Kalamazoo set for 12.5, 15, 20 degrees

[rpttrsn]

Thought I would share some of the mods to my 1x42" Kalamazoo. Instead of guessing the angle the belt can be set to grind almost any angle I want. Just hold the blade 90 degrees to the bench and sharpen. The gauge came out very accurate using a angle cube. The 12.5 & 15 degree settings are right on and the 20 is 19.8 degrees using the gauge. I can return the machine to 90 degrees to the table by just sliding the angle below the threaded rods and letting the rods drop in the cut out of the angle. Bring it back on top of the angle and it is returned to the last setting I made using the gauge. Kind of simple and takes less the 20 seconds. Added a handle to the top ( was not my idea ) to help change the belts. Added a adjustable platen for grinding. These changes made sharpening knives much easier and more accurate. IMO
Thanks for looking
Ron

Alum Handle for changing the belts

Adjustable platen. Above slack belt. In front of teflon for flat grind. Below teflon for minimal convex grind. (x-belt stiff in this spot). Bottom is standard platen with machine.

Gauge for angles Position to place gauge for setting angles

Angle iron to rest threaded rod on. Slides to drop back to standard position for grinder.
Screws with caps make tightening simple.

 

[bravodelta]

Great mods. I would love some aftermarket platen options for my Kalamazoo 1x42!!!