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  #1  
Old 07-28-2003, 03:04 PM
Toolman Toolman is offline
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Question Converting to Belt

Just curious why so many knifemakers convert wheeled surface grinders to accept a belt? I have 4 surface grinders and wouldn't hesitate converting one if there is an advantage to doing so.


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Old 07-28-2003, 03:15 PM
Jason G Howell Jason G Howell is offline
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hmmm, no use converting, nope, no need in that!

in fact just send me one yellow freight

Seriously, cooler running, new belt+true every time, convenient grit change, more takeoff per pass. With 4 machines, I'd definitely change one and see for yourself. Call Bader, they can fix you up.


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Old 07-28-2003, 03:29 PM
Darren Ellis Darren Ellis is offline
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I agree with Jason, you don't need 4, you only need 2, so I'll gladly give one a home in my shop too!

Jason, is there any concern with flex in the wheel, or is that just splitting hairs? What durometer do you recommend?

Thanks!

-Darren


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Old 07-28-2003, 03:33 PM
Jason G Howell Jason G Howell is offline
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I don't think there should be a concern for flex. Serrated will let you hog off plenty per pass. Besides, I finish on the platen anyway.

Not sure on the duro, check with Bader, the can steer you right. Maybe even Rob Frink?


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  #5  
Old 07-28-2003, 04:49 PM
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Alain M-D Alain M-D is offline
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K&G sell a Surface Grinder Conversion Attachment for 350$....

"Easily converts your surface grinder to a contact wheel accepting
a 2X72 in. belt."

http://www.knifeandgun.com/catalog/s...nt_2003844.htm

Hoping that can help !
Alain M-D
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Old 07-29-2003, 11:54 AM
Toolman Toolman is offline
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Thanks everyone for the info and the links. Maybe I will convert one.

Sorry Darren and Jason I'm not ready to get rid of any of them yet. But nice try!!


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Old 07-29-2003, 02:05 PM
fitzo fitzo is offline
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The durometer on most knifegrinding contact wheels is too soft for this application. The rubber is going to cup slightly at the edge of the steel. You will not get as precision a surface as with stone wheels, even with a harder rubber, but except for critical applications it won't matter. It's a lot faster than stones, too, especially in applications like flattening damascus billets. The first one I'd ever heard of was a chap from Michigan back in the 80's who'd made one that was engineered so well he could put near a mirror finish on balisong blade flats, his specialty. Wish I could remember his name, but that was more than 2 minutes ago I last remembered it. Can anyone help me with the name? He sorta hung with Chuck Stewart and the Gottages in the 80's.

Many of the folks building their own conversion have happily purchased wheels from Bertie Rietveld in South Africa. He sells a higher-durometer wheel:

http://www.batavia.co.za/

Last edited by fitzo; 07-29-2003 at 02:12 PM.
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  #8  
Old 08-01-2003, 10:41 PM
N House N House is offline
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Bertie wheels are out off this world,I bought a 10 inch contact wheel from him and is it the best tracking wheel I own.


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Old 08-02-2003, 11:15 AM
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hammerdownnow hammerdownnow is offline
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I was all excited waiting for a conversion kit to come out. I almost fell off my chair when I saw the price. Geez, You could buy a whole grizzly for that, and have a 150.00 dollar buffer motor left over.
edit:
( can't spell today)


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Last edited by hammerdownnow; 08-02-2003 at 11:19 AM.
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Old 08-07-2003, 10:20 AM
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The diameter never changes on belt systems like the rocks do when they wear.
Rubber wheels hog it off, and metal flat wheels can dress off the billets quite nicely.
You will only true the wheel ONE time(not every time).
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