35 year old Crafstman grinder

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This is a Craftsman Commercial, single-speed, 100% ball bearing, Spindle Lock No 315-11560 according to the label on it which fortunately didn't wear off over the decades. It looks to me as if the handle can be attached to either the left or the right side of the grinder but.... I could be wrong. It's about 35 years old.... made in the US and runs great... I plugged it in. This grinder is heavy and is almost 18" long. I might not be able to use it but... I'd like to try because it was free.--The attachment was fused to the bolt. I sprayed some penetrating oil on it and loosened it up enough that my neighbor was able to get it off without breaking the shaft. My question is where would I buy parts and accessories for it like those appearing in the photo that don't belong to me for a decent price online. All I own is the grinder and wire wheel brush attached to it in the photo.-- MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:What parts and accessories?
Reply:Dear. when you are done gathering up all your weld tools and welder and torch, give that grinder in the picture the most respect of anything you own. I'm a big guy, 6-1, 255. But my dewalt 9" will and has ate my lunch while I was still stirring my breakfast coffee. Dont get me wrong, its a great tool, but dangerous with wire wheel, cup or flat. Just be very careful, we like you on here and want nothing to happen to you!!!!      ChuckTo ride, shoot straight, and speak the truth. This was the ancient law of youth. Old times are past, old days are done, but the law runs true oh little son.Winpower 180 DCSA-200 redfaceXMT-304
Reply:This steaming pile of a laptop just nuked my answer, so I'll try again.I used those 7/9" Craftsman grinders when I could get 'em cheap from the old original Seattle Sears store, 35 years ago. Like many of Sears' electric tools, it was made for them by Singer, as in sewing machines. Not a bad piece at all for medium-duty work, and waaaay better than what you'll get from the Chinese tool company. I doubt you can find parts from Sears, and they'd charge $12 shipping for the tiniest piece (it's sad, Sears used to be such a great company, long ago). Maybe a local tool repair company will have motor brushes. I still have one of these grinders in a box of stuff, possibly for sentimental reasons; it might even work, and I have a parts-machine as well.My advice: use it 'til it croaks, and if you can't fix it quick and easy, get a Makita, which will last and last." .  .  .  accessories such as in the picture .  .  .  " ??  You mean the edge-grinding wheel and the side-grinding wheel?? Well, okaaay, get 'em from a welding supply house. Get 7", not 9", so you don't work that old grinder too hard. As "Sled Dog" advises, a side grinder can hurt you, in a number of ways. When you put on a new grinding disc for the first time, hold the tool so that if the disc flies apart your body is not within the plane of the flying pieces; let the motor spin up and run for a while, say half a minute. Usually a new grinding wheel that's going to break will do it almost immediately, and after a half-minute test-run, you can probably trust it. Leave the guard on; I don't but I should. Wear a leather apron. When using little 4 1/2" side-grinders, I sometimes slip and have the edge of the grinding disc bump my belly, and have a scar to show that I wasn't wearing my apron one day. Get leather aprons real cheap from the Chinese tool company, and it will also catch some of the wires that are always being thrown off a wire wheel (though if you can't put up with those wires sticking in your hide, forget the whole thing and take up macramé).Last edited by old jupiter; 07-03-2014 at 12:46 PM.
