let's see your craftsman block grinders

[Rod N]

^^^ Why did you take the guards off?
Great job!

 

[DaveT]

First post! Just finished my restoration of a Craftsman model number 115.19500. New paint, bearings, power cord and general cleanup. Really fun first foray into this type of restoration - has me on the lookout for another similar project!

I picked up a lot of tips and tricks reading through this forum. Thanks all for the info!

You did a fantastic job. That is a nice looking grinder.

 

[exmaxima1]

^^^ Why did you take the guards off?
Great job!

Most all 1/4hp Pre-Blocks did not come with wheel guard covers. Look closely and there are no mounting holes for them as well

 

[dapekema]

Most all 1/4hp Pre-Blocks did not come with wheel guard covers. Look closely and there are no mounting holes for them as well

Here's the manual for anyone interested. The exploded axon was handy during reassembly! And based on the manual it's a complete unit.

 

[Jayman17]

Dapekema, I have that exact same grinder (same year too) in about the same “before” condition.
I hope mine turns out as well as yours did. Nice job!

Jay

 

[Bro-Dozer]

Just a simple two color paint job with a little clear satin enamel to soften it. Runs great.

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice job Dozer.

Makes me think of ....

 

[xs650shawn]

Received this from my father-in-law the other day. Needs a good cleaning, but works and spins smooth. Now have a pre-block and a block.

 

[John-O]

now smile cuz that's funny!

 

[SquareWave]

Just picked this up today for $60, still runs smooth

 

[Retroman]

This just came up for sale the pictures **** but looks like bigger grinding wheels than others I have seen. Can anyone tell if this might be a 1 HP ? I have asked for better pics from the seller.

 

[exmaxima1]

The wheels look too narrow and the end covers are not cast. Single piece rests (not articulated). That looks like a 1/2hp Split Phase, to me.

 

[Retroman]

The wheels look too narrow and the end covers are not cast. Single piece rests (not articulated). That looks like a 1/2hp Split Phase, to me.

You are correct sir 1/2 HP seller confirmed. Asking $50 but don't have a big need for it.

 

[torqueman2002]

The 1/2-HP Blocks are beginning to pop up.
Here's a very nice, mostly complete 397.19340 for $65.
Not mine or anyone I know.



Listed about 10 days ago.
https://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/d/westerville-craftsman-1-2hp-3580-rpm/7485661404.html

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's another 1/2 HP, 257.191401 in Columbus, OH for $35 !?
https://columbus.craigslist.org/for/d/columbus-sears-craftsman-bench-grinder/7479787491.html

 

[SquareWave]

I just picked this up on my way home from vacation.

Does anyone have any info or catalogs on this grinder
I'd like to know what stand was available and who made it for craftsman.

Model 115 6294. Code E2 45

 

[JoCoSawdust]

That grinder was sold prior to and during the Second World War SquareWave. It was made by Packard who also made a somewhat beefier 1/2hp for Sears. Not that that 1/3 horse is a lightweight, it's a beast. Careful...even as we speak there's some die hard block grinder guy sitting at home making a voodoo doll of you to torture for violating the sanctity of the block grinder thread with a pre-pre-pre-block grinder. To my knowledge, Sears didn't offer any type of stand for these, at least there's none offered in the catalogs. Nice find.

 

[SquareWave]

@JoCoSawdust thank you! And your right about the thread, I hope they take it easy on me this time.

Appreciate the info

 

[torqueman2002]

It looks like there's quite a crop of 1/2-HP Blocks around Columbus! Here's a 397.19340 for $20 !!

Complete with lamp & shade, quench tray, and eye shields.

https://mansfield.craigslist.org/tls/d/ashland-bench-grinder/7490675170.html


I don't know how much longer I can resist. I may have to collect all 3 both of the ones left, in one swoop into Ohio.

 

[lafester]

@JoCoSawdust thank you! And your right about the thread, I hope they take it easy on me this time.

Appreciate the info

They are close enough to Stanley/KC that I wonder if they aren't an early version.

 

[JEFinCLE]

I've been kind of looking for a block grinder since running across this thread a couple months ago. Today serendipity shined and I found pretty much just what I wanted. I could have gone larger HP or an older Power Bronze, but this one was just the right condition, just the right price and on a pedestal stand. Here are the pics as unloaded.







