Sears Sharpener; Crack Wheel

Can't remember who posted about the crack wheel on the Sears sharpener, but had the same problem and finally got around to attacking it today. Original intenetion was to take it apart and install a new wheel. Took it apart and the wheel broke into two pieces. Just for the heck of it I Gorilla glued the two pieces together and after the specified 4 hour wait put it back on, fired up the machine, and sharpened by lawn mower blade and machete. Cracks still there, but for works fine. Wouldn't even think of trying that stunt on anthing that ran at any kind of speed, but at the 6 rpm or whatever this thing turns wouldn't hurt much if it did come apart. While I had it apart I cleaned the shaft and bronze bushings and lubed them with white grease. Looks like they came dry from the factory. Saved a trip to town for a new wheel ... pick one up next time, maybe.

[woodenleg]

I started one of the threads on this sharpener. The most helpful piece of information that came out (other than the schematic, which was included) was that someone mentioned the reason for these wheels breaking is that people leave water in the tray when they finish. Then, it rusts and freezes up, causing the wheel to break!

I visited a professional carver once that used this same sharpener. His was a very old model (white colored), but still from Sears and appeared to be the same machine. However, he never used water in his. What do you think about that?

I think he was a very wise man!