PA Multitool Belt Grinder on Craftsman Block Grinders

[lafester]

Found a video of one mounted on the left. Looks like the 48 in model.
I think with the hd tray on the 1 hp I should be able to position a tool rest at the bottom.
I suppose the disc wheel may be in the way... would have to go up a ways.

 

[lafester]

Thanks for the write up and especially for this diagram.
Printed it out and glued it to my spacer to drill the holes.
Worked great and saved me a ton of time.

A drawing of what I had made:
View media item 45726

 

[lafester]

Well I have it set up and running but really need to fine tune it quite a bit. Need to get a collar, ripped out the snap ring and currently have the flange right up against that tiny wall.

Also for the life of me I can't get the main bracket perfectly straight on the adapter plate. Might have to do some light grinding to get it right.

Otherwise it's tracking well and it never slowed down in my initial test.

Update: Ordered a couple collars so I can have one on the other side and say goodbye to those snap rings. McBrownie is correct about the stock bolts... they truly **** and strip out easily. Seems like they could have spent the extra dollar to give us decent quality bolts.

Going to rip it apart now and see if I can get that adapter plate seated perfectly in the main bracket.

My platen has a small divot where the bottom brace is welded on. Not a huge deal yet and eventually I'll probably attach something better on top. Threw on a new 100 grit belt and had sawdust flying everywhere. I'll stick to my 6x48 for wood (much slower rpm) and this will be mainly for metal work.

 

[McBrownie]

Lafester,

I never thought that image could be used as a template! Glad it helped.

Also, good to see more people are going the Multitool route. Belts are the way to go for carbon steel, aluminum, and wood. I made an upgrade to the BlockMeister and added a 180 grit CBN wheel for tool steel. I'm using it for plane irons and chisels. It is a really nice addition. With the MT and the weight of the CBN wheel, it needs the 3/4hp cap start to get it spinning. The 1/2hp cap start had enough power to run the MT, but I'm not sure it could handle the MT and CBN wheel combination. Still have not tried the MT on a 1/2hp split phase. I would recommend sticking to cap start grinders when using these accessories. I also made a new stand so I could put my 1/2hp next to it with a wire wheel and a buff. Uses about the same space in the garage, but gives access to both machines. I still use these all of the time. Nice tools.

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Look how much bigger the 8" 3/4hp looks compared to the 7" 1/2hp.
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Since the CBN never needs dressing (no more stone dust!), the diameter never changes. That means I can make setup gages from scrap wood once I get things dialed in to where I want them. This one is 25 degrees on one end and 35 on the other. I'm sure I'll make a 30 degree soon. Looks like I might be able to add it opposite to the 35 degree. Makes tool rest changes easier.

View media item 83742

 

[lafester]

Yeah I made the mistake of thinking all the 7" 1/2 hp grinders were cap start. Thought I found one just like yours but the guy isn't getting back to me. I have the 1hp for things like this though so I'm good.

 

[larry4406]

Never heard of a CBN wheel before, had to google it. Thanks for the info.

 

[McBrownie]

Never heard of a CBN wheel before, had to google it. Thanks for the info.

For tool steel only, they say. But wow, does it cut through metal. I guess they clog up on carbon steel. On the 8" wheel, I barely touch plane irons to it. It is basically effortless. I almost wish I would have gone with a 320 grit instead of 180.

 

[McBrownie]

Curious where you are getting your shaft collars from? I see a wide variety of prices online and am also wondering if any chain store carries them locally.

Lafester,

I just use eBay. I do splurge and get a name brand type like Ruland. I think they come from Zoro even though I use eBay.

 

[lafester]

Lafester,

I just use eBay. I do splurge and get a name brand type like Ruland. I think they come from Zoro even though I use eBay.

Yeah I ordered the cheapest set off ebay last week and still have no idea when they are coming. I should be able to shave 13mm or whatever the width is off my spacer and call it good.

Hoping these will significantly reduce the vibration on the 1hp beast. Really can't believe they use those stupid snap rings on an otherwise well built machine.

 

[McBrownie]

Yeah I ordered the cheapest set off ebay last week and still have no idea when they are coming. I should be able to shave 13mm or whatever the width is off my spacer and call it good.

Hoping these will significantly reduce the vibration on the 1hp beast. Really can't believe they use those stupid snap rings on an otherwise well built machine.

No kidding. With my 8" machined CBN wheel and spherical washers (which are supposed to automatically balance wheels) and the snap ring, I was still getting almost .020" (.5mm) run out at the perimeter. I put on the shaft collar and with some shims and fiddling, got it down to .004", which makes for a smooth running machine. When it's running without a belt, it seems like it is hardly working. With a belt, it's noisier, but still runs great.

