Rubber contact wheels for flat platen?

G

googlebutt

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Jun 4, 2018
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I'm in the process of purchasing a 2x72 with a flat platen which comes with the standard 2" machined aluminum wheels, but I was considering using rubber contact wheels instead. Is there any downside to replacing aluminum idler wheels with contact wheels? Looking for opinions, thanks
 
Should be no problem replacing at least one with rubber. I've got a 2" on top and a 4" on bottom on my platen. No point in using two rubber wheels with the same radius, IMO.
 
googlebutt said:
There's no funky alignment issues with the platen when using wheels of a different diameters?
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Not if the wheels are aligned to begin with. Depending on what platen you’re putting the wheels on, you may need to relocate a hole for the larger diameter wheels, or shorten up the flat platen.
I’ve been meaning to put rubber on my platen for years. Just haven’t had the extra funds when I think about doing it.
 
G googlebutt No problem, just set the platen an equal amount away from each wheel

Here is my Franken Grinder
 
Here's the grinder I have on order: https://kadrmaskreations.com/products/srg-2x72-belt-grindersander-frame-with-wheels

And here's the platen:

ExRcJhi.jpg


You think I'd have to make any modifications to run a 2/4" or 1.5/3" combo?
 
You will have to create clearance for a 4" bottom wheel for sure it won't clear the flat platen....if you go 2" top and 3" bottom you will have less headache creating clearance for the 3" wheel. I would start with what you have before deciding on swapping out wheels get a feel for what you might want then build another tool arm/platen for those larger wheels.
 
I just got my 2" rubber contact wheel from the Ameribrade boys, it was a great deal, came with bearings and a spacer.

The original 2" rubber contact wheel came from KMG and over time it turned into a lopsided cone wearing the rubber down on one side, come to find out the bearing pockets were milled at different depths and the wheel would shift while running and wear unevenly.

I did not even bother to contact kmg due to their bad service.
 
Here is my setup. 2” rubber on top and 8” rubber on bottom. The entire thing pivots so I can use any wheel, platten or slack belt area. Don’t pay any attention the swarf covered slacker photo bombing the grinder pic.

Photo%20Sep%2004%2C%2010%2018%2038%20PM.jpg
 
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