Wilton Square Wheel setup question.

P. McKinley

P. McKinley

Joined
Jan 27, 2008
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While setting up my new (to me) grinder I noticed that the bottom contact wheel on the platen assembly looks well back of "flush" with the platen face. The top wheel is almost flush.

What's the proper set up?
What size allen wrench is needed to adjust the contact wheel's cam-like bearing assembly on this machine? (I have three full sets and a box of random allen keys and not one fits)

Thanks,

Peter

Bottom:


Top:
 
Both top and bottom should be as you have the top wheel now. The belt should make contact across the platen top to bottom, Frank
 
I recently re-watched Harvey Dean's flat grinding dvd before trying to grind my little damascus blade, and he purposely shimmed his platen out a few mm with a couple washers, so that the wheels would not gouge the blade (or his fingers) as he was grinding lengthwise to flatten the ricasso area. I do not know if this is common practice, or even a good thing, but seemed to make sense for that particular task. I'm kinda curious what you more knowledgeable guys think of that, because it seemed like a pretty good idea at the time I was grinding. I had a hard time keeping my gloved finger off the belt at the top wheel, and I thought to try it without gloves for a pass and quickly decided to put the glove back on. It's quite precarious.. my grinder is a BEE 2x72" and it's very similar in design to the Wilton. I have not yet modified it in any way (the platen).
 
Last edited:
Just a short update...

A Torx bit does fit the socket(thanks Stacy), and I was able to rotate the wheel cam "out" so the belt is a bit closer to the platen. However, the belt is still nowhere near flush with the platen so the issue remains.

Any additional tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Peter
 
Are you asking if the Platen is out too far? It should set as Frank said. Too flush and it would be slackbeltyish and would likely wander, and make it harder to run a Jflex belt over the edge to cut in plunge lines.
 
Brian - My concern(never owning or using a 2x72 before) was the sharp belt angle created at the base of the platen with the wheel so far aft of flush. I'm thinking excessive belt wear and heat at that point. It would seem to me that the set-up at the top would be ideal for the bottom as well. I do, however, understand the concern with "slackbeltedness".... am I being overly concerned with this? Is this current set-up just fine?
 
I keep mine considerably closer to the edge of the platen than what your photo shows. I'd say the wheels are no more than .060" back, as it really doesn't need to be more to allow clearance, and you're correct - LOTS of stress and heat from such an abrupt transition.

My hex wrench is 3/16", btw.
 
Hi guys. For what its worth, I've been running my Wilton like you've got yours set up for ten years now. I suppose I could be wearing the belts out early, but I think its fine. I wouldn't sweat it, or change it.
Ed
 
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