Looks like cleaning is all it is going to need. The few scratches in the paint are just character.

 

[SquareWave]

I've been kind of looking for a block grinder since running across this thread a couple months ago. Today serendipity shined and I found pretty much just what I wanted. I could have gone larger HP or an older Power Bronze, but this one was just the right condition, just the right price and on a pedestal stand. Here are the pics as unloaded.







Looks like cleaning is all it is going to need. The few scratches in the paint are just character.

Very nice find!

 

[Rod N]

Nice find!
Is there a date on the bottom?

 

[JEFinCLE]

Nice find!
Is there a date on the bottom?

Haven't taken it off the base yet. Might do that tonight.

 

[JEFinCLE]

Very nice find!

I was pretty stoked to see the pedestal base on FBM. I have a table saw and jointer with the pedestal bases. Though I have no intentions of doing so, I think I could get my $60 back on the base by itself.

 

[widows_son]

They match. Thanks!

40mm x 17mm x 12mm matches your 397.19440 1/2hp correct?

 

[torqueman2002]

40mm x 17mm x 12mm matches your 397.19440 1/2hp correct?

Yes, that is the correct size. I like sealed/double sealed bearings.

 

[JEFinCLE]

Here's mine after a few hours of cleaning and buffing, plus a 3M radial wheel on the left and a ScotchBrite wheel on the right.

 

[torqueman2002]

SOLD - FYI - Syracuse, NY area. My listing.
Craftsman 397.19400 1/4 HP, Block Grinder

 

[Beachwv]

Grinder

 

[Beachwv]

• #13,150
• My brother in law gave me this grinder. It won't spin on its own(have to start it) but have replaced capacitor. Gets hot and smokes when running(see green wire turned black). Can't see any bare wires. Thinking I need a new stator. Anyone know of a source ?

 

[AK Coot]

New here and have an 8'' 1 hp to throw out. Good friend gave it to me as he's more a Delta type...lol. I'm not sure just how original it is, mainly because of the extra pig tail out the back. Nice option though. I have the original stand with it so another plus. The label is quite faded but it's a 397.19360 and a serial number of 832400318. It's likely a Delco made as it's the aluminum body and I suspect 70's? Runs well, some vibration as the wheels aren't true, not bad, just a touch out. Great forum, lots of good info.

 

[drs3317]

Were all the Block grinders made in the USA? Is there information anywhere to decode the various model numbers. I see a lot of the 397s. I have a lead on a 1 hp w/8" wheels that is a 257. Although it is a block, I believe it is a later model because of the large plastic switch. Any information is welcomed

 

[Rod N]

Were all the Block grinders made in the USA? Is there information anywhere to decode the various model numbers. I see a lot of the 397s. I have a lead on a 1 hp w/8" wheels that is a 257. Although it is a block, I believe it is a later model because of the large plastic switch. Any information is welcomed

I really don't know, but I think there were at least 3 switches. Oldest being the metal toggle, then the small red one and finally the larger sliding red one.

 

[exmaxima1]

Were all the Block grinders made in the USA? Is there information anywhere to decode the various model numbers. I see a lot of the 397s. I have a lead on a 1 hp w/8" wheels that is a 257. Although it is a block, I believe it is a later model because of the large plastic switch. Any information is welcomed

Your later model block was still made in USA. Here's some info on the company that made them:

Paramount Division of Allegretti & Co. - History | VintageMachinery.org

 

[drs3317]

Your later model block was still made in USA. Here's some info on the company that made them:

Paramount Division of Allegretti & Co. - History | VintageMachinery.org

Thanks, that was an interesting read. However, I still would like to find a way to decode the various model numbers.
Thanks again.

 

[designer485]

Here is the 1/3 hp i picked up this weekend from a friend's father. It needs a thorough cleaning, but looks to be in great shape and I am looking forward to putting it to use.

 

[exmaxima1]

That 1/3hp block will serve you well. I suggest you replace the wheels---they look like 4" diameter

 

[Alwaysonauto]

Guys over on Pelican thought I might like to share this with you all. Been in my garage for a good long time. My dad's old grinder.

 

[jakemac]

Ooooooooo !