Rotary platen questions

[catcalls]

I have seen many people use the rotary platens on their kmg, but I still am a little confused on its functions. Ive heard of people not liking it?!? Does it stay flat, like a regular flat platen? Slack? Any help is very much appreciated!! Thanks

Jack

 

[AWSmith]

It is adjustable for tension, but it still gives if you put pressure on it. With it's four different surfaces, you get different 'slack' areas, which means more or less slack depending on the distance between the two pulleys you are working between. Working lightly against it with it fully tight, between two short pulleys, you could get pretty close to flat, but not dead nuts, in my opinion.

I use it to convex grind, and I am still tinkering with it to get the most out of it. Another benefit is that you can rotate against it and get consistent results. Comes in handy for guards and such.

I am a neophyte still, so I am sure others will be along soon to add their experience.

 

[OTK]

Excellent for getting a really flush fit between scales and guard, and just general handle shaping. I don't use mine a lot for blade grinding.

 

[jdm61]

Ditto on handle work. I have also used it for setting an edge either in lieu of or in combination with the "slack" part of the belt.