pyroceram

[Ken S]

I have done some research on pyroceram. It is the same kind of material used in making Corning Ware. In the clear variety, it is used wood stoves.

Does anyone know if I could purchase a piece 1" x 7 1/2" at a local glass shop?

Ken

[Rupert Lucius]

Ken

Someone in Tennessee cuts and sells it?

Have it here in my home - wood heater doors -

Check a fire place store?

How about using water jet to cut to your dimensions?

Talk to the owner of this business: http://usaknifemaker.com/catalogsearch/r...ass+platen

I, do not know a member - someone in their membership can help: http://knifedogs.com/forum.php

Rupert

[Ken S]

Thanks, Rupert.

I sent USA Knifemaker an email. I will check local glass and fireplace stores.

Incidentally, my Viel project is progressing. Today I cut and fit the two Baltic birch ply sides which will hold the motor control. I drilled and countersank the four flathead machine screws which will hold the motor control. I have a few holes to locate and drill. Cut the dado for the cross piece and assemble.

I will add the "sine blocks" later to control the belt angle. As Max says, "Stay tuned".

Ken

[Rupert Lucius]

Ken

When we convert the 1x30 Viels to the end of Baldor 1/4 HP buffers - we cut about 2" off the 1x30 Viel platen to give us more slack area (more convex).

Do you require the 7 inch length?

Rupert

[Ken S]

Interesting comment, Rupert. I am using the Viel S 5 M model with the 1x42" belt. I just measured the length of the platen which came with it, which is 7 1/2".

Does your shortened platen allow you to reshape the blade curve on a knife? (eliminate a low spot)

One thing I like about the Viel is the easy availibility of spare parts at a reasonable cost. Steve Bottorff (sharpeningmadeeasy.com) is a Viel dealer and has ordered parts for me. The platen is held on to the frame with two hex bolts. It would be a simple matter to order a spare platen and shorten it. I replaced the hex bolt which holds the accessory adjustment wheel to the frame with a thumb nut. (Most of the Viel threads are 1/4" x 20, which is about as standard as threads get.) That makes it easy to remove the wheel (to allow the Viel to lay flat on either side) without needing a wrench. Allen head bolts would probably work better with the platen than thumb screws. They would hold more securely with less stress on the hands.

On my Tormek jigs, I have replaced some of the little plastic covered locking screws with larger plastic knobs. The Tormek jigs use M6 threads, which is a standard size easily found at hardware stores. The larger knobs in different shapes are much more "user friendly" for older hands. Using Max' idea of adapting the Twice as Sharp scissor holders to the Viel lets me use the very nice TaS ergo handle. I did not check; the locking screw on the Viel scissors jig might be easily replaced at the hardware store.

Ken

[Rupert Lucius]

Ken

Replace the two machine screws (adjustment screws for tracking) with knob screws from the local hardware store.

Easier to remove tension (without screwdriver) from one side and apply tension to the opposite side.

The knob screws we find at our local hardware store (the shortest threaded length) are a thread or two too long to allow contact and compressing the spring - use a washer between the spring end and plastic knob (effective way to shorten the threaded length).

Yes! Mr. B is an asset to us sharpeners, I,  appreciate his contributions.

Love your Viel.

Rupert

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Reply to Post #5

Not sure that I understand the question - we have never noticed any problems with sharpening knives after shortening our platens.

Please, this is not my answer to your question.

Rupert

[Ken S]

Rupert,

Excellent idea about replacing the tracking screws. I will do that.

I received an answer from USA knifemaker. They do not carry the size of pyroceram that I need, nor can they order it. I am contacting local glass shops.

I appreciate the design philosophy of the Viel. It is a well designed and manufactured machine at a very reasonable cost. The designers correctly realized that typical buyers would appreciate lower cost with quality than slightly higher costs with more versatile hardware.

Ken

[Rupert Lucius]

Ken

Replace the two machine screws (adjustment screws for tracking) with knob screws from the local hardware store.

Easier to remove tension (without screwdriver) from one side and apply tension to the opposite side.

The knob screws we find at our local hardware store (the shortest threaded length) are a thread or two too long to allow contact and compressing the spring - use a washer between the spring end and plastic knob (effective way to shorten the threaded length).

Yes! Mr. B is an asset  to us sharpeners, I,  appreciate his contributions.

Love your Viel.

Rupert

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Reply to Post #5

Not sure that I understand the question - we have never noticed any problems with sharpening knives after shortening our platens.

Please, this is not my answer to your question.

Rupert

My error:    PLEASE NOTICE    in ref to using a washer:

Use a {BRASS nut} screw it onto the knob, tighten and there is nothing to get lost.  Also check the modified length vs. the Viel machine screw length after modification.

What age does to the human mind.

Rupert

[Ken S]

Rupert,

Utilizing the most stringent scientific testing, I have determined that the Viel tracking screws have a 10 x 24 thread 3/8" long. (I removed one screw and threaded it into the threaded hole in my electrician's multipurpose pliers used to cut off screws. The 10-24 hole threaded perfectly.)

Ken

[Rupert Lucius]

Rupert,

Utilizing the most stringent scientific testing, I have determined that the Viel tracking screws have a 10 x 24 thread 3/8" long. (I removed one screw and threaded it into the threaded hole in my electrician's multipurpose pliers used to cut off screws. The 10-24 hole threaded perfectly.)

Ken

From the local hardware store:

2 each Plastic knobs with threaded stud 10x24 x1/2"

2 each Brass nuts 10-24 their height will be 1/8" that gets us to the threaded length of 3/8 inch required for the spring to work AOK