let's see your craftsman block grinders

[lafester]

Any chance you know the details on the ball transfer studs?
The look a lot like these

https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/...6j-ga0YpNzWDJMkLnr_v6Mpa_GBQbXzMaAqxDEALw_wcB

Ashland Threaded 1/4-20 Stud Ball Transfer BT S 1/4-20 1DIA 75 CS/CS 1" Dia. Carbon Steel Ball 75 Lb

Well YES, I do have a problem, lol
Cool thing about those bases IS, a lot of them had the "ball transfer studs" IE; round adjustable wheels on bearings that screwed into threaded holds on those bases, most were removed but a few of mine have them, they make those stands awesome to move around!

 

[Outlawmws]

LB, the big ball is supported by smaller ones inside. These do roll pretty nice, but I'd worry about grit getting inside if you do a lot of stone grinding. They are cheap enough...

Looks like there MAY be a seal? so maybe not so much an issue.

 

[lafester]

Got it. Will go through it in a few. No date on the bottom, looks new inside.
It's a little more scratched up then my other one but not bad. The ground plug is broke off so I guess I will get a new cord.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Hi guys......... this is my first post here.

I have an old Craftsman bench grinder, I don't think it's what would be referred to as the block. It's a model 115-6965.
I'm not sure what year this was made. The tag says 01 48. January 1948 ??

Anyway, I'm looking for any information, parts lists and parts for this.

TNX......... JL

I would like to find some decent inner flanges and a clean motor shroud.

Don't break anything! I've been looking for 1 eye shield for mine for 2 years now. 1 popped up on eBay that sold for more than what I paid for mine.

I saw the one on ebay. It's a different model even though it looks the same, that one is 1/3 HP. I think mine is 1/2 HP. That may be the reason for the difference in model numbers.
So I must have a rare one ?? They probably didn't make many of them before they changed the design.
I started restoring mine about 10 years ago or so and couldn't find a nice motor shroud or inner wheel flanges so I put it on the back shelf. Now I would like to finish it up.
I would also like to get a pedestal for it.

JL............

99% sure all the grinder pedestal tops fit. So a donor from the 60's should be fine.

Yes, I have the metal band or shroud.
I was thinking of having it re-chromed but there isn't any one around me that does any plating. I looked into the home use kits but I don't think you get the same results from them. I don't know how I would reproduce the striping, mask it off and bead blast after chroming???

JL..............

That was my plan on how to do it, but haven't done it yet either.

 

[danyo492]

Just picked up a 1/2 HP Craftsman 257-191400.

Anyone know what year this number dictates? I'll post pics of it once I get it all cleaned up!

 

[Outlawmws]

the 257 indicates mfg. in this case; Allegretti & Co & Paramount; Paramount (now Poulan), who continued the Delco model Block Grinders,

So this is a later production grinder. No clue what thee rest means.

 

[lafester]

1914 is the catalog number I believe.
If the date isn't stamped anywhere I don't think there is any way to know.

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[danyo492]

Cleaned the turd up today. Runs like a champ.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgserrano/41052707055/in/dateposted-public/" title="20180409_103733"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/867/41052707055_72c35ea87b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20180409_103733"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[cash68]

Here's a 1961 model I picked up a few weeks ago:


It worked great but it was a bit scuzzy/rusty, was stored in a damp basement.

Nameplate detail:


Disassemble:



Leme Smash:


Time for an (electrolysis) bath!


After bath:


The factory filled this casting void with putty years ago, electrolysis did not hurt it one bit:


Rustoleum (can!) cured by baking at 225 for a few hours, stunk pretty bad:


Insulation was bad on the stator so I spliced in new wiring and terminals, with heatshrink. Should be good for another 60 years or so.


Cleaned everything and laid it out like a giant model kit:



Partially assembled:


Fin:

 

[exmaxima1]

Turned out awesome. You should add that beauty to the "Pre-Block" thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...921&highlight=pre-block+grinders+where's+love

 

[vertguy]

Here's a 1961 model I picked up a few weeks ago:

It worked great but it was a bit scuzzy/rusty, was stored in a damp basement.

