Craftsman 2x42

B

BChou-E29

Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
503
So I just got the above mentioned grinder from a Sears outlet sale yesterday. It was reconditioned but it works perfectly. Plus it only set me back around $70. I know some people are going to complain about this grinder but that's because they haven't been doing everything besides drilling pin holes with hand tools!!! :p Yes it runs fast but it hogs steel like a mofo! I'm probably going to use it to rough in the bevels and do the final stages with the files. Hopefully my respirator cartridges come in soon so I can get grinding!

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I can't complain,I ran the same grinder for about 2 years before I got my KMG.Put a ceramic platen liner on it and use good belts.You get used to the speed and use a light touch.
Stan
 
I made quite a few knives on that same grinder. Just take your time. I still use it to hog material off of handles.
 
Mine seems to work fine, but I do wish the speed was adjustable. Lose the side guard, add a glass platen and trim the rest and its even better. Oh, and the 3M Trizact belts work really well on it.
 
Yep, the ceramic platen liner is already en route and I got rid of the belt guard. I was also thinking about buying Fred Rowe's bubble jig but wasn't sure if it would be feasible to use with this sized grinder. What do you guys think?

EDIT: I also came across something in the manual :o it says to keep the belt slightly off the platen so that if a pressure is applied to the belt it will contact the platen. Assuming that I epoxy the ceramic platen liner to the platen, should I follow the directions in the manual?
 
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BChou-E29 said:
Yep, the ceramic platen liner is already en route and I got rid of the belt guard. I was also thinking about buying Fred Rowe's bubble jig but wasn't sure if it would be feasible to use with this sized grinder. What do you guys think?
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There is no reason the bubble jig can't be used on that. I've used on it since I got it. Although I don't use the table on the belt side. I only use it occasionally to profile edges at times. I grind bevels with it off though, not a heck of a lot of room with it on.
 
I hear ya Fletch, that's one down side of using a 2x42" though. Everything seems a little cramped. I can't complain though. Beats draw filing!
 
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BChou-E29 said:
EDIT: I also came across something in the manual :o it says to keep the belt slightly off the platen so that if a pressure is applied to the belt it will contact the platen. Assuming that I epoxy the ceramic platen liner to the platen, should I follow the directions in the manual?
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Hmm--I didn't notice that in the manual (likely, I never bothered to read it). I have the belt running (lightly) on the platen. I did radius the top and bottem edge of the glass a bit.

The Bubble Jig is very cool--I've only had a chance to play around with mine for a few minutes but I think it will be a big help in establishing the proper angles.
 
A buddy of mine upgraded and gifted me his Craftsman, I took it apart and hooked it up to a 1/2 HP x 1725 rpm motor, and have it mounted on a rack that I can adjust to accept 48" belts.
Been working out pretty good.....although I am not a knife maker so don't grind on a lot of metal.

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I just ordered one of these 2x42 sanders. I've been looking for 2x42 belts, I'm not seeing any on trugrit, and everywhere else sells belts in quantities of 50.

Anyone else know where else to get some belts?
 
Emphasiski said:
Are the ceramic belts better than aluminum oxide or zirconia?
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as I understand it, yes...but I'm sure others will weigh in.

For the type of projects I do, mostly knife handles, leather work, general purpose type stuff....it really doesn't matter to me, I usually go with the cheapest.
 
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