397.21136 CRAFTSMAN Bench Grinder Tool Rpm

Review CRAFTSMAN Vintage 1970s Bench Grinder Tool Rpm 1/3 Hp Made Usa

The Craftsman 397.21136 Bench Grinder is a versatile and powerful tool that is perfect for any home workshop or garage. This 1970s model bench grinder boasts a 1/3 horsepower motor, which delivers a no-load speed of 3580 revolutions per minute (RPM). This speed is ideal for sharpening and shaping a wide range of tools and blades, from chisels and drill bits to axes and mower blades.

The bench grinder features a heavy-duty cast iron base, which provides stability and durability. The base also includes a large work surface area, allowing you to securely hold your tools in place while you work. The base also includes adjustable feet, which enable you to level the grinder on uneven surfaces.

The bench grinder comes with two grinding wheels, one 6-inch coarse wheel and one 6-inch fine wheel. The coarse wheel is ideal for rough shaping and heavy-duty grinding, while the fine wheel is perfect for finishing and sharpening. The wheels are easily replaced when they wear out, ensuring that your bench grinder remains a valuable and effective tool in your workshop.

The bench grinder also includes a 6-inch buffing wheel, which can be used for polishing and smoothing metal surfaces. The buffing wheel is removable and can be replaced with additional grinding or buffing wheels, depending on your needs.

The bench grinder also includes a tool rest, which helps to keep your tools steady and secure while you grind or sharpen them. The tool rest can be adjusted to accommodate different tool sizes, ensuring that you can use it with a wide range of tools.

The bench grinder comes with a spark arrestor, which helps to contain sparks and prevent them from igniting nearby materials. The spark arrestor can be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance.

The bench grinder is also equipped with a safety guard, which protects the user from flying debris and sparks. The safety guard can be adjusted to accommodate different tool sizes and shapes, ensuring that it provides adequate protection while you work.

In summary, the Craftsman 397.21136 Bench Grinder is a powerful and versatile tool that is perfect for any home workshop or garage. With its 1/3 horsepower motor, adjustable speed, heavy-duty cast iron base, and included grinding, buffing, and tool rests, this bench grinder is a must-have for any serious DIYer or handyman.

Pros and Cons of buying a Craftsman 397.21136 Bench Grinder (1970s, 3580 RPM, 1/3 HP)

1. **Affordability**: This vintage bench grinder from Craftsman is often more budget-friendly compared to newer models due to its age and simpler design.

2. **Durability**: Older bench grinders, like the Craftsman 397.21136, are typically built to last with heavy-duty materials and construction. They can handle tough jobs and withstand daily use in a workshop.

3. **Manual Adjustment**: Old-school bench grinders, including the Craftsman model, usually come with a manual wheel adjustment mechanism. This can be an advantage for those who prefer more control over the grinding process.

4. **Lower Spark Output**: Older bench grinders, such as the Craftsman 397.21136, may generate less sparks compared to newer models. This could be a safety advantage for those working with ferrous metals.

5. **Limited Features**: On the downside, older bench grinders, like this Craftsman model, may lack some modern features, such as variable speed control or flexible grinding wheels.

6. **Potential Repair Challenges**: Since this bench grinder is from the 1970s, finding replacement parts or getting it repaired might be more difficult and time-consuming compared to a newer model.

7. **Safety Concerns**: Older bench grinders, including the Craftsman 397.21136, may lack certain safety features, such as eye shields or sparks guards, which can be a concern for some users.

8. **Efficiency**: With a fixed speed of 3580 RPM, this bench grinder may not be as efficient as modern models with variable speed controls, which can help optimize the grinding process for different materials.

In conclusion, the Craftsman 397.21136 bench grinder, while affordable and durable, comes with several trade-offs. Its lack of modern features, potential repair challenges, and safety concerns may outweigh the advantages for some users. For those who prefer the classic feel and are budget-conscious, this bench grinder could be a suitable choice. However, for those who prioritize efficiency, safety, or ease of use, a newer model with more features might be a better investment. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual user preferences and requirements.

Details:

Model 397.21136, works as it should and light still works, see video pictures for specifications condition. Vintage 1970s Craftsman 1/3hp bench grinder.

specifications grindcatch:

• brand: Craftsman
• mpn: 397.21136
• model: Craftsman 397.21136
• type: Bench Grinder
• action: Rotary/circular
• power source: Corded Electric
• disc diameter: 6 In
• voltage: 115 V
• color: Gray
• country of origin: United States
• item weight: 27 Lbs

returns grindcatch:

• policy: no returns

shipping grindcatch:

• type: calculated
• class: standard, expedited
• service: usps ground advantage, ups ground, usps priority mail
• carrier: usps, ups
• transit: 5-11 days

seller grindcatch:

• # reviews: 249
• rating: 100.0%
• city: dayton, ohio

offer grindcatch:

• in stock #: 5
• sold #: 10
• prices: $52.00–$169.99
• item condition:
  • New – Open box
  • New
  • Used
• availability: in stock
• started: march 26, 2026
• options: ship-to-home

general grindcatch:

• category: Home & Garden > Workshop Equipment > Power Tools > Grinders

payments grindcatch:

• wallet: paypal
• credit card: visa
• other