grit stone on left and wire wheel on right. This is used for sharpening lawn mower blades and other heavy grinding or wire-wheeling... It's got a lot of torque and would be very unforgiving if something grabbed out of your hands.

A 1/2HP Craftsman that currently has a 7" 120 grit and I think 80 grit stones on it (found on eBay). I typically use this for lighter and more precise grinding. I have one of the Craftsman sharpening attachments I need to mount on it, once I do that I will probably replace the rougher grit stone with a buffing wheel so after I sharpen something I can hit it with the buffing wheel.

A cheap little Ryobi 6", it just has buffing wheels on it for light buffing / polishing stuff.

I also have a 1725 RPM motor with an arbor on it mounted in a home-made box with a thick USA wire wheel. This is my go-to for cleaning off crud as the lower RPM makes it easier to work with and if your finger hits the wheel it's not going to rip off flesh. It doesn't polish up like a 3500 RPM wire wheel but it's so much more forgiving.

Spend the money for a good USA Weiler or Osborn wire wheel on eBay, they are only around $20 and won't shed wires nearly as fast as the cheap Chinese ones from the big box stores.

 

[torqueman2002]

You are welcome, BRWEIDEM.

Take a look at the first few pages of the following thread. It's intended to be a condensed version of this thread, and provide some resource links.
http://tinyurl.com/CM-Block-Grinders-Resources

 

[torqueman2002]

I use separate stands for my Blocks, and 'other' grinders.

 

[McBrownie]

Hmmm, I have that exact seams note, except its under the 257 Mfg code, and I'm inclined to think that is correct. Sears assigned Mfg codes to companies, NOT tools...

MY note: "257 Allegretti & Co & Paramount; Paramount (now Poulan), who continued the Delco model Block Grinders"

Delco is still part of GM last I looked (or possibly split off during the "reconstruction" of GM? But surely was back in the Block era...

Are 257 blocks with stamped dates before, after, or during the same range of dates as the 397's?

Anyone? Everyone? Surely we collectively have sufficient blocks of both codes to determine this fairly quickly?

Outlaw,

I have a 257 1/2hp with the black, silver, and red label. The only date I could find was a casting date stamp on the wheel guard marked 11/83. Other than those huge 1hp black flat tops, I think the 257’s might have been the last “blocks”.

 

[cheechi]

I have two on stands, one of which is very wobbly and needs to be rebuilt or given away. I have two others on a table near the stands and I pull whichever needs to be used to the front. I wouldn't have room for 4 individual stands I really don't have room for the two.

 

[chrisnazzy]

I picked up a 397.19580 1/3hp on an original stand for $75 recently. Initially the wheel guards with eyes shields and tool rests were missing but the seller contacted me a few days later and let me know that she had found all of the original parts in a box in the garage and got them to me.

I bought another center cover from a member here. He had stripped and polished it at some point. My model tag was in better condition so I swapped it over but I still have to source the correct style rivet. Right now I've just got one pop rivet holding it on.

As far as the stand goes I'm thinking it will go to my powdercoater with the next batch of stuff. At that point I'll just need to find 4 replacement rubber feet and it'll be good to go.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw,

I have a 257 1/2hp with the black, silver, and red label. The only date I could find was a casting date stamp on the wheel guard marked 11/83. Other than those huge 1hp black flat tops, I think the 257’s might have been the last “blocks”.

That's what I think also.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Fellow blockheads,

I am in the process of reading this entire thread because I have developed an admiration for these machines and there is so much great information in one place. Plus, I find it far more enlightening and entertaining than many of the TV programs available to watch these days. Maybe that's just me.

Anyway, while only on post #550 or so, I have seen many inquiries about the rubber feet and where to find them. I have seen some posts that you can find similar items online but just wanted to share I picked up this set at Lowes for $0.96/ea. They are made by Hillman and found in the hardware drawers. Brought 'em home and they fit my 397.19350 perfectly. Finding them this easy makes me think there are many bench mounted tools that use this same grommet. I came across a set on eBay for $20+$4 shipping and I was determined to find them cheaper. I figured I needed d to save as much as possible for my second CM block grinder find.

