Razorhunter
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2013
- Messages
- 393
So I've always heard the term "block" grinder when referring to these older Craftsman bench grinders, but then I recently saw an ebay ad listing that said "pre-block" era Craftsman, yet it looked basically the same as any others I've seen. There was a slight difference in the base/body, but can someone explain the "block" term and what exactly it refers to?
Also, I drove yesterday to look at one of these little 1/2hp Craftsmans that was for sale locally. Sadly, it was not cast iron as I had always assumed they were. It lookwd exactly like a cast iron frame, but was some type of composite or plastic. A tough and durable plastic mind you, but not cast iron.
Question: Were ANY of these old Craftsman grinders made of cast iron, or are they ALL polymer/plastic/composite frames?
Secondly, I've noticed that some appear much heavier duty (with much thicker clear/transluscent spark shields, etc), and others not so much. Is this just a sizing thing whereas the smaller 1/4, 1/3, 1/2hp models were all smaller and the larger 3/4-1hp units were heavier built? OR were some of the smaller hp units also built heavier duty as well? I will try to attach a photo of an example of the style I'm seeking to find. Its a screenshot photo however, and many times screenshots dont post well for me on this forum.
I'm basically wanting something alomg the lines of this one (if pic will post), although I'm not too crazy about the plastic switch, as I've seen some that are metal) Here goes:
Also, I drove yesterday to look at one of these little 1/2hp Craftsmans that was for sale locally. Sadly, it was not cast iron as I had always assumed they were. It lookwd exactly like a cast iron frame, but was some type of composite or plastic. A tough and durable plastic mind you, but not cast iron.
Question: Were ANY of these old Craftsman grinders made of cast iron, or are they ALL polymer/plastic/composite frames?
Secondly, I've noticed that some appear much heavier duty (with much thicker clear/transluscent spark shields, etc), and others not so much. Is this just a sizing thing whereas the smaller 1/4, 1/3, 1/2hp models were all smaller and the larger 3/4-1hp units were heavier built? OR were some of the smaller hp units also built heavier duty as well? I will try to attach a photo of an example of the style I'm seeking to find. Its a screenshot photo however, and many times screenshots dont post well for me on this forum.
I'm basically wanting something alomg the lines of this one (if pic will post), although I'm not too crazy about the plastic switch, as I've seen some that are metal) Here goes:
