This is all interesting stuff; especially the post about the 20" wheel. I think a wheel with a big diameter would be a big blessing, because it would be much flatter than a small wheel at its outer edge.
It's too bad no one makes an expanding wheel for sanding belts, the way they make expanding drums. That would be neat. Now that I think about it, I kind of wonder if my oscillating spindle sander might be good for this. It's really easy to do precise work on it. It's nearly useless for most metal work, so I never really though about using it to sharpen things, but for this purpose, it might be fantastic. Maybe I'll dig up a scrap blade somewhere and fool with it.
Again, I guess I was stupid to get rid of my 1800 RPM grinder, but I was doing machining, and for that purpose it was totally, 100% useless. On HSS lathe tools, my fast bench grinder is a joy.
Based on my success with the diamond stones, I think the easiest solution is a DMT coarse stone. I really tortured myself with the fine stone.
If I can get a grip on using my little Rockwell 1x42 grinder, maybe I can avoid getting a second bench grinder and increasing clutter.
Cry "Havoc," and let slip the dogs of bench.
I was socially distant before it was cool.
A little authority corrupts a lot.