On a belt sander, what is the platen?

I

iambored388

Joined
Mar 9, 2010
Messages
117
people talk about it but i have NO IDEA of what it is. Also what does it do, and what does removing it do? thanks
 
The flat plate that backs up the belt. It holds the belt rigid, so you can grind accurately.
 
When the platen is removed, usually you will have a slack belt condition which is helpful to start a convex edge on a blade.
 
I convex on a belt sander and have never removed my platen. I am pretty tall so I sharpen up near the top wheel YMMV.
 
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