Kalamazoo Mods

Bladegunner

Bladegunner

Joined
Jul 28, 2016
Messages
595
I have a 1" x 42" Kalamazoo and I would like to see any mods you have done to the platen or anything else for sharpening. I haven't been using mine much other than sanding scales to fit. Perhaps I am under utilizing it. Also belts by brand and grit how fine do you go. I know lots of you are very ingenious in the way you adapt your machines to fit your needs. Good detailed pics would be appreciated as I may want to borrow your idea. Thanks in advance BG.
 
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Haven't needed any mods to mine. I use it for final-stage belt sharpening, starting with an A80 Trizact belt followed by A6, then a leather belt with buffing compound.
 
I'll try to get a pic of my platin mod tomorrow, basically it has a 1/4" x 1" piece of metal machined and polished added to the platin to extend it up a little and gives you a higher and narrower platin for the 1" belts so you can "V" grind the edge if you want too. There's plenty of room above it to do a convex edge also. I'm currently doing both, it just depends on the knife and use. A member of another forum did the mod for me.

As for belts, I really like the 3M Imperial Micron Poly Belts. You apply very little pressure (basically just barely touching) to the belt. I have them from 100 down to a 9. They do a very quick job and when done right the knife is scary sharp. I do finish with a leather belt.

I also use 3M Trizact belts. I have a A100, A80, A65, A45, A30, A16 & A9. Again depending on the knife and the use will determine the belts I use. I also finish with a leather belt and compound.

I also have a few AO belts just in case I need to do some heavy repair/grinding.

So far Super Grit seems to be the best place to purchase them. I have not found them any cheaper, they ship very fast and are very reasonable.
 
K80Shooter said:
I'll try to get a pic of my platin mod tomorrow, basically it has a 1/4" x 1" piece of metal machined and polished added to the platin to extend it up a little and gives you a higher and narrower platin for the 1" belts so you can "V" grind the edge if you want too. There's plenty of room above it to do a convex edge also. I'm currently doing both, it just depends on the knife and use. A member of another forum did the mod for me.

As for belts, I really like the 3M Imperial Micron Poly Belts. You apply very little pressure (basically just barely touching) to the belt. I have them from 100 down to a 9. They do a very quick job and when done right the knife is scary sharp. I do finish with a leather belt.

I also use 3M Trizact belts. I have a A100, A80, A65, A45, A30, A16 & A9. Again depending on the knife and the use will determine the belts I use. I also finish with a leather belt and compound.

I also have a few AO belts just in case I need to do some heavy repair/grinding.

So far Super Grit seems to be the best place to purchase them. I have not found them any cheaper, they ship very fast and are very reasonable.
Click to expand...

Great looking forward to the pics. Belt info is great thanks again.
 
Has anyone tried changing out the top wheel when grinding the handle down? I am about to embark upon a sculpted bowie handle and I see people using small wheels for the tight radii. Thanks - Anthony
 
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