let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

Torqueman, Bobioz, thanks for taking the time to put up these instructable posts, I appreciate it.
.....
May be time to start working on a different solution.

Thanks again.

You are welcome.

It maybe time to consider a non-OEM replacement.

Grainger P/N: 2LNA9
https://www.grainger.com/product/POWER-FIRST-Rocker-Switch-2LNA9?searchBar=true&searchQuery=2LNA9

BUNN switch.
http://www.partstown.com/bunn/bu04225%2e0002;sid=FHt9mJFXVmt8mMsxBH5IljmX4Kc9nGWLVH8=

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Thanks Torqueman. The switch you advise go use looks like it had one terminal coming out on the one side. Mine has two, as do some of the switches in the pics posted earlier. Are you also making changes to the connections when using this new switch?

 

[Farleyfan]

I finally have one of the coveted "Block Grinders"
Its a 1/3 hp. Missing the quench tray and one guard.
It even has the flexable light that works.

 

[torqueman2002]

Thanks Torqueman. The switch you advise go use looks like it had one terminal coming out on the one side. Mine has two, as do some of the switches in the pics posted earlier. Are you also making changes to the connections when using this new switch?

YW.

If you need to add a terminal to a switch, etc ..., you can use these kind of adapters.

0.250" Wd. Female to Two Male Quick-Disconnect Terminals Adapter - (pack of 25)- on AMAZON

 

[torqueman2002]

I finally have one of the coveted "Block Grinders"
Its a 1/3 hp. Missing the quench tray and one guard.
It even has the flexable light that works.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

you need to provide some candid shouts of the unused ones in the house

Not sure how I missed this but here is the only "family" shot I have currently, that rack is becoming overcrowded and the latest and oldest member is sitting on the floor... Holding at 7 boxed and 1 missing a box.

 

[McBrownie]

Not sure how I missed this but here is the only "family" shot I have currently, that rack is becoming overcrowded and the latest and oldest member is sitting on the floor... Holding at 7 boxed and 1 missing a box.

Cajun,

Awesome collection. I see the old Packard built pre-blocks were made in Warren, Ohio. Do you see any indication of where the later models were built?

 

[RedVise]

1/2 HP smooth running, has quench tray and light with plastic shield.
BOTH side covers, tool rests and spark arrestors too.
Needs new wheels. They let it go for $35, pretty reasonable to me.

Brian

 

[torqueman2002]

Vise - very nice find!

Here's one in the Metro Detroit area (Warren) that is a fresh listing.

It needs TLC and parts, but for $15 - why not?!??

https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/tls/d/bench-grinder-older-machine/6475850453.html

To my eye, it is at least a 1/2HP.

 

[exmaxima1]

Vise - very nice find!

Here's one in the Metro Detroit area (Warren) that is a fresh listing.

It needs TLC and parts, but for $15 - why not?!??

To my eye, it is at least a 1/2HP.

Yep, I think the "Princess Leia Buns" end covers were only on 1/2hp or greater.

 

[McBrownie]

Yep, I think the "Princess Leia Buns" end covers were only on 1/2hp or greater.

And, I think I read 5.2 amps which would be a 1/2 hp cap-start 397.19590 which is the same model that exmaxima sold me years back (if memory serves) and is still a great running grinder.

 

[Caddybill]

New to me, has light, both guards, tray and tool rest. Best part, only cost me $10
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/69cad/thumbnail_20180130_183830.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/69cad/thumbnail_20180130_183802.jpg

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Torqueman, Bobioz, thanks again with your help with the switch. I ended up buying switch 2LNA7 from grainger which is the same as the switch you recommended just with a red throw instead of white. I like the way it looks and am glad to have rescued this grinder for $35 and all it needed was a switch.

Also, shimmed the wire wheel and now it’s centered. Fired it up just now and she runs perfect. Can’t wait to put it to use.

I was hell bent on keeping this all original but am satisfied installing an aftermarket switch. Thanks again.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

First time posting a pic in the body of the post. The quality is not good when I click on it. Any idea how to maintain the quality of pics we post?

 

[Bobioz1]

No help on the pics but that switch looks great!

 

[torqueman2002]

First time posting a pic in the body of the post. The quality is not good when I click on it. Any idea how to maintain the quality of pics we post?

Good info. on the switch. It's included in the switch replacement thread.

I use MS Office to edit pics. for uploading.
Resize settings
Predefined width x height:
Web - Large (640 x 480 px)

The picture below is 167 KB. For 'full' details see post #10323 above.

 

[Cranksterwatch]

Scored a 3/4 HP for $25.

