Filing plunges?

[Tin.Man]

So I can grind plunges pretty even on the first pass or two, however I'm always chasing them a little and it's the least fun for me.

I want to try filing a plunge then just stopping at the plunge then hand sanding.
Now the kicker, what if I'm mainly doing hollow grinds from say 4"-14" how would I replicate that with a file? Or would it look alright to have flat plunge and hollow bevel?

Last one, chainsaw file for the plunge? Any other recommendations? Really appreciate it.

 

[Hengelo_77]

I do flat grinds and file the plunge with a chain saw file.
You don't file the full hight, only 1/2 or 1/3, then grind in to that. I
I guess that that will work with hollow grinds as well.

 

[AVigil]

Use a file guard and all your plunge problems will go away.

I like fine tuning the plunge with a gator belt

 

[googlebutt]

Use a file guard and all your plunge problems will go away.

I like fine tuning the plunge with a gator belt

Are you using the file guide to grind in your plunges on the grinder, or by hand with files? Carbide necessary?

 

[AVigil]

Are you using the file guide to grind in your plunges on the grinder, or by hand with files? Carbide necessary?

The file guide is used on the grinder. Just attach it where you want the plunge to start and then start the grind in front of that about 1/4" , then work the grind back toward the file guide.

This will make sure the plunges are even

I used the one that came with the bubble jig for years. Now I use Bill Benkhe file guide which is aluminum and carbide face.

 

[ashwinearl]

The file guide is used on the grinder. Just attach it where you want the plunge to start and then start the grind in front of that about 1/4" , then work the grind back toward the file guide.

This will make sure the plunges are even

I used the one that came with the bubble jig for years. Now I use Bill Benkhe file guide which is aluminum and carbide face.

Do you use this through a certain grit and/or on pre-heat treat grinding, or all the way through finish grinding?

 

[AVigil]

Do you use this through a certain grit and/or on pre-heat treat grinding, or all the way through finish grinding?

On stainless I grind the main bevel about 80% and the plunge 1/4" forward, then send to heat treat.
After heat treat I will clean up the blade then then install the file guide and then with the established grind I work back into the plunge line and then make it nice and established.

Once the plunge is set, I take off the file guide and start with the finishing belt.

Just be sure to remember how far you leave the belt over hang the platen or wheel to keep the plunge the same.