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jerryd67

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Feb 11, 2019
Messages
36
Location
NW Arkansas
I agree with Radar, the HD 1 and 3/4-HP's I've seen/owned, had the set screws on the bottom only.
Great scores, BTW!
:rocker:
I found the owner's manual for model 397.19670 (eMail me, I can send you a copy; it may also be available on OWWM's website).

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There was one on the left as well, it was just shorter and buried under a thick layer of crud...not to mention a challenge to get out. I’m in agreement about it being a PO mod though. Interestingly, the round support rods that the tool rests clamp to had “flats” ground on both sides, and as you can tell from the photos, the left one was about an inch shorter. Torqueman I would definitely be interested in that manual!
 

lafester

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The base was never featured in the catalog by itself but I assume you could order one if you wanted. I've never seen one with a grinder that did not come with one originally.

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whateg01

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doo dah, kansas, usa
The base was never featured in the catalog by itself but I assume you could order one if you wanted. I've never seen one with a grinder that did not come with one originally.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

I never realized until that last post that it was actually separate from the grinder. I never really paid much attention to it either. It just seems like a much more secure water tray than the little one that hangs on the front of the grinder that looks like it could easily get knocked off and shatter on the floor. Maybe I'll 3D print one and have a buddy cast it for me.

Dave
 

lafester

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I never realized until that last post that it was actually separate from the grinder. I never really paid much attention to it either. It just seems like a much more secure water tray than the little one that hangs on the front of the grinder that looks like it could easily get knocked off and shatter on the floor. Maybe I'll 3D print one and have a buddy cast it for me.



Dave
That would be a fun project. I bet you could sell a few of them if they turn out well.

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Tinkerer2

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Jun 19, 2020
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Central Florida
I picked this up last week. Others here have stated the dates on theirs. Where is the date located on the grinder? And did these have serial #'s? I can't find either.

Grinding wheel on the left and wire brush on the right. Any idea how much this is worth? Wondering if I paid too much.
 

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torqueman2002

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Is there a part# for the entire base? Where can I get one?????
From the downloadable file linked above: 9491.pdf | pp-2 & 3 | #32 | 5528612 | Base.
You might try:
SearsPartsDirect website link - --> http://www.searspartsdirect.com/
eReplacementParts website link - --> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=8579542

You would need all the other bits 'n pieces that go on the base, ie: tool rest, ...

I suspect, you'll find they are not available. Maybe eBay, CraigsList, ....
 
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torqueman2002

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... Where is the date located on the grinder? And did these have serial #'s? I can't find either. ...
Many, but not all, of the Blocks have a date ink stamped on the bottom cover.

I don't know when Sears began issuing serial numbers. But just a quick scan of the last few posts shows the flat top Blocks have them, but the round tops do not.

Is that the case for all ft and rt Blocks? :dunno:
 

Tinkerer2

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From the downloadable file linked above: 9491.pdf | pp-2 & 3 | #32 | 5528612 | Base.
You might try:
SearsPartsDirect website link - --> http://www.searspartsdirect.com/
eReplacementParts website link - --> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=8579542

You would need all the other bits 'n pieces that go on the base, ie: tool rest, ...

I suspect, you'll find they are not available. Maybe eBay, CraigsList, ....

Thanks - the hunt is on. :)


Many, but not all, of the Blocks have a date ink stamped on the bottom cover.

I don't know when Sears began issuing serial numbers. But just a quick scan of the last few posts shows the flat top Blocks have them, but the round tops do not.

Is that the case for all ft and rt Blocks? :dunno:

Well, the date on mine will remain a mystery as it's mounted to a solid top base and I don't think I'll be removing it to look.


Any idea what this is worth with the stand?
 
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lafester

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Thanks - the hunt is on. :)




Well, the date on mine will remain a mystery as it's mounted to a solid top base and I don't think I'll be removing it to look.


Any idea what this is worth with the stand?
Probably around $100 or so. The stand is uncommon but I don't think they are sought after.

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Tinkerer2

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Well, I overpaid but he wouldn't negotiate. I paid $135. Bearings sound good. The outside edge of the grinding wheel is a little rounded over. The ground pin on the plug had been cut off. I put a new plug on. There is a little rust here and there but overall it appears it was well taken care of.
 

torqueman2002

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... The stand is uncommon but I don't think they are sought after. ...
Agree.

