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

[lafester]

Also the cast iron base (with tool rests) is interchangeable with the cast aluminum one, and both will fit any of the block grinders. The cast iron one of course has the coolness factor but will rust.

 

[jeffmoss26]

This is our bench grinder at work. Not sure exactly how old, but the owners' dad started the business in 1964.

 

[exmaxima1]

This is our bench grinder at work. Not sure exactly how old, but the owners' dad started the business in 1964.

Not a Pre-Block. The easy way to tell at a glance is the location of the switch and there should not be a slot that holds a quench tray.

According to Frank Lee's research, the aluminum round top grinders started in 1964 so the owner's dad may have bought the original "Block" grinder. Not sure though based on the eyeshields.

 

[wrenchguy]

Pre pre block i picked up sometime ago. Sad unused, never wiped off machine. Works & post down quite. Moving it on, Chicago CL.

 

[FrankLee]

I picked this one up today... model 115.6965, date code E2 48.

​

After refurb:

...

Here is one side. I'm not sure how long ago the socket was replaced but they did a nice job.

I may need the source for those bulbs.

 

[lafester]

Nice! I'm amazed the fragile plastic quench trays can survive 70 years.

I have some bulbs left over if you want to pm me.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[lafester]

I may need the source for those bulbs.

These are the bulbs I got. I like the temp and brightness, they seem to be about perfect for this grinder.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6pcs-BA15D...var=690978360158&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

 

[FrankLee]

These are the bulbs I got. I like the temp and brightness, they seem to be about perfect for this grinder.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6pcs-BA15D...var=690978360158&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

Thanks!

 

[torqueman2002]

Here's a link to a pre-Block restore, 1/4-HP m-115.19500.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447537


Thanks for looking.

 

[exmaxima1]

Nice job restoring that 1/4hp pre-block. I see that model available fairly often, but can't get past the lack of guard end covers. Maybe I'll give one a try once we can leave our homes again

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice job restoring that 1/4hp pre-block. I see that model available fairly often, but can't get past the lack of guard end covers. Maybe I'll give one a try once we can leave our homes again

Thank you.

I am curious to use the guy. It has 5/8" arbors. Only Blocks with >= 3/4 HP use this size. One exception, the 1/3 HP Block with electronic brake, m-397.19410.

I'll have to check and see if the guard housings have bosses for end cover screws, like some other 1/4-HP ones do. If they do, they could be drilled & tapped for donner covers.

 

[BFBOB]

Not sure this qualifies but I was buying a snowblower off a guy and he gave me this old Milwaukee bench grinder.

He didn't know if it worked but I took it home and plugged it in and it worked. I got a grinding wheel and made a stand for it.

Its pretty darn powerful I thought it would be gutless.

Does anyone know how old this is or anything about it?

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Is it a two-speed?? The nameplate lists two speeds - does the switch select which speed you want, or do you rewire it (like changing voltage) or ...?

 

[torqueman2002]

Is it a two-speed?? The nameplate lists two speeds - does the switch select which speed you want, or do you rewire it (like changing voltage) or ...?

I like these Milwaukee grinders.

I have a 1/2-HP model 4980. It also specifies 3450/2850 RPM, 115V, it is a single speed. What is interesting is both yours and mine also specify 60/50 Hz.

Could the 2 speeds depend which frequency they are operated at?


Update: I just looked at my 1-HP model 5080. It specifies 1725 RPM, 115/230V, but only 60 HZ.

 

[exmaxima1]

I like these Milwaukee grinders.

I have a 1/2-HP model 4980. It also specifies 3450/2850 RPM, 115V, it is a single speed. What is interesting is both yours and mine also specify 60/50 Hz.

Could the 2 speeds depend which frequency they are operated at?

Exactly

 

[wrenchguy]

I picked this one up today... model 115.6965, date code E2 48.

​

After refurb:

I'm liking the engine turned center cover, can u share the details of it? The 1/3rd horse I got above has a crappy center, maybe i'll keep it for a custom project now! thanks.

 

[FrankLee]

I'm liking the engine turned center cover, can u share the details of it? The 1/3rd horse I got above has a crappy center, maybe i'll keep it for a custom project now! thanks.

More info here:
Engine-Turned Adhesive-Backed Film - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

 

[wrenchguy]

Thanks, I didn't know so much "non" drill press stuff in that thread! Its not in "vintage tools" either! Got plenty reading and ketchup 2do. Thanks 4 ur effort!

 

[torqueman2002]

More info here:
Engine-Turned Adhesive-Backed Film - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Very good information, and a great job!

Thank you Mr. Magoo!

 

[lafester]

this one popped up today so I will grab it in a few. My first 1/4 hp pre block.
$55

 

[exmaxima1]

this one popped up today so I will grab it in a few. My first 1/4 hp pre block.
$55

That grinder looks in great shape. That’s a steal.

