Rough Profiling with Platen or Wheel?

D

drysideshooter

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Dec 6, 2011
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Do most of you prefer to rough profile using a flat platen or with a contact wheel?

In the Loveless book he uses a wheel, but I have seen videos where a platen is used as well. Is it just a matter of personal preference? I could see that the softer surface of a contact wheel might be an advantage for using the edge for tighter contours?
 
+1 on the wheel. Not only does the belt last longer but a serrated contact wheel grinds faster in my opinion.
 
10" corrugated wheel here too. Much prefer the wheel to the platen
esp. for profiling.
Ken.
 
Thanks JMJones, that is what I figured but thought I would throw it out there. So you all are mostly hogging with the wheel then switch to the flat platen for final profile.
 
Not to mention your platen will last longer . You can get dips in it if you use it for profiling even with a ceramic one..
 
Justin Presson said:
Thanks JMJones, that is what I figured but thought I would throw it out there. So you all are mostly hogging with the wheel then switch to the flat platen for final profile.
Click to expand...

I will do the finial profile freehand on the platen sometimes, but never use a work rest on the flat platen.
 
Don, (or anyone) why not use a work rest with a flat platen? I use a rest as I'm putting finishing touch on edges where I wish them square with sides. Just wondering about your statement. You've got LOTS more experience with knife making than I'll ever have, so I use this as a chance to learn.

Ken H>
 
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Ken H> said:
Don, (or anyone) why not use a work rest with a flat platen? I use a rest as I'm putting finishing touch on edges where I wish them square with sides. Just wondering about your statement. You've got LOTS more experience with knife making than I'll ever have, so I use this as a chance to learn.

Ken H>
Click to expand...
Ken, I don't do it because most all my profiles are slightly rounded. So I do it free hand and use a slack belt more, especially for finish work.
 
Thanks Don - now I understand your statement better. I took it to mean a tool rest should never be used with a flat platen. What you were actually saying was YOU never use a tool rest with your flat platen. Yep, there are some profiles where a rounded edge just works better. On the slipjoints I've been making lately the desire is to keep things square.

Thanks for the explanation.

Ken H>
 
I tried the wheel for some rough profiling today. The position of the work rest can really minimize getting an angle on the edge. Not being careful enough at first I could see right away that I was getting a pretty good bevel. A quick adjustment and it was minimized.
 
I profile with both the wheel and platen in the horizontal position. That would be the grinder.
The small wheel attachment is indispensable for finger grooves and choils.

Keep that blank moving so you don't dig a hole.
 
On a platen you get friction on both sides of the belt, on the wheel only on one side because it moves with the belt.

I find the wheel more comfortable and effective
 
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