Is the craftsman 2x42 still a good starter?

[Metalhead0483]

Can anyone speak of this Dayton 2x42?

Honestly it appears to me to be the exact same grinder as the craftsman. Stats look the same, and the structure that I can see appears to be identical. Right down to the crappy little hex screw tracking adjustment.

 

[Uncle Timbo]

Besides slowing it down, are there any inexpensive tweaks or additions I can do to it?

 

[jalcon]

Besides slowing it down, are there any inexpensive tweaks or additions I can do to it?

I assume anything you can do to the craftsman 2x42, you can do to this one...And how you slow the craftsman down, would apply to this one...which is something I'll have to research bc I actually just bought this unit..(Dayton)

 

[Uncle Timbo]

I assume anything you can do to the craftsman 2x42, you can do to this one...And how you slow the craftsman down, would apply to this one...which is something I'll have to research bc I actually just bought this unit..(Dayton)

Thanks Jalcon. Would you kindly keep me posted brother?

 

[NJBillK]

Take a look on YouTube. There is a whole channel dedicated to budget builds for the sears 2x42.

Edit: speed mod video here, and this guy has a bunch of videos for the 2x42.

Besides slowing it down, are there any inexpensive tweaks or additions I can do to it?

I assume anything you can do to the craftsman 2x42, you can do to this one...And how you slow the craftsman down, would apply to this one...which is something I'll have to research bc I actually just bought this unit..(Dayton)

 

[jalcon]

Thanks Jalcon. Would you kindly keep me posted brother?

I will. I should add though, I'll probably just use it to make some wooden handles for a few Becker knives for now.

 

[Uncle Timbo]

Take a look on YouTube. There is a whole channel dedicated to budget builds for the sears 2x42.

Edit: speed mod video here, and this guy has a bunch of videos for the 2x42.

Whoa! Thanks Brother! I have a motor that I've had for 8-9 years. I think it's a TEFC 1 1/2 hp.
Now I need to run down the other components including the platen.

 

[panoz77]

Grainger, Dayton 2x42 for $138.00

 

[NJBillK]

Whoa! Thanks Brother! I have a motor that I've had for 8-9 years. I think it's a TEFC 1 1/2 up.
Now I need to run down the other components including the platen.

Check out most electric motor repair places. They will be able to get some pulleys for you.

If you want to try your luck, scour Craigslist for a drill press. Many of them are variable speed, and use pulleys to make this possible. As long as they have the same shafts diameter and are keyed (if required), they should work.

If you manage to land a set of pulleys that requires a larger shaft than your motor has, call a local machine shop and see if you can have a sleeve turned. Most of the small shops will likely take an interest in your project, and might even have a set of pulleys that might fit.

 

[Uncle Timbo]

God Bless you Brother. I think my little, "shop" has advanced further tonight than it ever has.

 

[Ken H>]

Grainger, Dayton 2x42 for $138.00

since I can't delete, I'll edit to remove text - I've made the same comments on first page, so no point in repeating here.

 

[navman]

I used a craftsman 2x42 for years with a piece of ceramic glass jb welded to the platten. Made about 75 blades with the little beast, but the learning curve was steep. I gifted it to a young Sailor at my last command before transfering, along with a bunch of belts. It did the job, but is really, really fast so keep that in mind, especially post HT.

I just ordered my first "real" grinder, a Pheer 2x72 and can't wait to see what I can do with a better machine!