let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Machinitect]

If you come across an industrial 1/2 hp like posted above, I would grab it while you wait for the 1 hp. They are a little more common but still great grinders. Just look for the big heavy duty switch on the front. Also if you find a 3/4 with the base those are even rarer then the 1hp.

Sounds good. I have seen a few 1/2hp models for sale near me. Thank you!

 

[whateg01]

I picked up a 1 hp model a few days ago. I'll have to get it cleaned up so I can take some pics. Not in perfect shape but it's still a 1 hp. First one I've seen aside from the one my buddy has

 

[11b30b4]

Guys, just a quick update.

I am still working on reproducing the plastic lamp shades.

I mocked one up and filled it with plaster to make the vacuum forming buck.

View media item 111338
The buck came out nice.

View media item 111339
My VF platen is 24”x 24” so this is only a test. If this works, I am hoping to form 4 shaded at a time.

Anyway, I need to clean up the buck and fill in the mounting screw depression in the buck them I do a pull and see what we get.

More to come.

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice work!

 

[51dueller]

I just picked up this Craftsman 1/3 hp grinder. Kind of curious how old it is but the model number is different than what I've found in this forum maybe cause it's a Canadian model. There is no date code on the bottom.

 

[M. Blue 240]

I went for a stroll through ReStore hoping to find a kitchen sink (I found the perfect one) and spotted the familiar lines of a block grinder from two isles away. Already having two grinders I didn't need a third, but I couldn't pass it up for...$28!!!! Everything works as it should, even the light bulb. I removed the plastic shields from my current 1/2hp unit, as this grinder is in nicer shape and has a light. While cleaning it I found that both stones appear to be the original ones.

20210421_135346 by M. Blue 240, on Flickr

20210421_154911 by M. Blue 240, on Flickr

20210421_154224 by M. Blue 240, on Flickr

 

[alpinewhite]

I went for a stroll through ReStore hoping to find a kitchen sink (I found the perfect one) and spotted the familiar lines of a block grinder from two isles away. Already having two grinders I didn't need a third, but I couldn't pass it up for...$28!!!!

You **** ;-)

 

[Kscardsfan]

I finally got mine. Found one on FB marketplace yesterday for $25. These things don’t seem to come around often in my area. Next step is finding some of the missing bits and pieces and shining it back up a little bit. As far as I can tell, it’s roughly a 1969 era machine, but if I’m off I’ll gladly listen to an expert about it. Now I have to find a suitable base for it to sit on in the garage.

 

[torqueman2002]

I just picked up this Craftsman 1/3 hp grinder. Kind of curious how old it is but the model number is different than what I've found in this forum maybe cause it's a Canadian model. There is no date code on the bottom.

I don't have any listing in my 'library' of round-top Blocks for your exact model. However, it is very similar to the m-397.19580 1/3-HP Blocks that are very numerous.

The dates in my 'library' range from 'May 3 1965' to '101073'. A 9 year inclusive span. No wonder this model makes up the lion's share of the 'library'.

 

[torqueman2002]

I finally got mine. Found one on FB marketplace yesterday for $25. These things don’t seem to come around often in my area. Next step is finding some of the missing bits and pieces and shining it back up a little bit. As far as I can tell, it’s roughly a 1969 era machine, but if I’m off I’ll gladly listen to an expert about it. Now I have to find a suitable base for it to sit on in the garage.

That's a nice friendly grinder - it won't take your arm off before it stalls!

The three 1/4-HP round-top Blocks in my 'library' with that model number - 397.19400 do not have the wheel guard covers. The wheel guards have the bosses cast but not tapped, so you could add covers if you find them.

The only date in the 'library' is: Dec 28 1967. So, I think '1969 era' is reasonable.

Nicely done!

 

[torqueman2002]

I went for a stroll through ReStore hoping to find a kitchen sink (I found the perfect one) and spotted the familiar lines of a block grinder from two isles away. Already having two grinders I didn't need a third, but I couldn't pass it up for...$28!!!! Everything works as it should, even the light bulb. I removed the plastic shields from my current 1/2hp unit, as this grinder is in nicer shape and has a light. While cleaning it I found that both stones appear to be the original ones.

20210421_135346 by M. Blue 240, on Flickr

20210421_154911 by M. Blue 240, on Flickr

Nice score!

I'd strongly suggest you replace those sketchy stones. Cheap insurance. Amazon, Grainger, Zoro, ... have Norton and other brands in 6" x 3/4" and they come with arbor bushings to fit the 1/2" arbor.

 

[vertguy]

This popped up the other day and I could not resist. Especially since it is the older and much heavier cast iron version.




