Would you buy this rare CM Block Grinder / Sander combo

[MissileBear]

So.

I was contacted via CL about an "unusual" Craftsman Grinder/Sander 397.19395 he was selling. At first I thought it was aftermarket, but it is the real thing:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/model-number/39719395/0247/0721000.html

It looks like a normal grinder but has the 10"(?) sanding wheel on the right side instead of the second grinding wheel arbor. They guy knows it is rare and is firm on $125. It is missing the left hand wheel cover but appears to be otherwise complete.

http://i.imgur.com/0GSS2z4.jpg

Looking for your thoughts...should I grab it? I don't need it (I have a 1/2 HP crowntop commercial and a 1/3 roundtop crowntop) but it's an uncommon one.

 

[1982fxr]

Pic didn't work for me...

 

[drivesitfar]

Bear: its not that rare, but the question is will you use it and do you need it? i've seen a few of these maybe for a bit less, but i don't know your market so maybe it is rare in your area. it's not a lot of money if it runs well and if you can use it. that said if it sounds a little iffy more than one member has rebuilt a Block grinder and we have a huge thread about them if you haven't already read it and here's the link. you might also see a few of them with the sanding attachments on them.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&highlight=block+grinder

one member McBrownie actually attached a belt sander to the side of his 3/4 HP block grinder and we call it THE BLOCKMEISTER cause i bet he's got $500 into it now. there is a thread in General tools about McB's grinder if you want to see it. here's a picture of it.

good luck

 

[bczygan]

So.

I was contacted via CL about an "unusual" Craftsman Grinder/Sander 397.19395 he was selling. At first I thought it was aftermarket, but it is the real thing:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/model-number/39719395/0247/0721000.html

It looks like a normal grinder but has the 10"(?) sanding wheel on the right side instead of the second grinding wheel arbor. They guy knows it is rare and is firm on $125. It is missing the left hand wheel cover but appears to be otherwise complete.

http://i.imgur.com/0GSS2z4.jpg

Looking for your thoughts...should I grab it? I don't need it (I have a 1/2 HP crowntop commercial and a 1/3 roundtop crowntop) but it's an uncommon one.

You're on a slippery slope.

So grab it and enjoy the ride.

Bill

 

[Rileysan]

You're on a slippery slope.

So grab it and enjoy the ride.

Bill

The descent into accumulating blocks has already begun. I don't even collect them and I own three ...

Brian

 

[MissileBear]

Thanks for the replies all.

I ended up passing on it. The seller wanted to meet in a parking lot with no power, but offered me a "written guarantee" that everything worked. I bailed when I saw that. I paid $20 for each of my block grinders in nearly complete, running condition. I would chance buying it blind for $20-$30, but not for $125.

Had it been a 3/4 hp or 1 hp unit however, things may have had a different outcome.

 

[Zeeman]

Rileysan, If you own three, you are collecting them. Just admit it, and keep buying them. It's the first step to recovery.

 

[Super Sport]

I would've bought it for $125, if I could have tested it. I've passed on a couple of "not so rare" vintage Craftsman machines, and kicked myself later because of it. Still have yet to see others available at anywhere close to reasonable prices (a lathe and belt/disc sander). I'm still on the hunt, but wish I would have just ponied up the cash when I had the chance.

 

[bczygan]

Thanks for the replies all.

I ended up passing on it. The seller wanted to meet in a parking lot with no power, but offered me a "written guarantee" that everything worked. I bailed when I saw that. I paid $20 for each of my block grinders in nearly complete, running condition. I would chance buying it blind for $20-$30, but not for $125.

Had it been a 3/4 hp or 1 hp unit however, things may have had a different outcome.

Would you post up info so people here on GJ can get a chance at it?

Bill

 

[MissileBear]

Would you post up info so people here on GJ can get a chance at it?

Bill

Bill,

I only have a craigslist generated email to this guy.

If anyone is interested, PM me and I can forward your contact info to him.

 

[bubinga]

It's pretty cool, but would have thought for its age (?) the sander table would look more heavy duty?
I have never seen one of those though.
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[Voi]

Here's the picture if anyone wants it.

 

[bczygan]

Is there a CL ad?

Bill

 

[MissileBear]

Is there a CL ad?

Negative - The owner contacted me directly. I put up a few WTB ads on CL and he responded to one of those.

I could probably ship this if somebody was really interested; I have asked the same of other members before. I'm guessing rates would start around $40-$50.

 

[bubinga]

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/5831871902.html
$60.00


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[454ragtop]

That's a great deal for that Craftsman disc sander, Bubinga.

 

[2oolhound]

I like how the motor is just bolted to the frame of the disc unit. You could put a bigger hp motor on it quite simply, after all it is a 12" disc.

 

[bubinga]

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/5831871902.html
$60.00


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That's a great deal for that Craftsman disc sander, Bubinga.

I like how the motor is just bolted to the frame of the disc unit. You could put a bigger hp motor on it quite simply, after all it is a 12" disc.

It is a good deal, I have one,
And its a real nice machine.

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[VintageOkieDriver]

Very cool!