best way to grind a blade?

D

DOAlaboratories

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Jan 14, 2010
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i got really bored today, so i was thinking, "hey. i'm going to the do-it center, pick up a piece of scrap metal, and try my first attempt at grinding a blade."
well, it didn't end up too well.
everything was going good until i got cocky and tried to put a deep recurve on it with my belt sander. i completely destroyed the tip and ruined the nice smooth grind lines i made.
should i even be using a belt sander for this?
what's the best method of grinding one?
sorry for being such a newbie.
 
You can use a belt sander but it's not recommended. It's extremely fast and the steel dust can kill it fairly quick. A belt grinder is what is usually used. A 2x72 is the size of choice. But something like a 2x42 or even a 1x30 can get the job done. Just not as to work with as a 2x72. Paint sticks are a much cheaper alternative to practice grinding on rather than eating up steel.

If you don't have a belt grinder you're probably better of using a file. It's slow going but you have a ton more control and usually can't make too many drastic mistakes as you go.
 
what type of file? i got a set of tiny ones today to do some minor file work on my balisongs and i have a decent size half round. should i be using a diamond coated or something?
 
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