Scotch Brite Belts in My Craftsman 2x42

R

rockfishbrewery

Joined
Jan 24, 2012
Messages
35
Hello all,

After extensive use of the search function I am unable to find a definitive answer, hence my post.

I've read that due to the shroud clearance issue on the Craftsman 2x42, you cannot use Scotch Brite belts. I've also read that you can cut portions of the shroud off in order to allow enough clearance to run Scotch Brite belts. I would rather avoid doing that if possible.

My questions are as follows:
-Do Scotch Brite belts come in varying thicknesses? Are some thicker than others? Can I run thinner ones in my Craftsman 2x42 without any modifications (if they exist)?


Thanks,

Matt Harmon
 
Hey Matt,

Most ScotchBrite belts are uniform in thickness which is needed as they wear down a bit with use. The Shop here uses 2x72 scotchbrite or surface refinishing belts(same thing) and they all seem to be uniform in thickness id say 1/8in give or take. Great belts by the way Easy way to get nice uniform Machine satin finish on blades. If i were you id modify your grinder to use them and GO.....The reason im saying that is its not like your having to modify a Burr King Grinder or Wilton, etc..

Good luck,

Velocity Knives
 
I'm hoping someone has found some thin enough to fit. The scotchbrite isn't very thick, it is just too think to fit. I have the craftsman and bought a scotchbrite belt to see what the clearance issue was like. Like you, I've refrained from cutting pieces off the grinder so far.
 
When I had a 2x42, I could never find a ScotchBrite (or equivalent) that would work without removing a portion of the shroud. I tried 1 x 42 ScotchBrite belts and they didn't work either.
 
Making or finding, and then modding, tools to fit purposes is big part of the fun of making knives (for me anyway).

Examples:

Grinding safe edges on files

Making holding tools out of things like ViseGrips and found clamps.

Sharpening any, and every, tool I use

Making things fit you, and how you need to work, is part of the craft..................

Go For It you'll be happy.

If, in your mind, the issue is safety, recognize that really good eye protection and dust masks are IMPORTANT to your health

Syn
 
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I cut my craftsman down for scotchbrite clearance nearly two years ago. 150 knives later, no complaining from the grinder. I had to cut off part of the shroud on the bottom wheel for sure, but I don't remember if I had to take off some of the top shroud or not. I'm assuming you threw all the guards away day one and are running the machine with the belt/wheels exposed on the right side.
 
Here's the Mods I made to the shrouds on my 2x42.

2x42Mods02.jpg


2x42Mods01.jpg


I didn't have to cut the top one back to get the ScotchBrite to work, but I had to cut the lower one. I think I cut the top one so I could use the wheel when profiling. The only problem now is that I get a lot of crap flying over the top and into my face. A ball cap and safety glasses is a must! I'm about to make a temporary cover out of an aluminum can. This way I can remove it if I want to use the wheel for profiling.

I didn't much care for the finish the ScotchBrite belt left. The one I ordered from TruGrit is really course and hard. It left a mess. Nothing like the pads. I'm wondering if there aren't different "grits" of these belts?

Edit: If you do this, be careful with the angle grinder. I nicked my upper wheel and now I have some tracking issues. Not bad, just annoying. I think it is ever so slightly out of balance now.
 
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Hey Again,


Yep there are different Abrasive sizes,,, Blue is FINE,, Red is medium and the grey is Coarse. In the shop here we use the Blue and red versions. The main thing is you have to remember is, scotchbrite isn't a grinding belt. It is a surface finish/blending belt. , make complete passes when you use it on blades and they work fine for an even machine satin finish. Also you might think about the 3m scotchbrite wheels, those work great also .

PS. Also the first thing we do when we get a new belt is condition the belt by running it on a semi sharp cornered pice of steel to soften it a bit , breaks the edges down and evens out the fibers which in turn gives a better more even finish.


velocity Knives
 
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Just checked, I did not modify the top of the shroud as in the pic above. I agree with Mudbug, that top shroud is nice to keep grinding crud going the right direction.
 
Mudbug007 said:
I think I cut the top one so I could use the wheel when profiling. The only problem now is that I get a lot of crap flying over the top and into my face. A ball cap and safety glasses is a must!
Click to expand...
Same here. Where'd you get that stand in the second pic, and how tall is it?
 
FWIW the parts for that grinder are dirt cheap on sears website and most parts are available. So if you screw up it shouldn't be too bad to replace it.
 
james terrio said:
Same here. Where'd you get that stand in the second pic, and how tall is it?
Click to expand...

James, the stand came from a local tool wholesaler and it's just like this one. Bench Grinder Stand. Since I operate out of my garage, I needed something that was portable. On most days, I just carry it in and out of the Garage as I need it.

If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't cut the top shroud, I'd just get a spindle sander, which I'll probably do anyway.

B_Rogers, thanks for the heads up. I thought about replacing that upper wheel with a nick in it, but right now it hasn't been a big enough pita to mess with. I also kinda messed up the handle and set screw on the tension spring, but again, it's working well enough currently....lol
 
One thing about the stand I had. The top came pre drilled for bench grinders and my 2x42 didn't match up. In fact, it takes up every bit of the top. I had to drill my own mounting holes, but that shouldn't be hard for anyone to do. Just be aware there'll probably be some modifications to be made!
 
VelocityM, which ScotchBrite wheel do you use and where do you get them. I've looked online and there seems to be every shape and size imaginable. I have a 8" bench grinder turned buffer but as of yet, haven't found any 8" ScotchBrite wheels with a 5/8ths arbor. I figure I'll have to use an insert once I get a wheel.
 
I got my ScotchBrite wheel from TruGrit. I got the 6" diameter and they had the arbor diamater adapters to go with it to fit my buffer.

They have things that are not listed on their site, so your best bet is to call them and see what they have.
 
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