let's see your craftsman block grinders

[torqueman2002]

Here are a couple of flat top Block grinders that I use frequently.

3/4-HP, 397.19350

1-HP, 257.191600

Here's a picture of the 1-HP, & 3/4-HP Blocks and a 1/3-HP Dayton 4Z672D.

 

[thirdmouse]

Nice round top.

1/3-HP? What is the model number? Any date stamp on bottom cover?

The model number is 397.19580. The date on the bottom is June 13, 1966.

 

[WWShop]

I picked up this little 1/3 hp one yesterday. It needs some clean up, but it runs like a top. This picture is from the ad.

That will clean up really nice. Enjoy!

 

[thirdmouse]

While I'm here and I don't see a better place to put this... I've seen mention of some pre-block grinders. I think this is one. I got this nearly 30 years ago now and it came with the stand. I have the side covers for it but for about 90% of what I use it for they just get in the way. They're setting on a shelf. It's rated at 1/3 hp, but drawing 5 amps that's a heck of a 1/3 hp motor. Model number 115.6965.

 

[LesserSon]

Thanks for the info. I decided to paint around the original label. If this fails, I'll get a reproduction.

If It were me, these days, I'd just mask it and paint it, and be done with it.

Your exchange inspired me to try it. There were some rusted dents and scratches. I flattened the dents and sanded with 600 grit. I used Rustoleum matte nickel. The cap color is an exact match in color and texture to what I wanted, but the actual color is lighter. Close enough; dirt and grime will eventually get it where it should be. Two coats with a very light sanding between.

 

[bubinga]

Your exchange inspired me to try it. There were some rusted dents and scratches. I flattened the dents and sanded with 600 grit. I used Rustoleum matte nickel. The cap is an exact match in color and texture to what I wanted, but the actual color is lighter. Close enough; dirt and grime will eventually get it where it should be. Two coats with a very light sanding between.

Looks Great.
Show it when Its all done.

 

[Outlawmws]

TM the 115 prefix is for Packard electric.

Your stand appears to be a converted drafting stool from the 40's or so.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Your exchange inspired me to try it. There were some rusted dents and scratches. I flattened the dents and sanded with 600 grit. I used Rustoleum matte nickel. The cap is an exact match in color and texture to what I wanted, but the actual color is lighter. Close enough; dirt and grime will eventually get it where it should be. Two coats with a very light sanding between.

That looks very nice. When I cleaned up my first one I carefully removed the rivets holding the plate and polished the cover instead of painting it. I still haven't found the type of rivets I need to re-fasten it properly but I haven't really looked very hard either.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[jonshonda]

I went on a shopping spree this wknd! Plan on mounting both grinders on one stand with the help of an adapter mounting plate for the grinders, and also a plate to increase the footprint and mount some nice casters too, so I can move it around the garage.

20181126_081437[1] by Jon S, on Flickr

 

[exmaxima1]

I went on a shopping spree this wknd! Plan on mounting both grinders on one stand with the help of an adapter mounting plate for the grinders, and also a plate to increase the footprint and mount some nice casters too, so I can move it around the garage.

20181126_081437[1] by Jon S, on Flickr

You bought that coach vise a few miles from my work (I work in Huntley IL). Small world!

 

[bubinga]

To Me, The plain old or maybe even colored pop rivets look close enough, even looks (to me) as it should from factory.
Attached my Delta Badge to my Bandsaw that way.

 

[jonshonda]

You bought that coach vise a few miles from my work (I work in Huntley IL). Small world!

I actually bought that filing vise from the guy who bought it from the guy who had it for sale few miles away from your work.

 

[drivesitfar]

Chris: how did you get the glass so clean on your old block? did you replace or do tell? also i've heard that the tabs break easily when trying to replace if you did that so did you break yours or manage to keep them usable?

Jon: nice looking box and tools!!

Doc: I know you shouldn't admit that you have a baldor, but I think it's a buffer so is it in the garage doing it's job along with any other grinders or buffers to add to the great blocks you restored?

cheers all blockheads

 

[torqueman2002]

...
Doc: I know you shouldn't admit that you have a baldor, but I think it's a buffer so is it in the garage doing it's job along with any other grinders or buffers to add to the great blocks you restored?

cheers all blockheads

Yes indeed!
Cheers all you Blockheads out there!

Drives, ummm .... you have a good memory.

There is a 3/4-HP, 2-speed Baldor buffer in the basement workshop. 1800 RPM tool for plastics and 3600 RPM for metals and nonferrous materials.

 

[torqueman2002]

That looks very nice. When I cleaned up my first one I carefully removed the rivets holding the plate and polished the cover instead of painting it. I still haven't found the type of rivets I need to re-fasten it properly but I haven't really looked very hard either.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Nice job!