I have Go Blue (1-HP HD base) mounted on one. The stand has a big foot print, which could be OK, but there's no storage!

The price is subject to location - in SE Michigan, there seems to be a steady supply - keeping the price for a good condition & complete Block where I like to pay --> between $10 and $15 per 0.10-HP. ie: 1/2-HP $50 to $75.

I have payed more for really nice Blocks, or ones that are hard to find - 1.0-HP.

But, it really is what you intend to do with it.

Flipping - buy low, sell to make a reasonable return.
To keep and use - whatever your budget and significant other will allow. :spit:
Ooops, I took too long to post my reply. Started B4 you posted. $135 is not outrageous, the stand and Block look in good condition.
 
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lafester

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You did fine... Now that you have one you will start to find deals. It will all even out in the end.

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whateg01

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Saved this one from the scrap yard. Hoping to clean it up and use it for sharpening gear cutters and other profile cutters for the mill.

Dave
 

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Outlawmws

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I never realized until that last post that it was actually separate from the grinder. I never really paid much attention to it either. It just seems like a much more secure water tray than the little one that hangs on the front of the grinder that looks like it could easily get knocked off and shatter on the floor. Maybe I'll 3D print one and have a buddy cast it for me.

Dave

That would be a fun project. I bet you could sell a few of them if they turn out well.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

That is a good idea.

AFAIK they are no longer available from SearParts or eReplacementParts websites.

Quench trays would be another good seller...
 
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LesserSon

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Feb 7, 2016
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PA USA
Buddy offered me this. It was his dad’s. It runs, though the bearings sound rough. I really love the metal-framed eyeshields and the crazy red War of the Worlds gooseneck lamp (original, right?), but I declined, as I have two slightly younger 1/3hp blocks and have been struggling to make space in my tiny home shop.
Day passes, and texts me he’s going to take it for himself. I’m happy he’s keeping it, and hope the leads aren’t as rotten as my similar-aged 1/4hp.
 

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lafester

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No, I have not seen that lamp before.
There were variations of that lamp available for purchase in the 60s as an aftermarket item. I would have definitely grabbed it just to remove that lamp for something else.
 

PureLeaf

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Jul 25, 2014
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Just picked up this pre-block grinder with stand. Runs great. Looking forward to breathing some new life in it. Missing both outer guards, one tool rest, and both shields. Hoping I'm able to find these parts to bring it fully back. Haven't had much luck so far for parts on craigslist, marketplace, or eBay.

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lafester

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Nice 1/3 hp pre block... don't see very many of these.
Wheel guards are going to be tough but maybe the later model aluminum guards will fit.
Eye shields and tool rests are definitely compatible with later models so they should pop up on ebay fairly often. Also search for Vimco lamps on ebay and see if anything comes up.

Post some pics of the quench tray and how it is attached to the pedestal if you can.
 

PureLeaf

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Nice 1/3 hp pre block... don't see very many of these.
Wheel guards are going to be tough but maybe the later model aluminum guards will fit.
Eye shields and tool rests are definitely compatible with later models so they should pop up on ebay fairly often. Also search for Vimco lamps on ebay and see if anything comes up.

Post some pics of the quench tray and how it is attached to the pedestal if you can.

Heres a better pic of the quench tray as I was bringing it home. I've already chopped it off, and flap disc'd the area smooth so its no longer present. My goal is to put it back to an original equipment state.

The bottom picture is the picture the seller had listed. It showed one guard on, but when I got there the guard was not present. I followed up later about that just to see if the guy had the part laying around and had forgotten to include it. Said it had gotten cracked, fell off and been trashed.

Thanks for the recommendations. I was trying to compare colour schemes. What colour would the center band have been originally? All of the restored photos of gold models I've seen show the center band as gold, but the inner/outer guards as brown or a similar colour. Not the gold that it is now.

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https://scontent-lax3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/106186979_10207424340804401_472482007670959481_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=843cd7&_nc_ohc=TWbzI1le45wAX8-DyKu&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.**&_nc_tp=6&oh=fdc28c5f1206412069b38109f6590482&oe=5F2CA773
 
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lafester

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Well mine is chrome but it is 1/2 hp.
I think that one would be brown but I'll look around and see.

Thanks for the pics.

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lafester

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I see FrankLee had one just like it. Looks like a gold band. Most were brown guards with gold band. There is also the dark grey with the chrome band that looks really nice.

