Grizzly Platen/Graphite pad question

[M.Rodriguez]

Hello Everyone!

Well i got my grizzly grinder in a few weeks ago and finally had time and enough space to build it. I got it running today and i played with sharpening some current blades. What a rush to use it! I do have one question thats started to bother me as soon as i used the platen. When i move use the tool rest and lower the edge onto the belt which applies pressure to the belt againts the platen i get a jerking motion. It feels like i am pushing the edge of the blade right into the graphite pad againts the platen. It vibrates and has a slight jerking motion to it. This vibration makes it impossible to keep the blade againts the belt while the platen is behind it. The belt is pretty tight. it requires some work to get the belt onto the wheels while using the 10inch wheel. I am wondering if it is just the crappy graphite material or does the platen have to pushing againts the belt to deform its current tracking outwards. I will be purchasing some new platen material. Anyways heres some pics of my new grizz .

 

[TekSec]

Yup, scrape the graphite off and get yourself a 2" x 9" ceramic platen from Darren Ellis' site (http://home.comcast.net/~eellis2/EllisCustomKnifeworks/ceramicplatenliners.html). JB Weld it on after cleaning the platen off completely my laying the ceramic platen liner on a flat surface, spread a nice even coat on and set the platen on top of it. Place a little weight on it just to keep it in place and let set up for a day or two. Reinstall and you'll immediately see the difference. My Grizz isn't the greatest but it's a good machine that will get you off the ground.