New Esteem platen review thread - It's done!

Brock Cutlery

Brock Cutlery

Joined
Jan 10, 2015
Messages
1,673
OK, it's done, but I don't have it in my hands until this weekend. I'll be posting a video review as soon as I can get it set up and start testing it out. :D

The way Brett made this it should fit just about any grinder. It will require a tooling arm like he uses on his standard Esteem grinder platen with the 3/4 inch mount rod. Just loosen the bolt and slip this frame on.

The final version allows for 2, 3, 4, or 5 inch wheels top or bottom or any combination.
There are some interesting options available because of those wheel holes. I think it will even fit Nathan's extra long platen if you use two 2 inch wheels. I have to test that out when it gets here.
Whatever wheel combo you use the belt lines up in the same place, as long as you have the wheels in the right mount position.
Pretty sure the below pics are the 2 and 4 inch wheel combo. That's how it will come to me.

Funny this is where it started. The hillbilly pencil sketch...
Sketch2.jpg

Thanks to Brett and many folks here who had great input (Stromberg, Kuraki, Butch, and others), this is what it looks like finished.

EsteemCD1.jpg

EsteemCD2.jpg
 
That is a very nice platen design. I can see it's value because it so easily accepts 2,3,4,and 5 inch contact wheels. I must point out that most knife makers already have a flat platen and contact wheels. I have a separate toolbar for each contact wheel that I own so I think the value of this platen would be more for the knife maker who is just buying his Esteem grinder and can have the contact wheel and platen all in one. Larry
 
The quick change platen (and quick adjust) for me is the nicest part. I love the two wheel sizes too, don't get me wrong. Another plus for me, it has clearance on both sides for tang grinding without bumping into the frame.
And with the extra mount holes in the frame for the wheels, it's just begging for an array of C-frame mounted work rests. :) I think the work rest possibilities is the part that will be most interesting to see develop as other makers get this frame. I have several ideas for that already.
 
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Got a few more pics. I finally got it in my hands today.
This shows some of the platens including radius, standard, long, and a felt backed thing Brett sent along. Not sure what to do with that yet.
This thing is really well made. The single crank holds the rods solid as can be.
I'll get this hooked up and do a grinding video soon.

Platens`.jpg EsteemCD2.jpg EsteemCD4.jpg
 
Jonathans said:
Did you pass along the order list to Brett, or should we contact him?
Click to expand...

You'll want to reach out. I wasn't sure whether all would want to go this route vs build your own. He has a few left from this batch as of last night, but he is planning on making them going forward.
 
We are putting together either an email group or a DM thread with all the new users on this to exchange thoughts, gripes, and improvements. If you get one and want to exchange thoughts and ideas let me know and I'll get it together.
 
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