 

[torqueman2002]

That grinder looks in great shape. That’s a steal.

Run, don't walk!

 

[lafester]

That grinder looks in great shape. That’s a steal.

Just got back with it, along with a neat little hand crank grinder.

First thoughts are that it is so much lighter then a 1/2 hp it felt like a regular block carrying it.

It is smooth and quiet as expected.

Everyone and their sister is heading out for the weekend.

Pics in a few.

 

[lafester]

The grinder is very clean. Tag is 9 54.
If only it was a 1/3 hp I would be very tempted to keep it.

The hand crank grinder is actually pretty nice. Not sure how useful beyond being decritive.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[torqueman2002]

The grinder is very clean. Tag is 9 54.
If only it was a 1/3 hp I would be very tempted to keep it.

The hand crank grinder is actually pretty nice. Not sure how useful beyond being decritive.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Nicely done lafe! I've often wanted a hand crank grinding stone, maybe good for knife sharpening?


9 54, hmm - makes me wonder who's got the earliest pre-Block.

A quick check of my files shows these pre-Blocks I owned or saved pictures of.
0.50 HP 115.7575 OWWM website Brian K, IIRC
10 56

0.25 HP 115.19500 Steve Smith - I paid the shipping and did a rescue/restore earlier this year
3 57

0.25 HP 115.19500
10 57

0.33 HP 115.7566
2 59

0.25 HP 115.19500
1 61

Anybody else want to post their pre-Block dates?

 

[jm71lt1]

I just picked this one up today . It might be the oldest at 7-54. Paid top dollar for it but it will last me forever . Just need to find the missing parts . I was looking for a block grinder and stumbled on this pre block thread . Realized this one was a pre block 1/2 hp so I jumped on it . Runs good but needs a little work . Any help with parts is much appreciated.

 

[Old Radar]

I just picked this one up today . It might be the oldest at 7-54. Paid top dollar for it but it will last me forever . Just need to find the missing parts . I was looking for a block grinder and stumbled on this pre block thread . Realized this one was a pre block 1/2 hp so I jumped on it . Runs good but needs a little work . Any help with parts is much appreciated.

Welcome to the forum! Before you make any serious use of your grinder you need to rectify the previous owner's mistake. Your wheel housings are mounted on the wrong sides. The spark arrestors belong on top of the housings and the exhaust ports need to be on the bottom. Take both the outer and inner halves from the left side of the grinder and put them on the right side and the right side moves to the left.

 

[jm71lt1]

Old Radar, I realized the housings were on wrong when I bought it. Easy fix. When I took them apart there was only one finger spring washer. Should there be two ? Also are there spacers between the snap ring and bearings ? Your stand and restoration are great. You give me inspiration to restore mine.

 

[FrankLee]

Old Radar, I realized the housings were on wrong when I bought it. Easy fix. When I took them apart there was only one finger spring washer. Should there be two ? Also are there spacers between the snap ring and bearings ? Your stand and restoration are great. You give me inspiration to restore mine.

Spring washers are installed on the fan side to push the rotor towards the centrifugal switch.
On more than one occasion, I've seen two spring washers stacked together, but always on the fan side.

 

[Old Radar]

Old Radar, I realized the housings were on wrong when I bought it. Easy fix. When I took them apart there was only one finger spring washer. Should there be two ? Also are there spacers between the snap ring and bearings ? Your stand and restoration are great. You give me inspiration to restore mine.

Thanks, glad you like them. I benefited greatly from Pendragon1998's 115.7575 referb thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262651

It includes this representative parts diagram and parts list:

Good luck on your referb!

 

[ChefRex]

I just picked this one up today . It might be the oldest at 7-54. Paid top dollar for it but it will last me forever . Just need to find the missing parts . I was looking for a block grinder and stumbled on this pre block thread . Realized this one was a pre block 1/2 hp so I jumped on it . Runs good but needs a little work . Any help with parts is much appreciated.

You beat mine by a month,



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jm71lt1]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

 

[wrenchguy]

Very original 1/2 HP, "7575" Pre-Block with 10-56 date in "Power Bronze" on optional power bronze stand.
It came with what i believe is its original wrench, standard with the 1/2hp models. A parts list/page for the "7575" may confirm the wrench. Regrettable I don't believe it was ever wiped/cleaned off in 63 years.
Video,

 

[macgee]

Very original 1/2 HP, "7575" Pre-Block with 10-56 date in "Power Bronze" on optional power bronze stand.
It came with what i believe is its original wrench, standard with the 1/2hp models. A parts list/page for the "7575" may confirm the wrench. Regrettable I don't believe it was ever wiped/cleaned off in 63 years.

