Glass Platen for 1" x 30" Belt Grinders

A glass platen will make a world of difference on your 1 x 30 grinder.
Glass platens are easily obtained at: www.littlebear...
Note these other videos by Little Bear Knives:
Glass platens for a 2 x 72 grinder - KZbin video: • Use both sides of your...
A new Chef Knife "Niswonger" KZbin video: • Introducing a BRAND NE...
I was absolutely amazed with the quality and accuracy of my grinds after installing ceramic glass platens on my grinders . Grizzly, Harbor Freight, Wen, Rikon, and Powertec all have similar 1 x 30 belt grinder, sander models. The small metal platen that comes with these grinder/sanders is not only small but quickly wears out and becomes pitted and out of square.
This video shows you how to install a ceramic glass platen on your 1 x 30. It is easy to install by following the step by step instructions. Another bonus tip is to use strong double sided carpet tape. Use two pieces for extra security. When you feel it is time to replace the glass, the tape is easily dissolved using acetone. When you use double sided carpet tape, you can use the same piece of glass. Just reverse it on your metal platen. I avoid using epoxy because the glass has to be broken to replace. I am also very uneasy about the hold ability of epoxy. If it fails you could have a sudden release of glass shards. With double sided carpet tape, the worst I have had happen is a slight shift in shift in the glass platen. This was with my 2 x 72. I removed it using acetone, put it back on using two pieces of fresh tape, and had no more problems. Use alcohol to do a final cleaning before installation.
Ceramic Glass platens are very long lasting. I have them installed on two of my machines. I have had no reason to replace them even after many hours of use. Occasionally you might get small nicks on the edge of the glass. I have found no impact on the usability of the machine. The main benefit of the ceramic glass is the very flat face. When tracking the belt, you will note a much smoother action. Plunge lines are much more precise.
It is very important to have a metal shelf for the ceramic glass platen to rest on. This is the main instruction of the video. DO NOT USE REGULAR GLASS. Regular glass cannot hold up to the heat generated. Jeopardizing your safety in an attempt to save a few bucks is not worth it. The few dollars spent on real ceramic glass (can stand continuous temperatures of 1292 degrees) is well worth the price. Ceramic glass lasts a very, very long time but it is a good idea to have an extra piece on hand.
Coarse Grit Sanding Belts: www.amazon.com...
1/4 - 20 Drill and Tap: www.amazon.com...
Woodstock D4089 Machinist Square Set: www.amazon.com...
Drill Press Clamp 9-inch:www.amazon.com...
One inch clamp: www.amazon.com...
Tap and Die Handle: www.amazon.com...
Pro Cutting Fluid 4 oz: www.amazon.com...
Exacto Knife: www.amazon.com...
Fiskar Scissors: www.amazon.com...
Loctite: www.amazon.com...
Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive: www.amazon.com...
1/4-20 x ½ Socket Head Cap Srews: www.amazon.com...
40 Piece Tap and Die Set:www.amazon.com...
Punching tool: www.amazon.com...
Double sided Carpet Tape: www.amazon.com...

[@semideiapraumnome]

*This is exactly what I needed for trimming the edge of oak boards **MyBest.Tools** I also used the disk to round edges while building an oak - walnut cabinet.*

[@stevedodge94]

I am glad that it helps. A little modification can make big improvements.

[@ReadyUpGo]

I just received a platen I ordered from Little Bear Knives after viewing this and here’s what you need to know - Delivery to Oregon took only two days from the day I made the order. With the platen, which was expertly packaged, was their business card, a full page receipt for the platen, and a sheet with general information all neatly packed in a ziplock bag. The glass platen has no chips and was sandwiched between two pieces of 1/8” plywood. Everything about this was absolutely top notch and after getting banged around by companies who fall short day after day anymore, I am overjoyed to have found one that measures up! Bravo! Instant subscriber and proponent.