 

[lafester]

Well it's been 16 months so it is time to bump this thread again.
The Multitool has been on quite a few different grinders since then and has held up great. The reason I am bumping is because I finally decided to try mounting it vertical so I can use a tool rest and I think it is going to work well.

I am still using the hd tool rest that came with that old 1hp which is long gone. I needed an extension so I dug through the scrap box and found something that was the perfect length and even included mounting bolts.

The grinder itself is a 1966 1/2 hp cap start that was supposed to just be a parts machine but runs so well I decided to put it to use. I guess this one will get a paint job at some point but for now it is just going to work.

 

[exmaxima1]

The grinder itself is a 1966 1/2 hp cap start that was supposed to just be a parts machine but runs so well I decided to put it to use. I guess this one will get a paint job at some point but for now it is just going to work.

I've never seen a 1/2hp block with the die-cast deluxe base, so I suspect you salvaged it from a >3/4hp model. I have the same model 3/4hp that you made your "Blockmeister" from, and it has the same cast iron version of that deluxe base. That grinder with iron base weighs 55 lbs, whereas my 1hp block with the die-cast aluminum deluxe base only weighs 45 lbs.

I don't have a date stamp on my 3/4hp, but I actually thought it was older than 1966. In any case, I agree those are smooth running girnders.

 

[lafester]

I've never seen a 1/2hp block with the die-cast deluxe base, so I suspect you salvaged it from a >3/4hp model. I have the same model 3/4hp that you made your "Blockmeister" from, and it has the same cast iron version of that deluxe base. That grinder with iron base weighs 55 lbs, whereas my 1hp block with the die-cast aluminum deluxe base only weighs 45 lbs.

I don't have a date stamp on my 3/4hp, but I actually thought it was older than 1966. In any case, I agree those are smooth running girnders.

Yeah I mentioned that it came from a 1hp. I've been looking for a 3/4 like yours but have yet to find one. I'm happy with my pre block 1/2 hp though so no hurry.

Oh my pre block is 1960, not sure what year they moved to aluminum.

 

[exmaxima1]

Yeah I mentioned that it came from a 1hp. I've been looking for a 3/4 like yours but have yet to find one. I'm happy with my pre block 1/2 hp though so no hurry.

Sorry, I messed up. I was referring to McBrownie's 3/4hp Blockmeister. He has the same grinder and cast iron base as mine.

That 1/2hp Preblock is a gem.

 

[lafester]

Sorry, I messed up. I was referring to McBrownie's 3/4hp Blockmeister. He has the same grinder and cast iron base as mine.



That 1/2hp Preblock is a gem. [emoji481]

Yeah you both have nice 3/4 round tops.

Sent from my SM-P205 using Tapatalk

 

[NC Rick]

Thank you to all the contributors on this thread. I have enjoyed reading it and it will hopefully inspire me to do something with the 2x48 multi-tool I bought at auction some months ago. It is presently mounted to a crummy 1/4hp import grinder (dated 1985). The multi tool is basically new. Seems as if my $ 50 was well spent.

I’m wondering if I could mount this directly to a 1hp flange and foot motor instead of trying to find a nice bench grinder?

 

[Craftfab]

How to: Multitool Belt Grinder installed on a (1975) Craftsman Block Grinder

 

[exmaxima1]

How to: Multitool Belt Grinder installed on a (1975) Craftsman Block Grinder

I'm surprised that the muffler tube adapter worked as well as it did. Sure makes the project easy

 

[larry4406]

I'm surprised that the muffler tube adapter worked as well as it did. Sure makes the project easy

Agreed!

 

[McBrownie]

No lathe required! A great idea.

 

[McBrownie]

Had my first problem with the MultiTool attachment today. Luckily, it was an easy fix. The spring-loaded tensioner was frozen up. I had to spray in some WD-40 and use a clamp to work it back in forth. It only took a couple of "cycles" and it's back to working like new. I imagine there is an o-ring to keep dust out and the grease or oil had dried out. Anyone else have this problem?

View media item 107559

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: first of all here's to a great 2021 and i hope all is well with you and the family and the BLOCKMEISTER.

speaking of the old girl WD40 isn't a very good lubricant for long term and the one I use isn't a ton better (TriFlow), but it works on old rusty locks and my stuff pretty well.

how's your Blockmeister working now? only issue in how many years of pretty heavy use?

cheers

 

[exmaxima1]

Had my first problem with the MultiTool attachment today. Luckily, it was an easy fix. The spring-loaded tensioner was frozen up. I had to spray in some WD-40 and use a clamp to work it back in forth. It only took a couple of "cycles" and it's back to working like new. I imagine there is an o-ring to keep dust out and the grease or oil had dried out. Anyone else have this problem?

