what a grinder somaca wet / dry 106"

[archie max]

I am new to the knife making world and have been in the glazing trade for twenty years! I have been messing with knives now for about a year!

The grinder I am talking about I have had for the last 8 years. It was built for sanding / polishing the edge of glass. It is a standing somaca 4 x 106 wet / dry. I filed the first couple of knives I made ( wanted to see if I had any potential ).

Got the somaca out of storage, I figured I could convert it to just about anything I want. It stands about 6 1/2' tall. It has a 5" serrated contact wheel that was intended for grinding glass, and the way the belt travels over it makes it useless.

I built a homemade flat platen and have been turning out some pretty good flat ground blades. I have a local machine shop building me a custom flat platen with wheels. should have it in a couple of days. I will still be using Neoceram for the platen, it is glass that is also referred to as pyroceram. It works well, ( it's main use is for wood stove glass, or fire rated glass in buildings with specific fire codes. the point being that it holds up to extreme heat without breaking!)

I did not no if I was going to be abe to afford the belts, but after checking with my supplier I can buy the 4 x 106 wet dry Sungold zirc belts at a real good price. I am buying them direct though.

My next scheme is to buy a 10" x 2" contact wheel and have the machine shop build and attchment for that. I can buy the 2" x 106 at the same price per belt that the 2" x 72" belts cost

Grinding with a water cooled belt works very good! And is easy on the hands.

Well thought this might be of interest to someone here. I am glad I found this sight it is a wealth of info!

Archie Max

[Jamey Saunders]

That sounds like a good idea. How do you keep the water from spraying everywhere? Or are you grinding at a slow speed? I may have to look into water cooling the belts on my next grinder. Eventually, I'm going to make one. Just haven't had the time, and now that I have time, it's colder than a welldigger's a- ...well, you know.

Got some pictures of your grinder? I'd be interested in seeing it.

[archie max]

Well the pics won't be problem say by the end of next week ordered a dell. The water comes from a fine mist nossle located in the holding well below the contact wheel. So no the water does not go anywhere just travels with the belt! The excess from the nossle drains into a well then out.

The main thing that i like the most is that it continually cleans the belt. The belt does not load up at all, controls all the dust particals, and keeps heat gain to minimum..

[archie max]

Just wanted to mention anyone interested in Noeceram glass platen material email me at archie@oregontrail.net. Cut to any size. Very reasonable.

[Jamey Saunders]

Sounds like a great design. One more question -- Where do you get 4x106" belts? That's about the size I'd like to use when I get around to making my next grinder.

[archie max]

I get mine from a Sungold distributor ( Colorado steel sash 800-841-7330) And about belts I having been grinding glass for a long time! in my history of belts I have used just about every type of silicon carbide belt known, out of all of them Sungold abrasives makes the best belt silicon carbide and zirc belts I have ever used! These belts will out last the other belts hands down. I believe it's in the bonding of the abrasive that makes the difference. I use 154CM and there zirc belts do a great job! I am grinding fixed blade hunters and getting 6+ blades per belt.

However whoever you are getting your belts through now can go to there manufacturer and request a quote on the 4 x 106 belt and you should be able to resource any brand you like in that size.

If you are not satisified and need another option I can sell them to you, if you have problems setting up account Colorado steel sash!

[Jamey Saunders]

Thanks, I'll keep this in mind when I finally get around to making my grinder.

[millironknives]

I love building my own machines and any that any one else builds or modifies. This sounds really interesting. I can't wait for some pictures. I can't quite picture it in my head of where and how the water is being applied though. I have built my own grinder also and it is in this forum under (more grinder pictures.) If you would like to look. And if you don't already know about him rob frink is a top notch man for wheels and grinder mods. he can be found a www.beaumontmetalworks.com Well got to go cn't wait to see it :confused: :confused:

[gb6491]

Just wanted to mention anyone interested in Noeceram glass platen material email me at archie@oregontrail.net. Cut to any size. Very reasonable.

Hi Archie,
Received my piece, thanks. Pleasure working with you.
Regards,
Greg

[archie max]

Sorry , but I will no longer be able to take orders for neoceram platen material!

Anyone interested in getting some go to your local glass shop, they will always have some and should be more than glad to sell pieces that are cut offs and hard to sell.

They will be able to cut you any size as well, and you can specify that it has to be flat. Most glass theroretically should be flat, don't assume anything.

This will save any shipping charges etc.

Thanks for all that inquired.
Archie M. Carroll