Reply:A new cord.... the one that's on it is wrapped in electrical tape. I've replaced a cord to a lamp before and can't imagine it would be any different after.... I get the housing apart. The tool that came with it that removed the accessories would be nice too but I bought a 1 1/16" socket at Sears that works. It's the elevated shaft that's messing me up. It's different than the DeWalt hand grinders I have and if there's something out there that would work.... I'm not finding it. The only part still available from Sears is a back up pad, No. 617291-001. I didn't order it because I didn't know whether or not the brush would come off without breaking the shaft.--I'd like knot wheel and finer crimped wire wheel brushes, that grinding stone looks real useful, and some metal grinding discs would be nice. If I learn it's too heavy for me.... I'll pass it on to someone else so they won't go to waste. It's the cord that's bugging me. I'm really not comfortable with that cord all taped up.MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:sled dog> sorry.... I missed your post running around doing things at home before clicking send. Thank you so much. I won't use it unless the man helping me learn how to weld is right there.... I'm too attached to my body parts to risk using an electric tool that's capable of doing as much damage as necrotizing fasciitis... as in... flesh eating bacteria without someone watching and talking me through what I'm doing wrong.  Sheesh.... he's just beginning to teach me how to use the little DeWalts I have. Also too.... it's heavy... real heavy. I lugged that "thing" into Sears and it bit me in the leg (I was wearing shorts) because somebody bumped me going through the doors and the thing wasn't even running so.... I'm thinking when I do try it out.... I'll wear the chaps the county issues to forest preserve volunteers. I'll admit it.... I'm afraid of it.... so thank you Chuck.... for reinforcing my fears. FWIW... I'm not afraid of the 211 any longer and yesterday I had sparks inside my hood for the 1st time and a spark shot down my shirt and burned me and I didn't flinch... I just kept welding until I was done and then I pulled off my glove and shook the welding jacket sleeve so it would stop burning me and it did. I do take all the advice I read to heart here and am very appreciative of anyone who speaks out. I will be welding on my own some day. --About an oxy-acetylene torch.... that's out for now. I'll ask my neighbor to cut what I need for the time being.... he's a Godsend. My gut instincts said no no to that tool anyway. I'll have to revisit using one next year... maybe. Have you ever seen alcoholics spontaneously combust on tv leaving nothing behind save their shoes and a pile of smoldering ash? Well, I don't drink.... not at all.... and that's the vision that sticks in my head when I think of using an oxy-acetylene torch. --old_jupiter> My apologies to you also. I missed your reply before clicking send too. "You mean the edge-grinding wheel and the side-grinding wheel??" Yes, that's what I meant. Sorry, I didn't know the correct words for them. I'll wrap it up and take it in when I go to buy my cylinder and 1st fill next week.MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:You can get a rubber backing pad and sandpaper discs to use with that grinder. I have an old Craftsman similar to that and that's what I use it for.Less likely to hurt yourself.  If you want to use grinding discs and wire wheels (especially knotted ones), get a 4 1/2" grinder.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:You know.... that's a really great suggestion because I've got 4.5" grinders and a vise stand I want to clean up. I can get a feel for this old Craftsman without having nasties attached to it. Carhartts and chaps are hot.... especially at this time of year and if I have to pass it on to someone stronger.... less of an investment with just the pad and sandpaper discs. --Next time I go to Sears I'll order that rubber back-up pad and I'll pick up sandpaper discs at the welding supply instead of flesh eaters.MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:All my big grinders are gathering dust after the 4 1/2"  ones came out.  I actually have that craftsman you show on my shelf and it's pretty under powered when you compare it to a new 7" or 9" grinder, but like I said even they sit around unless I'm doing a big job.  Look at the attachments you can use on the 4 1/2", plus they are available 18-20V cordless.  I have a bolt to clamp mine to the table to use it like a bench grinder, sander, wire brush etc. It will out perform many bench machines, although I don't think OSHA would like it. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by EquilibriumThis is a Craftsman Commercial, single-speed, 100% ball bearing, Spindle Lock No 315-11560 according to the label on it which fortunately didn't wear off over the decades. It looks to me as if the handle can be attached to either the left or the right side of the grinder but.... I could be wrong. It's about 35 years old.... made in the US and runs great... I plugged it in. This grinder is heavy and is almost 18" long. I might not be able to use it but... I'd like to try because it was free.--The attachment was fused to the bolt. I sprayed some penetrating oil on it and loosened it up enough that my neighbor was able to get it off without breaking the shaft. My question is where would I buy parts and accessories for it like those appearing in the photo that don't belong to me for a decent price online. All I own is the grinder and wire wheel brush attached to it in the photo.--
