To do my flat grinds I use a Bader B3 belt grinder with the flat platen attachment. There is no easy or cheap way to get good flats on an already heat treated blade. My other DF is a real cutter in it's own right and I am betting this mod will push that performance a little higher......plus it just looks cool <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Looking cool is half the game.

Could that be the ultimate DF?? That is a truly great job Bill!

Sweet!

Wow, it looks great! How about some close up shots?

Thats very cool! Makes it look so tough.

Bill - that is one GREAT looking knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> You do EXCELLENT work!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Tom

That's really impressive .I am hoping for a few more weeks to save so that if it's a DFLE I stand a fighting chance of affording it MUST RESIST URGE TO BUY OTHER BIG KNIVES

I like that one alot!

When I have used my platen in the past, I had serious banging and clanking from the belt everytime the belt went around. The banging and bouncing was way too rediculous to deal with, so I removed the platen and never wanted to use it again.
I had just assumed that no knifemaker would deal with that type of banging and clanking and that there was probably another way. I think I had probably been assuming that it was partially due to lower quality tools on my part. I just didn't know the solution.

I don't have much experience or knowledge about different types of belts. I have just been purchasing what has been available at Home Depot or Lowes.

I did some searching for "Bader B3" and "Belt grinder platen".

I see that a Bader B3 runs about $1600 - $2,000+ depending on attachments...... that is a very nice looking belt grinder <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />, but I might have to hold off a while on that tool purchase <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

...... Since I am usually only tweeking knives and not making them, I guess I will need to stick with my current belt sander for a while. I may upgrade to something some day, but I somehow I doubt it will be a Bader B3 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

However, while searching, I came across this following link with a compilation of good grinding tips:

Grinder Tips


One in particular seemed to explain my problem:

"Commercial, glue bonded belts are not for cutting steel, get resin bond. Lap joint belts will rattle and thump enough to drive you crazy if finer than 60 grit, so get the butt or finger joint style for any grit finer than around 80."


.

very nice job. looks great.

You have found the problem Knifeguy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Choose the right belts and even a lower cost grinder will work wonders. Find an industrial supply shop in your area and see what they have on hand. If not try Tru Grit. They have or can find the right belts for your grinder and they are'n as expensive as trying to make the wrong belt work <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Oh and 1 more slice of advise for anyone doing mods....do NOT use worn belts!!!! They'll rub and build up heat faster that a fresh belt. The cost savings is not worth the risk!