let's see your craftsman block grinders

[McBrownie]

just curious have you had to change the belt and how often and do you have several grit belts or just the one and what grit?

I still have the same starter kit from Trick Tools that I got with the attachment, but I don't use this on a daily basis either. I do find myself using the side wheel more than the belts, although the belts can't be beat for curved things. For the side wheel, I just pick up Harbor Freight PSA disc grinder sheets and cut them to size. Cheap and easy.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: just curious how the sandpaper attaches to the round spinning wheels that are side mounted cause i own a few and want to put one in service soon cause i have a little pile of CEDAR to plane, sand and stain.

thanks for the 411

Jon: maybe he's a GJ member? did you ask?

 

[McBrownie]

McB: just curious how the sandpaper attaches to the round spinning wheels that are side mounted cause i own a few and want to put one in service soon cause i have a little pile of CEDAR to plane, sand and stain.

They're sticky backed. The ones I get are too big, but I just cut them to size.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-psa-sanding-disc-assortment-5-pc-69981.html

 

[vertguy]

They're sticky backed. The ones I get are too big, but I just cut them to size.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-psa-sanding-disc-assortment-5-pc-69981.html

That's a great idea as the 7 inch on the MT is an oddball size and is not widely carried.

 

[Bobioz1]

They're sticky backed. The ones I get are too big, but I just cut them to size.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-psa-sanding-disc-assortment-5-pc-69981.html

That's the way I do it too. I've also bought Norton 4x36 belts at Menards and slit them in half.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB & All: i was wondering how i was going to use these bigger sandpaper wheels i have on the smaller wheels that will attach to a block? anybody know what i could use to stick these on my small wheels so i can use them and then be able get them off or should i just buy some with the sticky on them already?

thanks

 

[McBrownie]

Bob,

Good idea. I picked one up at Home Depot today for $6 and cut it in half. Any better way to do this? My utility knife blade had a tough time of it. Also, these belts have a seam that is taped together and the ones from Trick Tools are seamless. However, they are easy to get and work just fine so far.

View media item 79406
Drives,

That is quite the supply! I use a compass and draw on the diameter that I need. Then I cut it out with a crappy pair of scissors. I would try some 3M spray adhesive. That stuff has worked pretty good, in my experience.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company...e-Spray-Adhesive/?N=5002385+3292003474&rt=rud

 

[softailgarage]

Can we get the build info on that Blockmeister, that thing is badass.

 

[McBrownie]

Can we get the build info on that Blockmeister, that thing is badass.

Thanks and here you go:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=277798

It also links to a more detailed thread about the PA multitool itself and what it takes to get it hooked up to block grinder. Spoiler alert, it's not a straight bolt-on attachment, but not too hard to get up and running either.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274020

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: thanks for the heads up on the 3M sticky stuff, but it looks like they only sell by the case of 12 cans and only online or is sitting on a shelf at a store?

I still like the BLOCKMEISTER and can only imagine the looks your friends and neighbors give you when they see it. especially if they have a block grinder at home.

good luck on the new belt idea!!

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives you can buy 3M 77 in most any hardware store or car parts store by the can.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Home Depot & Lowes sell them by the can, usually quite an assortment...

I've only used 77 and 90... I have no experience with the others...

https://www.homedepot.com/s/3m%20spray%20adhesive?NCNI-5

McB: thanks for the heads up on the 3M sticky stuff, but it looks like they only sell by the case of 12 cans and only online or is sitting on a shelf at a store?

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw and Jason: sounds like you know what it is and like it too? thanks for the heads up on where i can get just one can cause i didn't have time to google it yesterday and just followed McB's link that had 3 sources where to buy and all of them sold by the case of 12 cans.

i'm not sure if i'm going to use the sander that attaches to the blocks or a stand alone aluminum one that i'll have to set up with a motor. since i have a few choices on motors anybody have a favorite size for these little vertical sanders? I think i have single phase 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 or 1 HP's to choose from.

I know when members ask how big should i build my garage the answers are usually 99% as big as you can afford and maybe a bit bigger or how big will the city/county let you build it. that said sometimes too much power isn't a good thing like some buffers are better for some jobs at 1800 rpm rather than at 3600.

cheers and thanks all

EDIT: or do any of you like the quality or results of your sander attachments attached to your blocks? any pictures or thoughts?

 

[EOC_Jason]

That 3M spray adhesive has a million uses, just be sure to follow the directions on the can, you have to spray the surfaces and let it sit for a minute to get tacky.

 

[drivesitfar]

EOC: sort of like CONTACT CEMENT when i used to put formica on plywood table and counter tops?

thanks for the heads up!!

 

[Outlawmws]

Exactly; treat it like contact cement.

 

[cheechi]

Cheech: could i bother you to take and post up a couple (or more than a few) pictures of your grinders with all these different wheels on them. thanks!!

