What is a Craftsman Block Grinder worth?

[skcj213]

So......I am casually keeping an eye out for a Craftsman block grinder. In the humble opinion of the GJ membership what is the value of user in nice repair? For the sake of the thread I am talking about, say, a 1/3 hp 397 model.

 

[jakemac]

It depends on how complete the grinder is. What pieces are missing. Etcetera.
Members have paid anywhere between $20 - $200 (NOS NIB). One with an original Cman stand will be worth more as well.

Without pictures of an actual grinder, it's hard to put a generic number out there.

The bottom line isn't what we think a good price for an individual grinder is. The answer is whether or not YOU are comfortable with the price.

We, of course, reserve the right to offer opinions after the fact.

 

[Zeke]

Gonna be a hundred around here thanks to the Garage Journal.

 

[skcj213]

There is one listed on St. Louis, MO Craigslist for $50. I can't get to CL right now or I would post a link. It would be at least a couple of hours drive for me to get to it and the schedule just doesn't have a hole that big at the present time. Sadly, southern Illinois CL doesn't have a much......of anything. My wife frequents auctions once or twice a month so I have asked her keep an eye out.

 

[rsanter]

If it's a variety of good working condition I would have no problem with the $50 to $100 range.

Bob

 

[Wayne_In_Akron]

It would be at least a couple of hours drive for me to get to it.

At least gas prices are low.

I drove 2 hours last night to pick up a $25 toolbox.

At $3.50 per gallon... probably not.
At $1.73... let's ride

 

[skcj213]

It isn't the gas that's the problem it's finding a 5 hour window of time. And you know how CL is, it may be there when you leave the house and gone when you get there.

 

[bluebolt]

Yea the 1/3 HP block is definitely worth the asking price. Looks clean, clear eye shields, lamp with black plastic shade still there, nice looking paint and label.

How about Breese Illinois? More expensive but this is a 1/2 or 3/4 hp commercial machine.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/4834012556.html

 

[McBrownie]

In my opinion, it all depends on condition and rarity. Keep this in mind when looking.

New bearings: $15
New cord (a good one): $15-20
Toggle switch: $5 for chi-com, $15 for nos usa-made
Original quench tray: $30
Eye Shields: $15-$20 for non-original. Good luck finding originals
Gooseneck: $15-$20
Lamp with gooseneck: $15 for chi-com, $40-50 for industrial vintage
Rubber feet: $5
Tool rests (stamped) and spark arrestors can be fabricated.
Industrial Rated/Commercial tool rests: Good luck
Label/nameplate/side covers/wheel guards: Good luck

As you can see, parts can add up, so looking for one that is complete as possible helps. Now, if you happen to find a commercial 3/4 hp or 1 hp that needs a little TLC, jump on it!

 

[diggersrule]

just bought the one on the cl in st louis $50

 

[bluebolt]

just bought the one on the cl in st louis $50

Well where's the pics dangit!
That is a nice looking grinder but you need to share photos with us!

 

[cbacres]

I've been lucky down here. I've paid from $ 15 for one in great shape and brand new stones to a high of $ 40 for a 1 HP that needs paint. ( runs great). I think all of the ones Ive bought are complete, with maybe the exception of a few quinch trays.

I look at it if I had to dump $ 50-60 in one it's still way ahead of what you can buy new.
I agree with the above, it's what you feel good about.

 

[Fyrme]

So......I am casually keeping an eye out for a Craftsman block grinder. In the humble opinion of the GJ membership what is the value of user in nice repair? For the sake of the thread I am talking about, say, a 1/3 hp 397 model.

So sk, did you get the grinder? There are many people here that paid all kinds of prices for these grinders, but being not too far removed geographically I'll give you some examples of what I've paid.
I bought this 1965, 1/3hp 397.xxxx model for $10 with a noisy bearing. Note it has both original eye guards intact, but the rests are badly worn.
Untitled by Fyrme, on Flickr
Then restored it and sold this for $100 on CL. I only had about $30 ******* in in but the labor involved well exceeded $70. So consider that.
Untitled by Fyrme, on Flickr

I also bought a 1967 1/2hp model with the lamp and good eye shields in overall good useable condition (to me that means very good condition and it doesn't need restored) for $50. Sorry no pic.

