"Pre-Block" Grinders--Where's the Love?

LSUmAniac · Jan 9, 2023

torqueman2002 said:
Ha!
Just saw your last post. But was in the process of writing my reply. Where did you find your info and does your model use a centrifugal switch?

LSU - I've come across CM grinders with one and two spring washers, but IDK which styles tend to have either.

I looked through my modest 'library' of CM owner's manuals/parts list and found a manual for a 1/4 HP m-115.19500 that uses a centrifugal switch and a single spring washer.

Click on image for larger view.

Thanks for the quick response and no mine doesn't have the centrifugal switch, its what I would call across the line start in electrician terms. The parts breakdown I found was on searspartsdirect. I didn't see it on a Google search but once I went to the website it pulled up the diagram I needed. Thanks again sir

LSUmAniac · Jan 20, 2023

So while I'm winding down on this project I've come to the conclusion they don't sell the old style rubber feet with the screw. Mine are not totally gone but I would like to replace them if possible. I see new ones on feebay all the time but none have the screw, but does anyone have another solution or a link to a set that would work and if all else fails I'll just reuse these.

FrankLee · Jan 20, 2023

LSUmAniac said:
So while I'm winding down on this project I've come to the conclusion they don't sell the old style rubber feet with the screw. Mine are not totally gone but I would like to replace them if possible. I see new ones on feebay all the time but none have the screw, but does anyone have another solution or a link to a set that would work and if all else fails I'll just reuse these.

I used these on two cast iron grinders. I don't recall if I had to enlarge the screw hole in the encapsulated steel washer. On my 7566, I believe I had to add a couple washers or an extra nut to make it thicker.

Everbilt 1 in. Heavy Duty Anti-Skid Surface Pads (4-Pack) 49644 - The Home Depot

Visit The Home Depot to buy Shepherd Anti-Skid 1 in. Pads (4-Pack) 49644

www.homedepot.com

LSUmAniac · Jan 20, 2023

FrankLee said:
I used these on two cast iron grinders. I don't recall if I had to enlarge the screw hole in the encapsulated steel washer. On my 7566, I believe I had to add a couple washers or an extra nut to make it thicker.

Everbilt 1 in. Heavy Duty Anti-Skid Surface Pads (4-Pack) 49644 - The Home Depot

Visit The Home Depot to buy Shepherd Anti-Skid 1 in. Pads (4-Pack) 49644

www.homedepot.com

Well thank you for that link, that is better than anything I've come across and this is exactly what I'm looking for.

FrankLee · Jan 21, 2023

Here's another tip...

These Hillman #884633 grommets from Lowes are commonly used for feet on the later cast aluminum Craftsman grinders.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-0-3125-in-Rubber-Grommet/4565085

(Note: the webpage photo does not match the actual part.)

These also make outstanding cord grommets for Craftsman cast iron motors and grinders. For grinders, I have to trim about 3/16" off one side of the large diameter so it fits nicely on the inside of the casting. The Husky 16/3 power cord replacements from HD fit great.

LSUmAniac · Feb 11, 2023

Well im coming back to the forum for some help, as yall know I've been restoring a pre block and I've ran into a problem. I put new sealed bearings in and I know this will cause some drag but once I put the two outside cast pieces on and tightened the 3 flathead screws on each side there is a considerable amount of drag now. The grinder runs and sounds OK but when you turn the switch off it stops with in about 2 seconds. Maybe yall can help me with this as I'm stuck and the only thing I can think of is maybe I should have used shielded bearings instead of the sealed but even with sealed I shouldn't have this much drag

FrankLee · Feb 11, 2023

I used sealed bearings in both of the completed grinders in the quote below with no issues. I also have sealed bearings ready to go into the gold grinder at the bottom.

FrankLee said:
Here are a few Craftsman Cast Iron round top grinders that I haven't posted before. I'm no longer using those other "B" terms.

115.7566 dated 9 55 with nice original paint and fabricated tool rests. This one is my keeper/user.

