let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Flying Mustang]

Probably! I'm sure it hasn't been run in a long time

 

[stonesfan68]

So I picked up this big guy mounted on the stand at an estate sale today for $50. It runs like a champ!




It has the original wheels still installed. I really don't think that most of these grinders see much use at home.



So that makes four of these things for me: a a red 1/2HP (quick clean, painted cover and new bearings), a silver 1/3HP (nearly finished, complete paint job and new bearings), and a blue 1/2HP (new bearings, painted cover). I have to thin the heard or the wife's gonna start noticing!





I need to tear that blue one down and part it out. I haven't used it in awhile because it really isn't safe to operate in its current state. As you can see one of the side guards is broken and replacements are non-existent. Also, the the threads on the right side (with the wire wheel) are trashed because I didn't realize that they were left-hand threads and stripped them. I cleaned the threads up as best I could with a cleaning die and I use some big washers as spacers. Finally, I'm out of room in the garage. I have to play Jinga every-time I need to do a project. I had to take the blue one off of the stand and take the stand apart so that the big one could have a place to sit.

I'm going to get some new wheels for the 1HP machine and start using it. I'll give it a good cleaning. I may paint the cover and splurge for a new label.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

nice find and price! that's what i paid for my 1 hp block, but without a stand.

 

[torqueman2002]

You BOTH deserve this!

 

[torqueman2002]

Well, another Block found me. It needs some bits: rubber feet/bushings, quench tray, light assembly, tool rests, and some wheels/stones; but it has great potential.



I might part it out in the Classified section. Watch this space.

 

[vertguy]

Finally got around to finishing the clean up of this deluxe cast iron base I picked up a couple months ago. Now I need to find another project grinder to mount on it

 

[bulletpruf]

Just picked up a grinder stand to mount a new to me 1/3 hp grinder on. It only has two mounting holes in it. Should I drill a few more holes so I can securely mount my grinder or do y'all just bolt it down with two bolts?

 

[11b30b4]

Just use two bolts. Its designed for the grinder and only requires two bolts towards the front.

 

[bulletpruf]

Just use two bolts. Its designed for the grinder and only requires two bolts towards the front.

Thanks. After I bolted it down, I realized that two bolts are plenty.

Scott

 

[Kaervak]

I found this 1HP block on Facebook in Ashland, OH while browsing around.
www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/187221963424234/

I don't need it, my 1/3 and 1/2 are plenty fine for what I use them for. However, that doesn't stop me from wanting to buy it. Especially since it's only $50. Someone else go buy this before I do.

 

[Bro-Dozer]

Here is a nice one in Phoenix.

Facebook

www.facebook.com

 

[bulletpruf]

Made a quickie base for my stand. Took a spare piece of 5/8" (3/4" would be better) plywood, cut to 18" x 18" (wanted to go 20" x 20" but piece was too small), screwed on a 2x4 scrap, then attached 2" non-swiveling casters to plywood and 2x4. Secured with 3/8" x 3" machine screw. Did a quick countersink so heads wouldn't protrude.

 

[Username already in use]

Which one do I keep?

About 3 years ago, I picked up a 1965 dated Delco made 1/3HP grinder. I've been on the casual hunt for a couple of new eye shields for it. (there's a pair on eBay right now for $50! -no thanks)
Yesterday, I snapped up a 1961 dated Packard Electric 1/4HP grinder for $20. Has both eye shields. Cheaper than eBay! yay!

A comment that @LesserSon made over in the garage sale thread got me thinking. He mentioned to check the amps for each.
The Delco 1/3HP is 3.5 AMPS and rated at 3450 R.P.M.
The Packard 1/4HP is 4.5 AMPS and also rated at 3450 R.P.M.

Both run and drive well. The Delco needs the eye shields, the Packard needs the end covers and the lamp.

I don't need them both... Which one would you keep and why?

The Delco 1/3HP

The Packard 1/4HP

 

[Cruzan80]

Does the 1/4hp accept side shields? Not all of them were cast/ tapped to have them.

 

[Bobioz1]

Why do you think the first grinder is a Delco?

 

[Username already in use]

Does the 1/4hp accept side shields? Not all of them were cast/ tapped to have them.

Hmm it does not seem to have anything tapped to accept the shields. Today I Learned.
Does that impact your decision on which is ‘better’?

Why do you think the first grinder is a Delco?

Model #397.xxxx matches up with Delco Products Corp from the list on the vintage machinery site posted HERE.
Do you not agree with that list?

 

[exmaxima1]

Does the 1/4hp accept side shields? Not all of them were cast/ tapped to have them.

That's a Pre-Block model and the 1/4hp versions did not come with end covers

 

[Outlawmws]

Fire both up with the same sized wheels and ease a 2X4 into the wheel to the point of stalling. in theory the 4+ Amp "1/4" HP should out power the 1/3 with less amps, but the plates may lie..