I paid $75 for this 1958 1/3hp model with original pedestal and missing one eye shield but otherwise good condition.
Untitled by Fyrme, on Flickr

And finally, I bought a "true style" 1/2hp block grinder from the 70's for $40 and cleaned it up and sold it on ebay for $105. It was just like this one that belongs to Mickey O, her on the GJ.

 

[exmaxima1]

And finally, I bought a "true style" 1/2hp block grinder from the 70's for $40 and cleaned it up and sold it on ebay for $105. It was just like this one that belongs to Mickey O, her on the GJ.

Are those metal rimmed eyeshields original? I thought they were only on the earlier rounded blocks.

 

[Fyrme]

I don't think so. Mine had plastic ones. The one above was used as an example since I didn't have a pic.

 

[torqueman2002]

It really depends on availability in your CL search area.

I am lucky to be in SE Michigan, there is a steady supply of 1/4 - 1/2 HP CM Block grinders, both round top (older) and flat top.

I have paid from $15 (1/4 HP rt V. Good) to over $125 (3/4 HP ft new).

As mentioned above, condition and completeness are factors in determining price.

Some parts are available from this source, also.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/craftsman-grinder-parts-c-158286_159871.html

For a lot of Block Grinder information see the GJ thread.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4585208#post4585208

 

[skcj213]

So sk, did you get the grinder? There are many people here that paid all kinds of prices for these grinders, but being not too far removed geographically I'll give you some examples of what I've paid.
I bought this 1965, 1/3hp 397.xxxx model for $10 with a noisy bearing. Note it has both original eye guards intact, but the rests are badly worn.
Untitled by Fyrme, on Flickr
Then restored it and sold this for $100 on CL. I only had about $30 ******* in in but the labor involved well exceeded $70. So consider that.
Untitled by Fyrme, on Flickr

I also bought a 1967 1/2hp model with the lamp and good eye shields in overall good useable condition (to me that means very good condition and it doesn't need restored) for $50. Sorry no pic.

I paid $75 for this 1958 1/3hp model with original pedestal and missing one eye shield but otherwise good condition.
Untitled by Fyrme, on Flickr

And finally, I bought a "true style" 1/2hp block grinder from the 70's for $40 and cleaned it up and sold it on ebay for $105. It was just like this one that belongs to Mickey O, her on the GJ.

No, haven't bought anything yet. Another GJ member got the one in St. Louis. It was a bit far to travel so congratulations to digger on the purchase of what looks like a nice grinder. The one in Breese looked a little beat up for the $100 asking price. I don't NEED a grinder but I would LIKE to have a CM block grinder. I can and will wait for the right deal to come along. When I get one I will post pictures for all to see. Hopefully it will be at a price to get a "You ****" (I understand those are given not requested so it will have to be a smoking deal).

 

[SweetD]

I found this one on craigslist in 2013 and paid $25 for it basically in like-new condition, but without ANY of the attachable components as you can see here, other than the light stem:



I then put the word out here on GJ looking for the tool rests, eye guards, lamp shield, quenching tray, and spark arrestors...and a member sold them all to me for (I think) $20 or so shipped. So I'm in it for about $45 and it's like new:



I painted the quenching tray and otherwise just cleaned it all up a bit. Love it.

I was patient too looking on c-list - you'll find one eventually for a good deal...



Dave

 

[McBrownie]

I found this one on craigslist in 2013 and paid $25 for it basically in like-new condition, but without ANY of the attachable components as you can see here, other than the light stem:

I then put the word out here on GJ looking for the tool rests, eye guards, lamp shield, quenching tray, and spark arrestors...and a member sold them all to me for (I think) $20 or so shipped. So I'm in it for about $45 and it's like new:

I painted the quenching tray and otherwise just cleaned it all up a bit. Love it.

I was patient too looking on c-list - you'll find one eventually for a good deal...



Dave

Geez Louise. Nice job! So, to prove my point above about the total cost of an incomplete grinder, I bought the exact same model for $20 and it looked like this:

View media item 40366
$60 later for a total of $80, it looks like this:
View media item 41436
Not as nice as yours, but new bearings, rubber feet, cord, lamp socket, fabricated tool rests and eye shields, and, of course, paint. But, no quench tray!

I still like this model. It doesn't weigh ton and is easy to pull out and put away for a quick grinding job.