Craftsman 2x42 Grinder Mods

J

jaymeister99

Joined
Sep 14, 2010
Messages
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I've been trying out a few minor mods to my 2x42, figured I'd post em up. Anybody else with 2x42 mods please feel free to post, I'd like to see em.

Here's a knob I got to replace the tiny bolt for the tracking adjustment. Its a M6 x 1 metric threaded knob I got from McMaster Carr (Item# 2907T25) for $7.95. I also added a wing nut.
2x42grindermods001.jpg



I had already added an extension on to the stock platen by using some mild steel I got from Home Depot. Then I got a 2"x9" ceramic liner, held in place with 2 nuts and lots of JB Weld.
2x42grindermods003.jpg



I picked up a Ryobi 4 1/2" angle grinder for $30 a couple of weeks ago. Man this comes in handy! I cut off the rest on one side so I could take the belt off easier.
2x42grindermods002.jpg



I've been trying to find a decent 2/3-1hp 1725rpm motor to hook on to this so I can slow it down and add a bit more power. Ive seen a few on the Bay, but usually a bit pricey. Im trying to keep the cost cheap (no point in spending big bucks on this IMO).

Anybody got pics of a 2x72 conversion? Any other mods you've got please post!
 
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Nice conversion. My first grinder was one of those. I still use it for handle materials. My mods where similar but yours look alot better than mine did.
 
Hey, thanks for starting this thread - I've got one, and was just thinking about trying to start modifying it this weekend.

Anyone have any pics of using different motor to run it? I have a spare 3hp 3450rpm motor and a VFD that I use for my disc grinder (with identical motor), and would love some ideas for hooking it up to run this.
 
artificialj said:
Hey, thanks for starting this thread - I've got one, and was just thinking about trying to start modifying it this weekend.

Anyone have any pics of using different motor to run it? I have a spare 3hp 3450rpm motor and a VFD that I use for my disc grinder (with identical motor), and would love some ideas for hooking it up to run this.
Click to expand...

This is the only thing I could find. I was planning on setting up something similar as soon as I can find a good deal on a motor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfYT_m2Tw0

One thing to mention about attaching a motor like this. If you do hook up another motor to this it will make the motor already on the grinder act like an alternator. I believe (but Im not an expert) that this will create a reverse electric charge that will come out of the plug on the grinder unit. DO NOT PLUG THE GRINDER INTO AN OUTLET, COVER THE END OF THE CORD AND DONT TOUCH IT!!!
 
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The worst thing about the craftsman grinder is the high speed. If you can slow it down, you will have a very servicable flat grinder. (looking at these pics is giving me flashbacks of hours grinding the bevels on a two inch blade and lots of burnt off tips).

These machines remind me of the .410 shotgun. They are often recomended to beginers (cost-grinder/low recoil-shotgun) but really take an experianced hand to be successful with.
 
I tossed the work rest and everything to the right of the belt. I also cut away the part of the guard behind the drive wheel so I could run a scotchbrite belt. I added a ceramic platen. Got about 130 knives on mine so far, still running.
 
jkf96a said:
I tossed the work rest and everything to the right of the belt. I also cut away the part of the guard behind the drive wheel so I could run a scotchbrite belt. I added a ceramic platen. Got about 130 knives on mine so far, still running.
Click to expand...

I dumped the useless cover too. Can you cut off the top guard by the tension wheel without any problems?

Also what do you use for a rest?
 
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I too will be modding this week , just mounted my 2x42. The friggin' disc cover is a pain in the ass to take off and on.
 
duffy99 said:
I too will be modding this week , just mounted my 2x42. The friggin' disc cover is a pain in the ass to take off and on.
Click to expand...

I don't even use the disc sander. I have seen pics of 2x42s with the whole disc cover assembly removed. I think Im going to take it all off this weekend.
 
Duffy, Jay, I'm right there with you... Only thing I didn't have done was adding that larger tracking adjustment. Hoping there are some other mods out there, because this thing seems like it has some good potential and I'm too broke to buy a 2x72 right off the bat
 
I too took the cover off to the right. I took the table off too so I can also grind on the drive wheel below.
 
Pete84 said:
Duffy, Jay, I'm right there with you... Only thing I didn't have done was adding that larger tracking adjustment. Hoping there are some other mods out there, because this thing seems like it has some good potential and I'm too broke to buy a 2x72 right off the bat
Click to expand...

I would really like to add an extension on the front to make it a 2x72 grinder. But I would like to see an example of the conversion. Ive heard of it being done, but have yet to see it. I got some ideas, Im going to do it soon!
 
I grind on the bottom wheel of mine all the time. I grind freehand, no work rest. I also use the disk for dovetailing bolsters and for flattening rough cut wood scales.
 
I've heard of it being converted to a 2x72 as well.... trying to find the thread... saw it late the other night and should've bookmarked it. Don't remember if there were pictures. Kinda makes me curious. Also, I wonder if that bottom wheel could be replaced with a contact wheel...
 
I was wondering if you could include a photo of how you atatched the ceramic liner. I've been looking at doing the same, but I am probably over thinking it.
 
jaymeister99 said:
Can you cut off the top guard by the tension wheel without any problems?
Click to expand...

Yes. I cut mine back to about the 2 o'clock position. It's helpful for inside curves, like the bottom of handles.

jaymeister99 said:
I don't even use the disc sander. I have seen pics of 2x42s with the whole disc cover assembly removed. I think Im going to take it all off this weekend.
Click to expand...

I barely used the disk on mine at all until I decided to try dovetailed bolsters, and used it to make the angle on each piece the same. Now I use it quite a bit to get things more-or-less square. It's not the best but it does work with a light touch.

Here is another thread on converting to 72" belts.

EDIT: I seem to remember someone replacing the disk sander with a couple of pulleys and running that from a stronger motor mounted behind it, to get variable speeds. Darned if I can find that now, though :p
 
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