A good cleaning and a trip through the blast cabinet and fresh coat of paint and it’s like new.

Matt is making a replacement decal and I’m looking for new shields.

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[torqueman2002]

Scored a 3/4 HP for $25.

A good cleaning and a trip through the blast cabinet and fresh coat of paint and it’s like new.

Matt is making a replacement decal and I’m looking for new shields.

Nice score!

Those eye shields can be 'restored'.

First clean off the surface dust with mild detergent, water, and gentle washing.

Then use Flitz or a plastic headlight restorer.

 

[Cranksterwatch]

Nice score!

Those eye shields can be 'restored'.

First clean off the surface dust with mild detergent, water, and gentle washing.

Then use Flitz or a plastic headlight restorer.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the information. I’ll post more pics when I get the decal and shields on.


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[torqueman2002]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the information. I’ll post more pics when I get the decal and shields on. ...

You are welcome!

I just updated an old post on this topic.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=311635

 

[Rileysan]

I realize it's a pre-block, but I can't keep this from you fine folks! Craftsman 1/2 hp grinder with all the original gear. One eyeshield needs repaired, but is otherwise sound. Paid $40

Brian



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[Smokeshow69]

I realize it's a pre-block, but I can't keep this from you fine folks! Craftsman 1/2 hp grinder with all the original gear. One eyeshield needs repaired, but is otherwise sound. Paid $40

Brian



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Did someone say my name [emoji51] ? Glad to give you the heads up on this jewel! If it was not going to end up with me, it might as well end up in your garage ![emoji23]


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[drivesitfar]

Crank: great job spiffing up that BEAST. how does it run?

Riley: you going to keep that color? seriously looks like it just needs a good cleaning and maybe a couple new glass eye shields.

 

[torqueman2002]

Riley: I love it!

 

[Rileysan]

Did someone say my name [emoji51] ? Glad to give you the heads up on this jewel! If it was not going to end up with me, it might as well end up in your garage ![emoji23]


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You're right! I forgot to mention this ... Smokeshow is a terrible influence and should be avoided at all cost.

I've lost track of how many items I've purchased because he pointed them out to me, but this grinder was the second item in as many days!

Thank you! (I think?)


Drives, the paint is worse than it looks and will need some attention. I'm not fond of the paint on the tool rests and assembly, since it's supposed to be natural steel. I have a 1/3 HP pre-block as well (original bronze), and I think this one deserves to be restored to the original color.

Brian



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[Smokeshow69]

Ok block grinder peeps ! Can someone direct me to the pictures of that nos mail box grinder someone found recently ? I believe it was Cajunfirehawk and I believe it was a mail box made by Packard ? I know it was power bronze and was in amazing shape ! I searched for 1/2 an hour yesterday after I told rileysan about it but couldn't find the pictures! Pics of said block grinder box - the one on the floor ? I never get tired of this picture !
[emoji16]



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[larry4406]

This place is a bad influence.

I already have one Taiwanese Craftsman grinder from the early 1990's (first grinder), a 397.19440 Craftsman commercial block with stand (bad influence purchase from this forum), so not sure why yesterday I bought a 257.191401 off Craigslist for $25. Has the light, quench tray, the original manual, one wire wheel and one stone wheel, tool rests, wheel guards, but is missing the eye shields. Nice spin down on shutdown. A bit dirty. Not yet sure what the plan is for this one yet but for $25 and only 5 minutes away I could not pass it up.

Let me know if there is any interest in a scan of the manual. Not sure if those are being stored somewhere.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Ok block grinder peeps ! Can someone direct me to the pictures of that nos mail box grinder someone found recently ? I believe it was Cajunfirehawk and I believe it was a mail box made by Packard ? I know it was power bronze and was in amazing shape ! I searched for 1/2 an hour yesterday after I told rileysan about it but couldn't find the pictures! Pics of said block grinder box - the one on the floor ? I never get tired of this picture !
[emoji16]



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Here you go: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6887481&postcount=48

 

[Smokeshow69]

Here you go: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6887481&postcount=48

Thanks! It was driving me nuts! Which is a short drive, by the way!

Rileysan...this is the pre block goodness I was trying to find for you!

 

[torqueman2002]

This place is a bad influence.

I already have one Taiwanese Craftsman grinder from the early 1990's (first grinder), a 397.19440 Craftsman commercial block with stand (bad influence purchase from this forum), so not sure why yesterday I bought a 257.191401 off Craigslist for $25. Has the light, quench tray, the original manual, one wire wheel and one stone wheel, tool rests, wheel guards, but is missing the eye shields. Nice spin down on shutdown. A bit dirty. Not yet sure what the plan is for this one yet but for $25 and only 5 minutes away I could not pass it up.