Pop-rivets (1/8") work, but aren't the OEM look.

Here's a couple of links, should you decide to go for the OEM look. You'll need the correct tools, also.
https://www.rivetsonline.com/rivets/semi-tubular-rivets
https://www.hansonrivet.com/rivets/solid-rivets/commercial-solid-rivets/

 

[AdrianBoomer]

a quick question,
Im trying to wire my 115.19580 retirement light so that I can turn it on independent of the motor. But there is not enough leads. Can I jumper the motor and lamp leads so that I can turn the lamp on at the lamp. I know the smaller grinders where only meant to shine a light when running

 

[chrisnazzy]

Chris: how did you get the glass so clean on your old block? did you replace or do tell? also i've heard that the tabs break easily when trying to replace if you did that so did you break yours or manage to keep them usable?

Hi Drives,

The glass on the eye shields of my 1/3 HP are original. I was lucky as they weren't really used much. The grinder had been set up without guards, rests or shields but the lady contacted me a week later and told me she had found a box with the missing parts. The grinder came on an original stand and was kind of an add on purchase. I had initially contacted her to buy an Athol vise she had on FB Marketplace.

She was helping her dad sell some of his old tools. He had worked for Northrup and later went on to manufacture airplane parts in his garage. When we met I got to meet him, shake his hand and thank him for passing his tools on to me which of course was neat because so often when we are buying vintage tools their original owners and history is unknown.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[chrisnazzy]

Nice job! [emoji106]

Pop-rivets (1/8") work, but aren't the OEM look.

Here's a couple of links, should you decide to go for the OEM look. You'll need the correct tools, also.
https://www.rivetsonline.com/rivets/semi-tubular-rivets
https://www.hansonrivet.com/rivets/solid-rivets/commercial-solid-rivets/

Thank you! I'll check those out.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[Mgdoug3]

I'll have to get pictures tomorrow but I picked up an old 1/4 hp Craftsman bench grinder the other day for $25 at a pawn shop. The appearance is dirty but no scratches or dents and has the glass shields. It runs smooth and quiet.

 

[MissileBear]

Question for the gurus - I need some replacement screws, the ones that hold the sheet metal cover on. The parts catalogs all list the screw as "Screw, #8-15x1" part number(s) 9434158/22014035/534220135.

I haven't yet measured the existing screw from another grinder but I know it's not 1" long. Maybe 1/2"? Also, at $2.16 per screw + shipping, I could buy a 100 pack for less money locally.

Does anyone have a substitution part# for HD/Lowes/Ace?

 

[Mgdoug3]

Here's a picture.

 

[pharmerphil]

Looks Good!

 

[drivesitfar]

Chris: thanks for the 411 and nice story too!!

Doc: since you have the Big Blocks lined up is there any chance we might see the Baldor buffers and any other grinders you have set up to do your spiffing up and work around your garage cause you are the KING OF GRINDERS.

cheers

 

[torqueman2002]

Question for the gurus - I need some replacement screws, the ones that hold the sheet metal cover on. The parts catalogs all list the screw as "Screw, #8-15x1" part number(s) 9434158/22014035/534220135.

I haven't yet measured the existing screw from another grinder but I know it's not 1" long. Maybe 1/2"? Also, at $2.16 per screw + shipping, I could buy a 100 pack for less money locally.

Does anyone have a substitution part# for HD/Lowes/Ace?

The Bolt Depot (https://www.boltdepot.com/Machine_s...e_F_Zinc_plated_steel_8-32.aspx?Selected=7328 )

Machine screws, Slotted hex washer head type F, Zinc plated steel, #8-32

$0.09/each, $4.62/bag of 100

 

[LesserSon]

But I think he means these? They appear to be 1/2-in #8 hex flange (aka socket drive) head pointed (aka sharp) sheet metal screws. The clips are a separate matter.
Lowes has them with slotted-heads, item#109297 model#35258. Maybe you’d find a different style in that aisle, but their app ***** for searching. So does Home Depot’s.
If you really want to exact match, they have a decorative scroll on the top of the head. Good luck.
Personally, if I was replacing all of them, I’d forget OEM spec, and use a square, Torx, or Phillips round-head sheetmetal screw, because they are lower-profile.

 

[MissileBear]

The Bolt Depot (https://www.boltdepot.com/Machine_s...e_F_Zinc_plated_steel_8-32.aspx?Selected=7328 )

Machine screws, Slotted hex washer head type F, Zinc plated steel, #8-32

$0.09/each, $4.62/bag of 100

But I think he means these? They appear to be 1/2” 15tpi hex flange head pointed sheet metal screws. Not sure if they’re #10?