Fairly sure I looked into that one on CL and passed due to its size. But it came out great

 

[cash68]

Fairly sure I looked into that one on CL and passed due to its size. But it came out great

Dude had a ton of older grinders, lots were much bigger. You should contact him, super friendly dude. I wanted a smaller one for cleaning up bolts, so this was perfect.

 

[notlob]

CL - North SF Bay/Marin county - Nice 1/3 HP block w/ disk sander - $60

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/d/craftsman-block-style-bench/6557981216.html

No affiliation yada yada...

 

[Trey T]

^is that a homemade disc sander conversion kit?

 

[notlob]

Nope - it was an optional accessory like the tool sharpener. I'll see if I can find the catalog listing.

 

[notlob]

From the 1976-77 Craftsman 50th Anniversary power and hand tool catalog. The disc sanding attachment is part of item 2 (Grinder-Sander Outfit) on the first page; and item 7 on the second page.

 

[maxwage]

So I just picked this up today off of FB for 30$. I never knew there was a “pre-block” era. From my limited research this was made in ‘61??

What say you Craftsman Block Grinder historians/aficionados?




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[maxwage]

I think it's earlier than '61. What is the date code on the info plate? I can't quite make it out... 2-59? What was your research?

My “research” Google the model number and read the entries from Vintage Machinery.org. It looks like 2-58 or 59 to me.


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[Tool_Master]

Hello Everyone. Do any of you have a good website that I can use to balance my block grinder. I recently mounted to an original stand but it vibrates so much I think I need to anchor it to the floor.


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[lafester]

Hello Everyone. Do any of you have a good website that I can use to balance my block grinder. I recently mounted to an original stand but it vibrates so much I think I need to anchor it to the floor.


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Youtube? Pics would probably help.

I don't think there is really much to it other then dressing the stones.
I have 2 wire wheels, one buffer and one stone and had no issues setting up.

I actually did have some vibration when I got it home but I discovered the po had a 5/8 wire wheel with no reducer sleeve installed. Popped one on and problem solved.

I suppose if a bearing was bad you would probably get a lot of vibration.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Hello Everyone. Do any of you have a good website that I can use to balance my block grinder. I recently mounted to an original stand but it vibrates so much I think I need to anchor it to the floor.

Check the vintage grinder thread, I know I've posted a how-to with links at least a dozen times....

 

[exmaxima1]

Hello Everyone. Do any of you have a good website that I can use to balance my block grinder. I recently mounted to an original stand but it vibrates so much I think I need to anchor it to the floor.

http://www.geigerssolutions.com/Tuning-Up-a-Bench-Grinder.html

 

[torqueman2002]

http://www.geigerssolutions.com/Tuning-Up-a-Bench-Grinder.html

It's been added to the "Craftsman Block motor Bench Grinders - What's the Fuss? (resource information)" thread, link below.

Thanks maxima!

 

[RubiconJK]

Found my first block grinder this morning at a garage sale. $25 with a decent base. 1/2 HP, it runs, bearings sound/feel pretty good. Its definitely not a looker and I've already got it in pieces and started cleaning it up. I've never watched this thread but will start searching through for tips on restore, bearing and other parts availability. Name plate doesn't have much left on it other than the red numbers which must be either a model number or s/n?
EDIT: Later in the afternoon and I was able to spend a little time surfing this thread and believe (please correct me if I'm wrong) I have a Model 397.19340 from reviewing other similar grinders. The numbers in red do appear to be the s/n and I found a post where someone provided a Word doc with a label format ready to input the s/n! I'm fortunate that I don't think I need to replace bearings and it runs so I'm going to finish cleaning it up and prep for paint. A couple questions:
1. Am I correct in my model # assumption?
2. Replacement sticker material suggestions?
3. Any paint suggestions to try to go back original?
4. It came with the tool rests, but no eye guards. Sounds like OEM replacements are hard to come by. Any suggestions for replacements?
5. There was no date stamp on the bottom plate, but cast in the wheel guards is the number 3160352 with an 18 below that. Can I get anything from that number referencing mfg date?
Thanks for any help.

