I don't make many knives, and a lot of the ones I do make haven't really called for the use of the set of small wheels I bought. So, the wheels sat on the top of my tool chest, waiting and looking rather lonely.
I'll be the first to admit that they sat there for a long time, so I shouldn't be too surprised by the dry rot. What got me, though, was the spontaneous self-destruction when put on the grinder. While I could see that the smallest was completely shot, the thin rubber spider-webbed with cracks, the larger one looked perfect. As soon as it got up to speed and I put the knife to it, boom. Belt ruined and huge chunks of rubber missing from the wheel.
I'm not blaming the manufacturer or looking for free replacements, but I am a bit concerned about replacing the wheels. By my count, I have 7 smaller wheels, 2" or less, that rotted while waiting on the sidelines. That's a pretty sizable investment that I'm somewhat hesitant to make again.
Anyone else see this? Is there some special care that I should be giving the wheels while this sit? Armorall once a month?
My shop isn't climate-controlled, but it is large enough that sunlight doesn't reach in. The wheels were stored on a self, in the dark, to collect dust until I needed one. Years passed, sadly, and I kind of forgot they were there. Still, a year or two without use and they're dead?
How long have yours lasted? Any special stuff you do to keep the rubber soft and attached to the spindle?
Would you recommend all-steel small wheels? How do you deal with the belt bump?
I'll be the first to admit that they sat there for a long time, so I shouldn't be too surprised by the dry rot. What got me, though, was the spontaneous self-destruction when put on the grinder. While I could see that the smallest was completely shot, the thin rubber spider-webbed with cracks, the larger one looked perfect. As soon as it got up to speed and I put the knife to it, boom. Belt ruined and huge chunks of rubber missing from the wheel.
I'm not blaming the manufacturer or looking for free replacements, but I am a bit concerned about replacing the wheels. By my count, I have 7 smaller wheels, 2" or less, that rotted while waiting on the sidelines. That's a pretty sizable investment that I'm somewhat hesitant to make again.
Anyone else see this? Is there some special care that I should be giving the wheels while this sit? Armorall once a month?
My shop isn't climate-controlled, but it is large enough that sunlight doesn't reach in. The wheels were stored on a self, in the dark, to collect dust until I needed one. Years passed, sadly, and I kind of forgot they were there. Still, a year or two without use and they're dead?
How long have yours lasted? Any special stuff you do to keep the rubber soft and attached to the spindle?
Would you recommend all-steel small wheels? How do you deal with the belt bump?