[@stevedodge94]

Thank you for your great review. We try very hard to deliver a quality product as quick as possible. When the Post Office does their part, it really works.

[@TheBeStLifehomestead]

I ordered one of these from you on ebay a few months ago, I finally got my shop setup and installed it on my 1x30 I love it. I have grinded bevels on 2 slipjoints so far. good belts with the glass platen improved the grinds so much and lowered my hand sanding time a bunch.

[@stevedodge94]

Glad you like it. I won't run any of my belt sanders without a ceramic glass platen. Only way to go. If you need more, please use my website above.

[@seeharvester]

In my search for 1x30 sander reviews, I clicked on this to find out what a platen is. Stayed for the overall great video.

[@stevedodge94]

Thank you for the positive review. If you install a ceramic glass platen, you will be glad you did.

[@jennytalbert5547]

This is a great tutorial that you spent your time on making. Thanks you for the video.

[@stevedodge94]

Thank you for your comment. Hope to have some more videos in the future. Steve Little Bear Knives

[@davidakamine3420]

To make your stop tight to the platen, the holes should not be threaded. Straight 1/4 inch holes through the platen and threads on the stop would pull it up tight. Seems like you could do both parts with high temp epoxy.

[@stevedodge94]

The problem with that is belt clearance. The safety shelf has to be fastened flush so that no bolts are protruding next to the belt. I have logged thousands of hours on my belt sanders with no failures of either platen or safety shelf. I don't like epoxy in this application. Everything is safe and secure but I can also take things apart if needed. Another reason is Little Bear Knives is now one of the biggest and best distributors of ceramic glass platens and safety shelves in the world. We ship custom made ceramic glass platens and safety shelves of any size globally. Our safety shelves come drilled and tapped with the hardware needed for easy installation. A lot of our customers do not have the equipment needed to drill and tap their metal platens on their grinders. They don't need to tap their platens. Just drill the holes and install. Easy!!

[@thomaswright2030]

Someone needs to start making and selling complete replacement platens for these 1x30 grinders. I'd rather buy one than have to drill, tap, etc. Plus I'd like to keep one without the glass for using my angle guide attachment.

[@jennytalbert5547]

Hopefully someone makes cheap knives. I’d rather buy one than have to drill, grind, etc. Oh wait, there’s a bunch of inexpensive knives I can choose from.

[@robertblalock5009]

Nice video, thanks I have a HF and Delta.

[@peterszy49]

I'm kind of new to this type of thing, I don't understand why glass is superior, what problem are you solving?

[@stevedodge94]

Sorry for the delay. Ceramic glass lasts longer as a platen than metal and does not get grooves in the surface nearly as fast. Properly installed, glass will last hundreds of hours more than metal. Little Bear Knives

[@craigmonteforte1478]

good video and tutorial i also wondered why this was important to do but i saw the question and answer in the comments and it makes sense to me know would a peice of Ceramic tile do the same thing as the glass ? why do i ask you may wonder its simply i have the tools and knowledge to cut tile not glass the Sander would be used for some small fabrications in auto mobile repair and custom modification i may also get one as a gift to my Mom who does Doll House furniture and many Crafts and minuture builds

[@Geekygordon]

If I am using the grinder for sharpening will the replacement part make a difference?

[@stevedodge94]

I have been using glass platens on my grinders for a long time. The glass platen is flat and consistent. I don't have to worry about bad spots or or worn metal. Some people find it hard to imagine that ceramic glass wears better than steel. It does!! If you want a flat platen each and every time, install ceramic glass. But the choice is yours. I have sold many hundreds of ceramic glass platens on my website as well as E bay and have never had someone come back and say they don't like glass and are returning to metal. www.littlebearknives.com

[@SugarMapleForge]

What brand rug tape do you recommend?

[@fryscountrylifechannel4437]

Thanks for sharing

[@stevedodge94]

Thanks for commenting. Glass platens are one of the best upgrades for any size belt grinder.