View attachment 1801873

115.7575 also dated 9 55. Eye shields are from a 397.19580. The left cover was from another 397 model. Almost all standard parts and hardware were replaced.

View attachment 1801878
Parts:
grinder - FBMP
left cover - ebay
eye shields - Darin - from a 397.19580
bearings - https://jsbgreatbearings.com/62032r...ring-62032nse-62032rs-emq-bearings-p-788.html
switch - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IYKSLCG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
capacitor - https://www.airstarsupply.com/product.aspx?id=720
power cord - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8...eplacement-Cord-in-Black-HD-165-018/303679847
rubber feet - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-in-Heavy-Duty-Anti-Skid-Surface-Pads-4-Pack-49644/203661092?
cord grommet - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-0-3125-in-Rubber-Grommet/4565085
paint - primer - https://www.walmart.com/ip/White-Ru...rimer-Spray-Paint-12-oz/17011205?athbdg=L1200
paint - champagne gold - https://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-PR...etallic-Spray-Paint-Aerosol-B061744/319367966
paint - flat burnished amber - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Burnishe...rior-Flat-Metallic-Spray-Paint-11-oz/43380444
wire wheel - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01022VAJ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
buffing wheel - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JKI15DS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
lamp cord - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cerrowi...tranded-Copper-Lamp-Wire-251-1001A1/303288879
socket head hardware - https://www.midstatesbolt.com/default.aspx?page=home
copper slip couplers spacers - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-Copper-Pressure-Slip-Coupling-Fitting-C601HD12/100345672
misc consumables

Here's another 115.7575 I picked up on 1/4. This one is dated 10 56. I hoped the original paint might clean up ok, but nope, this one will also get new paint.

View attachment 1801887

LSUmAniac · Feb 11, 2023

FrankLee said:
I used sealed bearings in both of the completed grinders in the quote below with no issues. I also have sealed bearings ready to go into the gold grinder at the bottom.

I'm gonna pull it all back apart and see if I can come up with something, yeah wouldn't think it would be a problem with Sealed bearings. I'll get it straight just might take some digging. Thanks brother

FrankLee · Feb 11, 2023

LSUmAniac said:
Well im coming back to the forum for some help, as yall know I've been restoring a pre block and I've ran into a problem. I put new sealed bearings in and I know this will cause some drag but once I put the two outside cast pieces on and tightened the 3 flathead screws on each side there is a considerable amount of drag now. The grinder runs and sounds OK but when you turn the switch off it stops with in about 2 seconds. Maybe yall can help me with this as I'm stuck and the only thing I can think of is maybe I should have used shielded bearings instead of the sealed but even with sealed I shouldn't have this much drag

If the rotor spins freely by hand without the guards installed, I suspect that one or both bearings may not be fully seated onto the rotor shaft. The installation of the guards would apply too much axial pressure on the outer race of the bearings.

Without any wheels installed, run the grinder for a minute or so, shut off and feel the rotor shaft near the bearings for heat.

Remove guards and test run again.

LSUmAniac · Feb 11, 2023

FrankLee said:
If the rotor spins freely by hand without the guards installed, I suspect that one or both bearings may not be fully seated onto the rotor shaft. The installation of the guards would apply too much axial pressure on the outer race of the bearings.

Without any wheels installed, run the grinder for a minute or so, shut off and feel the rotor shaft near the bearings for heat.

Remove guards and test run again.

I think I fixed it, the bearings seemed to have been seated all the way, all I really did was disassemble it and reassembled and now it seems to be fine. Some things really can't be explained at times but all that matters is its fixed.

ChefRex · Feb 11, 2023

LSUmAniac said:
I think I fixed it, the bearings seemed to have been seated all the way, all I really did was disassemble it and reassembled and now it seems to be fine. Some things really can't be explained at times but all that matters is its fixed.

There is also PFM.

Pure ******* magic!

