Interesting comment, Rupert. I am using the Viel S 5 M model with the 1x42" belt. I just measured the length of the platen which came with it, which is 7 1/2".
Does your shortened platen allow you to reshape the blade curve on a knife? (eliminate a low spot)
One thing I like about the Viel is the easy availibility of spare parts at a reasonable cost. Steve Bottorff (sharpeningmadeeasy.com) is a Viel dealer and has ordered parts for me. The platen is held on to the frame with two hex bolts. It would be a simple matter to order a spare platen and shorten it. I replaced the hex bolt which holds the accessory adjustment wheel to the frame with a thumb nut. (Most of the Viel threads are 1/4" x 20, which is about as standard as threads get.) That makes it easy to remove the wheel (to allow the Viel to lay flat on either side) without needing a wrench. Allen head bolts would probably work better with the platen than thumb screws. They would hold more securely with less stress on the hands.
On my Tormek jigs, I have replaced some of the little plastic covered locking screws with larger plastic knobs. The Tormek jigs use M6 threads, which is a standard size easily found at hardware stores. The larger knobs in different shapes are much more "user friendly" for older hands. Using Max' idea of adapting the Twice as Sharp scissor holders to the Viel lets me use the very nice TaS ergo handle. I did not check; the locking screw on the Viel scissors jig might be easily replaced at the hardware store.
Ken
Does your shortened platen allow you to reshape the blade curve on a knife? (eliminate a low spot)
One thing I like about the Viel is the easy availibility of spare parts at a reasonable cost. Steve Bottorff (sharpeningmadeeasy.com) is a Viel dealer and has ordered parts for me. The platen is held on to the frame with two hex bolts. It would be a simple matter to order a spare platen and shorten it. I replaced the hex bolt which holds the accessory adjustment wheel to the frame with a thumb nut. (Most of the Viel threads are 1/4" x 20, which is about as standard as threads get.) That makes it easy to remove the wheel (to allow the Viel to lay flat on either side) without needing a wrench. Allen head bolts would probably work better with the platen than thumb screws. They would hold more securely with less stress on the hands.
On my Tormek jigs, I have replaced some of the little plastic covered locking screws with larger plastic knobs. The Tormek jigs use M6 threads, which is a standard size easily found at hardware stores. The larger knobs in different shapes are much more "user friendly" for older hands. Using Max' idea of adapting the Twice as Sharp scissor holders to the Viel lets me use the very nice TaS ergo handle. I did not check; the locking screw on the Viel scissors jig might be easily replaced at the hardware store.
Ken