Very nice, I have the exact same grinder, including the patina

 

[loganb]

So forgive me but I'm new to this particular thread.....after stumbling across the Block Grinder Thread I realized an acquisition of mine that was part of a lot had a strong following but didn't realize it was actually a "Pre Block" until I posted the other day in the other thread and they directed me here. So may I share mine:


Picked up as part of a lot with a similar era Walker Turner Drill Press and Craftsman Bandsaw from the estate of a former engineer at Argonne National Lab's whose basement was a dated, but veritable "Candyland" of nerd/engineer toys, mostly of the electrical persuasion but not totally

View media item 107378
View media item 107326
View media item 107344
View media item 107327
The date code is M4-53....so based on the comments earlier on this page may be one of the older ones but not the oldest as at least
FrankLee's E2 48 specimen predates I(I think)

 

[exmaxima1]

.......I believe OE grinder bearings are shielded. I've had some success applying oil to shielded bearings by clamping the shaft in a vertical position and letting oil seep into the space between the shield and the inner race.

I am restoring another 1/3hp Pre-Block and was surprised to see the bearings were Shielded AND Sealed types. I actually didn't think they made decent sealed bearings that long ago. I suspect they are original since there was no evidence that the grinder was ever disassembled. I am replacing them with SKF sealed.

 

[FrankLee]

I am restoring another 1/3hp Pre-Block and was surprised to see the bearings were Shielded AND Sealed types. I actually didn't think they made decent sealed bearings that long ago. I suspect they are original since there was no evidence that the grinder was ever disassembled. I am replacing them with SKB sealed.

Interesting. I was aware that those sealed/shielded bearings were available, but have never seen them on a Craftsman machine.

 

[exmaxima1]

Finished with another 1/3hp like the one that started this thread. It didn't come with eyeshields so I made some, but I am not much of a fan of shields (I wear a full face guard). It runs flawlessly. Color-wise, I kept thinking "My grinder, my color" so it is what it is.

 

[imgn tht]

I inherited this model from a family friend years ago and I'm finally going to set some time aside to restore it. From what I can tell from the part number it is a 1955/1956 Craftsman 1/4 hp. Part number 115.19500, Mfrs number S-7561. Only thing missing is the right side tool rest and the cast cover on that side is broken. I've actually used it a few times for small stuff and it runs excellent with long wind down, so I believe bearings are good still. The cord needs to be updated to one that is grounded and its chafed anyway. Saw an Amazon link in the block thread that I assume it's a generic and can be used in this application as well.

I know nothing about these, and can only presume this is the original color. Some surface rust is present and it is dirty from years of use/sitting. I wiped it down to get some heavy grime off already. Tore it down tonight to prep new wiring and repaint.

Read a number of posts on this forum, mostly the "block" thread and excited to learn and see its progress.

Right now the plan is to keep it and make use of it. But does anyone know the value of these and if they are better left original or restored?

Also would anyone happen to have the right side cover complete and a tool rest for this era they'd be willing to part with? Would love to repair that to original.

 

[macgee]

Finished with another 1/3hp like the one that started this thread. It didn't come with eyeshields so I made some, but I am not much of a fan of shields (I wear a full face guard). It runs flawlessly. Color-wise, I kept thinking "My grinder, my color" so it is what it is.

Nice solution to come up with for the eye shields, if they work in the event of a stone wheel breaking apart, then those are excellent and give you a much better view when grinding an item compared to traditional ones. And I like your extra big wrap-around tool rests.

Your restore looks great, nice job

 

[torqueman2002]

Some answers in RED.

I inherited this model from a family friend years ago and I'm finally going to set some time aside to restore it. From what I can tell from the part number it is a 1955/1956 Craftsman 1/4 hp. Part number 115.19500, Mfrs number S-7561. Only thing missing is the right side tool rest and the cast cover on that side is broken. I've actually used it a few times for small stuff and it runs excellent with long wind down, so I believe bearings are good still. Old/dry grinder bearings will tend to run longer after power off, due to lack of drag from grease. The cord needs to be updated to one that is grounded and its chafed anyway. Saw an Amazon link in the block thread that I assume it's a generic and can be used in this application as well. Yes, and that is a worth while safety upgade.


I know nothing about these, and can only presume this is the original color. Some surface rust is present and it is dirty from years of use/sitting. I wiped it down to get some heavy grime off already. Tore it down tonight to prep new wiring and repaint.

Read a number of posts on this forum, mostly the "block" thread and excited to learn and see its progress.

Right now the plan is to keep it and make use of it. But does anyone know the value of these and if they are better left original or restored? Prices vary a LOT, depending on local supply, size/HP matters of course. Bigger/more-HP the more $$, also condition AND completeness. OEM parts are scarce or NA, use parts are also scarce. OEM NIB command breathtaking $$ on eBay!

Also would anyone happen to have the right side cover complete and a tool rest for this era they'd be willing to part with? Would love to repair that to original.

You might find some helpful information in a thread about the same model pre-Block grinder. "CM pre-Block Grinder 115.19500 restore, ver. 2"

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447537