Fabricating A Tool Rest for a Craftsman Bench Grinder

Today I build the tool rest for my 1960's era Craftsman Bench Grinder.
I used minimal tools for this build, a band saw, a jig saw, an angle grinder, and some hand tools, the result while not perfect, was completely acceptable, and works well.

[@David-hm9ic]

Four years later, I was feeling really badly for a guy that knows how to use all of the tools but couldn't get your hands on them. The end product looked just as good as if you had used a milling machine to make it. It's a shame that the nice cast iron housings of the older tools have given way to soft stamped steel. Still, I'm going to try to make a rest like this for one of my newer grinders. Cheers! BTW- Screw the nine "thumbs down" votes as of May, 2024. You did a great job.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

I love how heavy duty the old grinders are. The steel is like 4 times thicker on the wheel covers and other parts.

[@Perspectologist]

Finding tools is a challenge that I have as well. At least it all worked out in the end. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@carlrudd1858]

I have this exact grinder so this was helpful. I must say, however, that your workbench with the spaces between the boards would drive me insane chasing after stuff falling through.

[@diannelogsdon6107]

Good job, Sir! I have grinder like that in 3/4hp. Picked it up on the curb. The lamp was shot so I gave it the hook. But the rest cleaned up quite well. A nice coat of paint, and away you go. New grinding wheel n wire wheel. I have $12 tied up in it and @ 3 hours. If it’s free, it’s for me! 😀

[@bowlweevil4161]

when making slots drill each end of slot and use jig saw to cut each side very little filing needed, lennox blades work good

[@davidandrews8566]

Nice work considering it was all hand tools that were used

[@ronyerke9250]

I liked your end result. Ever consider cutting a couple of washers in half and welding them onto the tool rest adjustment screws? Then you'd have thumbscrews. If you're careful, the hex heads would still work, so you could just use a wrench for final tightening if you dont trust finger tight.

[@bihgolphatdictergud746]

I literally have this same grinder. Little older actually i think mine is from 73 and im in a similar situation.

[@Resonantfate]

I appreciate your sense of humor. Added a lot to the video.

[@robertmunguia250]

Nice!

[@bigendianian]

Thanks for the pointer on cutting kerfs!

[@randywl8925]

I've seen so many people make these two arrests out of aluminum. 😱

[@can5projects563]

nice video well done sir. hello from Australia.

[@damienmikkelsen6056]

Give this man back his tools!!!!