Variable Speed Dual Stropping Station

[@Nekias1]

Another killer video. Rikon should be paying you for the marketing! That is quite a stable of 50-161 VS you are setting up. Must feel great to have your shop based set up really coming together.

[@marke.1021]

Nice add-on in the list of a process to match your set up. Nicely done . Glad you had time to make this mini series. Each tad bit of info is useful.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

This one felt good to do. Satisfying. The setup video went well and this stropping station is being used daily and very very happy. Homerun setup!

[@danielbottner7700]

I am attempting to figure out what may be ideal surface ( surface feet per minute ) speed for stropping belts with diamond paste or abrasive compound applied to them ? Stropping stainless stainless steel kitchen knives. What are the pros & cons of leather vs felt belts ? Are there other alternatives ?

[@gm7tx]

Another very nicely-done video and a lot of good information! Thanks Cliff.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Thank you Gary, always look forward to your comments. I should have some new content coming more regular now that shop is getting near setup.

[@leadingedgeknifeandtoolsha4128]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO!!!! thank you so much for the video, love the bottle cap

[@antoniomunozg6735]

Desde España me encanta tu trabajo, I love you work

[@WittysSharpEdge]

Thanks Cliff for all you do for the sharpening community

[@libertyrich555]

If the shaft on both ends are the same, could you have just switched the two ends to the motor, keeping your controls below the motor, yes?

[@dankomartek2145]

Why would you need both a leather wheel and a belt? What is the difference in application or use?

[@POPfreakingPUNK]

How did you power your tools in your Van? I want to take my sharpening mobile, but everyone is telling me that I need a generator to run 120v tools. But I recall in one of your lives years ago you mentioned you were using batteries. Thank you 🙏🏼 and thanks for all you do

[@pauleyedwin6056]

If you watch his Market video’s you will find out.

[@stephenjohnson3084]

Love your videos. Question. Do you think one could reduce the speed of a non-variable speed 1*30 grinder by reducing the size of the drive wheel? Then add an additional small pulley to account for the loss in overall belt path diameter. Or maybe mount the motor further forward to remove slack in the belt. I'm trying to decide whether I wanna upgrade a Harbor Freight or just get a Rikon because I would prefer a slower speed. Or is the HF fine, as is, for knife making/sharpening? keep up the good work my friend!

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

too much work....just buy a Rikon 50-161 and turn the volume knob down to 2000 rpm and get to work.

[@stephenjohnson3084]

@@CurryCustomCutlery thanks CCC

[@JayKayHobbies]

K.I.S.S method once again triumphs. Welp, I guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow to mount a scotch Brite wheel 😂. Well done as always, good sir! Do you think you can extend the shaft to do the same thing but give a little extra space between the wheel and the belt? Or do you think that would cause stability issues?

[@joecoakley3808]

What are the advantages of belt vs wheel stropping?

[@robertmunguia250]

Nice! I wonder if the grizzly is the same concept that has that sanding wheel?

[@oldstersoutside674]

Another great project. The shop is really coming together. When would you use the leather wheel versus the belt?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Leather belt station for light stropping to control and leave a toothy biting edge( my goto edge)...leather wheel there for when I want that extra bit refinement or full polished edge.

[@Smokey9046P]

Cliff, can you please put the dimension (all the cut outs) for this adder than let us know where you posted them Thanks Dan rrr

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

Aloha! I have an old HF 1x30 with a bad drive wheel (wobbles all over). Would it be better to go all out and upgrade to a sewing machine motor and all new wheels, or just buy a Rikon or Wen? I know you have all Rikon, but what is the best one on your opinion, for variable speed, belt only (maybe a leather wheel too).

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Tough question. Id ask is speed control important? I have on my website original HF1x30 drive wheels trued and that fit the stock motor for under $20 Or go out of box with a variable Rikon...or do a full custom build. Each has small plus n minuses

[@toddbenko6701]

Consider doing something like Cliff just did. Leave it as stock and upgrade the wheels but configure it as Cliff just did for the leather strop. For the finishing strop, you will be running it a higher speed so speed control is not as important for that stage of the game. Then decide how you want to go about getting a variable speed unit. Since you have one unit at 1x30, it makes sense to keep grinding in 1x30 config also. You could decide to go RiKon, Wen, garage sale harbour freight with sewing machine upgrade. Your choice. If you know your going this route then automatically place order for 2 sets wheels from Cliff right from the start.

[@JayKayHobbies]

Currently running my leather belt strop on a non VS Wen. My sanding belts I run on the rikon to lower the speed down. My Wen, if I remember correctly, has the same speed as the HF which is 3125 RPM's (I think). Which I find to be great with the leather belt. It polishes all the knives I do quickly without fuss. You might try using your HF (with a new wheel) for the stropping and the Rikon for your grinding/sharpening. It would save you tons.

[@marke.1021]

Do as Cliff showed here with the Rikon or I'd overly encourage it. Can modify all kinds of stuff - but is a reason Cliff ended up with Rikon, lots of trial and error. I like what he has shown and Rikon without bashing others has the speed control and less up grades like trued up wheels and so on. I'd rather use his experience and not add and add more on later to end up with his preference ~guessing by idea he has several of the Rikons. Might cost more up front but hey we all like his stuff and videos.

[@jordanjohnson7266]

Hey Cliff! What speed do you like to run a strop?

[@bobdetweiler1120]

I like the variable speed control, HF works but too fast, you could modify it with a variable speed, Rikon's complete out of the box. Thanks for sharing, Cliff!

[@6atlantis]

Bauer has a variable speed model.

[@Crazyknives]

Thanks for sharing

[@scottgooch4184]

Looks good, how does it work for you?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Its a homerun little machine setup. No kidding it purrs and great results!

[@justinnemeth8931]

Still take off the leather belt when not in use?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Update: the leather belt is on machine and has been for 2 weeks or more. Doesnt seem to be over stretching...