let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Rileysan]

Why the hell do these show up in my neighborhood? I don't need another block, but I couldn't resist this 3/4 hp block with commercial quench tray and tool rests. It was only $50

Brian

 

[trijeff]

Yeah, I don't think anyone on this thread could have resisted ... great pick up

 

[BlueHeart]

Wow, nice find. I was just excited to see one in person the other day (posted above), let alone for sale. Doesn't matter, supply is so low it's a seller's market.
I saw a Craftsman 109 lathe for sale for $400. Starting doing some research on them and determined it wasn't worth half that except to the unknowing.

 

[torqueman2002]

Torqueman, I know you've posted this information before, but I can't search the forum using the browser on my phone. I'm looking for high quality 7" & 8" wire wheels. Would you mind posting that here again?

Thank you!

Here you go!
https://www.mcmaster.com/#wire-wheels/=1c02zs4
http://www.mcmaster.com/#abrasive-grinding-wheels/=xk1v58

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Abrasives/Wheel-Brushes?searchterm=wire+wheels&navid=4287924088
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/?searchAheadTerm=grinder+wheels&searchAhead=true&hdrsrh=true&typahddsp=Bench+%26+Pedestal+Grinding+Wheels&navid=12100087

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275799&highlight=MSC-Wire-Wheels

Probably Grainger, also.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Torqueman, I know you've posted this information before, but I can't search the forum using the browser on my phone. I'm looking for high quality 7" & 8" wire wheels. Would you mind posting that here again?



Thank you!

Brian, I got a good wheel off amazon that is made by forney for the 3/4 I got from you ! It was about $20 but is way worth it because it does not spit wires like the cheap ones from Home Depot !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[cajunfirehawk]

OK, who's got the 1hp block on fleabay w/ a buy now price of $850, WTF!

 

[EOC_Jason]

OK, who's got the 1hp block on fleabay w/ a buy now price of $850, WTF!

Hmm... Located in Jacksonville, Arkansas... That's just outside of Little Rock...

That price is insane... I'll keep my $45 3/4HP Block and be happy with the $805 savings...

 

[fullthrottle24]

OK, who's got the 1hp block on fleabay w/ a buy now price of $850, WTF!

There is a second one on there for $299. I have the same one and when I purchased mine, the seller mentioned he should have asked for more than $40. I agreed and payed up for it, but I walked out with a bunch more tools. Win win.

 

[onesojourner]

Here is my weekend CL find. I went with the intention of buying the block for $20. I saw the vice and he offered it for $20 as well. I assumed it was of the same era as the grinder but then I turned it over while loading it up. You can't win them all, but I am pretty happy with the grinder.

 

[bubinga]

That vise is Fair for $20.00
I think those are made pretty good.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yeah that little red CMan vise is still worth $20. I think it was the 70's/80's they were made in Japan? My father had one I think a 3.5" on his workbench in the garage I'll always remember growing up.

 

[bigb56]

I have the 6" version of that Japanese Craftsman that I got about 6 years ago for $20. It is excellent quality and is now my daily user. Very smooth and tight. Nothing like the Chinese pieces of ****.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have the 6" version of that Japanese Craftsman that I got about 6 years ago for $20. It is excellent quality and is now my daily user. Very smooth and tight. Nothing like the Chinese pieces of ****.

Wouldn't that be a 5"? I don't recall a 6".

391 is the model No. Prefix for the Made in japan vises

506 is for the Columbian built vises

 

[EOC_Jason]

Wow, a disc sander attachment! That's a must have! Also, the cost of those 5 wheels along is more than worth the price. Looks like a white oxide (probably norton) installed...

 

[ckadams00]

So here's a question that is making me feel SO stupid. I have '59 and '65 block grinders - took them apart for painting and put them back together - both run like tops. I am usually very good about marking things so I can put them back together correctly but . . . . .

On BOTH grinders I can't for the life of me figure out how the bottom plates are attached. They weren't screwed on. I spent abut 20 minutes looking at these last night and I am completely clueless. Anyone that can help me out of post a photo of a similar grinder bottom?

 

[torqueman2002]

So here's a question that is making me feel SO stupid. I have '59 and '65 block grinders - took them apart for painting and put them back together - both run like tops. I am usually very good about marking things so I can put them back together correctly but . . . . .

On BOTH grinders I can't for the life of me figure out how the bottom plates are attached. They weren't screwed on. I spent abut 20 minutes looking at these last night and I am completely clueless. Anyone that can help me out of post a photo of a similar grinder bottom?

Here is a picture of the bottom cover installed.

There is one screw on the left side in this picture.

The cover is held in place on the right by 'wedging' it under 2 tabs on the RH side. Note the upper tab circled on the RH side vs. the space on the LH circled tab.

 

[bagged89s10]

Picked this up industrial 1/3HP 397.19580 for $35.
You like the double stones on the right side? It probably seemed like a good idea but I don’t think it was safe.





My initial intention was to part it out, but the eye shields cleaned up so easily with simple green and steel wool that i just went over the entire grinder. I had an extra side guard and a better tool rest to complete it. Not perfect but I’m glad I saved it to sell to someone to have a nice grinder.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Wow that came out nice!

 

[torqueman2002]

V Nice!

 

[ckadams00]

Thanks guys! I would have never figured that out!

 

[larryq]

What differences in the block grinders made them 'industrial rated' or not? I thought it was HP but the post above (nice grinder btw) is a 1/3 HP block that has the industrial rated stamp on it-- looks identical to mine at home without that marking.

 

[PacificaVette]

Industrial rated grinders were convertible to use either 120 or 240 Volt power. It's just a simple switch of wiring at the switch and a new plug.

