How to Choose the Best 2x72 Belt Grinder Attachment for Your Needs

If you're a metalworker or knife maker, a 2x72 belt grinder can be an essential tool in your workshop. With so many options for both belt grinders and attachments on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we'll break down the features and benefits of different attachments to help you make an informed decision.

 

Determine Your Grinding Needs.

Before choosing a belt grinder attachment for your 2x72, it's important to determine your specific grinding needs. Do you need a grinder attachment for bevel grinding or more precise work? Consider the goals of your projects you'll be working on to determine the grinder attachment you'll need. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the best attachment for your specific needs.

Check for Compatibility with Your Grinder.

When choosing a 2x72 belt grinder attachment, it's important to ensure that it is compatible with your existing grinder. Check the specifications of your grinder and compare them to the attachment you are considering. Look for information on the size and type of motor, as well as the size and speed of the belt. If you're unsure about compatibility, reach out to the manufacturer or seller for assistance. Using an incompatible attachment can result in damage to your grinder or the attachment, and can be dangerous to use.

Read Reviews and Compare Prices.

Before making a purchase, it's important to read reviews from other users who have already purchased and used the attachment you are considering. Look for reviews that mention the specific features and benefits that are important to you, as well as any potential drawbacks or issues. Additionally, compare prices from different sellers to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best quality, so consider the overall value of the attachment before making a decision.

2x72 Belt Grinder Attachments and their Uses.

Surface Grinder

A Surface Grinding Attachment allows you to accurately control the thickness of your workpiece and grind precise tapers as well as flatten your piece of steel accurately. Some models also come with a dial indicator that allow you to directly measure the depth of your grind.

Platen

Sometimes referred to as the backbone, the platen is the piece that fits flush behind your belt to allow for more pressure to be applied within the work area. The platen is possibly the most universal and common piece to all 2x72 belt grinders and is used primarily in flat, or traditional grinding operations. Many platens can be removed and reversed when one side is worn down.

Radius Platen

Unlike the flat ,or standard platen, the radius platen allows for creating hollow grinds beyond the limit of the largest wheel sizes available for your grinder. For example: "A 36” radius platen has the same curvature as a 6 foot diameter wheel." 

Contact Wheels

If you are looking for a more robust or deeper hollow grind, a contact wheel is a great option to look into. Hollow grinds are great for thinner edges that are able to be sharpened longer before getting into the meatier portion of the blade. For that reason hollow grinds work great for straight razors.

Bevel Work Rests

If you are having problems with getting your bevels angled correctly this may be a good option for you. The tilting work rest allows you to set the angle of bevel that you desire. This can also work in a variety of applications when it comes to working the handle into your desired shape.

Small Wheels

Small wheel attachments work great for getting into tight spaces and grinding out fullers into your blades. What would take a significant amount of time with files or rotary tools can be done much more efficiently on your 2x72 belt grinder.

Slack Grinding

Slack grinding is great for creating convex grinds on your 2x72 belt grinder. This allows for a long lasting shape that offers less cutting resistance making it an arguably superior grind.

Buffing Wheel 

Mareko Platen

The Mareko Deep Platen is a combination of a flat platen, 4” contact wheel, and slack belt attachment. It was designed by knifemaker Mareko Maumasi to provide maximum value and efficiency as it minimizes tool changes. The extra depth allows the user to work both sides of the platen without the tool arm interfering with the work. This is particularly important when removing stock and when contouring handles. This platen is a great alternative and cost reduction to having a dedicated flat platen and a contact wheel. This is manufactured by Brodbeck ironworks exclusively to my knowledge.

 The array of attachments for 2x72 belt grinders is always growing so this list will likely have to be updated as new attachments become available. No matter what you are working on these attachments can make your belt grinder 2x72 absolutely indispensable in your shop!

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