Looking to make a Mark II Sharpening Sys
I am looking to replicate the Mark II Sharpening System. It was offered by Woodcraft in the 70’s but no longer. I’ve called WC twice, but it was made on site with custom parts (that’s the story) and nobody knows where the OEM has gotten to.
It is essentially a 12-14″ wheel of some rubber-like composite around which an abrasive belt runs to a return wheel in back. The motors in the middle; the left end of the axle runs a buffing wheel. What was so nice about the set up was that the belt ran away from the operator, taking the heat with it. There was also a nifty tool rest that adjusted for square or round handles. Also, the main wheel left just the right hollow grind for final honing.
I really just need the big wheel and could set up the rest. Any thoughts out there?
JK
Replies
I have the Mark II and the wheel is actually a dense styro-foam not rubber. There is a retrofit unit that can be mounted on a grinder to give a similar set up to the Mark II. The drum is rubber and about 1/2 the diameter and narrower I believe. I think a felt wheel might be better than the cloth buffing wheel but I haven't tried that yet. Also be aware that the Mark II was 1725 rpm. I be very wary of running a 14" drum at 3450. There's lots of other alternatives to the Mark II to sharpen tools. I got it primarily for carving tools but I would do it differently today. I saw a nice simple idea of using a bench grinder and using a sandpaper disc on one side and a felt wheel on the other side (simply set your tool holder on the back side of the grinder to get the reverse type rotation). Actually you could use the grinder from the back side completely. There is a company who makes a similar belt/ drum retrofit unit. The drum is 6" and a bit narrower than the Mark II but it's an option. Can't recall where I saw it at the moment, one of the typical mail order catalogs you probably get anyway.
Mark II sharpening system on e-bay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2554937577&category=31484
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