Reply:My recommendation is to use that grinder only with wire wheels or sanding disks- not grinding wheels- since it seems to lack a guard. Even wire wheels can be hazardous- I prefer to use them on grinders with a non-locking paddle switch so that if the wire wheel grabs my shirt the grinder will stop as soon as I let go. Relatedly, avoid loose clothing when using wire wheels for that reason!JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749+1.that grinder has a standard 5/8" 11 thread and you can buy either wheels that have a threaded arbor installed in them, or you can buy a backing pad and use sanding discs.I will say it again, as has already been mentioned, BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL WITH THAT GRINDER!!!!!It is a very dangerous piece of equipment and even big, strong guys have been seriously hurt by them kicking back or jamming up. I personally do not like big grinders, hence the reason neither of mine get used very much. If you're small and have petite hands, you will need to be extra careful. That thing has one hell of a lot of power and safety cannot be emphasized enough. Loose clothing, long hair, corners, large holes and edges are all very bad news especially with a wire wheel on it. It gets away from you once, you may need to change your underwear if you're not headed to the hospital. I speak from experience as far as close calls go. They're dangerous.Just use good judgement and if it feels like too much for you, by all means don't use it. One of the biggest reasons I don't use mine in all honesty.Lemme know if you want some stuff for it
Reply:Here's a link to a parts site I'm not sure if they go that old but it's worth a try. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/sea...sman%20grinderThermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:I saw you posted the model number and they do have the parts diagram here's another link. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/cra...84_162852.htmlThermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:You don't need to order the backing pad from Sears. Home Depot or Lowes will have a generic one that will fit that unit. I know one of the two sells them because I bought one for mine not too long ago.As mentioned you have several options for disks. You can use the centerless ones like the side wheel shown. To do so you'll usually need a backing plate and 5/8"-11 nut. One from any 7" to 9" grinder no matter what brand will work fine.   Option # 2 is to buy wheels with the nut attached. They tend to cost more, but I prefer them myself. You van also buy flap wheels for sanding that come with nuts attached. Harder part will be trying to find a guard for it. Sadly Sears a number of years back dumped all the extra parts they stocked for older tools. If I wanted one, I'd probably go to my local Dewalt service center and take the grinder with me. You might luck out and they have the guard, or that one for another company will fit.I'm not a huge fan of wire wheels on those things. I've used a cup wheel like you have and I always wear leathers and a face shield to deal with the flying wires that come off. I use my 7" either for heavy grinding with wheels, or with the sanding pads or flap wheels. As others have said, have the utmost respect for that tool. I'll single hand small grinders, but never my 7". It's quite a work out under normal circumstances and if it grabs it will go where it wants..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Buy and use a new 4.5"-9" grinder. Those old grinders are great (cheap) for backup to the new grinders but they are just too big and heavy. When using one you fatigue quickly because of the weight. Its when your already tired and still using one that bad things are more likely to happen.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Real people grind with a 99 V IR air grinder needs 90 cfm and you know you are good when you wear out 3 stones a day!
Reply:Burp, do we have t go thru this again?...  If you don't have something constructive to add in a thread, please don't bother to post. That or don't use the recreational pharmaceuticals prior to posting. Keep it up and you can sit on the bench for a while. I'm tired of getting reported posts by others on your stuff..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I have one of those myself, as has been said rarely use it because it is so damn big and heavy and can seriously injure you. You really want to use it on a large flat area that you can let it sit on vs trying to hold and grind with it. The one you have IS missing the guard, those came with a large Red guard- which I leave on when rarely using it-  even with a wire wheel/cup- if it kicks back the guard hits my leg and not the spinning object.  You maybe surprised Sears might have most of what you want/need for it. I most likely have the original manual/parts diagram-part numbers if that would help you out.
Reply:Where those big old grinders were really useful was the autobody industry 30 yrs ago. They were used with flexible discs and backing pads to prep the panels for bondo after they were roughed out. That said, I have seen them stick shattered discs into cinderblock walls so as others have said, treat it with respect. These days I use an air grinder that can be a little frustrating for it's lack of power, but is a lot safer. Mostly I use my 4.5's for general grinding around my welding projects. If I had it around, I would just leave the cupped wire wheel on it for big de-rusting jobs. Changing out that cord for a safer one would be a good idea as well.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:I have a very similar looking one, but it's the polisher/sander 2 speed 315-11551.  Standard 5/8-11 thread  Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk Attached ImagesLast edited by soutthpaw; 07-04-2014 at 09:57 AM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Second thought... I really like that belt sander attachment in Blackbart's post. If I could find one of those I would take your grinder and mount it under a table top for a permanent belt sander.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Originally Posted by whtbaronSecond thought... I really like that belt sander attachment in Blackbart's post. If I could find one of those I would take your grinder and mount it under a table top for a permanent belt sander.
Reply:If you have info on where or who you got the bench grinder belt unit from, I'd be interested in what info you have..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWIf you have info on where or who you got the bench grinder belt unit from, I'd be interested in what info you have.Thanks..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I misread the original question, I thought you couldn't get the brush off the machine.  Anything that fits todays machines, should fit that one, just check RPM rating.  It's a regular grinder with a 5/8-11 thread.