28254902791_ae5c45c632_b.jpg
 
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CJnCincy

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Cin. O
So this happened today.......$75 off of Facebook Marketplace. I drove about an hour. Took a leap of faith, got in the truck, and started heading south without an address (just a town) to go towards. Almost catastrophically, I lost contact with the seller as I was driving down. I was hoping the guy wouldn't "Ghost" me when he realized what he actually had. I was praying he never found this site. The pessimism in me was running wild.....would he pursue the interwebs and discover the majestic aura that surrounds this beautiful block. I hoped not.

Ten minutes out, my messages were returned. He was going through with the deal. I got an address, and headed smartly to a storage unit filled with old tools. The normal man in me would've spent an hour rummaging through it all...but not this time. I had to seal the deal and depart, before he too clicked a switch and became a blockhead himself.

I present to you "Franklin", my newest fix for my block addiction:
 

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lafester

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I had to drive like 4 hours to get my first 1hp a couple years ago.

I don't think I have seen another since then locally although I did get a 3/4 a couple months ago.

Nice score.
 

JoCoSawdust

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CJ: 75 bucks for a 1hp block is an incredible deal. Congrats!

PureLeaf: Here's a 1/4hp pre-block from 56 in original paint if that helps.

IMG_5822.jpg
 

PureLeaf

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CJ: 75 bucks for a 1hp block is an incredible deal. Congrats!

PureLeaf: Here's a 1/4hp pre-block from 56 in original paint if that helps.

IMG_5822.jpg

Thanks JoCo! Is that all one colour? Mine definitely appears to be gold on the outer sides, and I can't tell what it was inside. I'm guessing chrome based upon what Lafester was saying.
 

s14brent

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las vegas
I finally got around to ordering the PA multi-tool belt sander. Mounted it with leftover 3" stainless exhaust piping. I ended up bench mounting the 1/2 hp cap block grinder since I didn't want it "walking" on the stand not to mention I have both grinders on foot pedals since I don't need them on full send all the time.
-So much nicer not worrying about stalling out the motor like my old cheap HF unit!

p3929045269-4.jpg
 

JoCoSawdust

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Thanks JoCo! Is that all one colour? Mine definitely appears to be gold on the outer sides, and I can't tell what it was inside. I'm guessing chrome based upon what Lafester was saying.

This one of mine is solid power bronze. Can't say with any authority what yours would have been. Every polished center band I've ever seen has had the machine finish stripes on it. I can't see any remnant of those on yours. EDIT: If you go back far enough in this thread, somebody posted a new in box pre-block. Can't recall what the center band looks like or what horsepower it is but it's a power bronze one.
 

cajunfirehawk

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Ms Gulf Coast
Saved this one from the scrap yard. Hoping to clean it up and use it for sharpening gear cutters and other profile cutters for the mill.

Dave
What you have there is a "Foley Belsaw", google it, they look the same...


I'll sell you another one...
 

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cajunfirehawk

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This one of mine is solid power bronze. Can't say with any authority what yours would have been. Every polished center band I've ever seen has had the machine finish stripes on it. I can't see any remnant of those on yours. EDIT: If you go back far enough in this thread, somebody posted a new in box pre-block. Can't recall what the center band looks like or what horsepower it is but it's a power bronze one.


What was the question?
 

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PureLeaf

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What was the question?

Perfect! Thanks Cajun. I was trying to see what my grinder's original paint scheme would have been. It has as yours, the gold outer, but the inner band was too rusted to be able to tell if it was painted, chrome, machined metal etc. You've answered that one!
 

shannos

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Jul 3, 2020
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Warshington
I want to play.
My Dad bought this grinder many years ago, probably the 70s. It is unrestored. 397.19440.

For those interested; I just replaced the capacitor and used the BMI 216-259 uF x 125 VAC # 092A216B125AC1A. It works fine, is the same diameter to fit the clamp but is shorter than the original. Dayton sells a 216-259 uF x 125 VAC that matches the dimensions of the original, but it costs more.
 

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shannos

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I also have a second block grinder I picked up at a swapmeet. 397.19340. It was missing one of the end plate guards, the tool rests, eye shields and quench tray. But I didn't care cause I use it for a wire wheel and a polishing wheel. It was ugly when I got it, so a little hammerite paint made it look prettier. Except for the faded label.
 

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