How To Improve A Cheap Belt Grinder (Homemade Glass Platen)

I’m going to attempt to make my own glass platen for my 2X42” belt grinder since the steel platen has gotten worn and is no longer flat. Glass platen liners are used to get a hard, flat surface which helps with grinding. They are pretty expensive for a beginner and that’s mostly due to them being made from a special heat resistant ceramic. I spent about $10 on a sheet of plain glass, a glass cutter, and adhesive. With this material I can make 4 glass platens. I’m sure I’ll need them since this is regular glass. The cost of one of these homemade platens is roughly $2.50, while one thermal resistant glass platen that’s sold by knifemaker supply websites is anywhere from $10-16. I start by measuring out what I’ll need to fit on my metal platen. I then put a straight edge along the glass and scored a line using the glass cutter. Then I tapped on the glass until it snaps. If it doesn’t go, you can apply slight pressure. Since the glass was a little too long I marked where I needed to make my next cut. Same method: score a line and tap. I then took some 60 grit sandpaper and dug some scratches into the glass for extra contact for the adhesive to bind to. Before applying the J-B Weld, I wiped the glass and metal platen down with some acetone. Apply enough to fully cover the platen and let it cure overnight.
I originally installed this about a year and a half ago. I didn’t want to put out this video without thoroughly testing it. Since I’m not a full time knife maker, I probably put at least 40 hours of grinding time through this glass platen which isn’t a lot in a year and a half but I feel that’s good enough to see if this cheap glass platen can be used as an alternative to the thermal resistant glass. It now has cracks throughout, but I haven’t noticed a difference in grinding from when it was first put on. It did chip a little at the bottom from a previous grinding session, which I didn’t realize until i took the belt off at that time. I know it’s not great and didn’t hold up long, but for the price I can’t knock it. This is a cheap belt grinder so why spend the money of a professional platen when it’ll preform subpar anyway. I’ll spend the money on a platen when I upgrade this machine. That’s just the way I look at it. I’ll still be using this glass platen until I feel it interferes with grinding or becomes unsafe. When I do replace it, I'll use the same method shown in this video.
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Sharp Works

[@hardrock1826]

I just bought one of these machines yesterday. Haven't opened the box yet. But I was just wondering. Instead of using glass on the platten. Could you use something like Lexan plastic sheet material?

[@ErtsenPlayGames]

If u glue it perfectly it should work fine even when broken

[@RedBeardOps]

Gosh damn you're a brave man! If you're looking for a cheap platen you can find one on ebay for about 21$. I used double-sided automotive tape to affix it. Works pretty well so far. I had a 2x42 and sold it recently. Little guy is a workhorse! Cheers!

[@SharpWorks]

Haha thanks. That’s good to know I’ll look into it. As much as I love the 2x42, I see its limitations with single speed and not all that much horsepower. It’s still great for the hobby though.

[@Freizeitflugsphaere]

I never thought about this problem. And I also did not notice any uneven spots at my belt grinder. However, I think my one is made out of some graphite like material, I dont know if this is supposed to be changed at some time. I think there is also a big difference in wearout between wood and metal working. Very informative Video!

[@SharpWorks]

Freizeitflugsphäre I agree, I don’t know if most belt grinders need the glass platen but mine was so bad that I needed it.

[@ehudsedge6389]

If you have a Grizzly brand 2x72 the platen is something like graphite. On mine I made like 5 or 6 knives and it had huge dips all over it. I switched it out with a platen I made from some hardened tool steel (mystery steel not sure what it is). That platen has lasted a decent amount of time maybe 50 knives but it too needs replacing now

[@SharpWorks]

Ehud's Edge that’s impressive

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

I’ve been meaning to do this. I have the same grinder you have. I agree I think next time a more even coat of the epoxy to support all the glass would help. I cut glass a lot, here are a few tips for next time, lightly dip the cutter wheel in a very light oil. Only score the glass once, and tap from the underside of the score to snap it. Hope that helps you.

[@SharpWorks]

Tom's Dreamshop Worx thanks a lot for the advice, I’ll be sure to follow it!

[@kilo1934]

Wouldva never thought to use glass. We use glass as a flat surface to sharpen chisels. But something like this, new grounds uncovered here.

[@ianrutkosky2401]

Lol, people been using glass platens on grinders for decades now. In fact, the first grinder I bought used from a guy on craigslist said that he put glass on it when he first got it in 1997.

[@arva1kes]

You can get oven glass for about twice the price and it's pretty strong and can be heated to 500c and you can throw ice on there without breaking. BUT you should order/do the edge finish also so that there would be no space for the cracks to start. You will break the glass because of physical beding and crack will start to find it's path.

[@chiblekndeso]

exciting!!

[@jameswalker6810]

I just did this to my grinder, and now I have a piece of metal on the front of my platen. (I used scrap carbon steel) it turns out that it is too thick for my grinder and the belts are pressed up against the platen. The motor is not strong enough to overcome the friction. Should I file in deeper platen notches o slide it farther back?

[@SharpWorks]

That makes sense to do. Let me know if you get it to work.

[@jameswalker6810]

@@SharpWorks got it to work I grinding the platen thinner. I used the “contact wheel” at the top.

[@UTUBELO]

Jb kwik and regular glass seems like a bad idea, how has this held up over the past year?

[@SharpWorks]

It actually held up great; a few small pieces of glass that weren’t glued on to the steel and hanging off the corners chipped off but other than that it has cracked a decent amount but never came off of the JB Weld.

[@carlb401]

JB WELD original is better. Also instead of glass, you can use a granite tile cut to size. It takes heat better than normal glass. Granite is what i have used on my platen. :)

[@SharpWorks]

carlb401 that’s good to know thank you for the suggestion!

[@carlb401]

Edited my comment as it is granite i have. For those in the uk like me, i bought a sample tile from B&Q for £7.40, that will make at least 4 platens. www.diy.com/departments/absolute-black-stone-effect-granite-wall-floor-tile-sample-l-305mm-w-305mm/312657_BQ.prd?rrec=true#icamp=recs I am sure tile shops in the usa will have something similar, or maybe even ask a tile guy on a house renovation if he has some off cuts.

[@CalPil0t]

The tile is now on clearance in U.K. for £ 0.50. (Dec 2019), same link at B&Q. Get a couple spares. Hope I can find a US equivalent.

[@Lopyswine]

Did you make the grinder yourself?

[@SharpWorks]

No this is a craftsman 2x42” belt sander/disc sander combo.

[@RobertBranch-FL]

Great video!

[@SharpWorks]

Thanks!

[@mefirstplease4130]

Just buy a picture frame with glass?