JD Bodger

I agree with Cumberland. Purchase the machine from Randall-Campbell instead of trying to build one. I've been there, done that thinking I could home build a machine better/cheaper than purchasing one and end up spending more money and being frustrated with the final product. I don't recommend holding the rat tail file against the "plate" with your hands due to safety reasons. The file handles taper to a dull point that could pierce a hand/finger/eye if the file were to catch on the spinning "plate".

In my opinion the best path forward would be to find someone with a wood lathe to cut in a groove for you (I used my wood lathe to do this and it was fairly straight forward). You'll be disappointed using a bench grinder to put in the groove - it will be "V" shaped and not a straight cut. You could also draw a center line around the "plate" and place it in a vise and use a round 'rat tail' wood rasp to remove a "U" shaped groove along the face of the "plate". You'll have more control going this route than with a bench grinder.

When I purchased my vsb burnishing machine there were several wood/felt/diamond coated "plates" available. The motor has a variable speed dial and there is a switch to reverse the rotation direction. The vsb also has an attachment that fits over the "plates" to attached a vacuum too. This attachment appears to be removed in the picture. It is possible to stack two "plates" on top of the machine. In the picture there is a wood "plate" over a felt & leather "plate". The felt and wood "plate" comes new with a flat edge. With use the felt "plate" will develop a natural groove for your belts, etc. to fit in. The wood "plate" comes with a flat edge also and if you have woodworking tools you can sand or use a rat tail woodworking file to create a groove. The diamond coated "plates" are already grooved and ready for use. The machine is very quiet and has a small foot print.

https://www.campbell-randall.com/product/model-vsb-burnishing-machine I've had one for a few years and it's a great edge burnisher.

It may just be a coincidence, but the former Cowboy dealer in Arlington TX used to put those same type of Cowboy name plates on all his machines. So, the machine could have originated from that former dealer.

I'm in the market for a high post roller foot machine and have noticed that some machines have a reversing lever and some don't. Do I want/need a high post roller foot machine that reverses. (for reference I have two flat bed machines and one cylinder arm machine that reverse and find that function quite useful.) I'd also be interested in suggestions for a high post machine. My budget is $2000-2500.00 thanks in advance.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/pfeil-swiss-made-right-handed-marking-knife Marking knives are the most accurate way to mark lines for fine joinery layout work. The flat steel blades on these knives are beveled on only one side so you can mark tight against your straight edge. These knives feature a K720 steel blade with a beautiful Bubinga handle that fits snug in your hand for easy gripping and control. Blade is 3/4” wide and 1- 7/8” long; overall length is 6”. This is a Pfeil brand knife and will be scary sharp out of the box.