FWIW, I had mine for about 20 years of almost daily use, and never had any issues. I believe mine was an early model made in Australia, and might be slightly different in design.

 

[McBrownie]

Hi Drives and Ex.

Things are going well and hope it’s the same on your ends. Looking forward to a less restricted 2021 and the new and improved GJ forum. The Blockmeister is running well. I still find myself going the side wheel the most. However, when the neighborhood lawnmowers get running in a few months, I’ll be putting the belts into action for some blade sharpening.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: sounds like the Blockmeister is taking care of the people on your BLOCK too.

I don't see your posts much so feel free to post up on my DIY thread so we can keep up and of course I always need help cause i'm always learning so happy to have you if you have some time. link is in my sig line!!

here's to a great 2021 and hopefully this winter freeze that has your part of the country frozen will leave soon.

cheers

 

[jarhead]

McBrownie, thanks for the detailed write up. I'm considering the multitool for my craftsman grinder.

 

[jarhead]

McBrownie,
I made a plate to allow for movement of the arm...
Joe

I wanted to be able to quickly move the belt arm up from the lowered position so I made an internal .1875" x 4.125 piece to allow that. Because I used my Craftsman grinder I needed to also make an outer adapter to move the arm out .750".

The arm now moves with a little resistance where I want without loosening bolts.

First piece is the outer grinder adapter (black)

Second piece is the internal plate to allow arm movement without loosening bolts. (bare metal)

Third is the belt arm swiveled up

Fourth is the lower belt position

 

[McBrownie]

JarHead,

Nice idea! Can it be used in both positions?

 

[jarhead]

actually it can be moved 360, if the bench would allow for that. Stays in place quite nice.

 

[ching0n]

Bumping this since I'm doing this on an import grinder ATM. I'm using a mutlitool clone so have ran into the same problems as OP.

For the price of the multitool, I would consider other options available now such as the Eastwood Versa or the Abbott and Ashby. The Eastwood may look identical to the multitool but it has a slotted mounting plate making angle adjustment a breeze. The A&A is also 360 deg adjustable but it's a better sprocket design. The A&A also has a pivoting platten which makes it ideal for vertical use on the right side of the grinder. Another option is the extramachinery one which appears to be built like a tank, pivots like the versa and is very inexpensive w/a full package of accessories. Sadly, only available in OZ and didn't get a response from them to ship to the US. The AA is available from an ebay seller who ships to the US.

Super Linishing Attachment 50x915mm LA915UU for Industrial Grinder With 2 tool rests & vertical platen

Suit 8” (200mm) Industrial bench grinder 550W/600W or 750W (PHOTOS SHOWN WITH OPTIONAL BENCH GRINDER WHICH NEEDS TO BUY SEPARATELY) UNIVERSAL ADAPTER HUB CAN FIT ALL GRINDERS. MAKE SURE YOUR GRINDER SHAFT IS 15.85-15.90MM WITH M16 THREAD DENMARK DESIGNED LINISHING SYSTEM 50x915mm linisher (can...

extramachinery.com

For those who have run into wheel wobble (OP described it as run-out), this is usually when tightening, so consider the following options:

One last thing, I'm fairly certain some of the accessories will work w/the multi-tool, clone, AA, and Versa, namely the miter tables and end tables (w/the exception of the AA due to different tracking mechanism).

 

[ching0n]

.......
However, for this to be usable, they pair it up with a stand (for another $100) that allows the grinder to be tipped to one side. Not a bad deal, but too much for my home solution, and I didn't want to have to bolt it to the floor. So I'm going to build the stand with a larger base from some left over lumber and make the "tilt" bracket out of some left over sheet metal. Then I'll put the whole thing on a set of locking casters. In the end, I will have something mobile and should have some fun building it. Oh, and I'll probably save around $8 too (not counting labor) when all is said and done. Isn't that always the case?

I'll post pictures as I move along.

If you're still around 10 yrs later, what do you mean by this? Isn't the multitool stand basically what you ended up building?

Here's an option for those with a good back (receiver mount):

 

[McBrownie]

If you're still around 10 yrs later, what do you mean by this? Isn't the multitool stand basically what you ended up building?

Here's an option for those with a good back (receiver mount):

I’m still here from time to time and can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday. . I built a tilting stand, but changed to one that holds two block grinders because that was more useful. The receiver mount that you posted looks like a very good solution.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: I just saw your post on this old cool thread and wanted to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and 2025. Hoping all is well in your world.