LSUmAniac · Feb 13, 2023

Well she is finally finished and I thoroughly enjoyed this project. I think it came out pretty good considering it being over 60 years old. I'll be making a thread in the coming days just going over the details of the restore. I also want to thank you guys so much for the help when I needed it, very happy to be apart of this forum.

lafester · Feb 24, 2023

FrankLee said:
Here are a few Craftsman Cast Iron round top grinders that I haven't posted before. I'm no longer using those other "B" terms.

115.7566 dated 9 55 with nice original paint and fabricated tool rests. This one is my keeper/user.

View attachment 1801873

115.7575 also dated 9 55. Eye shields are from a 397.19580. The left cover was from another 397 model. Almost all standard parts and hardware were replaced.

View attachment 1801878
Parts:
grinder - FBMP
left cover - ebay
eye shields - Darin - from a 397.19580
bearings - https://jsbgreatbearings.com/62032r...ring-62032nse-62032rs-emq-bearings-p-788.html
switch - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IYKSLCG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
capacitor - https://www.airstarsupply.com/product.aspx?id=720
power cord - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8...eplacement-Cord-in-Black-HD-165-018/303679847
rubber feet - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-in-Heavy-Duty-Anti-Skid-Surface-Pads-4-Pack-49644/203661092?
cord grommet - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-0-3125-in-Rubber-Grommet/4565085
paint - primer - https://www.walmart.com/ip/White-Ru...rimer-Spray-Paint-12-oz/17011205?athbdg=L1200
paint - champagne gold - https://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-PR...etallic-Spray-Paint-Aerosol-B061744/319367966
paint - flat burnished amber - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Burnishe...rior-Flat-Metallic-Spray-Paint-11-oz/43380444
wire wheel - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01022VAJ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
buffing wheel - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JKI15DS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
lamp cord - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cerrowi...tranded-Copper-Lamp-Wire-251-1001A1/303288879
socket head hardware - https://www.midstatesbolt.com/default.aspx?page=home
copper slip couplers spacers - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-Copper-Pressure-Slip-Coupling-Fitting-C601HD12/100345672
misc consumables

Here's another 115.7575 I picked up on 1/4. This one is dated 10 58. I hoped the original paint might clean up ok, but nope, this one will also get new paint.

View attachment 1801887

2/21/2023

I finally completed the '58 this morning. I'm not thrilled with the Champagne Mist, but it turned out ok.

View attachment 1832873

Did you see this one on ebay? Yours looks much better.

ObnoxiousFumes · Jun 5, 2023

Here is my 1/4hp from ‘57, just picked it up at a garage sale on Saturday, along with those four Peterson Vise-Grips, for $20. I clocked the slowdown time at 3 minutes and 58 seconds so I’m guessing I’ll need to get some oil/grease into the bearings somehow. It has been painted sometime in its history with some crappy “wrinkle” paint, and the cord has been replaced as well, other than that she appears stock. Glass is intact as well.
Needs a cleaning up for sure and I need to build a stand for it. Seen a couple pics of grinder stands made from old crankshafts and that looked pretty neat.

exmaxima1 · Jun 6, 2023

ObnoxiousFumes said:
Here is my 1/4hp from ‘57, just picked it up at a garage sale on Saturday, along with those four Peterson Vise-Grips, for $20. I clocked the slowdown time at 3 minutes and 58 seconds so I’m guessing I’ll need to get some oil/grease into the bearings somehow. It has been painted sometime in its history with some crappy “wrinkle” paint, and the cord has been replaced as well, other than that she appears stock. Glass is intact as well.
Needs a cleaning up for sure and I need to build a stand for it. Seen a couple pics of grinder stands made from old crankshafts and that looked pretty neat.

That looks like the original wrinkle paint to my eyes. And you stole that lot!

ObnoxiousFumes · Jun 6, 2023

exmaxima1 said:
That looks like the original wrinkle paint to my eyes. And you stole that lot!

