2x72 wheels.. Nylon vs Aluminum?

[BellyUpFish]

I'm getting ready to pick up some wheels for my 2x72 project and had been all set to buy some aluminum wheels from Oregon Knifemaker on eBay, but I'm wondering what the pros/cons of nylon vs aluminum wheels would be?

I'd think durability would be top of the list of cons for nylon and pros for aluminum.

Aluminum wheels are part of the budget for the build but before I ordered, I thought I'd ask.

The grinder will serve as a multipurpose grinder for me. Knives but also anything else that finds itself in need of a little grind.

Anyone?

TIA.


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[Ken H>]

ALuminum is just fine for the tension and drive wheels, but for the platen wheels I do prefer poly, rubber, etc. While aluminum will work, solid metal doesn't make the best grinding surface - needs a bit of give. Around 70 duro hardness seems to be preferred. While you might think you won't be grinding on the platen wheels, you'll be surprised of often it comes in handy.

I used aluminum platen wheels for a while, then changed to poly - 3" longboard wheels. I've heard it said they won't hold up, but I'm not sure those folks have actually used skateboard wheels - they're tough.

Later

 

[Frank Niro]

I haven't tried the skateboard wheels, though I still might, but I agree with Ken H on the rest of his comment.
Frank

 

[Ken H>]

If you do consider trying skateboard wheels, be sure to look for "longboard" wheels to find the 3" diameter with a 2" width. You can get them in 70 duro hardness. Also consider the axle is about 5/16" diameter so you'll need a lathe to make the axles - or I did anyway.

Ken H>