Let me know if there is any interest in a scan of the manual. Not sure if those are being stored somewhere.

Nice find and a kind offer to scan the manual.

I have a pdf copy of that manual. I'm pretty sure it is on the Vintage Machinery website. http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=222&tab=3

 

[Rileysan]

Thanks! It was driving me nuts! Which is a short drive, by the way!

Rileysan...this is the pre block goodness I was trying to find for you!

That's a beautiful grinder!

Does anyone here know of a close match in color I can use on mine?

Brian

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[Indexmill]

Hi Block Grinder Fans,

Very sadly, the arbor in my 1/3 HP Model 397.19581 block grinder is bent causing the grinder to vibrate very badly. I tried to straighten it but was entirely unsuccessful (made it worse). Otherwise, the grinder is pristine. I bought an arbor from a slightly different model number from a fellow member and it fit... but, it did not work properly. The grinder ran but had no power. Perhaps the magnetic properties of the rotor on this arbor are not right; I don't know for sure. The original arbor runs with expected power (but is bent).

If you have a straight arbor that is from this exact model number, please let me know and I will buy it to save this great grinder. If you have a straight arbor but are not sure of the model number, please let me know and I will send you photos and the key dimensions to verify it is the right one.

Thank you very much for taking a look. Indexmill.

 

[torqueman2002]

Hi Block Grinder Fans,

Very sadly, the arbor in my 1/3 HP Model 397.19581 block grinder is bent causing the grinder to vibrate very badly. I tried to straighten it but was entirely unsuccessful (made it worse). Otherwise, the grinder is pristine. I bought an arbor from a slightly different model number from a fellow member and it fit... but, it did not work properly. The grinder ran but had no power. Perhaps the magnetic properties of the rotor on this arbor are not right; I don't know for sure. The original arbor runs with expected power (but is bent).

If you have a straight arbor that is from this exact model number, please let me know and I will buy it to save this great grinder. If you have a straight arbor but are not sure of the model number, please let me know and I will send you photos and the key dimensions to verify it is the right one.

Thank you very much for taking a look. Indexmill.

mill - take a look at post #6997, above.

It describes how one member used 0.010" shims to align the rotor in the housing.

This may help with your replacement rotor's lack of power.

 

[larry4406]

Hi Block Grinder Fans,

Very sadly, the arbor in my 1/3 HP Model 397.19581 block grinder is bent causing the grinder to vibrate very badly. I tried to straighten it but was entirely unsuccessful (made it worse). Otherwise, the grinder is pristine. I bought an arbor from a slightly different model number from a fellow member and it fit... but, it did not work properly. The grinder ran but had no power. Perhaps the magnetic properties of the rotor on this arbor are not right; I don't know for sure. The original arbor runs with expected power (but is bent).

If you have a straight arbor that is from this exact model number, please let me know and I will buy it to save this great grinder. If you have a straight arbor but are not sure of the model number, please let me know and I will send you photos and the key dimensions to verify it is the right one.

Thank you very much for taking a look. Indexmill.

Maybe try again with someone more experienced on shaft straightening. I think there was a fairly recent thread where a guy fixed his Baldor grinder by straightening a bent shaft.

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Has anyone ever used these reducer bushings when installing new wheels on your grinder. I have a 7” and 8” block grinder and while I can find new 7” and 8” wheels, there aren’t too many 7” with a 1/2” arbor opening or 8” with a 5/8” arbor opening. I can find wheels with larger openings and possibly use this reducer bushing to make it fit correctly. Just wondering if anyone has used these before? Thanks!

 

[Outlawmws]

I can't recall NOT using the reducer bushings... That looks like its metal? for these small ones plastic/nylon works fine. May save you some $$

 

[torqueman2002]

x2 ^

 

[BRWEIDEM]

Outlaw, torqueman, thanks. Bushings it is.

 

[bigb56]

New here guys and gals, got a Baldor in another thread and here is my Craftsman Commercial 7", $40 at a yard sale and runs great. Light is broken at the socket. Been concentrating on the Baldor first since this one is already useable.

 

[exmaxima1]

New here guys and gals, got a Baldor in another thread and here is my Craftsman Commercial 7", $40 at a yard sale and runs great. Light is broken at the socket. Been concentrating on the Baldor first since this one is already useable.

Will follow your rebuild. I have the same grinder sitting on my bench waiting for the weather to warm up. Not sure how I will clean off the splattered paint (???). Missing the quench tray, but everything else is there including the same lamp.