9" flat disc to bevel

Kevin McGovern

Kevin McGovern

Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
3,118
I am in the process of building a 9" disc sander using Kevin Power's plans (big ups to him!). I have ordered a flat disc plate, since I have only ever used flat discs in the past. I did some searching and found some postings on machining forums regarding covering the disc with micarta and then beveling the disc with a file. If my calculations are correct, a 1 degree bevel would require removing .0765" of material at the edge, down to no removal at the center. Anyone have an opinion one way or the other? I know, I know, just order a bevel disc is an answer, but I'm cheap, and i like to make stuff. Any ideas/ opinions are greatly appreciated. Oh, I'm doing a VFD on this one, so there's another adventure in building stuff!
 
Who is Kevin Power's and were can we see the plans?
 
Where did you order your flat disc?
If you're wanting a beveled disc, but bought a flat disc I may be able to help you out.
 
I already have a disk from a dead delta 9" disc/ 48" belt sander. A buddy gave me. It is flat currently.

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From what I hear about these disk sanders it's ALL about getting tolerances SUPER tight. Not saying you couldn't get it done with what you got but I'd probably just buy a beveled disk. Between the degree of tolerance variability in the motor arbor AND the mass produced Delta disk, it's probably not gonna be optimal. It's the whole "tolerance stacking" thing.

The appeal of disk sanders is that you can get things true'd up VERY good with them. Part of that is because the tolerances are tight.
 
thanks for the input JG. I will try it with the disk i have, because- free. If it isnt ideal (and yes, i am looking for tighter tolerances for flattening scales, bolsters as well as tweaking flat grinds) I definitely want it to be tight.
 
I have used disc grinders for over 24 years. That is all I had for 18. My discs are flat and I have zero problems grinding any size blade I have ever made. Even ground a 30 inch sword blade but failed in the heat treat. I do not like a beveled disc. Though very slight and some may not notice, a beveled disc is a cone. Thus it cannot grind truly flat. On a flat disc you can conceivably get flat enough to not need a surface grinder. I do this regularly. I do have a surface grinder and on some blades it just comes in handy. But I can grind within .001 flat on the ricasso without the use of the SG. If you really want a 1 degree disc I would recommend taking it to a shop that has a lathe and have it turned. An out of balance or out of square disc is a pain to work on.
 
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