British Blades :: Custom Knife Making

Originally Posted by rapidboy

OK my PM box is about to burst, i will reply here to save PMing individuals.

There are no more attachments available and there will not be another group buy for them - the seller has tried but can not source any more.
All that is left are 2 of the sanding /mitre table attachments.
£20 each inc UK delivery

I don't have final prices for the motors, inverters or adapter kits and there isn't a GB on the table just yet, we want to do a little more testing this week so please don't PM asking to be added to a list - there isn't one yet.

The attachment can be mounted vertically or horizontally using the adapter kit, you just position it where you want it, clamp it in place and use the adapter as a template to drill some holes.
David has his set in a vertical position, he used the sanding table as a work rest and has already modded his drive wheel to remove the sanding option.
I will be doing the same because i also want to use mine in the vertical position to run longer belts, (and I already have a disc sander).
The sanding table was designed to be used with the attachment in the horizontal position.
In the vertical position you can keep the sanding disc but you loose the table, it also restricts access to the contact wheel which is easier to use in the horizontal position.
In the horizontal position you will be getting sprayed with dust, in the vertical position you can position a magnet and water trap to collect it.

David spent a bit of time sorting the motor spec's, frame size (80), shaft size (19mm) and flange (B14), you also need foot mount so it's B34.

From testing so far a single phase 2 pole (2800rpm) motor would probably be better for general purpose metal work, (ie used to square or miter angle iron etc.).
A single phase 4 pole (1400rpm) is probably better suited to knife making where your grinding different materials, steel blades and then scale / sheath materials.
Three phase, 4 pole with this inverter you have 2 range settings, the manufacturer says it will run approx 140rpm up to 3360rpm.

Single speed you will need a motor and an adapter kit.
Variable speed you will need a motor, inverter and adapter kit

Ballpark figures -
Motor approx £80 - £160 (depending on spec and manufacturer)
Inverter - again depends on spec - the one David used is approx £125 delivered
Adapter kit - price needs to be finalised
You will also need to allow for some electrical bits and bobs, cable, plug top, switches, pot , box to but it all in etc. etc., (more needed with the inverter set up).

The adapter kit will consist of a steel plate that will attach to the motor flange.
You will decide what way you want to grind (vertical or horizontal) then you clamp the attachment to the adapter plate and drill some holes.
There will be a spacer and washer custom made along with a bolt and some shim.
Also there will be a couple of links that will attach to the plate for a work rest in the vertical position.

This kit is not Lego, it won't just press together but we will put together a tutorial at the time to walk everybody through using it.

The kit will be offered once and they will be be made to order.
The kits are available to anybody not just those who took part in this group buy so if you bought one on eBay or in the last group buy you can certainly get an adapter kit.

The electrics are more of a challenge and this where i have some concerns - a bench grinder comes prewired and all you have to do is plug it in.
A single speed motor will require some wiring, a variable speed set up will require more wiring and a bit of messing about to hook up and then set up the inverter.