[@georgedennison3338]

Have you heard of anyone putting a ceramic glass platen on a 6 x 48" belt sander? Also, will borosilicate work as well as ceramic? Thanks.

[@stevedodge94]

I have sold several glass platens for 6"x48" belt sanders but have had no feedback as how they installed them or how they functioned. According to my research the temperature differential that borosilicate glass can withstand before fracturing is about 330 degrees Fahrenheit. Ceramic glass can handle temperatures in excess of 1300 degrees. You do the math.

[@christinenorriss9675]

Could you not just epoxy the glass to the platen? should'nt go anywhere, by the way, what is ceramic glass and where would one get a piece that size,? Good video by the way, I can see how the glass would be a superior finish to metal...

[@stevedodge94]

Sorry for the delay in replying. Have been very busy in the shop. A lot of people use epoxy and it works well. I don't use it on my grinders because you only get to use the glass once. When you remove the glass with epoxy as the base, it almost always shatters. Glass is gone. When you use a good quality double sided tape, you can remove it with acetone and reuse the other side of the glass. See my KZbin video "Use Both Sides of Your Glass Platen". Ceramic glass platens are available on my website listed above. Any size you need. We custom cut.

[@BuzzingGoober]

Thanks for the tutorial. How difficult is to remove the glass when you want to replace it?

[@stevedodge94]

Sorry I have not replied sooner. Ben out with the flu. It is very easy to replace the glass when needed as long as you use double sided carpet tape. Acetone will eat the tape right up. Simply drip some acetone, a little at a time at the top of your platen. Allow the acetone time to work and then GENTLY pry apart with a blade or putty knife. This is a money saver because you can use both sides of your platen. Hope to have a video posted in the next couple of weeks demonstrating this. Thanks for your interest. www.littlebearknives.com

[@BuzzingGoober]

@@stevedodge94 No problem at all. Thank you!

[@chrischalk9426]

Do you offer these platens for sale?

[@stevedodge94]

Sorry for the delay. I didn't see your question. Just click on the link above.

[@sickandtiredofcomplaining6574]

I kept holding my breath while watching…… great for a COPD demo 😮😤😲😤😲😤😲😤😲😤😲😤😲😤

[@c_belongie_knives]

Why do people have to be a dick if you don't like the video leave

[@jennytalbert5547]

@@c_belongie_knives Agree 100%

[@kuehnel16]

PLATEN PLATEN PLATEN PLATEN PLATEN PLATEN PLATEN PLATEN 🤪🤪

[@hardwire18]

Thanks Albert Einstein!

[@stevedodge94]

Thanks! This is not the first time someone has said I look like him. I only wish I was as smart.

[@Matt-jp9vy]

Do not mount glass on any power tool for any reason. Bad advice

[@stevedodge94]

Ceramic glass platens installed on stationary belt sanders have years of solid, safe performance. I personally, after many hundreds of hours of use am very impressed with their value. I won't run any of my grinders without a ceramic glass platen and have never had an unsafe failure. Proper installation is obviously very important. Little Bear Knives have sold over a thousand ceramic glass platens without any reports of injury. Does ceramic glass break? Of course it does! But properly installed, replacement is simple and safe. The reason so many knife makers prefer a ceramic glass platen is the superior performance. Ceramic glass platens out perform and out last metal. And that is the truth of it. One final note. Most of the better manufacturers of belt grinders offer ceramic glass platens as an option.

[@ericmoody3944]

@@stevedodge94 some people just need to be heard.... lol

[@michaelridout9693]

Matt, you don’t know what you’re talking about here. This is a widely accepted practice used by professionals globally.

[@clambroth1923]

Nothing "simple" about that AT ALL - with all due respect. Really

[@jennytalbert5547]

That would all depend on your mindset and skill level.

[@Tunnelrat6666]

You would have to be pretty simple to think that was not a simple mod.