flat platen includes??

SDS

SDS

Joined
Oct 22, 2007
Messages
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Can anyone tell me what comes with the flat platen for the Bader III? I can't tell from anyones site if it comes with the bar or arm that attaches to the grinder or if it comes with a work rest. The price seems reasonable but if I have to start adding several other things in then I'll need to save a few more pennies.

Thanks
 
I can't remember exactly what comes with the flat platen, but you're gonna need to find something else to go along with that platen. As it comes from Bader, it's simply a piece of angle iron that is not very flat and won't stay flat long, even if you flattened it(since it's non hardenable iron). Also, the edges of this piece of iron are totally different. One side is squared and the other is rounded. This means you'll end up with two totally different looking shoulders, when you grind.

I'd either get yourself a piece of flattened and hardened steel and attach it, or glue on a piece of glass. This will really help make your flat grinds more accurate.
 
If I remember correctly, It does not come with the arm. The work rest platform is an accessory, too. The arm for the platen and the fork tip are the same. The arm costs $65. There is also a combo arm with a 5" serrated wheel ,a flat platen, and a 2" top wheel for $220. If you order it mounted on the unit (instead of a contact wheel), the arm will come with it. It is a very good starter arm.
The fork tip is an invaluable add on. You can get small wheels for it from 1/2" to 1.5". The 3/4" is most useful for finger grooves, and finishing the guard/handle junction. I have four or five arms with the most used platen/wheels mounted on them. It saves time, but at $65 each, changing the attachment as needed is certainly cheaper.
You will eventually want/need;
Contact wheel arm
Contact wheel ,start with a 3" and an 8" or 10" (Add more sizes as you grow)
Small wheel tip (fork tip) with 1/2 or 3/4" wheel. (Add others as needed)
Flat Platen (the combo head has this on it with a 5" wheel) Add a pyro-ceramic backing plate from Darren Ellis.
Work rest for flat platen. (I personally don't like one on the contact wheel)
Accessory arm (for platen and fork tip)

When you order your Bader, call the people you are ordering from and talk directly to them . They will know how to save you money in the features you get. The best thing you can do,if at all possible ,is get the variable speed unit.
It is also not a lot of dollars extra to order it with the 2HP motor.
If you haven't already done it ,you might want to give Steve at Bader a call directly. He will really work with you.

Stephen Bader & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 297
10 Charles Street
Valley Falls, NY 12185
Phone:
(518) 753-4456

Stacy
 
I have a Bader3 here in my shop and it came with the work rest and with the bar that stick out of it. I have all you can get on the grinder. I also order all the wheel for it as well. Photo's on my site. And this is a variable speed unit 220v. One setup that is the 2x1x72 small wheel. Flat grind as well.

The 8' inch and 10' inch and the big 14' inch. If I can remember it right the 14' inch wheel was $ 400.00 + shipping. The 10' inch was about $ 250.00 I got the 8' inch came with it back in 2004 when I order. But there are other items I order later on. Hope this was of help to you.

Have a good safe day out in the shop and do have a Merry Christmas. I read the other post and want say that my Bader runs great and have no problem with it at all when I grind. ------- Also here is the Website to order from but I would call them on the phone. http://www.stephenbader.com/ :thumbup::D:jerkit:
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I bought this grinder years ago with big aspirations of doing a lot of grinding. Well after I bought it I ended up moving with no place to set it up and have since had two kids.

I have just recently gotten my shop nearly ready and have started grinding. I've finished up a couple of knives so far and I am like a drug addict. I just can't get enough of it.

I have a 10" wheel (with arm) and a 3/4" wheel with arm but nothing else. I have been looking at some of the knives on here with flat grinds and there are some knives I would like to try but I really kind of need a flat grind on them.

There are so many things I want for the shop it isn't funny but this is probably one of the top three.

Sorry to be so long winded and thanks again for the information. I'll give Steve Bader a call and find out exactly what it is I need.
 
Love my BIII :D Gotta agree with Danbo on the flat platen though. I aplied a ceramic platen face to mine and WOW!!!!! Real flat grinds and belts run smoother and actually cut longer! I have the single speed unit and it works for me but I would in hind sight prefer the variable speed unit. Maybe one day I may upgrade. Till then I am just happy I bought the Bader. Oh and DEFINITELY call Bader! I got my machine at a show and the salesman gave me a great deal. I don't know how many of their guys are knifemakers but the salesman who sold me mine knew what he was talking about and was able to recomend all I would need to get the grinder working for me from day 1.
 
To be honest I don't remember where I got mine, or even when exactly. I remember a very good friend and knifemaker who gave me loads of invaluable advice suggested I upgrade to the 10" wheel so I did that and I also got the variable speed. Now that I have it hooked up and in a spot I can actually use it I am out there most nights until past midnight. That wouldn't be a big deal if I didn't have to get up for work at 5:30.

I should probably just stick with grinding with the 10" wheel for awhile before I try flat grinding but I just can't help myself. I want it all now!!!!
 
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