I'll try to post pics of mine, I would really like to see Cheech's setup, especially the flap disc...

I just realized I got some brass wire wheels in the other week and never got a chance to install one. (Real solid brass wire, not the cheap brass coated steel ones)...

Wish I had real brass wire. Mine still do good you just have to be gentle.

Here are a few older photos, when I get to the shop again I'll try to get some more. This is the two grinders with stones, and at the time I had the flap disc & only one wire wheel so those went together.

 

[chrisnazzy]

My Lowes finally got these back in stock. Thanks again to the OP. I can confirm they are a perfect fit.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[cajunfirehawk]

My Lowes finally got these back in stock. Thanks again to the OP. I can confirm they are a perfect fit.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

If you think this "block thing" is going to be ongoing, you might want to buy more than those, they seem to be hit and miss at lowes lately. YMMV. I keep a few sets in stock.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

I think I just sold one of my blocks. Good thing I still have four left.

 

[chrisnazzy]

If you think this "block thing" is going to be ongoing, you might want to buy more than those, they seem to be hit and miss at lowes lately. YMMV. I keep a few sets in stock.

Yeah I was happy to finally be able to grab 4 locally. I've got my guy at Praxair looking into ordering me a few more sets of them but I plan on watching the stock at my Lowes also.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[cajunfirehawk]

I think I just sold one of my blocks. Good thing I still have four left.

just 4? u can never have too many...

these are most of my used ones, I have the unused ones sitting in my house garage

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

I think I just sold one of my blocks. Good thing I still have four left.

And she just left!

just 4? u can never have too many...

these are most of my used ones, I have the unused ones sitting in my house garage

I've seen some of your pictures, awesome collection. It's not bad to thin the heard, I think I'm going to just keep the 3/4 and the 1/2 commercial. Maybe one of the 1/3 if I ever get into TIG.

I forget I get visitation rights to some of the others, my Dad's got a 1/2 square I gave him. Mine are all round.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

And she just left!
I've seen some of your pictures, awesome collection. It's not bad to thin the heard, I think I'm going to just keep the 3/4 and the 1/2 commercial. Maybe one of the 1/3 if I ever get into TIG.
I forget I get visitation rights to some of the others, my Dad's got a 1/2 square I gave him. Mine are all round.

Just another OCD collection GJ told us we needed to have, LOL
I really do have a plan fo these; I am getting to retirement age in a few more years lord willing and I would like to restore the older ones in bad shape and send on to a new home, something to keep me busy with. At least that's the story I am sticking to, lol

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Picked up this 3/4HP grinder today for $40 with quench tray, model 397.19471. The label says Craftsman commercial but after comparing it to another 3/4HP Craftsman grinder I have model 397.19350 the only difference I see is the arbor size - 1/2” vs. 5/8.” Is there anything else I am missing?

I need help with a couple of things. First, the previous owner installed a wire wheel that does not appear to be correct. See attached picture and notice the wheel is hugging the inside case, so much that some of the wire strands are making contact with the inside case. Is this because of a wrong wire wheel or was it installed incorrectly? How best do I fix this?

Second, while trying to test the grinder the man selling it went to flip the switch and something with the switch failed. Normally you would feel some resistance in the switch as you move it from off to on but now there is none and the switch now freely moves between the off and on position. Can this be fixed or do I need to start looking for someone parting out a grinder so I can buy another switch to replace it? After fiddling with it we were able to see the grinder run (she purrs nice!) but was unable to turn it back off with the switch in this condition so we simply unplugged it. I thought this might be a simple fix, even if I need to source a new switch so I bought it anyway.

Sorry for picture quality and orientation. They are clearer and straight on my phone.

Thanks for any help!

 

[BRWEIDEM]

I’ve got this grinder apart and the switch is out. Looks like it was made by a company called McGill Mfg Co. Has anyone had success finding one of these switches? I did a quick search and found other McGill switches but not this one.

I also took the wire wheel off. Need to do more research on how these are installed so that they are centered within the housing. What have you guys done to install these? Do they need some kind of spacer?

Thanks again!

 

[laser3kw]

that is block grinder ****!
you need to provide some candid shouts of the unused ones in the house

 

[Outlawmws]

I also took the wire wheel off. Need to do more research on how these are installed so that they are centered within the housing. What have you guys done to install these? Do they need some kind of spacer?

Thanks again!

Yes, spacers commonly needed even for wheels. Google "grinding wheel spacers" and they will come up for sale. hardware stores used to carry them routinely, not so much any more.

They also come in different widths or you can hack saw then to width. it is not supposed to see the pressure plate; that goes to the wheel itself so a little side ways float does not hurt.

http://www.globalindustrial.com/g/tools/abrasives/grinding-wheels/grinding-wheel-accessories-116045

 

[torqueman2002]

I’ve got this grinder apart and the switch is out. Looks like it was made by a company called McGill Mfg Co. Has anyone had success finding one of these switches? I did a quick search and found other McGill switches but not this one.