Ohh cool! I didn’t know they came in wrinkle paint! And yes I couldn’t believe it when the guy said $20, couldn’t get my wallet out fast enough

Old Radar · Jun 12, 2023

Thought I would briefly revive a topic of conversation I had from last year with @Caveman613 about balancing wire wheels.
I finally wore out the wire wheel I have on my 1/3hp Baldor. When I took it l off, I was surprised because I had forgotten how much weight it took to balance this 6" wire wheel. That's 0.8oz (22g) of lead and hardware. The yellow stickies are shims to take out the wobble. I replaced this one with a wider 1 x 6" wheel and had to use a 0.9oz (25g) strip of lead sheet rolled tightly to compensate for the heavy side of the 'new' wheel. I say new, but both are vintage Craftsman wheels. Just a reminder, if your grinder is vibrating a lot, it's probably because your wire wheel is out of balance. As, I've said before, I can place a quarter on any of my grinders, switch on, and it will stay there all day.

FrankLee · Jun 12, 2023

I like this style of wire wheel. There's room between the arbor adapters for weights. I used rare-earth magnets here.

Old Radar · Jun 12, 2023

That's the style I just put on my grinder. I failed to take a picture before mounting it, but I tightly curled the two ends of a lead strip and screwed it into the inner wall of wheel. A lot easier to adjust than several screws and weights. I like the RE magnet idea!

Caveman613 · Aug 6, 2023

lafester said:
Since when does a block have a round top? The blocks are the later model flat tops.

Hi all!
I haven't been on this forum for quite some time and as usual discovered some pretty dang good ideas!
Anyway..... I re-read this old post by lafester and just had to respond once again!

block in American English

(blɑk)

noun
1.
a solid mass of wood, stone, etc., usually with one or more flat or approximately flat faces.

Note: "one or more flat or approximately flat faces" It does NOT say ALL FLAT FACES!!! So the RADIUS on top DOESN'T MEAN it does not have a BLOCK SHAPE!
I Rest My Case !!

Caveman613 · Aug 6, 2023

FrankLee said:
Here are a few Craftsman Cast Iron round top grinders that I haven't posted before. I'm no longer using those other "B" terms.

115.7566 dated 9 55 with nice original paint and fabricated tool rests. This one is my keeper/user.

View attachment 1801873

115.7575 also dated 9 55. Eye shields are from a 397.19580. The left cover was from another 397 model. Almost all standard parts and hardware were replaced.

View attachment 1801878
Parts:
grinder - FBMP
left cover - ebay
eye shields - Darin - from a 397.19580
bearings - https://jsbgreatbearings.com/62032r...ring-62032nse-62032rs-emq-bearings-p-788.html
switch - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IYKSLCG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
capacitor - https://www.airstarsupply.com/product.aspx?id=720
power cord - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8...eplacement-Cord-in-Black-HD-165-018/303679847
rubber feet - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-in-Heavy-Duty-Anti-Skid-Surface-Pads-4-Pack-49644/203661092?
cord grommet - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-0-3125-in-Rubber-Grommet/4565085
paint - primer - https://www.walmart.com/ip/White-Ru...rimer-Spray-Paint-12-oz/17011205?athbdg=L1200
paint - champagne gold - https://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-PR...etallic-Spray-Paint-Aerosol-B061744/319367966
paint - flat burnished amber - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Burnishe...rior-Flat-Metallic-Spray-Paint-11-oz/43380444
wire wheel - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01022VAJ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
buffing wheel - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JKI15DS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
lamp cord - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cerrowi...tranded-Copper-Lamp-Wire-251-1001A1/303288879
socket head hardware - https://www.midstatesbolt.com/default.aspx?page=home
copper slip couplers spacers - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-Copper-Pressure-Slip-Coupling-Fitting-C601HD12/100345672
misc consumables

Here's another 115.7575 I picked up on 1/4. This one is dated 10 58. I hoped the original paint might clean up ok, but nope, this one will also get new paint.

View attachment 1801887

2/21/2023

I finally completed the '58 this morning. I'm not thrilled with the Champagne Mist, but it turned out ok.

