Any tricks for attatching Ceramic Platens?

colu41

colu41

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Dec 24, 2014
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I'm going to purchase a ceramic platen from USA knife with my next order. I feel I really need to try it out BUT. With my homemade grinder, I only have one attachment. My flat platen.

Is there a way of attaching the glass to the platen, with a way of removing it when done? Or does it need to be permanent?

I dont want to "glue" it to my only platen, because Id rather not use it with rough grinding and profiling. But is that my only choice? Do I absolutely have to build another attachment or platen assembly?
 
The only way I've ever seen/heard on attaching platens is by gluing for a permanent fixture.

Ken
 
Yep, gluing it is the only way I would do it. It's not totally permanent, I just replaced mine, I had glued the glass to the platen with JB Weld. To replace it, I beat the bejezus out of it with a hammer and then ground off any excess glue. One thing to keep in mind safety wise is that the glass need a ledge of some type at the bottom of the platen to keep it from coming off and going between the belt and bottom wheel on the platen. Below is a link to an example.

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/FTO_dude/media/CIMG6988.jpg.html
 
J.B. Weld glue it with a metal strip screwed across the bottom . To take a worn one off, use some heat and a putty knife.
Frank
 
Matt R said:
I've used mine for everything for almost a year and it's not worn at all
Click to expand...

Interesting. I was afraid profiling blanks would wear it down rather quickly. I'm pretty aggressive when I profile. Otherwise I'll just have to build another platen assembly for it.
 
Don't use glue. Use double sided exterior mounting tape.
Weld a small ledge on the bottom of the platen - no matter how you put it on - for when TSHTF.
Keep in mind that nothing is ever going to try to PULL the platen off. You're always pushing against it.
If you must remove the ceramic, you can cut through the tape with a coping saw and keep your ceramic intact.
I've used this method for over a decade on many platen arrangements and sizes.


 
I did weld a little ledge for it to rest on at the bottom. I used 5 min epoxy and after 10 months or so it finally came off after changing a belt. I guess the heat generated from the belts loosened the epoxy.
 
Matt R said:
I did weld a little ledge for it to rest on at the bottom. I used 5 min epoxy and after 10 months or so it finally came off after changing a belt. I guess the heat generated from the belts loosened the epoxy.
Click to expand...

Thanks Karl. I'll look into that. But I'm looking for a quick change type deal. So I can profile a blade without the glass, then start doing bevels with it. I think I am just going to have to build another removable platen. I also really want a wheel attachment! :eek: Just don't know if I want to spend $300 on one.
 
colu41 said:
Interesting. I was afraid profiling blanks would wear it down rather quickly. I'm pretty aggressive when I profile.
Click to expand...

Nah, don't sweat it, it's pretty tough stuff. I use mine for profiling* all the time. It's been JB-welded on for about 4-5 years now and I've only had to dress it once, recently. And it wasn't all gouged up or anything, just a little dished-out.

The double-sided tape Karl described makes a whole lot of sense... :thumbup:

*well, I'm not grinding off/removing big chunks of steel... that's what angle grinders and bandsaws are for... ;)
 
You can always put your platen in the oven for a few minutes at 400 degrees. The jb weld softens and scrapes off like dough. Very simple.
 
james terrio said:
Nah, don't sweat it, it's pretty tough stuff. I use mine for profiling* all the time. It's been JB-welded on for about 4-5 years now and I've only had to dress it once, recently. And it wasn't all gouged up or anything, just a little dished-out.

The double-sided tape Karl described makes a whole lot of sense... :thumbup:

*well, I'm not grinding off/removing big chunks of steel... that's what angle grinders and bandsaws are for... ;)
Click to expand...

I'm the same way. I mostly take off small corners and then get the shape down with the grinder. My portable bandsaw takes care of the big stuff.
 
I used JB weld for mine like 7 or 8 years ago, but I have like 6-7 different platens (one or two regular, can't remember, one with the ceramic thingie and 4 Nathan specials) so I am not worried about taking it off.
 
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