 

[torqueman2002]

Yes Pacifica, there are examples of Industrial Blocks that are single voltage also.

From CM-Block-Grinders-Resources link below, #1 post.
Industrial and Commercial versions of the Block grinders.
"General speaking, the commercial grinders are rated for industrial use and dual voltage. The non-commercial grinders are usually single voltage 6" and some 7" for homeowner use." per Brian Kachadurian on OWWM.

 

[Cranksterwatch]

That's a beautiful grinder!

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

Brian

Sent from my LGL41C using Tapatalk

http://www.aircraft-specialties.com...ne-enamel-paint-12-oz-aerosol-spray-can-a239/


This paint is used on aircraft engines. Very durable and lays down very nicely.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bagged89s10]

Picked this up industrial 1/3HP 397.19580 for $35.
You like the double stones on the right side? It probably seemed like a good idea but I don’t think it was safe.





My initial intention was to part it out, but the eye shields cleaned up so easily with simple green and steel wool that i just went over the entire grinder. I had an extra side guard and a better tool rest to complete it. Not perfect but I’m glad I saved it to sell to someone to have a nice grinder.

All I’m selling this grinder if anybody is looking for one. I also have some stands. Well at least one stand right now.

 

[Rileysan]

http://www.aircraft-specialties.com...ne-enamel-paint-12-oz-aerosol-spray-can-a239/


This paint is used on aircraft engines. Very durable and lays down very nicely.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks!

 

[Rileysan]

Another block came home with me to resell. I gave $40 for it, but it was part of a package deal so actually paid less.

Brian

 

[Cranksterwatch]

Another block came home with me to resell. I gave $40 for it, but it was part of a package deal so actually paid less.



Brian

Very nice and in excellent shape! Good score!


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[bagged89s10]

Here you go!
https://www.mcmaster.com/#wire-wheels/=1c02zs4
http://www.mcmaster.com/#abrasive-grinding-wheels/=xk1v58

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Abrasives/Wheel-Brushes?searchterm=wire+wheels&navid=4287924088
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn...nch+&+Pedestal+Grinding+Wheels&navid=12100087

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275799&highlight=MSC-Wire-Wheels

Probably Grainger, also.

What style wire wheels do you prefer?

 

[Outlawmws]

depends on what I'm doing: if its cutting through and finish will be repainted, a pair of braided/twisted wheels.


If doing fine detail cleanup, and not marking it up matters, a fine wheel with straight wires...

 

[Rileysan]

depends on what I'm doing: if its cutting through and finish will be repainted, a pair of braided/twisted wheels.


If doing fine detail cleanup, and not marking it up matters, a fine wheel with straight wires...

I rarely use anything aggressive. I just bought two wheels to try - a Weiler medium wire (.014) and an Osborn fine (.008). I'm still waiting on arbor adapters for the Osborn wheel but so far I'm happy with the medium wire wheel.

Brian

 

[RagTopTA]

OK, who's got the 1hp block on fleabay w/ a buy now price of $850, WTF!

If they get that much for it I might sell mine too!! I have attachments, tray, and original book!

 

[torqueman2002]

depends on what I'm doing: if its cutting through and finish will be repainted, a pair of braided/twisted wheels.


If doing fine detail cleanup, and not marking it up matters, a fine wheel with straight wires...

Me too.

I have 2 Blocks dedicated to wire wheeling, 1-HP has knotted and straight, 3/4-HP has straight and brass.

 

[notlob]

The big UGLY.

Purrs like a kitten. Couldn't pass it up for $15 at a sale last weekend. Destined to live in the back yard.

 

[EOC_Jason]

The big UGLY.

Purrs like a kitten. Couldn't pass it up for $15 at a sale last weekend. Destined to live in the back yard.

You ****! ... and that will buff out...

 

[torqueman2002]

You ****! ... and that will buff out...

I second that!

BTW - new center bands are/were available from eReplacementParts website; link - --> http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html

534434219 Band,​ Finished 1-HP

 

[notlob]

Center band, painted, for only $11 - guess the old girl is gonna get gussied up a bit...

Thank you, Doctor!

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/band-finishe-p-973784.html

 

[fullthrottle24]

I second that!

BTW - new center bands are/were available from eReplacementParts website; link - --> http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html

534434219 Band,​ Finished 1-HP

Funny, I ordered the band from sears parts direct only for them to send me a cancellation and refund. I did however get the strain relief I was looking for.

Heyco part # 6w-1

 

[P89DC]

Here's mine. I'm the original owner, it was a present from my dad when I was a freshman in high school. Someone posted on another forum about how there was a thread appreciating these grinders so here I am.

Last use of this grinder was as a buffer/polished but most of it's life has been with a white 120 grit wheel on the right and a wire brush on the left. The switch is getting a little sticky but otherwise it works like it did out-of-the-box 43 years ago. Not sure what to do with it since I bought a 1750 rpm 8" grinder on sale at Woodcraft.

 

[lafester]

Here's mine. I'm the original owner, it was a present from my dad when I was a freshman in high school. Someone posted on another forum about how there was a thread appreciating these grinders so here I am.

Last use of this grinder was as a buffer/polished but most of it's life has been with a white 120 grit wheel on the right and a wire brush on the left. The switch is getting a little sticky but otherwise it works like it did out-of-the-box 43 years ago. Not sure what to do with it since I bought a 1750 rpm 8" grinder on sale at Woodcraft.

You know I just came in here to post how I've been looking for one of these and can't find anything in my area. Well, I'm in Loveland and if you are thinking about passing it on I would give it a good home.

Concerns me though that yours has a sticker rather then a plate and I don't see any safety sheilds.