View attachment 1832873

I know it's been quite a while FrankLee but if you still check this thread I just had to say your 1/2 HP cast iron grinders are just BEAUTIFUL!
I don't think they would have looked that good when they were brand new! As far as I'm concerned those 1/2 HP cast iron block grinders were the pinnacle of Craftsman Industrial duty bench grinders! As you can see in my old post, I have the 1/3 HP cast iron version.

I would like to note that the amperage draw seems to indicate that the HP rating was UNDER RATED back then! Yours draws 7.0 Amps at 115 Volts. Since Volts x Amps = Watts then that would mean it would draw / consume 805 Watts. Since 1 HP = 746 Watts that would also mean it's power efficiency would be about 46% ( 746x 1/2=373 watts.....373watts/805watts= 46%) which is ridiculous! Later on the aluminum Blocks rated at 1/2 HP only drew 5.2 amps. They sure as hell didn't get THAT much more power efficient in that relatively short time. I don't know the method they used back then to rate the HP but I'll kiss your **** in Wally Worlds window and give you an hour to draw a crowd if that thing wouldn't have a higher HP rating today.

In other words.... I think they were the most robust bench grinder Craftsman ever put their name on! Fantastic job on your restorations FrankLee!

FrankLee · Aug 6, 2023

Caveman613 said:
I know it's been quite a while FrankLee but if you still check this thread I just had to say your 1/2 HP cast iron grinders are just BEAUTIFUL!

Thanks very much. I was very pleased with how those two 1/2hp grinders cleaned up.

My preference is still original paint, so my favorite and my keeper grinder is the 1/3hp; warts, wear and all.

oak_park · Sep 28, 2023

Spotted this one today at a sale, didn't buy it as I have several block grinders and a Baldor. It was way cool though.
I know the stand alone is likely worth 100.

nadogail · Sep 28, 2023

It is worth what a Willing Buyer will pay a Willing Seller.

FrankLee · Sep 28, 2023

oak_park said:
Spotted this one today at a sale, didn't buy it as I have several block grinders and a Baldor. It was way cool though.
I know the stand alone is likely worth 100.

That looks like an original wrench hanging on the right side cover in the first photo. It's very rare to find one of those with the grinder.

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/2122.pdf#page=54

oak_park · Sep 28, 2023

Yes, that wrench was there. It had a little clip holding it in place. Hopefully the grinder goes to someone who will appreciate it.

ChefRex · Sep 28, 2023

I would have scooped that up even not needing it.

LSUmAniac · Sep 28, 2023

Ohh how I would love to have thay

lafester · Oct 3, 2023

That is a nice one! I would have snagged it immediately. The grinder in that condition is probably worth $250 locally.

ghostnuke · Dec 23, 2023

Has anyone seen this attachment before? I haven't seen any mention of it at the usual places. It clamps your work and slides back and forth as a bevel guide. Hopefully I can find the missing knobs...

https://imgur.com/FvgyURO

Also, if anyone has the manual for 115.7575 I'd very much appreciate a copy.

DrFeelGood · Dec 23, 2023

ghostnuke said:
Has anyone seen this attachment before? I haven't seen any mention of it at the usual places. It clamps your work and slides back and forth as a bevel guide. Hopefully I can find the missing knobs...

https://imgur.com/FvgyURO

Also, if anyone has the manual for 115.7575 I'd very much appreciate a copy.

It looks like a tool holder. Perhaps #5 below (image)?