Torqueman & LesserSon - thanks for the replies. The screws Lesserson posted are the ones I'm looking for. They are supposed to correspond to the part #'s referenced above (marked #4 on the parts diagram) but the length that SearsPartsDirect lists is 1" and not 1/2" like the original hardware. I don't think it would matter as there is clearance, but I'd like to find the exact matches.

I'm going to the hardware store after work to take a look and see if I can find a suitable.

 

[tym]

You could cut the 1" screws down to 1/2".

 

[torqueman2002]

....
Doc: .... is there any chance we might see the Baldor buffers and any other grinders you have set up to do your spiffing up and work around your garage cause you are the KING OF GRINDERS.

cheers

Be careful what you ask for.

I have most of the grinders, Blocks and non-Blocks in the basement shop, which is undergoing a bit of a re-organization.

Here is a list of pictures I have of non-Blocks.

Wow! How did pictures of your Baldors wind up on my computer!?! LOL


Here's the Baldor 2-speed Buffer, fresh out of the box.

Here's a pic of the Big Bad Red 1-HP Milwaukee.

Oooops! That's ^^ the little 1/2-HP Milwaukee.

Here's it's bigger brother. 1-HP, 10" wheels, 3/4" arbor.

A 1-hp Block for comparison,

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Doc Block, I'll take that Milwaukee grinder off of your hands if you want to move that out of the basement and free up some counter space in the "Block Lair?"



On a similar larger bench grinder note: Anyone ever see any "Princess Leia" Blocks in the wild anymore? I never see any for sale...

 

[torqueman2002]

My replies are in Red.

Doc Block, I'll take that Milwaukee grinder off of your hands if you want to move that out of the basement and free up some counter space in the "Block Lair?" LOL

On a similar larger bench grinder note: Anyone ever see any "Princess Leia" Blocks in the wild anymore? I never see any for sale...

Those make great buffers.

 

[IMCA38]

I was scanning an online auction recently and came across a listing for "Tool box with assorted tools, bench grinder."
I studied the photos as they weren't too good. However, it appeared to be a round top Craftsman. I took a chance and entered a bid. I ended up winning the lot for $10 + fees and tax.
Unfortunately, we had a storm and the pickup date was postponed, so I sat in suspense for a week wondering what exactly I'd bought.
Picked it up today, and was pleasantly surprised!

It's a 397.19580 1/3 HP.
Wheel guards- check
Eye shields- check, glass is intact also
Tool rests- check
Quench tray- check
Runs- check
Lamp works- check

It runs super quiet, and takes about a minute and 10 seconds to coast down when shut off.

Looks to be a great candidate for a cleanup and paint job.

By the way, I also got a restorable Craftsman steel hand box, with 3 pry bars, a screwdriver, a file, and a couple large drill bits.

 

[volleyball]

So what is a 3/4HP commercial tombstone with offbrand base going for these days. In decent shape.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

So what is a 3/4HP commercial tombstone with off brand base going for these days. In decent shape.

We need pixs please, thanks

 

[volleyball]

It does exist

 

[jlevers]

How much does a 1/4hp block go for, and where do you guys find them? I'm looking to get a bench grinder to do polishing/buffing with, and I'd rather get something old and well-built than something new. Also, what's the minimum RPM on those?

 

[bubinga]

How much does a 1/4hp block go for, and where do you guys find them? I'm looking to get a bench grinder to do polishing/buffing with, and I'd rather get something old and well-built than something new. Also, what's the minimum RPM on those?

Got all mine on Craig's list. Price is all over. I got one for $15.00 once and $30.00 another. time and $125.00 another time, but it was as new and on the OEM stand. Facebook marketplace is another possibility. They are all 3450 RPM as far as I know.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[jonshonda]

How much does a 1/4hp block go for, and where do you guys find them? I'm looking to get a bench grinder to do polishing/buffing with, and I'd rather get something old and well-built than something new. Also, what's the minimum RPM on those?

idk if 1/4hp is going to be enough for buffing, but it obviously depends on what you are going to be buffing.

 

[lafester]

It does exist

3/4 hp is the hardest one to find, and the base looks complete.
That stand also looks like a Craftsman although you can't see much of it.
Definitely not the cast iron pedestal.

I would be in the 125-150 range depending on how far away it is.

 

[jlevers]

Thanks guys.

I'm pretty new to this -- I'm going to be buffing motorcycle parts (mostly aluminum engine stuff). Is 1/4hp probably too weak? And does it matter the RPM? Someone told me that I should use a <1300RPM motor if I'm going to use a 12" buffing wheel, but I haven't read that anywhere else online.

 

[Copymutt]

Got this one yesterday at a yard sale. It's got a seat!
You should see the angle grinder that came w/ it. Haven't installed the 5pt. Harness yet. Sometimes I forget the safety glasses.