Flat grind recommendation

C

Craig Daniel

Joined
Feb 17, 2016
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I asked this same question in the tips and tricks section and am sure it was in the wrong section so I will ask it here instead. I have always freehand hollow ground all my blades with very good results but I want to flat grind some Bowie blades this winter and was wandering what is the best way to do it? I have 2 Wilton 2x72's with flat platens but I have not turned out a good flat ground blade freehand on these machines, Is it better to flat grind on a disc sander? Should I make a rest and a jig to hold the blade for flat grinding? Any help or comments are greatly appreciated.
 
I'm no expert. but learned from one...Do your Wilton's have a table to rest the spine of the blade on while grinding? If not, I'd start ere so all you have to worry about is pressure of the blade against the belt and how fast you pull the blade across the belt and not worry about up/down, twisting or tilting the blade.
If so, I was taught to use some sort of push stick with one hand (not fingers) to push the blade against the belt while pulling the blade across the belt with the other hand, switching hands for each side.
Hope that makes sense.
~billyO
 
One Wilton has a small home made table 2"x3" but I think that's not big enough? Who sells the bubble jig?
 
I flatground on a Wilton for years. It doesn't require a work rest, it just requires practice and fresh, sharp belts. All the same rules as hollow grinding apply. Start with a small bevel and push the grind down toward the spine with each successive pass. A pyroceramic platen helps.
 
I have a KMG and all I do is flat grinding, but I've never heard of a pyroceramic platen? As for tips for flat grinding, just use fresh sharp belts and take it slow.
 
Craig Daniel said:
One Wilton has a small home made table 2"x3" but I think that's not big enough? Who sells the bubble jig?
Click to expand...
Fred Rowe at Bethel Ridge forge makes them. He is a member here on the forum. I used to hand file with a jig, but I was able to get great results on my first try using my 2x72 and his bubble jig. It also teaches you freehand technique. I can't say enough good things about it. You can watch some of his you tube videos to see how it works.
 
Matthew Gregory said:
I flatground on a Wilton for years. It doesn't require a work rest, it just requires practice and fresh, sharp belts. All the same rules as hollow grinding apply. Start with a small bevel and push the grind down toward the spine with each successive pass. A pyroceramic platen helps.
Click to expand...

+1 great advise
 
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