How can I modify this belt grinder

N

nelsonj25

Joined
Jan 23, 2025
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5
So ive got access to this belt grinder which seems to work just fine for what i need! It is a 1x42, however the platen sticks out too far on the left side making it impossible to grind bevels on the left side. Any ideas on how to modify it so it is just the width of the 1” belt?

Sander - 1 x 42 - Kalamazoo | HolsterSmith.com

The Kalamazoo 1-SM 1 x 42 inch grinder is the perfect choice for pro level kit building. It conserves valuable shop space with a small bench footprint while performing all the vital tasks of professional knife finishing necessary for clean knife making results. We have $2000+ dollar dedicated...
www.holstersmith.com

Heres the link to show what im working with here. ^^

Thanks!
 
I have a similar problem with my 2x42 by Kalamazoo. I have a 2”x6”x .5” piece of marble as a platen glued to the stock platen. It helps a lot on most knives but thick ones or if using a file guide to help with plunges it becomes a problem again.

Finding a piece of marble or framer to fit a 1” Planeten might be difficult but if you have a mason around that can help probably doable

I have been considering making a completely new platen for it that mounts in some other way to avoid the issue. Haven’t planned it out much yet as I’ve just stopped using file guide while grinding and don’t make very thick knives often if at all.
 
I'm not personally familiar with how that platen and work rest are bolted or welded together ... but:
Normally, you would add a 1" wide platen on top of the existing 2" wide platen. A piece of ceramic tile will work, steel, or pyroceramic glass.
On that one-piece platen and work rest, you may have to open up the gap.
 
Another tidbit when considering tile or glass, make sure to bond it very well and some go so far as to add support under it. If the glass slides down in process, it's go time for ducking. I use a glass platen and feel totally safe. 3M makes some good specialty permanent bond adhesives. Just know the potential issue and take the bonding seriously.

Best,
John
 
An easy way to add supports under is to get small roll pins, drill 2 holes in bottom of platen and tap in roll pins. It isn’t a permanent method like welding a small shelf on.
 
Pins and a strong epoxy work well. I use Original JB Weld (the white/black stuff) and have never had a problem.
 
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