Reply:Since we all seem to be in agreement that these beasts were dangerous and hard to hang onto for basic grinding needs, I've been thinking about a more practical use for it. I'm in the market for a cut-off wheel so I was thinking build a frame to hold it and add a 6 inch press vice to hold the object being cut. It shouldn't be hard to find a cut off disc and build a proper guard.  I would also wire in a separate dead man's switch.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Originally Posted by whtbaronSince we all seem to be in agreement that these beasts were dangerous and hard to hang onto for basic grinding needs, I've been thinking about a more practical use for it. I'm in the market for a cut-off wheel so I was thinking build a frame to hold it and add a 6 inch press vice to hold the object being cut. It shouldn't be hard to find a cut off disc and build a proper guard.  I would also wire in a separate dead man's switch.
Reply:Good point....looking back the OP never did post the RPM's it ran at...250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:That portagrind attachment looked enticing until I realized it was selling for around $175 these days.--"I was on a creeper underneath my travel trailer grinding off the welds on the skid bars on the trailer, and the grinder dug into the weld. I was spun around 360° before I knew it." Ohhhh..... that comment struck a chord with me. I picked up a huge used concrete drill with the thought I could remove the bit and replace it with a bulb auger. So.... I'm out there drilling holes for daffodils with the equivalent of a jack hammer and I hit a rock. I was spun around twice before I got tossed onto the driveway where I rolled a few times. I had technicolor bruises all over my body for weeks. I gave the bulb auger away and kept the concrete drill but only use it with a paint mixer attachment. Works great turning compost piles. --I did have a problem getting the wire brush off initially but my neighbor was able to remove it for me without breaking the shaft after I sprayed it with PB and let it sit for a few days. --The cord still needs to be replaced.... --RPMs.... haven't a clue but it's moot now anyway. --This past Monday I went to pick up some materials in Waukegan for the welding cart I'm copying from another member here. I didn't buy much.... just enough from drop to make verticals and some odds and ends so the young man asked me to pull my car around so he could help me load what I'd purchased. I pop the trunk and his eyes bugged out. He couldn't have been more than 30 yrs old.... we've got a kid older than him. I'd forgotten to take the old Craftsman grinder out of the trunk so it was sitting there in all its glory.  He told me not to use it because I'd kill myself and bleed out and that I should go and buy a 4.5" grinder....--Adding insult to injury.... I drove up to Pal Steel on Wednesday to pick up tube for my welding table from their surplus. Uh huh.... the Craftsman was still in the trunk. An elderly customer waiting for his materials is standing by me. He takes one look at it and points his finger in my face with a stern look and says, "You aren't using that?" Before I could respond.... the man driving the forklift pipes in, "You'll kill yourself using that.... buy yourself a 4.5" grinder."--  Something about this bad boy Craftsman grinder brings out the "inner-parent" in everyone who sees it soooooo.... I won't be using it. I don't know that I can part with it because it was free but have no intentions of plugging it in.... not even to use with a pad as a buffer. It's waaaaaaay too much tool for me.--Please everybody.... keep letting me know if I'm in over my head. I don't have a spare eye to "shoot out". --MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:I'd turn it into a concrete mixer.  Or a kitchen blender to make meringue pies.
Reply:Lots of good info and advice already, I second the responses regarding safety with that grinder.  I don't think I would use one that large any more, I have a couple scars to prove it!  I'll stick with the 4 1/2" angle grinders and yes, I keep my shields in place!  I've had grinding disks fly apart and so far have been lucky they always flew the other way.  Wear plenty of safety gear including face shield, heavy gloves and a heavy apron or pants!  Stay safe!"All of this and some of that's the only way to skin the cat!"
Reply:You are all wimps, we never used them toy grinders. IR air the way to go! !,
Reply:I'm sorry but I am with these guys, "Don't use it!" My dad always told the zippered belly story, so I have always been scared of one. I used a Milwaukee a couple of years ago, it didn't take off material much faster than a 4-1/2 BUT it fatigued you operating it. I think on the shelf is a pile of 7"disks, maybe I should put them up for sale, then buy something else to pile in that space! Wire Cup wheels throw wires, so I agree, even when its Hot outside, face shield and leather apron is still the way to go!