platen confusion on Craftsman 2x42

ScottRoush

ScottRoush

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Jan 10, 2010
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I just ordered my Craftsman 2x42. I also make traditional longbows so this machine will continue to get great use when I upgrade. I've been following the threads on modifying the platen and it seems like you can either go with a ceramic modification or a graphite (carbon fiber???). It sounds like there is some advantage to using the graphite but I never saw any real good info on the best way to attach. Can ya just JB weld it?

The other point of confusion was the best way to attach the ceramic. Most folks seem to JB Weld and then tap in some screws to form a 'ledge' for it... but there was also mention of actually drilling through the ceramic and bolting it. Anyway.... I just want to make sure I get this right.

Thanks!
 
I drilled and tapped the bottom of my platen and screwed two set screws into the holes (to hold the ceramic in place), then coated the back of the ceramic and stuck it on. Let it dry completely and then your good to go. Make sure the set screws don't protrude more than the ceramic.
 
Jantz Knife Supply sell a graphite stick-on liner that seems to work pretty well. I'm using one now. I don't have but a few hours use on it so I can't tell about it's life. It does still look just like it did when I stuck it on last summer.
 
thanks guys.. so the screws are placed so that the ceramic basically sits tight against em on either side right?
 
It may sound simplistic but I have attached pieces of pyro to platens more than once and always use AcraGlas. I have never had it release and it does a very creditable job of adhering glass to steel.

I'm not familiar with your particular grinder and it's platen but one thing that you definately need before attaching glass to a metal platen is to make sure that the metal platen is rigid. I had a problem with my Grizzly not being stiff enough and eventually cracked the pyro. Adding an additional 1/4" of steel before attaching the pyro cured the problem.

Gary
 
Mossanimal said:
thanks guys.. so the screws are placed so that the ceramic basically sits tight against em on either side right?
Click to expand...

No it sits on the bottom. The theory being they will hopefully hold the platen in place long enough for you to notice should the adhesive fail. You can see how it's suggested on Tracy's site here. I attached mine no my 2x42 in a similar manner. Only I ran the bolts in from the back of the platen and used a lock washer on each one. I just used self drilling bolts and drilled a pilot hole before sending them through. I did mine exactly the way it's suggested on there only I roughed up the platen a bit with some 80 grit sandpaper and a file before I attached it. If you get it from there you'll need to cut the glass down a bit to fit the platen because it's shorter than 8". You can use a glass cutter or if you have a decent wet tile saw you can cut it on that, which is what I used just take your time.
 
I got it now... I really need to get the grinder in hand and this will make more sense.

So any opinions on using graphite rather than ceramic???
 
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