Wearing of ceramic glass platen

[SHARPCO]

Sharpco,

Looking closely at the photo you included, your ceramic glass platen appears to extend higher and closer to the top pulley than the original metal Viel platen. If you are using the small separation between the top pulley and your ceramic glass plate as your slack belt area, you would be creating the same effect as having your plate extended too far forward. By placing a knife in this small slack span area of your belt, you would have your belt in too close, thus creating the bend. 

If you use the diamond plate I sent you to create a slight radius on the top edge of your ceramic glass plate, that should lessen the effect of the harsh corner on your belt.

I bought a piece of pyroceram intending to use it with my Viel. I had it cut 188 x 25mm (7 1/2” x 1”) to match the platen of the Viel. I do not use my Viel enough to need it. The longer distance between the top of the platen and the top pulley makes a more gradual convex grind in the slack belt area. Perhaps this convex curve is more gradual than you wish for knife blades. Fairing the top edge of your ceramic glass plate with the diamond plate should allow you to keep the tighter convex curve on your knife blades. You would be using your diamond plate to do what your belt is already doing ,but in a more controlled way without the wear on your belt.


Ken

Thank you Ken. 

I'm not sure that using ceramic glass for platen is a better choice. Rather, I think it's better to buy extra platen and replace it.