2x42 craftsman modifications

J

JParisi48

Joined
May 14, 2012
Messages
198
Good evening everyone. I just got a craftsman 2x42 belt grinder, and before I do anything I know there are a few mods you have to do before you can start making knives. I know there are other threads out there, but I can't find one that explains it all. If anyone has a link or could post some info as to what is needed, that would be great. Thank you in advance for your help.
 
I like the YouTube videos from the $500 Knife Shop. Sorry, I don't have a link at the moment.
 
I always forget to check youtube. Thanks guys that covered a lot. If there is anything else that is useful please post. If not lock it and someone else will search it one day and find good info. :thumbup:
 
YOu don't really have to modify the 2 x 42 craftsman to make knives. You can do everything stock. However the only things that I did was add the platen tile and then make a bigger table for it. Good luck.
 
Did you make a bigger table for the 2x42 part or the 6 in wheel, just curious because I am going to modify it until it fits my needs as best I can. Thank you for the advice
 
I made a bigger table by taking wood and drilling in the holes and then using bolts to bolt it onto the stock table. I also cut one part off of the stock table to make it easier to change belts.

I have been thinking about switching out wheels but haven't got around to that for the big reason that every time I try to take the motor and parts apart, I just can't get the main drive wheel off.
 
Its biggest fault is its speed :( its fast and only has one setting, full speed. There are no easy mods to fix that.
The only mod I did on mine was a tile platen (mostly to make plunges easier). I don't use the workrest. The tracking bolt needs an Allen wrench epoxied into it or something though.

A serrated rubber contact wheel would be awesome but I'm too scared to spend the money until I hear of someone else's successful installation of one
 
A smooth wheel is a far better overall wheel if you only have one machine. This shows how to have a multi speed machine. As well I believe someone has shown how to make this into a 2 X 72, which would allow you to get of very many belts. Frank
 
oic0 said:
Its biggest fault is its speed :( its fast and only has one setting, full speed. There are no easy mods to fix that.
The only mod I did on mine was a tile platen (mostly to make plunges easier). I don't use the workrest. The tracking bolt needs an Allen wrench epoxied into it or something though.

A serrated rubber contact wheel would be awesome but I'm too scared to spend the money until I hear of someone else's successful installation of one
Click to expand...

Replacing the motor is easy on the older three wheel machine. I added the motor https://sites.google.com/site/alexnharvey/home/knifemaking/craftsman-2x42-grinder and more recently a 2x9 glass platen on a 5/8" mild steel plate welded to the original platen. I must take some pictures of my new platen.

There are several ways to make it 2x72. You can chop it and move the tracking up the requisite amount (see the thread at knifedogs), or you can extend forwards or back by putting a new motor behind and using the existing platen etc, or by adding a new platen attachment or wheel in front.
 
I think our definitions of easily are a little different ;) Its "possible" to make it in to a variable speed 2x72, but wouldn't be easy for me.
 
oic0 said:
I think our definitions of easily are a little different ;) Its "possible" to make it in to a variable speed 2x72, but wouldn't be easy for me.
Click to expand...

I think I just wasn't clear enough.

It is really easy to replace the motor on the old model. All you need is a motor with the correct shaft for the wheel and a wooden block to raise it up the right amount. I found a more powerful but slower motor to be a great help when getting started, but now I am beginning to miss the high speed. Variable drive would be easy too, just somewhat expensive as you need the VFD and 3phase motor.

It is not much more difficult to add a new platen from thicker steel.

It is possible to convert to 2x72 but not easy. It requires substantial modifications such as chopping and extending the frame, cutting slots in the machine or fabricating a tool arm receiver. I have been meaning to draw up the design I have in mind that would allow those of us with older 3 wheel machines to mount a receiving arm using the existing platen mount hole and the mystery threaded hole on the side.
 
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