Bevel grinds

A

acescoach

Joined
Feb 2, 2009
Messages
5
Anyone out there that can explain how to grind bevels to different shapes? No problem here grinding a 90 degree plunge cut, but what about a more sweeping bevel? Any ideas would be appreciated. Many thanks.
 
I put a fine belt on my grinder and adjust the belt to run off the side of the platen slightly. I then carefully grind up to the plunge and feather it in, letting it only take material off the plunge. With practice, you'll be able to easily round off your plunges. When you get one side done, then adjust the belt to run off the other side of the platen and repeat.
 
Thanks for the prompt reply, Scott. I was referring to the plunge cut itself not being straight up and down. I'd like to know how to create the bevel to be more of a curve than just perpendicular to the blade. Any suggestions? Thanks again.
 
It's sort of hard to explain, but basically you just finesse the belt from the level of the ricasso near the spine, to the edge. It's not a flat plane but a 3D curvy-type surface. You have to twist your wrist a little bit.

I wish I could explain it better. Usually it happens when I don't want it to:grumpy:
 
You mean like this?
attachment.php
 
I grind edge up and angle my tang down (and tip up) 30 to 45 degrees (depending on your preference). Basically you just set your plunge at an angle other than a 90. Del Ealy grinds like this and I started doing it on some of my stuff to give it a little something different. If you run your belt off the platen (as someone above mentioned) about a 1/4" or so, you'll develop a sweeping plunge like the below. If you combine to the two, you'll get a kind of "wave". I have a piece I did it on but it's not done yet, otherwise I'd show it to you also. Let me know if you need any further explanation...
DSCN1185.jpg
 
A filing guide will work. I couldn't keep the plunge straight at all. Bought a filing guide and now it has to be straight. I am a newbie also
Cal
 
Thanks for the great question on sweeping bevel grinds Acescoach. I was just thinking of asking such a question. Erik, that explanation was simple yet informative....just what the Dr. ordered. Would love to see more ideas on this one. Erik, please let us see pics of the finished "wave" grind.

Thanks,

Bob
 
bobbywett said:
Erik, please let us see pics of the finished "wave" grind.
Click to expand...

This is as far as I have it, need to do the final etch and polish but it gives you the general idea. By the way, both the above Damascus and the below are Frenzy pattern from Chad Nichols.
attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • DSCN1199.jpg
    DSCN1199.jpg
    59.7 KB · Views: 142
That's really a beautiful piece of Damascus Erik, Ive not seen anything close to that pattern before. The angled plunge came out sweet!
 
Thank you. Since I don't make my own (yet) I like to find unique patterns but not mosaic. Chad Nichols and Del Ealy make some very unique and beautiful patterns. The one issue with the plunge on the second one is that your grind, while flat, will kind of roll from a thicker flat near the ricasso to a straight flat at the tip. When you hand sand it, you'll find your block change angles drastically about 3/4 of the way down from the tip. However, the cutting edge will stay close the same angle to about a 1/4 of the way to spine then thicken. Just something that happened by accident when I was messing around but I kind of like it.
 
I do mine with a half round file, and file at a 45 degree angle with the edge. I tend to screw it up when I use the grinder.


Todd
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top