 

[exmaxima1]

4. It came with the tool rests, but no eye guards. Sounds like OEM replacements are hard to come by. Any suggestions for replacements?
.

I wouldn't bother with eye shields, they typically just get in the way anyway. Buy yourself a nice Uvex face shield to protect your eyes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KCGLXWU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: I picked up a decent Craftsman block dated 11/54. i thought this might be a pre block, but it really looks like a block with just some nice bling on it. anybody have any thoughts about this being a block or pre block?

it came with an interesting steel stand too.

I'll try to get a few more pictures if anybody asks otherwise it will sit on a shelf until I GET ORGANIZED and make time to set it up with some new wheels.

 

[exmaxima1]

ALL: I picked up a decent Craftsman block dated 11/54. i thought this might be a pre block, but it really looks like a block with just some nice bling on it. anybody have any thoughts about this being a block or pre block?

it came with an interesting steel stand too.

I'll try to get a few more pictures if anybody asks otherwise it will sit on a shelf until I GET ORGANIZED and make time to set it up with some new wheels.

Sure looks like a Pre-Block to me. It has the switch mounted on the lower flange, where a block would have its quench tray slot. Looks like thick metal rests. It looks like the grinder I started the Pre-Block thread with, except with a fancy center panel. You're a lucky guy!

 

[torqueman2002]

ALL: I picked up a decent Craftsman block dated 11/54. i thought this might be a pre block, but it really looks like a block with just some nice bling on it. ...

Drives, I have a similar 1/3-HP model 115.7566, that I consider a pre-Block.

It didn't come with that awesome center band, but I have seen others with that style metal band. CM also used that on some of their drill press motors, IIRC.

Very nice score.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

pre blockage...as it came from sears, not restored

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Here's a 1961 model I picked up a few weeks ago:

It worked great but it was a bit scuzzy/rusty, was stored in a damp basement

Leme Smash:

Time for an (electrolysis) bath!

After bath:

The factory filled this casting void with putty years ago, electrolysis did not hurt it one bit:
Rustoleum (can!) cured by baking at 225 for a few hours, stunk pretty bad:
Insulation was bad on the stator so I spliced in new wiring and terminals, with heatshrink. Should be good for another 60 years or so.
Cleaned everything and laid it out like a giant model kit:
Partially assembled:
Fin:

Awesome job, just two observations:

• As my mentor (Torque) taught us all, but I didn't notice, did you change out those old bearings?
• And PLEASE read up on old bench grinder stone safety, even though they may look good, they are likely not, even though nostalgic, to save a few extra bucks it could cost your eyesight and that isn't worth the risk!

I have many block grinders and the FIRST thing I always do is strip them down and toss every stone...YMMV

 

[drivesitfar]

Ex: thanks for the good words and I think i own two of these now. i'd like one that was made on my birth month 1/56 if any exist and a 1/2 or 3/4 would be great or I might be asking a lot and shooting for the moon a bit here.

Doc: I wonder if a prior owner changed out the metal on your pre block? it doesn't seem stock with that piece of aluminum and black rivets. any thoughts on how the pre blocks work compared to the later ones?

Cajun: have you thought about taking some of those NOS blocks out of their boxes and putting them on a bench in your shop? not that you probably need to cause you've got more than a few users, but just curious? thanks for sharing your picture and guessing the colors came in brown and grey or maybe that was different year's colors?

ALL: my stand it stout the the base's piece is either concrete or petrified wood cause it's stout too. the light is not standard from the factory, but the owner really made it look that way from the front if you don't look close. it's screwed down to the base of the stand and has a couple wires running from the light a few inches and goes under the block and into it so when you turn on the switch the light goes on. it does need a good cleaning and maybe some new bearings and stones and/or wire wheels, but it runs fine as is.

