fixing a bend

[smorgan345]

last question for a while I promise. if the bar stock you are using for stock removal has subtle bends in it, is it possible to straighten them? I am working with hand tools so I don't think there is much I can do but if I get a belt grinder in the future would I just flat grind the bar till it's flat? grind out the waves?

 

[Mike Turner]

I get bars bent all the time and I just straighten them with a dead blow hammer on my anvil. If you do not have a anvil you will have to get creative and find a solid straight surface. Also a wooden mallet would work too or something similar. A regular hammer will leave marks in your steel.

Hope this helps.

 

[Hengelo_77]

This worked for me:
Place the bar on two blocks on a work surface, bend up.
Now place a good clamp (like a C-clamp) on the bend and slowly twist the handle untill you are straight.
You have good control this way

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Hengelo's way works well. In a pinch, set two blocks of 2X4 on the floor, set the bar across them, bend up, and step on the bar at the bend. This is much less controlled, but gets the job done.

 

[A C Richards]

The first thing I would do is cut the bar to the length needed for the knife. Then I would use the 3 brass rod - vise fixture. Basically take 3 brass rods bent so they stay in the vise with it open. Place 2 rods on one jaw and one on the other. Put the single rod in the high spot and the 2 rods on either side on the opposite jaw. Close the vise and tighten. Repeat until the waves are gone. Works good on semi finished blades also.

 

[smorgan345]

thanks again guys, I'll let you know how it works out.
s

 

[C Bryant]

I believe this is something to what AC Richards was referring too. If I'm not mistaken I got this idea from a friend to found it in a Wayne Goddard book.

Cut bar stock into lengths, three or four inches (or whatever works best for you). drill a hole through each on one end, insert a small steel rod. It is best to hammer out the ends of the small rod so they don't end up coming out of the larger piece. Put this in your vise around the bend in the steel and apply pressure. Great for spot straightening.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I have almost the same thing. I keep it sitting in the vise when doing HT. If there is a warp that needs a tweak, I slip in the blade and give the vise handle a spin. Works superb.