Craftsman Grinder

E

ErikD

Joined
Dec 5, 2000
Messages
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I just bought a Craftsman 2"x42" belt grinder for use as my primary grinder to start making my own blades. I got an order of 2x42 belts from Supergrit, and when I put them on they seem to be just a bit smaller than the one supplied with the grinder. Instead of running on the platen they run about an 1/8" above it. I seem to remember reading here about someone fixing a piece of hardned steel to the platen to help with grinding. Was it because of this issue with the belts? Either way I would appreciate some details on what was used and how it was attached, as I think it might help me out. Thanks in advance.
 
Erik, get a section of precision ground 440c that's wide enough for your belts. Once it's cut to length, round the ends slightly so the belt will run on and off it smoothly. Drill a couple holes thru it and the platent on your sander with the bit the next size down from 1/4". Tap the holes in the 440c and drill the holes in the platent out to 1/4". Sand the front face of the 440c nice and smooth and then have it heat treated. I'd be happy to do it for you if it's 9" long or less. Just cover the return shipping. To attach the hardened 440c plate to your platent you take two 1/4" bolts and a run nuts onto them. These act as lock nuts. Place the plate into position and thread the bolts into the plate till they are just about even with the front surface. Then run the nuts up to the back of the platent. Take a wrench and tighten the nut against the platent while making sure the bolt doesn't turn any. This will hold the 440c plate on securely. I had some pictures of my rig but can't find them on my pc now. It's pretty simple though so you shouldn't have any problems.
 
Michael,

Thanks for the tip. I understand what you mean, plenty clear without pictures. Any idea where I could get a piece of 2" precision ground 440C?

Only problem is that at the moment I am short of cash. Would any scrap of steel work until I can get the funds to buy some precision ground hardened steel? I have a piece of angle iron I could cut up and sand flat to use for the time being. Wouldn't that be better as a short term solution than grinding with the belt of the platen??

P.S. I might just take you up on the offer for hardening the steel.:D
 
Anything would be better than the sheet metal that comes on those little sanders, yup.
 
Eric,I started using my 2/42 grinder about 9 yrs. ago.The one that I have has a hexhead bolt that is used to hold the platen onto the frame of the grinder,which is also used to adjust the platen closer to the belt and adjust side to side.on the planten where it bolts to the frame should have a slot just for that propose.If not you could take a round file and slot the opening to do so.also check at sears and see if the display of the 2/42 has the slotted opening.also check the papers that you got with the grinder.they have a parts list with replacement planten in them.I used the grinder up until I bought a K.M.G.and still use it for shaping handles and blades,and when I don'twant to use the kmg.HOPE THIS HELPS.Billy Potter
 
Another option that might be a little cheaper, and possibly better and easier in the long run. Get yourself a piece of Pyroceram glass. I can't remember the guy who sells it. But most everone who uses it as a platen loves it. I think a piece is right around $20, and you can just epoxy it in place.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
Definitely, what Kyle said!:) And round the ends like Michael said.
It will stay flat at least 10X what the hardened steel will.
 
I was looking at this Grinder today! Almost bought it for my first grinder as well, but then looked at the Delta 1 x 42 and cannot decide which would be more versatile for my as my first grinder. only about a 30.00 difference in price.
 
I have the Sears 2x42!

Don't go with the 1x42, you want 2" wide for knife making. Also, everyone should modify the disk sander that comes with it. Check one of the knife supply houses for rubberized cork sheets, and disk adhesive. You contact cement the rubberized cork sheet to the disk, and trim the excess off with a utility knife. The sheet is quite thin. Then you spread disk adhesive (also called feathering adhesive) to the cork, and press on a sheet of wet/dry sandpaper. This is WAY cheaper than using adhesive disks you can buy in the stores. Also, the grit sellection is WAY better, and you can change paper rapidly. Just touch the sheet with a propane torch a bi, or use a heat gun. This softens the glue, you peel off the old sheet, press ona new one, trim the excess (save that excess for sanding handles!), and go to town!
 
bwitty,

I would say defenitly go for the Sears 2x42. I got the smaller Delta first and regret it now. I have only ground one knife so far and it was with that Delta, and I learned its limitations real fast.
 
I would be a little worried about using a piece of glass to grind on. Any problems with it breaking? Also, should I find myself needing to replace it how could I get it off after the epoxy has set?
 
Erik,

Yes it does crack if you bang it with the work rest or something. But in use it doesn't.

I affixed mine with 3 strips of double sided pressure tape. Nothing fancy, just the 3M kind at the stationary store. Just clean the steel and glass with some kinda degreaser first. Holds very well and can be scraped off whenever you like.

Steve
 
If you do put it on with epoxy(or contact cement like I did)), whenever you finally need to replace it(mine hasn't shown any wear yet, though admittedly I'm a very part time grinder), jsut hit it with a bit of heat and the epoxy will loosen up. Just be careful how it's sitting at time, as I would manage to do it while on grinder, let it fall off, and shatter(you can crack tempered glass, old roommate did :) )
 
Pyroceram is not truly a glass. It a clear ceramic, used in woodstove doors, etc.

It does not trap, and hold heat, and will allow your grinder to run much smoother, and cooler, which means better life for the bearings and all.

Do you really think we would recommend something that would shatter??:confused: :eek: :D

I've had a piece on my platen for well over a year. I would have had to resurface(flatten) the plain steel platen on the 9" disk at least 10-12 times, in that time interval.:eek: :D
 
Go for the 2x42. You can always buy 1x42 belts and use them on it too - for contouring handles, etc....;)


I 2nd the vote for pyroceram!

Here's Steve's email:

**NOSPAM**knives4u3@juno.com


(Just remove the **NOSPAM** part)
 
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