Sent from my iPad using Garage Journal

 

[Tinkerer2]

This popped up the other day and I could not resist. Especially since it is the older and much heavier cast iron version.




Sent from my iPad using Garage Journal

Wish I could find one of those.

 

[torqueman2002]

This popped up the other day and I could not resist. Especially since it is the older and much heavier cast iron version.




Sent from my iPad using Garage Journal

Nice find!

 

[torqueman2002]

... Next step is finding some of the missing bits and pieces ...

For the eye shields, try this idea.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3323239&postcount=465

DAYTON Bench Grinder Shield, Eyeshield Replacement Kit, For Min. Wheel Dia. 6 in ~$15/pair
https://www.grainger.com/product/DAYTON-Bench-Grinder-Shield-5PZP2

L-bracket /Zinc-Plated Steel Corner Bracket, 11/16" x 1" x 1/2"
https://www.mcmaster.com/1556A26/

 

[WickedJP]

Went to buy an Craftsman 150 drill press. Met the guy at a storage facility. He had this sitting there. Already have one block grinder, but the package price was reasonable, so I brought it home. Happy I did. Smoothest grinder I’ve ever used.

 

[torqueman2002]

WickedJP - Excellent!

 

[torqueman2002]

I started a poll to get feedback on which Block to clean up and give to my son.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9069777#post9069777

Any way, some know giving him a Block isn't a problem for me.

Choosing which Block grinder is the issue.

 

[WWShop]

Haven't posted in a long while but found these two blocks today. $80 total for two grinders and one stand.

 

[torqueman2002]

WW - nice score.

 

[torqueman2002]

I'm watching the latest episode of Junkyard Digs. What do I see in the 'wild'?

A round top Block on a CM stand!
<a href="<iframe width=" 560"="" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zt70U8dEUrQ?start=2361" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zt70U8dEUrQ?start=2361" title="YouTube video player" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe>

 

[cajunfirehawk]

torqueman2002 so which grinder did you give your son? I would have bet on #4 or 5 because, well I'm sure you have others of that size.

 

[torqueman2002]

torqueman2002 so which grinder did you give your son? I would have bet on #4 or 5 because, well I'm sure you have others of that size.

Thanks for everyone's interest.

The overall choice was #3) 0.50 HP 397.19440. Follow the link for more information.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9080863&postcount=8

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Had to move a few block grinders out of my shipping container today, preparing to move again, see what happens if you subscribe to this forum

 

[lafester]

I used to think that was a lot of grinders...

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

 

[11b30b4]

Cajunfirehawk and Lafester, I am sure there is a 12-step program for yall.

Rebuilt a Craftsman 1/4HP 397.19401
Before
View media item 112063
After
View media item 112231

 

[Outlawmws]

Unfortunately, the "12 Steps" are: "How to restore Craftsman grinders!"

 

[cajunfirehawk]

tell me more about this 12 step program.....
more storage has arrived and been relocated to my final residence
I get to move these one more time hopefully.
See what happens when you subscribe to this thread??
Thanks Torque!!

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Cajunfirehawk and Lafester, I am sure there is a 12-step program for yall.

I have a friend in the 501st Legion, what state are you in, you may know him? What did you use for the red accent color? Well done.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Question for Torqueman, brake or NO...?

Rare Craftsman Bench Grinder With Electric Brake 6” 1/3 HP 1969 397.19410 | eBay

Rare Craftsman Bench Grinder With Electric Brake 6” 1/3 HP 1969 397.19410. Condition is Used. Shipped with FedEx SmartPost.

www.ebay.com

 

[11b30b4]

Outlawmws, it is therapeutic.

Cajunfirehawk,

Step 1, Ship all the Craftsman King Seeley pedestal stands to me (they are extremely rare in GA).

Step 2, Feel good that you have contributed greatly to my endeavor to build a classic Craftsman/ King Seeley workshop.

Step 3, You develop an almost pathological desire to assist others with a similar condition and you buy a large plot of land (several hundred acres) in the smokey mountains to build a retreat for these afflicted people you wish to help.

Step 4, You begin semi-annual (twice a year) getaways at the retreat you name “Blockenstein’s Castle” where you welcome people from all over who own more than 2 block grinders to speed them on their recovery.

Step 5, In your own journey to “get clear”, you must confront you deepest daemons and one a month, donate a grinder from your collection to members with less than 10 grinders to prove to yourself that “you can quite anytime you want”.

Step 6, Invite the professional cheerleading team from whatever you favorite sports team is (as long as its not a bowling league) to the retreat for one of the semi-annual getaways.

Step 7, Go abroad and share your story of redemption.

