Final decision - Grizzly 1x42" or Craftsman 2x42"

I cut a piece of marble or granite tile and epoxied it to my platen. It does not not get hot and runs smooth now. Also I cut some of the rear bottom guard out so I could run a scotch brite belt.
 
Mr. Bad Example said:
The Craftsman 2x42 arrived today :-)

I am pretty impressed with the quality--way better than the little HF unit. This thing is HD and seems quite well made overall.

Spent some time getting rid of the guards and useless pieces. I did not know one could use this horizontally--that allows the use of the big wheel surface. I suppose one could also cut the top off the metal belt guard to gain access to the small wheel as well.

Now to get a glass/ceramic platen mounted and do some work.

Oh, yes, the 6" disc sander works well--that will come in very handy.

While this isn't perfect, I think it is well worth the $99.00!
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Mine is still patiently sitting in the box awaiting the work stand on which it will sit :)
 
Mr. Bad Example said:
Now to get a glass/ceramic platen mounted and do some work.
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How would one go about doing that. I read a link in the past but I can't seem to find it.


the jerm said:
I cut a piece of marble or granite tile and epoxied it to my platen. It does not not get hot and runs smooth now. Also I cut some of the rear bottom guard out so I could run a scotch brite belt.
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Do you have pics of what you did, that would be helpful. How thick was the piece of granite tile? It didn't interfere with the function of the belts?

Also a pic of where you cut the metal on the rear bottom guard would be helpful. I wanted to get a leather belt but I heard that it would not work on this grinder due to the guard.
 
I'm going to either cut a piece of smooth ceramic tile or see if the local glass place has any scraps that would work. I understand it has to stand up to some heat. The platen can be moved back to allow for the extra thickness.

I can't imagine why a leather belt wouldn't work on this grinder, if anyone makes one?
 
Cool--I didn't see the leather belt when I ordered my Gator belts from them. I do have one for my 1x30 that seems to work OK.

I just called the local glass place and they wanted (after the discount for it being a small piece (aka scrap)) $30.00 for a 2"x8" piece of Pyrowhatever fireplace/stove glass. A whole 12x12 ceramic tile is around $5.00 at Home Depot (a whole lot thicker, though, but that could be a good thing).
 
I don't think ceramic is the way to go. I believe you want a natural stone like marble or granite. The only thing is you're going to want it thin enough that it's weight isn't too much for the adhesive. And not sure what the best adhesive is for bonding stone to steel.
 
Fletch Helical said:
I don't think ceramic is the way to go. I believe you want a natural stone like marble or granite. The only thing is you're going to want it thin enough that it's weight isn't too much for the adhesive. And not sure what the best adhesive is for bonding stone to steel.
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Ceramic would be heavy. I planned on mounting it like they show on the USA Knifemaker's page with JB Weld and some screws in the bottom to make a "shelf" for it to sit upon.

For 15 bones I guess maybe the one from USA K might not be that bad a deal afterall.
 
I just got my Sears in yesterday and now I get to order the glass platen from USA K; Probably get some belts also. Any advice on Belts, etc. Thanks. Turtleman
 
Pyroceram (what you want for a platen) is not the same as ceramic.

It's high temperature glass. The same stuff in glass fireplace doors. In fact, check with your local fireplace shop and see if they have some odd pieces or are willing to cut a piece the size you need.
 
The Gator belts seem to work pretty good. From experienced user's advice, that is what I bought. Also, the lower grit belts seem to work better--the fine grits, so I've been told (and it is true with the 1x30) will stall easier and are more prone to chatter on the platen. I suppose this is due to the relatively low power motor (1/3 HP) and the extremely fast belt speed.
 
FWIW, ceramic tile works fine. I cut mine with a wet saw, attached with epoxy, and have ground about 80 blades with no trouble. And don't forget supergrit.com. They've got better products than trugrit, but sometimes less selection.
 
I also installed a granite/marble platen I think its 3/8" thick and I cut it with a wet saw and put it on with epoxy. It works great and does not get hot. As for a leather belt I would highly recomend a 2" not 1" the 1" stretches out too quick. good luck and happy grinding!
 
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