Where do I get it, and how do I change it?

J

jtwodogs

Joined
Feb 1, 2009
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Read several past post on the Sears 2x42 belt grinder for a starter.
But just about everyone that bought one said the first thing you have to do, is replace the planten with a ceramic one.
Anyone here had an experience with this, and if so could you share it with me?
Thanks
 
Absolutley need to modify the platen. USA Knifemaker sells pyroceramic glass platens. I have a piece of ceramic bathroom tile on mine that has lasted several years. I cut the middle out of a 6 inch tile, so the edges are sharp and symmetrical.
 
I got a glass platen from Ellis years ago. I'm guessing they are out of business.

I attached mine to the original steel platen with JB Weld. Dont just put the JB on, put the platen on top and push down. Put a thin layer of jb weld on the platen, and the back of the glass, and kinda "slide" it on the old steel platen. This will reduce any air bubbles and make it fit better. Don't clamp it real tight with anything either.

That grinder btw is a lightning bolt. Even with a glass platen, it was hard for me to get great results. Hard to control, and stuff got hot real fast.
 
Hey Josh I was afraid of that also.It seems like one of the mods. would be to put a speed controller in the circuit.
 
If you can't really afford the big $1000+ dollar KMG and Bader style grinders, look into a Coote. I love mine, and it's done everything I've asked. I still haven't used that machine to its full potential.

Its funny, some of the little junker mini grinders at harbor freight have a speed controller...lol
 
Josh Mason said:
That grinder btw is a lightning bolt. Even with a glass platen, it was hard for me to get great results. Hard to control, and stuff got hot real fast.
Click to expand...

Makes me curious why this grinder is recommended so often. The main advantage of belt grinders is versatility..but the single speed of this particular grinder kills that advantage to a significant degree imo. They can be modded of course, but wouldn't one learn more by spending all of that money, time and effort on materials and knives instead?
 
Lone Fortress said:
Makes me curious why this grinder is recommended so often. The main advantage of belt grinders is versatility..but the single speed of this particular grinder kills that advantage to a significant degree imo. They can be modded of course, but wouldn't one learn more by spending all of that money, time and effort on materials and knives instead?
Click to expand...

I believe they are recommended based primarily on their price point. You get get into a 2" wide grinder for not a lot of money, and there's a good amount of decent belts available for them.
 
jtwodogs said:
Read several past post on the Sears 2x42 belt grinder for a starter.
But just about everyone that bought one said the first thing you have to do, is replace the platen with a ceramic one.
Anyone here had an experience with this, and if so could you share it with me?
Thanks
Click to expand...

Any local glass supplier that cuts glass

Pyroceram

or fireplace / woodstove glass.
 
Based on the price point, it is hard to say bad things about the sears 2x42. Seriously, those who put it down maybe aren't just right for the grinder. But what matters is, are you? The price is right. I paid just over 100 for mine off CL and it came with a craftsman benchtop drill press and a craftsman 1x30 belt grinder. Tough to argue against that value. Is it too fast? Yes. What kind of maker are you? Many people have made many excellent knives with the 2x42. I made several platens with ceramic bath tile, one 2 inch and one at 1 inch as I had a bunch of free 1x42 belts. Have patience, learn to work cool and you can make excellent grinds with this machine. By the way, I made my own platens from scrap bracket steel, gorilla glued ceramic home depot tile on them with a metal support on the bottom of them for extra support. IM no pro maker, but i've made nice grinds that Im proud of with this grinder and have no plans to upgrade for my next few grinds.
 
I have made all my knives on a craftsman 2 x 42 so far. I am buying the parts and what not for a KMG right now.

USAKnifemaker has some sizes for the ceramic glass platen.

High Temp tools has the ceramic platens as well.

http://www.hightemptools.com/ceramicplatenliners.html

I believe you learn a lot by using a 2 x 42". Hand eye coordination and pressure control, I burnt up some edges at first, but you learn and get better. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't use a 2 x 42" to make great blades, it just takes practice.

I took some aluminum angle plate to make an extra platen with the ceramic glass on it for grinding. It makes your grinds cleaner, way cleaner than the stock POS platen.

I drilled two 1/4" holes at the bottom of my platens, used 1/4" bolts for a "ledge" and then attached with JB weld. Works like a champ for almost 3 years straight.
 
Just for the newer folks who might not know,
Darren Ellis sold his business a while back and it is now called High Temp Tools and Refractory. They still carry all the supplies one could want for forge building and much more.
www.hightemptool.com
 
I cut a piece of 1/2" granite kitchen tile and epoxied onto the platen six years ago and it has served me well for all my knives.

Dick
 
I saw some plug to plug rheostat controler for $25 on the net. Would this help control the speed, or just burn the motor out by reduction of voltage.
 
knife to a gunfight said:
I believe they are recommended based primarily on their price point. You get get into a 2" wide grinder for not a lot of money, and there's a good amount of decent belts available for them.
Click to expand...

This is a good answer. If you want a grinder better than a HF or a 1" wide grinder, but don't have alot of cash, the Craftsman is a decent option. Yes, it is too fast and underpowered, but it's $150 and there are a good selection of belts available. It teaches you to have a light touch and grind carefully. I made about 150 knives with my Craftsman before I built a NWG. The NWG was a significant step up, but the foundation for that step up was laid by my experience with the Craftsman.
 
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