Platen set up?

D

DukeHarley

Joined
Apr 11, 2014
Messages
644
Getting my grinder set up and I was wondering where you guy prefer to set your platen in relationship to you top and bottom wheels?

Jay
 
I also use a tempered glass plate that helps to save the platen wear and tear and the belt just rides over the leading/trailing edge to ride as flat as possible on the glass so really an eyeball setting with enough tension to ride flat on the platen without any bounce.
 
I put my entire set up assembled on a flat surface with the platen face down. Then I shim the top and bottom wheels maybe about 1/8" behind the platen then I tighten the platen into place.

This why you can grind the entire length of a long blade and not have the wheels touching it.
 
I do the same thing that Adam does, except I've drill indexing holes through both the adjustable part of the platen and the fixed part. Loosen the bolts, insert two .125" pins (I use the stubs of broken or worn endmills) into the indexing holes, tighten bolts, done!

My platen is only about .060" proud of the wheels, though. Have to be careful when using flexible, thin stock, but it hasn't been a problem and I'd think it's got to be creating less heat...
 
Oh ya


I radius the top and bottom edges to help with the heat from friction.
 
I set mine dead nuts even with the wheels. My first glass was set proud about 1/16 and when I started having trouble with tapered tangs I put a straight edge on it. It was worn off to a taper for 3/4 inch each end. It explained some issues. Jess
 
Jesse, were you using tempered or plate glass, or pyroceram? I've NEVER experienced that kind of wear with my pyroceram before... WOW!!!
 
Matthew Gregory said:
Jesse, were you using tempered or plate glass, or pyroceram? I've NEVER experienced that kind of wear with my pyroceram before... WOW!!!
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This^^^Never had a problem either?? Pyroceram is pretty much bullet proof I would guess mine is set about 1/16" proud...Interesting??!!!
 
I am and was using the pyro ceramic glass. if you have used your glass for a longish period put a straight edge on it. I believe I have heard someone here indicate wear in the center of pyro Ceramic. Maybe from heavy profiling. How often do you guys change your glass? Jess
 
When it breaks, and no sooner. :D

Just checked the one I'm using now - about a year old, I'd say, and dead flat. Weird...
 
Matthew Gregory said:
When it breaks, and no sooner. :D

Just checked the one I'm using now - about a year old, I'd say, and dead flat. Weird...
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In 10 years I've switched out 4 only because they broke. I have 2 platen/glass set ups if one breaks I just change out the whole unit so it's not a show stopper. I have one extra pyroceram at any time to replace the broken one when I need a break from yardwork. I do much of the heavy grinding with wheels before hitting the platen.
 
I just recently resurfaced my KMG platen. I bought two extra a few weeks ago when I noticed my original one getting a little rough. As long as you have two of them you can just use the flat side of one of them to resurface the other. Also, both sides can be used so when one gets worn down you can just flip it over.

Now what I'd be interested to learn is how guys are avoiding excessive platen wear. I've heard Nathan the Machinist mention that some methods can buildup a bunch of black gunk on the platen and lead to excessive wear. I think he might have said that running some belts wet causes it... I could very well be wrong though.
 
We're avoiding it by using pyroceramic glass. Only one person in this thread has mentioned wear on it - the rest of us have NO wear. No brainer, if you ask me...
 
I will also be using pyro glass. thanks for the replies guys. I figured my platen need to be set proud but wasn't sure how much.

jay
 
Antlerhog said:
I will also be using pyro glass. thanks for the replies guys. I figured my platen need to be set proud but wasn't sure how much.

jay
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When you purchase the Glass BUY 2 to be on the safe side in case you crack the first one by accident and somewhere down the road you may need to replace it.
 
Busto said:
When you purchase the Glass BUY 2 to be on the safe side in case you crack the first one by accident and somewhere down the road you may need to replace it.
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Lol...... Yep that's what the guy who sold it to me say so I got 2 right off the bat.

Jay
 
629hugo said:
Jay did you finish this grinder yet? We need to see it!!
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Well, I had the Burr King started and I had a 2x72 GIB started also so I had to make a decision as to which to focus on first as I was spreading myself and funds to thin to finish anything. Doesn't make any sence to have two grinder partially finished. I elected to get the 2x72 done first and then focus on the Burr King 2.5x60. Ill post some pics of the GIB later today. Its all wired up and ready to plug in. Just busy getting ready to head to Nebraska tomorrow for a few days to scout out some hunting ground.
 
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