Step 8, As part of your treatment, you completely remove kale from your diet, its kale…

Step 9, In an effort to find that calm and meditative state you seek, your single malt Scotch collection grows two fold and Oban 18, is placed centerstage.

Step 10, looking to the future and preparing the next generations to carry the torch, you begin a national campaign to return and expand shop classes and education for all high schools in the country.

Step 11, Elon Musk approaches you to rebuild the now defunct American Vise industry with an unbelievable donation to start no less than 4 companies.

Step 12, You ponder over what to name the forge where all this iron will be forged.

 

[torqueman2002]

Good one 11b!

firehawk - The eBay listing title is for a Brake Block (397.19410), but the posted pictures are for a non-brake Block (397.19580).

AFAIK - The 1/3HP Brake Block (397.19410) is the only 1/3HP Block that uses a 5/8" arbor and the 3-position power switch, BRAKE is momentary.

 

[drivesitfar]

11b: yep that about convers it. Geesh you’ve got an imagination and a taste for the good life. Do you have a garage gallery thread do you can show us your old craftsmans? If not please start one. Thanks for making a great day better cause I smiled at each and every step.

cat: speaking of garage threads I’m sure you should start one too if you haven’t cause we count containers as garages. I know you’ve collected new in box old blocks and care to share how many or maybe a current family picture or two?

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Good one 11b!

firehawk - The eBay listing title is for a Brake Block (397.19410), but the posted pictures are for a non-brake Block (397.19580).

AFAIK - The 1/3HP Brake Block (397.19410) is the only 1/3HP Block that uses a 5/8" arbor and the 3-position power switch, BRAKE is momentary.

Torque, CORRECT I sent the guy that exact same PIC

 

[cajunfirehawk]

cat: speaking of garage threads I’m sure you should start one too if you haven’t cause we count containers as garages. I know you’ve collected new in box old blocks and care to share how many or maybe a current family picture or two?

Same pic from a while back, this has not changed, but Im tracking one on ebay, if it was a larger model I'd grab is but its a 1/3 hp...

 

[11b30b4]

Torqueman2002, Drivesitfar, and Cajunfirehawk, thanks guys. I just saw that second pic from Cajunfirehawk and all those Craftsman King Seeley pedestals and my jaw dropped. Like I said that are next to impossible to find here in GA. I drove 9 hours one way just to get a pedestal for the bandsaw I am currently rebuilding.



Anyway, Cajun said he wanted to know more about this 12-step program so that is what I did and yep I snickered the whole time. Driveitfar, yes, I have a “workshop” link in my signature. All of the projects I have chronicled here on GJ are listed there as well as some pics of my shop, its nothing to be blown away with but I like it. As for the Classic Craftsman tools, I have a 100 and 150 drill press, a 100 series bandsaw with pedestal, 100 series table saw and I purchased a pedestal stand off ebay and an insane 100 shipping cost (like I said, impossible to find here in GA) and I am hoping to snag a 10 series 6” belt sander with pedestal stand next week. I wish I could show and share my shop as a garage, but my actual garage is not climate controlled nor is it big enough for anything other than my Tacoma.



Cajun, some time back I saw a post by FrankLee that he snagged a new in box old stock bench grinder and though that is really lucky to find one in the box and then you post that pic. Crazy to find these old tools still in the box.

 

[getbentMUSTARD]

This may not be the correct area to post this but I'm looking for the metal bottom plate(which is galvanized I believe and has the date stamp), A light shade and the outer end covers for a 397.19580.

Any help is appreciated guys!

 

[RagTopTA]

Anyone sold a 1HP Block on ebay ? I'm thinking about getting rid of mine since its just sat in the tool room for the last few years. Its got the manual and blade sharpening attachment with it. the grinder can be seen here.

let's see your craftsman block grinders

Anyone here the poster for the craftsman and baldor 8" grinders on the Savannah college? quest

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Gunfighter556]

Been watching this thread for quite some time and I always loved the lines of the block grinders. I finally pulled the trigger and got one of my own. Not as old as some but runs good and will meet my needs. Would have preferred a Craftsman stand but the Jet is good as well.

 

[mikegt4]

I have a 1/2 hp 397-19460 grinder and like many block owners I wanted to replace at least one of my grinding wheels. I have good wheels and it runs smooth but they are both too coarse for my needs so I got an 80 grit from McMaster (Norton) for one side. The plastic bushings (1" reducer down to 1/2") leave a lot to be desired. I installed it today and found it had a lot or run-out (about 2mm) and axial wobble of about 1.5mm. I didn't even feel safe to start the motor. I might be able to fix the run-out with my dressing wheel. Is this normal (at least in today's product context) for a new wheel? I can make a new metal bushing or should I send it back and hope for a better example?