Headed up to Northern Arizona today to do some looking, crossing my fingers I come across another one. Hope this helps.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Sorry for the sideways pics, don't know how to fix this.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Sorry for the sideways pics, don't know how to fix this.

Welcome, common board issue due to size of image, be careful collecting these things! They CAN be bad for your check book!

PS yes, the hillmans will work but in my area they are not replacing those once they run out so stock up, IMHO

 

[torqueman2002]

BRWEIDEM - Welcome to the GJ forum, Block grinder collecting/restoring, and this thread.

Thanks for the post.

Be sure to check this other Block grinder thread "Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss (with resource information)" for links to resources. --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249539

 

[McBrownie]

Welcome, common board issue due to size of image, be careful collecting these things! They CAN be bad for your check book!

PS yes, the hillmans will work but in my area they are not replacing those once they run out so stock up, IMHO

Cajun,

Nice collection! I circled my favorite. I round top heavy duty “big boy”.

 

[davethorik]

Cleaning out an abandoned building, there was a lot of misc. Craftsman stuff. Curiously enough, in a box of junk, I found this quench tray. No grinder in sight...isn't it usually the opposite? Lol.
It fits my blocks, but is larger and has angled sides.

Is this for a block?
# 4971780

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Welcome, common board issue due to size of image, be careful collecting these things! They CAN be bad for your check book!

PS yes, the hillmans will work but in my area they are not replacing those once they run out so stock up, IMHO

Cajun, nice collection! Only looking for two, maybe three. But who knows, I don't think I could turn one down if I came across it.

 

[chrislehr]

All, im not at home, but need help - I have a 3/4 block grinder at home.. what's the arbor size, and whats the max size wheel? I've honestly never bought wheels for it before and just took a sharpening class and am shopping online and need help.

 

[Hiatt1991]

All, im not at home, but need help - I have a 3/4 block grinder at home.. what's the arbor size, and whats the max size wheel? I've honestly never bought wheels for it before and just took a sharpening class and am shopping online and need help.

Pretty sure the arbor size is 5/8" and they take an 8" wheel.

 

[chrislehr]

Pretty sure the arbor size is 5/8" and they take an 8" wheel.

1" width ok?

 

[Hiatt1991]

1" width ok?

Yup.

 

[Htscheg]

Nice list Frank! Just what I Needed!

 

[Hiatt1991]

Got some spare parts from a craftsman 1/3 horsepower grinder model 397.19580 for sale. Located in Prescott, AZ but can ship. Everything is in great shape with no cracks.

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/IMBqSUq' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/IMBqSUq.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/eg2ld7j' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/eg2ld7j.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

 

[Outlawmws]

PM sent!

 

[chrislehr]

turns out, my block grinder had an OG wheel in it. 7x1x5/8 arbor. It's a Norton.. anyone know when they last made 7" wheels?

 

[BRWEIDEM]

I'm in the process of reading through this thread after just recently buying a 3/4 HP 397.19350 with 7" wheels. Are new 7" wheels hard to find if I wanted to replace them or maybe throw on something else, like a wire wheel or a buffing wheel?

 

[Hiatt1991]

turns out, my block grinder had an OG wheel in it. 7x1x5/8 arbor. It's a Norton.. anyone know when they last made 7" wheels?

They still make 7" x 1" thick wheels but they use pretty big arbor spacers.

 

[chrislehr]

I'm in the process of reading through this thread after just recently buying a 3/4 HP 397.19350 with 7" wheels. Are new 7" wheels hard to find if I wanted to replace them or maybe throw on something else, like a wire wheel or a buffing wheel?