 

[exmaxima1]

Ex: thanks for the good words and I think i own two of these now. i'd like one that was made on my birth month 1/56 if any exist and a 1/2 or 3/4 would be great or I might be asking a lot and shooting for the moon a bit here.

You never know, it might happen. I ended up with an awesome Delta 14 bandsaw that was made in my birth year (1954), and I have to say it makes it feel special to me.

 

[torqueman2002]

firehawk - Amen and thanks for the shout out. BTW - that is one special NIB pre-Block!

drives - That's my 1st CM bench grinder restore. Not a real faithful back to original, the rivets are still an eye sore to me.

 

[Ss95003]

here are mine. I picked the 1hp unit today. It’s rough but still runs fine and in balance. The pre block is missing the left outside guard and in the inside guard is cracked. If anyone has pre block parts I’d be interested.
Between the two, 1/3 units I’ll make one good one. Badge is gone on one and the other is just a shell.

 

[RubiconJK]

Found my first block grinder this morning at a garage sale.

Apr 13 Edit comments in red Found my first block grinder this morning at a garage sale. $25 with a decent base. 1/2 HP, it runs, bearings sound/feel pretty good. Its definitely not a looker and I've already got it in pieces and started cleaning it up. I've never watched this thread but have started searching through for tips on restore and parts availability. Name plate doesn't have much left on it other than the s/n. I've spent some time surfing multiple threads and believe (please correct me if I'm wrong since there were apparently so many various model numbers) I have a Model 397.19340 from reviewing other similar grinders. I found a post where someone provided a Word doc with a label format ready to input the s/n! I'm fortunate that I don't think I need to replace bearings and it runs so I'm going to finish cleaning it up and prep for paint. A couple questions:
1. Am I correct in my model # assumption? Unless I learn otherwise, I'm going to go with my assumption of 397.19340 based on comparisons to other examples.
2. If someone out there has used the sticker files, what material did you print them on? I plan on taking the file for this model number to a printer and see if they can suggest a adhesive metal tag/decal which they can transfer the image with my S/N onto.
3. Any paint color suggestions to try to go back original? Going to just get as close as I can to a gray hammered color and silver/aluminum for the middle cover.
4. It came with the tool rests, but no eye guards and no wheel guard end covers. Sounds like OEM replacements are hard to come by. Any suggestions for replacements? I found a thread where someone made their own guards which I may also try. I'm also missing the wheel guard end covers and have begun searching for how to find/make replacements for these.
5. There was no date stamp on the bottom plate, but cast in the wheel guards is the number 3160352 with an 18 below that. Can I get anything from that number referencing mfg date? Still searching for information on how to try to date my grinder.
Thanks for any help.

 

[Outlawmws]

Still searching for information on how to try to date my grinder.[/COLOR]
Thanks for any help.

Dinner and a movie. It's probability too soon for flowers.

 

[bubinga]

.

Dinner and a movie. It's probability too soon for flowers

 

[RubiconJK]

Dinner and a movie. It's probability too soon for flowers.

Lol! I stepped right into that!

 

[LNKMK8]

Here is mine that I picked up in December at an Estate Sale. I haven't had much time to do anything with it. The quench tray was corroded, so I repainted that. I plan to paint the eye shield frames with the same paint, replace the wheels with a wheel and brush, and leave the rest as is. Its still in nice original shape otherwise. Too bad the prior owner had to engrave his SSN right in the front of it

Paid $30 with the original stand... couldn't have been happier

 

[chrisnazzy]

Here is mine that I picked up in December at an Estate Sale. I haven't had much time to do anything with it. The quench tray was corroded, so I repainted that. I plan to paint the eye shield frames with the same paint, replace the wheels with a wheel and brush, and leave the rest as is. Its still in nice original shape otherwise. Too bad the prior owner had to engrave his SSN right in the front of it

Paid $30 with the original stand... couldn't have been happier

In case you didn't already now, $30 for a Craftsman Commercial 1/2 HP with the stand is well into "you ****" territory.

Very nice find. I thought I was doing well at $50 for just a stand and $75 for a 1/3 HP with stand.

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