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Knife Making Discussions A place to discuss issues related to all aspects of the custom knifemaking community. |
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#1
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Platens: ceramic and ... rubber
After using ceramic for a while (I cut $2 tiles from HD and glue them onto the metal),
it struck me that if I only had a soft platen, may be I could get smoother finish grinds. So, I got me 1/8x2 neoprene (Shore A 40), glued it onto the metal back of the platen (I welded another one for me home made 2x72), and then glued on some 5 thou PTFE film - right on top of the rubber. I think I got me a winner for 320+ grit belts - it is very smooth, you can get into the "pits" to take care of those stubborn scratches left by larger grit belts, you don't feel the bumping of the belt's joint point. Highly recommended . |
#2
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That does sound like a pretty good idea. I do the same thing except that mine is made with a thick piece of shoe sole leather. Keep a close eye on how the PTFE wears - the friction with the back of the belt can get very high.
Also, I once had a serious accident with a ceramic platen that was glued on and now I do not trust glue - any glue - as the sole method of attaching a platen surface. On the leather, I use countersunk screws and on the glass a metal foot screwed to the end of the steel platen will prevent the glass from sliding down and into the wheel should the glue ever fatigue and let go.... |
#3
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I made one that came from another forum member. Took a Mouse Pad and glued it to a peice of metal ( I used a peice of a computer case ) The computer case had a lip on the top to hang on to the platen then I placed a peice of graphite tape over the mouse pad to make the belt glide smooth over the mouse pad. It does work smooth as all get out. I think Steve Sando gave me the idea.
Shane |
#4
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I thought about using mouse pad too, but with McMaster 1 day away I sprang
for neoprene. PTFE is an extremely low friction material - but not as low as graphite. What tape did you use ? To glue the ceramic on top of metal I use Gorilla glue - I sand both the metal and the back of the ceramic tile, wipe both with alcohol and it holds it very tight. When ceramic needs replacement, I break it off the metal with a hammer and it is a tough going, have to break it piece by piece. |
#5
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rashid11 said "When ceramic needs replacement, I break it off the metal with a hammer and itis a tough going, have to break it piece by piece."
Heat it up, I just sitck mine in the fireplace for a couple minutes and t he glass comes right off; I suppose a kitchen oven would work also. Jerry |
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