Modifying the Craftsmen 2x42 belt grinder

JG Custom Metal Works

JG Custom Metal Works

Joined
Nov 27, 2013
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I've dug through all the past threads I could find and other searches on the web and still have a couple questions. Has anyone modified the tool rest so you can change belts without taking it off? I plan to do this soon but am not sure how I want to go about it. I use a grinding jig/sled when grinding Scandis and need to retain some of the surface to the right of the belt if at all possible.

Also, has anyone taken steps to level their tool rest? Mine seems to be off a little bit and I can't seem to get it 100% level. I'm throwing around the idea of building a separate tool rest for it entirely. As anyone went that route? Anyone have ideas on how to remedy these issues?

I plan to upgrade to a 2x72 once I get enough funds but for right now I need to make the best with what I have. I would appreciate any insight you all could offer me.
 
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Triought is right, the "$500 Knife Shop" youtube channel is an excellent resource.

Several years ago, I slapped a pryoceram glass platen on my $150 Craftsman 2x42, took off all the guards and the tool-rest, cut it apart and re-built it to use 2x72" belts, and have since used it to grind hundreds of blades. Do not be intimidated by the high speed; just learn to employ a light touch.

Is it ever gonna be as sweet as a TW-90 or Burr-King or KMG? Of course not. But with a little patience and care, and a few mods, you can grind excellent blades on it... for the cost of one night out on the town, or less.
 
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I was going to do the table mod when I first got mine, but soon discovered I can replace belts without taking the table off. It just takes a little finessing. I use a jig sometimes also and did not like the grooves in the table. I just added another plate on top and clamp it down with a couple small c-clamps on the back edge of the table. The most productive mod I've done to mine is adding a pyrochem glass platen. This made a big difference in my bevel grinds.
 
Triought said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annot...&feature=iv&src_vid=bZwemN7t45g&v=dCYTRfEDzRU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZwemN7t45g

Here you go!
Click to expand...

I've seen those videos but thanks. The problem with the mod with the tool rest is that I use a jig/sled for my scandi grind blades and I drag it across the surface that would be cut away. I'm trying to figure out away that I wouldn't have to cut the back right side completely off so I could still clamp a board/piece of metal to it like NC biker mentioned.
 
james terrio said:
Triought is right, the "$500 Knife Shop" youtube channel is an excellent resource.

Several years ago, I slapped a pryoceram glass platen on my $150 Craftsman 2x42, took off all the guards and the tool-rest, cut it apart and re-built it to use 2x72" belts, and have since used it to grind hundreds of blades. Do not be intimidated by the high speed; just learn to employ a light touch.

Is it ever gonna be as sweet as a TW-90 or Burr-King or KMG? Of course not. But with a little patience and care, and a few mods, you can grind excellent blades on it... for the cost of one night out on the town, or less.
Click to expand...

I'm happy with a good amount of the blades I've done on the Craftsmen too. You just have to use a light touch, exactly as you said. My main issue is that the tool rest isn't level and when grinding Scandis you really have to use a jig/tool rest. It takes a lot of finagling to get the bevels right with the rest being off.
 
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It is hard to get that tool rest level. I've tried on mine with no success. Try and modify it or work around the fact that its not level. If you can get it to stay constant then level it yourself with some mild steel, shim stock and some job weld. And if you have to take it off, mark it so you can return it close to where it was before.
 
It is very easy to mod the shelf for easy belt changes and you already have the grinder to take the rough edges off of your cuts :)

2013-01-29_20-03-52_479_zps0f0688a3.jpg
 
gsain said:
It is very easy to mod the shelf for easy belt changes and you already have the grinder to take the rough edges off of your cuts :)

2013-01-29_20-03-52_479_zps0f0688a3.jpg
Click to expand...

While I appreciate you taking the time to post in the thread, that "fix" has already been covered. The problem is i use the rear/right portion of the tool rest with the jig that I use for Scandi's.

Does anyone know of a way to adjust the speed on these grinders? I'd love to have variable speed.
 
You're jig should be fine with a mod like the one about. Plus you can bolt or clamp a longer piece of steel plate on to tomake it bigger/longer. Maybe if you posted of picture of the type of jig you use, that might help. But with the most common jig style I know of, they don't require there to be any extra area on the work rest the goes forward and to the side of the belt, like the work rest above shows on it's left side.

-Paul
 
The only eay to adjust the speed that I know of is to take the disk off, attach a pulley and drive it with another motor. Either a variable speed motor or step pulleys. Make sure the 2x42 is unplugged though. A spun motor develops voltage.

At that point though is don't see why you wouldnt want to build a 2x72. But it is a fix nonetheless.

-Eric
 
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