I also took the wire wheel off. Need to do more research on how these are installed so that they are centered within the housing. What have you guys done to install these? Do they need some kind of spacer?

Thanks again!

I've not had any luck finding a OEM replacement, or direct fit for that switch.

I have fitted a motor rated replacement toggle switch with a 'plate' to cover the rectangular hole.

To center a wheel/stone in the opening, use appropriately sized washer(s) between the inside wheel flange.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Torqueman, Outlaw, thanks. I’ll space the wire wheel appropriately.

As for the switch, I’ve seen various grinder parts come across for sale - you’d think a switch would pop up every now and then.

 

[torqueman2002]

Torqueman, Outlaw, thanks. I’ll space the wire wheel appropriately.

As for the switch, I’ve seen various grinder parts come across for sale - you’d think a switch would pop up every now and then.

You are welcome.

I have a thread on this very topic, actually.
"CM Block Grinder power switch - replacements"

But, because of the PB 3-rd party hosting policy change, the pictures I posted are not viewable currently.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310418

You may find some information useful, however.

I will work on updating (reposting the pictures directly) the thread as time permits.

I'll post a notice in this thread when the task is done.



Edit - Update is complete.

 

[Bobioz1]

I’ve got this grinder apart and the switch is out. Looks like it was made by a company called McGill Mfg Co. Has anyone had success finding one of these switches? I did a quick search and found other McGill switches but not this one.

I also took the wire wheel off. Need to do more research on how these are installed so that they are centered within the housing. What have you guys done to install these? Do they need some kind of spacer?

Thanks again!

I had one of those switches stick in the on position. Flipping it on and off felt no resistance. Can't remember what I found when I took the switch apart but it was obvious and I repaired it with no new parts. It's on my dirty wire wheel grinder that's been used daily for 3-4 years.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Bobioz, that would be great if I could take the switch apart and fix it. I was just looking at it after I read your post and it’s not obvious to me how it comes apart but I will mess with it and see what comes of it. Thanks.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

I had one of those switches stick in the on position. Flipping it on and off felt no resistance. Can't remember what I found when I took the switch apart but it was obvious and I repaired it with no new parts. It's on my dirty wire wheel grinder that's been used daily for 3-4 years.

Bobioz, I’m not having any luck taking the switch apart. Do you by chance remember how it came apart?

Thanks.

 

[torqueman2002]

Bobioz, I’m not having any luck taking the switch apart. Do you by chance remember how it came apart?

Thanks.

Here you go.

Below are two switches, just different colors.

Separate the two halves by pressing in the 4 tabs (black colored on the switch on the right, two per side).

Note green oxidation.

Contacts and assembly cleaned. Note: Use non-conducting dielectric grease to lubricate the inside assembly.

CAUTION: the switch terminals are prone to separating from the rivets that secure them to the lower half. Be careful when removing wires from the switch.

This too can be repaired, however.

Good luck.

Let us know how you make out.

 

[Bobioz1]

Look at the switch picture you posted. You need to slide a pocket screwdriver in from the rear of the switch towards the rectangular cut out. Use two screwdrivers and pop one side of the switch at a time.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Torqueman, Bobioz, thanks for the quick reply. I will give this a try tomorrow and post my findings.

 

[Bobioz1]

Here you go.

Below are two switches, just different colors.

Separate the two halves by pressing in the 4 tabs (black colored on the switch on the right, two per side).

Note green oxidation.

Contacts and assembly cleaned. Note: Use non-conducting dielectric grease to lubricate the inside assembly.

Excellent post! That would've took me all day.

 

[torqueman2002]

Excellent post! That would've took me all day.

Thanks!

I had already posted these in previous threads.

But thanks to PB, those pics. are no longer viewable.

I'm gradually updating the old posts, by uploading directly into the forum.

But I know what you mean about how long it takes to document something like this.

I find it takes 2x as long to edit and post, as it did to do the task.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Torqueman, Bobioz, thanks for taking the time to put up these instructable posts, I appreciate it.

It took a while because I didn’t want to break anything but I was able to take apart the switch. See attached pic. I’m sure this one is not repairable because the pin that sits inside the paddle was broken. I believe this occurred because whatever grease was used had the consistency of wax, gummed up the pin so it could not compress the spring and retract, and broke when we went to test run this grinder. Just my thought because the channel in the paddle for the spring and pin is gummed up to the point that I can’t get the spring out.

Any ideas to revive this switch? Are pins like this available at a hardware store? I’m not sure what material the pins is made of (seems to be some kind of insulating material) but I haven’t seen anything like it available to buy. May be time to start working on a different solution.

Thanks again.