Ken C,
Welcome to the BESS exchange.
I use the Standard Ergo clamp from Wolff. Here is a link:
https://www.wolffindustries.com/products...clamp.html
Before you write off the Viel clamp, you should know that there are two versions. I have heard that the older, original Viel scissors clamp had difficulties. I believe the gentleman who recommended the Wolff clamp to me had the older Viel clamp. The recommendation was made in good faith. However, the redesigned Viel clamp works very well.
I really like the Ergo soft grip clamp on the Wolff clamp. At 68, I don't quite need it yet, however, it is very comfortable to use and I am not getting any younger. Wolff also makes clamps in three widths. The standard width does everything I need, although my inner overplanner likes the idea of different widths.
I would suggest starting with the Viel clamp which is included with the scissors jig. It is the newer design and requires no custom machined adaptor. The adaptor, which cost me the reasonable price of twenty dollars US, is a short piece of round stock with a 3/8” hole at one end to fit the Viel (with a locking screw) and a 1/4” hole at the other end to fit the Wolff clamp shaft. It is an easy project for a local machinist. If you decide to go the Wolff route, it is easily made up later.
Keep in mind when reading my thoughts that my only large volume scissors sharpening project will be sharpening the art room scissors at my grandchildren's school (as a volunteer). As Steve mentioned, my "business name" is "grandpa". A professional sharpener might think differently.
I was unaware of variable speed motors for my Viel when I started. In fact, I planned to use one of three extra motors I already had, only to find that they were too large. I started out with a 1/4 hp motor from Viel. It served its intended purpose well. Variable speed just increases the scope. So does the reversing switch, although not as much as variable speed.
In your case, the mounting plate from Steve (designed by the bessex guys) makes the conversion light years easier. I would suggest switching to the smaller drive pulley while you are converting. The mounting plate is designed for the smaller pulley. I should mention that the conversion can be made with the existing larger drive pulley. My first conversion (“ Gen II”) was done this way. I used the bracket lever handle which came with the Penn State motor. It was a big step forward, however, i think the Gen III conversion is the preferred way to go.
Best of luck with your conversion. Keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask questions and share your experiences.
Ken S (the other Ken)
ps A local machine shop reamed out my adaptor. I tried using a round file. The machinist had a ream, which converted a force fit to a sliding fit. I can now use either clamp.
Welcome to the BESS exchange.
I use the Standard Ergo clamp from Wolff. Here is a link:
https://www.wolffindustries.com/products...clamp.html
Before you write off the Viel clamp, you should know that there are two versions. I have heard that the older, original Viel scissors clamp had difficulties. I believe the gentleman who recommended the Wolff clamp to me had the older Viel clamp. The recommendation was made in good faith. However, the redesigned Viel clamp works very well.
I really like the Ergo soft grip clamp on the Wolff clamp. At 68, I don't quite need it yet, however, it is very comfortable to use and I am not getting any younger. Wolff also makes clamps in three widths. The standard width does everything I need, although my inner overplanner likes the idea of different widths.
I would suggest starting with the Viel clamp which is included with the scissors jig. It is the newer design and requires no custom machined adaptor. The adaptor, which cost me the reasonable price of twenty dollars US, is a short piece of round stock with a 3/8” hole at one end to fit the Viel (with a locking screw) and a 1/4” hole at the other end to fit the Wolff clamp shaft. It is an easy project for a local machinist. If you decide to go the Wolff route, it is easily made up later.
Keep in mind when reading my thoughts that my only large volume scissors sharpening project will be sharpening the art room scissors at my grandchildren's school (as a volunteer). As Steve mentioned, my "business name" is "grandpa". A professional sharpener might think differently.
I was unaware of variable speed motors for my Viel when I started. In fact, I planned to use one of three extra motors I already had, only to find that they were too large. I started out with a 1/4 hp motor from Viel. It served its intended purpose well. Variable speed just increases the scope. So does the reversing switch, although not as much as variable speed.
In your case, the mounting plate from Steve (designed by the bessex guys) makes the conversion light years easier. I would suggest switching to the smaller drive pulley while you are converting. The mounting plate is designed for the smaller pulley. I should mention that the conversion can be made with the existing larger drive pulley. My first conversion (“ Gen II”) was done this way. I used the bracket lever handle which came with the Penn State motor. It was a big step forward, however, i think the Gen III conversion is the preferred way to go.
Best of luck with your conversion. Keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask questions and share your experiences.
Ken S (the other Ken)
ps A local machine shop reamed out my adaptor. I tried using a round file. The machinist had a ream, which converted a force fit to a sliding fit. I can now use either clamp.