Replies

1. 
   kenwerner | Jan 21, 2006 02:58pm | #1

   I Have a P-C 3 x 21. I attached the graphite on top of the standard platen. I don't know if that's the right way, but it's held up so far.

   Ken
1. 
   nikkiwood | Jan 28, 2006 05:14pm | #7

   I too have a PC 3X21 belt sander, but mine is pretty ancient. And it needs a new platen.Do you remember where you bought your graphite platen?********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   kenwerner | Jan 28, 2006 07:51pm | #8

   I think I bought the P-C graphite platen from Amazon for about $10, but better to buy a 3" x 36" piece from Klingspor for $5. [Found out about it after I bought the P-C piece]try here:http://www.woodworkingshop.com/cgi-bin/1E63E380/mac/qryitems.mac/itemDisplayGood luckKen

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jan 29, 2006 12:42am | #9

   Maybe we're not talking about the same thing..........Years ago, I remember seeing an aftermarket graphite platen which you could simply attach to your belt sander. That's what I had in mind.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   Handrubbed | Feb 02, 2006 08:16pm | #10

   Just for the record, the graphite replaces the original metal platen.  The source for this info is Berlands, a large tool store in Chicago area.

2. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 03, 2006 06:16am | #11

   That's what I thought too --- take off the old, and bolt on the new.....Know of any online sources?Thanks.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   Handrubbed | Feb 03, 2006 10:57pm | #12

   Check Berland's House of Tools.   Ask for Tim Landry.

4. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 04, 2006 02:39am | #13

   Thanks. I looked them up on the web, and I guess they don't do any online business.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   jc21 | Jan 21, 2006 06:26pm | #2

   Check out the link "Quick fix for a platen that's not flat" (it's toward the end of the article) in this belt sander review from Fine Homebuilding ............. hope it helps.

   http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00050.asp

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/21/2006 10:32 am ET by jc21

3. 
   AndyE | Jan 21, 2006 10:13pm | #3

   I had the same question when I put a graphite platen on my belt sander. I put the graphite on and removed the metal/cork stock one. Haven't noticed any problems with it. I do get some graphite "dust" sometimes and learned that you need to blow them off and not wipe them off. Doh!!

   Andy

   "It seemed like a good idea at the time"

1. 
   K1500 | Jan 23, 2006 07:02pm | #4

   Thanks for all the help.  The FHB article is a good one, but the cork is glued to the back of my metal platen (i.e. the metal/cork is one unit).  Even if I could pry them apart, the cork does not screw to the sander.

   I called PC and they said to put it over the metal one.  Of course, in the PC writeup of the graphite one they say "replaces standard metal platen" or something to that effect.  Since the metal platen is the problem, I decided it didn't make much sense to lay the graphite over the metal.

   I went against the advice of PC and replaced the entire metal/cork unit with the graphite one.  This made a large difference in sanding performance.  The sanding shoe (frame?) that backs the platen is milled dead flat.  Thus, with the graphite over this, the sander sits dead flat and has no rock to it at all.  It is now much easier for me to sand flat.  Given my very limited experience with it, I recommend trying it if your platen is not flat.  As an added bonus, the heat seems to be reduced and the sander has more 'effective' power because of less friction.  All in all I believe it was $ well spent.  Thanks again for your help.

1. 
   WhatKnot | Jan 26, 2006 05:42am | #5

   Now that your hooked, you can buy it from Proceng for a lot less and by the foot. And as an added bonus, drum roll please... you did it exactly right.Steve

   "You can either be smart or pleasant, I was once smart but now I'm pleasant. I like being pleasant better." Jimmy Stewart - Harvey

1. 
   K1500 | Jan 26, 2006 06:44pm | #6

   Thanks for the source.  My understanding is that it is a wear item and needs perodic replacement.  I'll look into that when the time comes (I paid about $8.00 for the PC version).  I am sure 'by the roll' would be much less.