If the 1/4 happens to win the HP bog down test, swap the 1/3 HP guard shrouds over if possible. your own "Franken Grinder"

 

[Patrickm82]

Got this 3/4 hp from Craigslist a couple weeks ago. Gave it a pair job and new decal from @mattblast just need to build a stand for it now

 

[exmaxima1]

That model had the deluxe cast base with outrigger rests. So besides the stand you will need to gets some rests. The 2-pc style from the commercial model blocks work well but you will need to drill/tap your guards to mount them.

 

[Old Radar]

Which one do I keep? I don't need them both...

I can read your words, but I don't understand their meaning. What is this "need" concept you speak of?

 

[Username already in use]

I can read your words, but I don't understand their meaning. What is this "need" concept you speak of?

I was setting myself up for that one. But hey, build me a grinder stand like that, and I’ll keep ‘em both!

 

[LNKMK8]

Picked up this block grinder last week for a song at an estate sale. I have been looking for one with the heavy duty tool rest and quench tray setup. This is the first one that I have come across locally in the past 3-4 years that wasn't a complete mess. Very happy with how it cleaned up. I would have preferred a slightly older model with the metal eye shields, but certainly can't complain about this nice 1975 model. I have an extra Craftsman pedestal stand that I have been saving for a grinder like this.

I paid $18 for it and sold the tubular stand to a customer for $15 (he will be mounting a Craftsman block on it), leaving me with a whole $3 invested in it. Sometimes you get lucky...

 

[lafester]

Very nice, rare find for sure! I need to start going to estate sales.

 

[Username already in use]

In case anyone would like to wish me a happy "You ****"

Nice grinder, but there's a GJ rule about self sucking or soliciting the ****...

 

[LNKMK8]

haha, fair enough

 

[LesserSon]

Anyway, a 3/4hp grinder for $3 is NOT a “you ****” deal - it is a criminal case. Are those sirens getting closer?

 

[WisJim]

I've been thinking it would be nice to find a Craftsman grinder nearby, but so far all have been at online auctions and I have been outbid by a lot. But when I got to the point of moving grinders from my old shop to the new place, I found this on the grinder shelf. I'm starting to believe it when my wife says I have too many tools.

 

[cmccuist1]

Anyway, a 3/4hp grinder for $3 is NOT a “you ****” deal - it is a criminal case. Are those sirens getting closer?

He showed up to that estate sale with a gun and a mask!! (And $3)

 

[cmccuist1]

Hey, I’ve read through this whole thread, but didn’t think to look. Has anyone ever seen this type of light? I really like it. It’s a top mount and really sturdy.

it’s mounted on my 3/4 horse.

 

[compunaut]

There's a consignment auction next week near Corpus Christi, TX that includes what appears to be a 1HP 'Sears Best' block grinder - in case anyone is interested:
Sears bench grinder

 

[Zrxrunner]

Been told i have somewhat of an "overbuying" addiction. I call it a retirement investment! Finally got time to sort and display the collection a bit. When i see a good deal, just cant pass it up. They'll all eventually be either just lightly cleaned or fully restored.

 

[nutjob]

Hey, I’ve read through this whole thread, but didn’t think to look. Has anyone ever seen this type of light? I really like it. It’s a top mount and really sturdy.

it’s mounted on my 3/4 horse.

That is a Moffatt lamp. The mount is a quick release, lift the black ring and the lamp comes off the base mount. The on-off switch or the white round knob looks different, the ones I have use a toggle switch but Moffatt made a lot of different models both for retail and to supply OEM's

Kevin

 

[Rod N]

Can anyone tell me about this grinder? Guy wants $100.

 

[torqueman2002]

Looks like it's in good shape.

SWAG - OK buy for a 1/2-HP, Good buy for a 3/4-HP, Great buy for a 1-HP.

BTW - Lamp in not OEM, but if it does the job ...

What's the model & HP?

 

[Rod N]

1/2 hp
Model 397 21147
Sold by Sears Canada which means it has English and French labels.

 

[cmccuist1]

That is a Moffatt lamp. The mount is a quick release, lift the black ring and the lamp comes off the base mount. The on-off switch or the white round knob looks different, the ones I have use a toggle switch but Moffatt made a lot of different models both for retail and to supply OEM's

Kevin

Thanks Kevin. I really like the Moffatt lamp. Seems better quality than the other goosenecks.

 

[JG Owens]

I never realized Craftsman offered a disc sander option for the grinder. Does anyone own one?

 

[FrankLee]

Thanks Kevin. I really like the Moffatt lamp. Seems better quality than the other goosenecks.

I concur.

Lets see your vintage shop work lights

Thank you. Regarding paint its an Sherwin All-Surface Oil based primer & paint. Went thru several color tints until arriving at this one. I saved the custom blend recipe sticker/can. Let me look in garage this weekend.

www.garagejournal.com

 

[HobbyDad]

Finally finished the Pre Block and the stand.




Also I would to thank torqueman for the stand !

Looks great. I have one, a 397.19501 C2110 that used to belong to my father. I used it for years until it stopped rotating and only hummed. I figured the start capacitor failed and opened the bottom (dated 10/16/1962) to find the three-prong rectangular block which I assume must be the cap as that's the only component besides the switch. Where can I get one or what is it's capacitance value? I'd like to return this to service! Thank you,

HobbyDad