My "new" to me 2x72 custom grinder :)

duffy99

duffy99

Joined
Apr 2, 2011
Messages
425
So I bought a used grinder on Friday for $1000 . It's a custom built with the following specs:

VFD ( Powerflex 4) , 3 phase to single 2 HP motor, currently with just a platen but can take a big contact wheel. It was in a wooden box for the last year so it needed a little TLC on the platen and work rest but is running great. I need to buy a 10" contact wheel , figure out how to turn off the VFD box or install a power switch and put a pyroceram platen on. I have a 2 x 9 pryoceram platen but it's 1/2" to big for the platen any thoughts on getting it down to size. The bladesmith that built it was nice enough to give me 10 belts to get me going until my order from trugrit comes . I don't think KMG ships to Canada so there out for a wheel, Usaknifemaker has them and I looked at sunray.com and grizzly .

Thoughts on the grinder and where to buy my wheel and possibly an arm to put a small wheel above the contact wheel and cut the pyroceram down 1/2"? the wheel has to fit into a 3/4" hole , that's how the platen is mounted ? Here's way more pics then needed.











 
I'd buy a multi platen from Jamie at PolarBearForge. It's 20-30$ plus shipping. You might?? have to modify it to fit the grinder you have. It looks like a Wilton type? I'm not very familiar with them. Tracie at USAKnifemaker sells Rob's Beaumont wheels.
 
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Mooseyard said:
First off, I would get an enclosure for the VFD.
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It's mounted on a piece of 45 angle steel bracket but yes the filters are a very temporary thing and I'll make a box for the VFD. The Wheels at Usaknifemaker are 1/2" how would I adapt it ? I know this is probably a simple question but I don't know .
 
You'll love that thing!! its an iteresting design, how easy is it to swap out tool arms? Didnt get some old used belts to play with? I built my 2x72 grinder from an incline weight lifting bench and a tile saw!?;)
 
GTH11 said:
You'll love that thing!! its an iteresting design, how easy is it to swap out tool arms? Didnt get some old used belts to play with? I built my 2x72 grinder from an incline weight lifting bench and a tile saw!?;)
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Just take the tension off a hex nut to swap tools, platen or wheel., ye I got some belts to play with
 
Get your wheel from Stephen Bader Co. They make the best and they will make exactly what you need/want.
 
It's acceptable for the ceramic to overhang the steel platen a little. A half inch is fine. If it gets in the way of the 2 inch wheels it can be ground down. Its hard on the belt but if you have an older ceramic belt it doesn't take long. I have had an oversize ceramic platen on one 2x72 machine thats been there for years and it overhangs by an inch.

I think if you look closely you'll find that the VFD is single phase in an 3 phase to the motor. It is very rare that there would be 3 phase running to a private residence. Its God awful expensive.

Can the platen be rotated from vertical or is it fixed?

The 2 X 42 in the back ground will still be useful to you even after you get the new machine up and running.

Enjoy your new machine, Fred
 
Fred.Rowe said:
It's acceptable for the ceramic to overhang the steel platen a little. A half inch is fine. If it gets in the way of the 2 inch wheels it can be ground down. Its hard on the belt but if you have an older ceramic belt it doesn't take long. I have had an oversize ceramic platen on one 2x72 machine thats been there for years and it overhangs by an inch.

I think if you look closely you'll find that the VFD is single phase in an 3 phase to the motor. It is very rare that there would be 3 phase running to a private residence. Its God awful expensive.

Can the platen be rotated from vertical or is it fixed?

The 2 X 42 in the back ground will still be useful to you even after you get the new machine up and running.

Enjoy your new machine, Fred
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The platen would cover half of the the top wheels is that ok? I think I'll just slowly and carefully grind it down to desired length , wearing nitrile gloves and clothing that dust won't penetrate easily to be washed right after. I do the same with g-10 , micarta as I hate having that stuff on me . The platen is mounted in place but rotates 360 , it slides in and is held it place by a hex nut in the frame , the same spot I plan to have the big wheel go. The motor is 3 phase and it's single in 220v .
 
duffy99 said:
The platen would cover half of the the top wheels is that ok? I think I'll just slowly and carefully grind it down to desired length , wearing nitrile gloves and clothing that dust won't penetrate easily to be washed right after. I do the same with g-10 , micarta as I hate having that stuff on me . The platen is mounted in place but rotates 360 , it slides in and is held it place by a hex nut in the frame , the same spot I plan to have the big wheel go. The motor is 3 phase and it's single in 220v .
Click to expand...

Looks like it will have to be ground down. I'm with you, I do not want any of the toxins we work with in the shop, inside my lungs.

Let me know if the clamp grind works out and if you need a different length.

Fred
 
Very cool! Love the way the plate will cover the top/rear section of the traveling belt. I have made some doo-dads to cover that are on the KMGs because I was getting too many sparks in my face.

Very nice machine! :)
 
Damn good deal buddy. $1000 is a steal for what you got there, hope it serves you well, I am itching to build mine!!! :thumbup:
 
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