Filing jig vs power tool jig?

[Nic.]

Hey all! I'm pretty new to knife making and am still trying to perfect my skills and equipment. I saw Arron Gough's filing jig and I think it's simple and brilliant, but I was wondering if there were any ideas out there for a jig with power tools to make the process quicker but still percise. I have a bench grinder, angle grinder, 4x36 belt sander, 1x32 belt sander, 6in disc sander, and assorted files and stuff for blade smithing. Does anyone have a jig idea for any of these tools to get a nice bevel with a good plunge line?
Thanks!

 

[samuraistuart]

Nic, if you are looking for a jig for your belt sanders, I would say use the search function here on BF. There are many different plans out there. If you are looking for a jig for your file....same thing. However, when using a file, I cannot recommend enough to do it freehand. I personally do not see the benefit of a file jig over free hand. You have so much control of a file...not so much with a grinder! I say that (lots of control with a file) and yet I still struggle sometimes making my plunge lines stop before the spine! By the time I've stopped filing, then sanding comes, and by the time I've gone thru the sanding progression, my plunge line has walked all the way up to the spine!

As far as straight plunge lines....a file guide is just about necessary. Some sort of hard straight surface that can be secured to the blade anyway. Use them with the file or with your belt sander. When using the file freehand, and you need a nice straight crisp grind line (as in a saber grind or very high flat grind but not full flat grind), make sure you use the "draw" filing technique with those last passes and detail that grind line.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

 

[Nic.]

Nic, if you are looking for a jig for your belt sanders, I would say use the search function here on BF. There are many different plans out there. If you are looking for a jig for your file....same thing. However, when using a file, I cannot recommend enough to do it freehand. I personally do not see the benefit of a file jig over free hand. You have so much control of a file...not so much with a grinder! I say that (lots of control with a file) and yet I still struggle sometimes making my plunge lines stop before the spine! By the time I've stopped filing, then sanding comes, and by the time I've gone thru the sanding progression, my plunge line has walked all the way up to the spine!

As far as straight plunge lines....a file guide is just about necessary. Some sort of hard straight surface that can be secured to the blade anyway. Use them with the file or with your belt sander. When using the file freehand, and you need a nice straight crisp grind line (as in a saber grind or very high flat grind but not full flat grind), make sure you use the "draw" filing technique with those last passes and detail that grind line.

Thank you! I could definately just do the filing way, but I was wondering if there was a jig out there for a grinder or sander that would speed it up. I can do rough shaping and profiling free hand, but I want to have those nice crisp and consistent bevels so I think I'll make a jig of some sort. Thanks for your advice!

 

[Nic.]

Ok, I'm very intrigued. I watched that video, but still have some questions. Is is that you set the jig to the desired angle and then while your grinding keep the bubble in the level and that's your guide? Seems pretty neat! How much do you sell them for?

 

[Fred.Rowe]

Ok, I'm very intrigued. I watched that video, but still have some questions. Is is that you set the jig to the desired angle and then while your grinding keep the bubble in the level and that's your guide? Seems pretty neat! How much do you sell them for?

You have the basic concept. All the information is on the bubblejig.com website. Shoot me an e-mail if you have questions. fred.rowe@bethelridgeforge.com

Regards, Fred

 

[bubbas55]

There is a video on you tube that uses an angle grinder. Don't know the name. Just search. I liked what he did and decided to make one for myself but as I progressed I found problems and went about doing mine a little different. Any way it's o good place to start. I've tested mine and so far works great but seems I keep finding new refinements

 

[Nic.]

There is a video on you tube that uses an angle grinder. Don't know the name. Just search. I liked what he did and decided to make one for myself but as I progressed I found problems and went about doing mine a little different. Any way it's o good place to start. I've tested mine and so far works great but seems I keep finding new refinements

Ok, thank you. I'll look for that and see if that would help!!

 

[Lurch01]

I'm only on my third knife and using a HF 1x30 but I was looking for a simple and easy jig design just so I could get started. I ended up using my miter saw to cut 2" slices from a 2x6 at different angles. I clamp the blade to the wooden block with a C clamp so that the end of the C clamp strikes the platen when the plunge line is lined up with the edge of the platen (not an original idea but from a youtube video). This has really helped in making consistent primary grinds with a clean plunge line (unfortunately I proceed to trash the plunge line later in the process but I'm working on that). Quite simple but it's the method I'm using today.

 

[Nic.]

I'm only on my third knife and using a HF 1x30 but I was looking for a simple and easy jig design just so I could get started. I ended up using my miter saw to cut 2" slices from a 2x6 at different angles. I clamp the blade to the wooden block with a C clamp so that the end of the C clamp strikes the platen when the plunge line is lined up with the edge of the platen (not an original idea but from a youtube video). This has really helped in making consistent primary grinds with a clean plunge line (unfortunately I proceed to trash the plunge line later in the process but I'm working on that). Quite simple but it's the method I'm using today.

Ok, that's a great idea, thank you! My one question is, that creates your plunge line, but then how do you get your consistent angle to grind the bevel? Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Lurch01]

The 2" piece from the 2x6 has one side at the angle I want the primary grind-- say 7 degrees. When I'm ready for the primary grind, with the power off, I hold the blade against the block and on the grinder rest with the platen where I want the plunge line to be on the blade. This should look like the set when I'm grinding but with the power off and nothing holding the blade to the side of the block. I then manage to put on a C clamp so the end of the C clamp that is against the blade is hitting the paten. I tighten down the C clamp and then start to grind. I move the blade and block from where the platen hits the C clamp to the tip. The plunge line is formed as a make successive passes. Works fantastic for a low tech cheopo solution. The block needs to be about 1.5"-2" so it clears the grinder parts and so I can dunk the block and the blade in a larger tumbler I use for water. The C clamp, being nearer the handle, doesn't need to fit into the water.

A 15 second video would make it clear but I can't do that today.