angle grinder for shaping?

[pso]

Is it likely that I may "burn out the carbon" or damage the steel in some other way if I use an angle grinder to do the rough profiling and shaping of the blade? I would try to take it easy. My alternative is a lot more elbow-grease and a file.

 

[Bruce Bump]

No, The angle grinder will not harm anything. If you use an air hardening stainless there may be some work hardening and may not be able to use a file afterward. Come to think of it some carbon steels work harden like 1084 1095 and L6. I suggest a small test peice to see how it does.

 

[Bruce Evans]

As long as you don't over heat it on carbon steel you will be fine.If you do work harden the edge a little either bump it with the grinder real easy to take it off or anneal the piece and then you will be good to go.
Bruce E.

 

[Lynn]

I used 4 1/2" angle grinder for a couple of years. Made full size broad swords of 316C. I now have a Coote grinder but still use the grinders, including a 9", for a lot of rough work. Even some great makers grind scale with angle grinders because it costs less than a buck for grinder stones and over $6. for good belts.
Keep grinding, Lynn

 

[pso]

Thank you gentlemen for the great advice.

I had gotten rather "enthusiastic" once when grinding down a mild steel spacer that was about an inch and a half in diameter. The very end glowed dull red and smoked for a while. Afterwards, the surface had hues ranging from straw, through brown to deep blues and purples! It made for quite a light-show too!

Phil