Platen upgrade- advice needed

Willie71

Willie71

Warren J. Krywko
Joined
Feb 23, 2013
Messages
12,214
I got some cash for my birthday a few weeks back, and decided I had enough of my 1x30 for heavier stock removal. I couldn't afford a 2x72 and my plans for a KMG clone sit gathering dust due to lack of time, I bought a craftsman 2x42. I just got it today, and haven't set it up yet. I have read the platens are terrible. I was thinking of making a replacement, and have O1 (/8"), 1095 (1/4"), and 5160 (1/4"), all wide enough to make the platen with. Which would work best, and what temper should I aim for? I am assuming I want to keep it hard as possible, but I really don't know for sure. I assume a slight radius on either end to minimize wear on the belt.
 
http://popsupply.bizhosting.com/index.html

Try pops knife supply. He sells ceramic/plexiglass pieces that adhere to your platen. They cost about 10-15$. You can see the reflection of my hand off of the platen in picture 1.
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When I had mine I used a ceramic tile. JB welded to it but also followed the tutorial using two bolts below it so if it came loose theoretically it wouldnt go shooting off somwhere.

It worked great for as long as I had it, about a year I think.
 
You can also get them at USA knife maker supply or often at your local glass supply . You want a pyro ceramic type that is heat resistant. Frank
 
I've been using a piece of ceramic tile on mine since I bought it nearly two years and about 50 or so knives ago. It's held up really well. Here's the tutorial on how I did it. [video=youtube;SvbGy_SqMtc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvbGy_SqMtc[/video]

I'd save all that steel you mentioned to make knives!
 
Hey Willie send me the size you need and it I have a piece to fit I will send you a piece free. contact me at niro@telus.net I live in B.C. Pyro ceran glass is often used in fire places. Frank
 
I don't know about other's experiences and would be interested to know, anyone try those graphite platen liner deals from Jantz?? I used one a while back and talk about a total piece... Man that thing was total garbage. It was soft, melts easily and all I could ever tell that it did was throw messy graphite dust everywhere...
I now have a nice slick glass platen surface...
 
You can use mild steel for platen and it will last a long time. When it does start to wear you can either mill it flat again or sand it flat. Save the tool steel for knives.
 
Frank, thank you. I am setting up the grinder tonight, and will let you know the dimensions. I'll pay for the material and shipping.

Thank you all for the tips. Much appreciated. I will save the good steel for the knives. I originally bought the 5160 to top an anvil, but bought some hard facing rods instead. 1/4"x3" 1095 will make a nice wavy dagger.
 
LucyCustomKnives said:
I don't know about other's experiences and would be interested to know, anyone try those graphite platen liner deals from Jantz?? I used one a while back and talk about a total piece... Man that thing was total garbage. It was soft, melts easily and all I could ever tell that it did was throw messy graphite dust everywhere...
I now have a nice slick glass platen surface...
Click to expand...

I tried graphite and thought that in an ideal world it might be nice for slow speed finishing belts, but it was a pita for everything else. If you could swap a graphite covered platen in it might be good.

I am using pyroceram on a 2x9x3/8 steel platen on my for everything and love it. Having the ability to finish a knife lengthwise is an awesome feature.

Alex
 
Frank, thank you for the offer, but as I thought about it, I would feel better if you gave the material to someone who is just starting out, and can't afford it. The whole platen on the 2x42 is super light duty, and I will need to make a whole new assembly anyway.
 
Okay. I believe the ones I have are 2" X 6" and I'm still open to give you one with the edges cleaned up and the top and bottom radiused . The last couple of times I had a windshield replaced I ask to get some pieces. I was given several free ones each time. Frank
 
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