04-16-2018, 04:59 AM
Welcome to the exchange, Kevin.
Whoever steered you toward Mark Reich did you a huge favor. Mark called me over the weekend about your pyroceram situation. Pyroceram is used in woodburning fireplaces. I found that glass shops either have it in stock or can order it. (It is a Corning product.)
While I was waiting for my local glass shop to cut mine, I had a thought. I used to have a side business making custom black and white prints in my darkroom. Making one print is time and material intensive to tweak it just right. I could give the customer a substantial price break on a second print and actually make more money. So, I asked the glass shop how much more three would cost.
What you want to find is a shop with some left over off cuts from a larger job. I don't remember the exact prices, however, I recall that one cost around twenty dollars US. Three (actually the glass cutter threw in a fourth slightly nicked one) cost thirty dollars. We both did better. Ask around at glass shops to see who might have some left over small pieces. If you can't find any locally, email me and I will contact my local store. I recall sending my extras to friends. I will check to see if I might still have one. If so, I will gladly give it to you.
Quoting the old Mae West line, "Too much of a good thing is wonderful", (she was a very buxom actress whose name was used for life vests during WWII), I think variable speed really makes the Viel shine. I have found that a small increase in grinding time can give a large increase in temperature control. Like you, I started with the basic Viel from Lee Valley during free shipping. I liked as a fixed speed belt grinder. I like it much more as a variable speed, reversible machine. There are several related topics on bessex.
I was very fortunate to find the bessex group. This group, though small in number, is large in experience and generousity in helpfulness. I have learned much from the others. You are among friends.
Time to roust my grandchildren for school.
Ken
Whoever steered you toward Mark Reich did you a huge favor. Mark called me over the weekend about your pyroceram situation. Pyroceram is used in woodburning fireplaces. I found that glass shops either have it in stock or can order it. (It is a Corning product.)
While I was waiting for my local glass shop to cut mine, I had a thought. I used to have a side business making custom black and white prints in my darkroom. Making one print is time and material intensive to tweak it just right. I could give the customer a substantial price break on a second print and actually make more money. So, I asked the glass shop how much more three would cost.
What you want to find is a shop with some left over off cuts from a larger job. I don't remember the exact prices, however, I recall that one cost around twenty dollars US. Three (actually the glass cutter threw in a fourth slightly nicked one) cost thirty dollars. We both did better. Ask around at glass shops to see who might have some left over small pieces. If you can't find any locally, email me and I will contact my local store. I recall sending my extras to friends. I will check to see if I might still have one. If so, I will gladly give it to you.
Quoting the old Mae West line, "Too much of a good thing is wonderful", (she was a very buxom actress whose name was used for life vests during WWII), I think variable speed really makes the Viel shine. I have found that a small increase in grinding time can give a large increase in temperature control. Like you, I started with the basic Viel from Lee Valley during free shipping. I liked as a fixed speed belt grinder. I like it much more as a variable speed, reversible machine. There are several related topics on bessex.
I was very fortunate to find the bessex group. This group, though small in number, is large in experience and generousity in helpfulness. I have learned much from the others. You are among friends.
Time to roust my grandchildren for school.
Ken