radius edges on a platen.

ERIK KNIVES

ERIK KNIVES

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Aug 17, 2010
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883
It seems to me that radius edges on a platen might be a cool way to achieve some nice plunges. I've ran the belt over the edge of the platen, and I've cleaned up a plunge on a granite slab. Could a radius edge on the platen with the right belt yield better or easier results? Once you move away from the ceramics and to the finishing belts, it seems like it would be an obvious benefit. One size would not fit all, but 1/16" radius might be good for most mid sized knives.

I'm sure some of you have done something similar. Any experience to share?

EA
 
I've thought about that myself, Erik. I've always cleaned up plunges a little bit by hand with round diamond needle files. I've also considered getting some of the cratex abrasive cones or wheels to do it by hand like Stacy suggested quite a while ago as well, but that stuff is expensive!! I've got a couple extra platens but haven't tried it because I was afraid I'd ruin them if it didn't work well.

Why don't you try it first and let me know how it goes!:D
 
jonnymac44 said:
I've thought about that myself, Erik. I've always cleaned up plunges a little bit by hand with round diamond needle files. I've also considered getting some of the cratex abrasive cones or wheels to do it by hand like Stacy suggested quite a while ago as well, but that stuff is expensive!! I've got a couple extra platens but haven't tried it because I was afraid I'd ruin them if it didn't work well.

Why don't you try it first and let me know how it goes!:D
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Why didn't I think of that? I'll get some cold rolled mild steel and have my buddy radius a few different sizes on his Bridgeport as a test. If works as good as I imagine, I will spring for the good stuff or beg Nathan to do a batch and we will all be having fun with radius platens.

I'll get back to you. If you never hear from me again, It's because it worked too good. ;)
 
alb1k said:
Why didn't I think of that? I'll get some cold rolled mild steel and have my buddy radius a few different sizes on his Bridgeport as a test. If works as good as I imagine, I will spring for the good stuff or beg Nathan to do a batch and we will all be having fun with radius platens.

I'll get back to you. If you never hear from me again, It's because it worked too good. ;)
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Sounds good bro! Have him make two......know what I mean???;)
 
I think you will be happy with the results. I only hollow grind but everything I have is radiused (including one of Nathan's platens)and even slightly humped to accomplish nice plunges and eliminate two" marks.

RP_DS_6125.jpg


Or

rsz_rp_ds_5562.jpg


David
 
my glass platten is rounded to about 1/8 inch and nates i think is closer to 3/16

sharp edges can look nice but they also are stress risers. also since i make mostly kitchen knives and razors (neather need a hard plunge ) i have litttle need for that sharp corner
 
You can also just radius part of the platten. That way you have a section that still has a squared edge if you ever want that. I radiused mine where I normally grind and left the bottom squared off.

Wayne Suhrbier
 
What about taking lengths of small tubing and cutting it in half the long way and then JB Welding it to the edge of a platen. Different size tubes could give you different radii.
 
I put a radius on my 8" Burr King wheel and one of my platens... and I completely quit using them.

I like things crisp and clean, and for the way I do things I didn't feel like I had as much control that way. Obviously guys like David are doing very crisp/clean work and he put a radius on his stuff, so maybe I just held my mouth wrong.

You don't need a Bridgeport to do something like this. Get a set of radius gauges for about $10 at Enco. You can file in a very clean and consistent radius with some careful filing and a radius gauge. If your buddy squares up the platen first, and has his machine dialed in, the corner rounding endmills will leave nice round corner, but if he doesn't square the platen first, and there's anything off on his machine, he'll end up with some little funky edges that need to be scraped or filed clean anyway. :)
 
NickWheeler said:
I put a radius on my 8" Burr King wheel and one of my platens... and I completely quit using them.

I like things crisp and clean, and for the way I do things I didn't feel like I had as much control that way. Obviously guys like David are doing very crisp/clean work and he put a radius on his stuff, so maybe I just held my mouth wrong.

You don't need a Bridgeport to do something like this. Get a set of radius gauges for about $10 at Enco. You can file in a very clean and consistent radius with some careful filing and a radius gauge. If your buddy squares up the platen first, and has his machine dialed in, the corner rounding endmills will leave nice round corner, but if he doesn't square the platen first, and there's anything off on his machine, he'll end up with some little funky edges that need to be scraped or filed clean anyway. :)
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What about doing the platen the way Kyle Royer and Brian Felholter have theirs? Do I recollect that you have, or have done a platen that way for the plunges with the radius coming over the top of the platen? AC Richards showed me how to do nice even plunges with with a 9" disc but I'd also like to work on a more radiused plunge line.

watercooled3.JPG Brian Felholters water cooled platen...
 
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Just move your belt a little over the edge of the platen or wheel. After repeating this several times, you will find it works very well. Frank
 
When I ordered my KMG I asked about this as well, and I think it was Nick who told me not to bother. I'm glad I didn't, because I get quite a nice radius off of the square edge of the platen; in fact, I don't think that I'd want any more radius than I have now. I wonder how much of this radius is determined by belt selection and/or individual maker technique?

P1030343.jpg
 
Well clearly, this is one of those "do what works for you" areas. Awesome makers who like a radius; awesome makers who like a hard edge. I'm going to play with it to see how I like it. I want to build some more platens.

EA
 
BTW, I gifted your new large prybar to my buddy who welded up my stamp press. He was very happy and I need to keep him that way - he has the mill for this project ;)
 
G'day Eric,

I have been playing with radius edge's as well. Havent had much luck yet though.
 
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