It seems like the modern market runs 6 or 8" for the most part.

mcmaster shows some 7" options, but its pretty limiting in the filter.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Got some spare parts from a craftsman 1/3 horsepower grinder model 397.19580 for sale. Located in Prescott, AZ but can ship. Everything is in great shape with no cracks.

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/IMBqSUq' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/IMBqSUq.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/eg2ld7j' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/eg2ld7j.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

PM sent but I'm betting Outlaw beat me to it!!

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[EOC_Jason]

I'm in the process of reading through this thread after just recently buying a 3/4 HP 397.19350 with 7" wheels. Are new 7" wheels hard to find if I wanted to replace them or maybe throw on something else, like a wire wheel or a buffing wheel?

Check eBay, you can find a decent assortment of 7" wheels.

Did you measure the space inside the shield? I thought 3/4HP used 8" wheels?

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Check eBay, you can find a decent assortment of 7" wheels.

Did you measure the space inside the shield? I thought 3/4HP used 8" wheels?

Must have an oddball, no room here for 8 inch wheels. She does have the original craftsman wheels though.

Just hope I can find what I'm looking for, haven't started looking yet.

 

[exmaxima1]

Must have an oddball, no room here for 8 inch wheels. She does have the original craftsman wheels though.

I recall seeing the same thing on a non-commercial model 3/4hp block. But that's fine, as 8-inch wheels have too much surface speed for grinding most ferrous metals. 6-inch are ideal (or worn down 7").

 

[BRWEIDEM]

I recall seeing the same thing on a non-commercial model 3/4hp block. But that's fine, as 8-inch wheels have too much surface speed for grinding most ferrous metals. 6-inch are ideal (or worn down 7").

Thanks Exmaxima1. That's what this grinder is, a non-commercial 3/4HP. I'm just worried about the availability of 7 inch wheels based on what other members have experienced.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Thanks Exmaxima1. That's what this grinder is, a non-commercial 3/4HP. I'm just worried about the availability of 7 inch wheels based on what other members have experienced.

McMaster Carr has 7" wheels...

But like I said, there are TONS of eBay to choose from that are very well priced. Both stones and wire wheels...

 

[AdrianBoomer]

Waiting for the stand to arrive...anyday now, but here is my cleaned up 1958 with a badge refresh made by someone I met here on GJ. Im happy with it and can't wait to get it mounted. This will eventually become a polishing station with a brass wheel and a lambswool wheel.

View media item 77424

 

[drivesitfar]

AB: nice looking block and was it stamped 1958 under the base? also would you mind showing us the brass wheel when you get it on your block and where did you get your wheels?

 

[AdrianBoomer]

AB: nice looking block and was it stamped 1958 under the base? also would you mind showing us the brass wheel when you get it on your block and where did you get your wheels?

Drives, The date stamp is April 1964. I have it mounted on the stand now, but is likes to walk across the shop floor LOL, gonna have to put it on a pad of some sort, Also, that plate with the stamp only attaches with a single fastener, and it like to vibrate. Do you know what the standard fix for that is. I have the unit mounted on bushings.

 

[Outlawmws]

The first question is WHY is it vibrating? Try taking the wheels off and see if it still vibrates. assuming it doesn't add one and see where you are; then the other... I assume you trued the wheels up and they aren't out of concentric?

 

[drivesitfar]

Adrian: first i've heard of that plate vibrating so is the screw nice and tight?

a partial fix to maybe keep your grinder from walking is buying the rubber feet and i think Lowes has them for about $1 each and you'll need 4 of them. if you don't know what I'm talking about maybe Doc or another member has pictures saved that will show you and tell you where to buy some.

 

[KENWIL138]

Picked this up today from pawn shop. Seems to be in really good shape. Original wheels, everything stock and nice. Even has the tag on the cord telling what plug to use for 220. Does anyone know if the stand is one for this grinder or just a universal stand?

 

[EOC_Jason]

I have seen a smaller CMan grinder with that same stand... I can't imagine what other tool you could use it for, the top is only big enough for a bench grinder really...