Craftsman 397.** Bench Grinder Accessories (1978).JPG

ghostnuke · Dec 23, 2023

DrFeelGood said:
It looks like a tool holder. Perhaps #5 below (image)?

hmmm, yeah maybe. It's hard to tell, but I'll keep looking for a real photo.

ghostnuke · Dec 23, 2023

Here we go! This should be it.

ghostnuke · Jun 20, 2024

Just finished up the restoration on mine

https://imgur.com/MsPooQO

More pics HERE

DDOPWD23 · Jul 25, 2024

Here is an odd one to add. A rare one for sure. So it is my understanding that Packard Electrical made the grinders for Sears up until 61. After that Delco Electric made the grinders for Sears. 62-63 they were still cast iron, then it changed over to cast aluminum. What we have here seems to be a one off grinder. It is a 66 model but made out of cast iron. It has an appearance of a Packard 1/4 HP grinder but it is 1/3 HP. It is all Delco internals but they used different parts than what would come in a Craftsman badge grinder of same year. I just so happened to have other Delco built Craftsman grinders to compare it to. I wonder why they went through all the trouble for a one year run and doesn’t seem like there were many of them. Some differences besides the outward ones we can see. It used a different rotor, stator, and sensing relay than a Craftsman badged Grinder of the same HP.

FrankLee · Jul 25, 2024

Interesting grinder.

DDOPWD23 · Jul 26, 2024

FrankLee said:
Interesting grinder.

Thank you Franklee,

That Delco needed a lot of work to get where it is now. The PO let the bearings seize up and resulted in burnt up start windings. At the time I had two 1/2 HP Delcos made CM grinders and a 1/3 HP one as well. Saw the similarities and differences when I had them all apart.

Your 1/3 HP Packard built threw me for a loop before I realized the table had the light mounted to it. I have all three HP models that were built by Packard and they aren’t going anywhere. That’s how I knew the 1/3 didn’t come with a lamp. My grandpa had the 1/4(55) and 1/3(60) that I have restored and I just recently acquired a 1/2 (57) that I am waiting to restore. It did come with the wrench to adjust the tool rest in the holder on the right side of the wheel cover. Speaking of restoring, I also have two 150 DP to do along with a 100 DP. The 100 and one of the 150 were my grandpas. They were my dads and now are passed on to me. I’m restoring them so I can pass them onto my son one day. I was given a CM(48) 6” jointer as well that is almost finished. Was just given a CM(54) 10” table saw as well that I will have to restore. They are both in great shape just really need to be cleaned and new bearings. I also have my grandpas (58) 12” Dara James DP, (62) 32” Delta radial DP and a (51) 7” Atlas table saw. After WWII my grandfather worked for a little bit until he started his own business, tap and die maker which my father worked with him until technology caught up with that profession and put them out of business. My dad save all of the tools they used so that is why I have a lot now. I would spend summers at their shop watching them work and seeing most of those machines so they hold a sentimental value to me.

Plus tools were just made better back then and were made with pride. Today so much is just made to throw away and create so much waste. Hell, I never use it but I still have my grandpas 54 Thor Silver Line 1/2” electric drill. I restored it and it just sits in the portable drill press.

I came across “Jeff’s Shop” on YouTube and that got me inspired to get a 100 or 150 DP. I took my dad to go pick it up and he says to me he has two of these in his shop that were my grandpas. I was like dad you’re holding out on me! When were you going to tell me? Jeff always mentions you in his videos so that’s why I joined this group to get even more knowledge.

FrankLee · Jul 26, 2024

@DDOPWD23, Glad to see you here. Good stories about your machines. Hope you stick around and post your other projects.

DDOPWD23 · Jul 26, 2024

FrankLee said:
@DDOPWD23, Glad to see you here. Good stories about your machines. Hope you stick around and post your other projects.

Yes I will be sticking around. I am swamped at the moment. My family demands my attention when I come home from work. I am a chief officer on a chemical tanker. So when I am home, my family gets priority. Soon my son will go back to school and I will have free time to start projects again before the cold and the holidays come around.

FrankLee · Jul 26, 2024

DDOPWD23 said:
Your 1/3 HP Packard built threw me for a loop before I realized the table had the light mounted to it.

Correct.

I have a vintage Woodward lamp mounted to the table. I added a snap-in female outlet to the back side of the center band on the grinder. It's wired into the grinder switch so the lamp turns on when the grinder is turned on. It really works great.