Flat grinders Bubble Jig is in production.

Fred.Rowe

Fred.Rowe

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
May 2, 2004
Messages
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It has taken me a while, but I have finally gotten it in production.

I designed this jig to help grinders establish identical bevels on both sides of the blade being ground, while still maintaining full freehand control.

The bubble is 180 degrees adjustable and will work on anyone's vertical belt machine, no matter what the pitch of the platen.

This jig can be used with a grinding guide or placed directly on flat stock, via a strong magnet recessed in its base.


It allows the person grinding, to produce the same angle of approach on both sides of the blade, by simple moving the jig from one side of the blade to the other as the bevels are being ground.
Everyone that flat grinds blades grinds at the same angle of approach; a maximum of 5 degrees for edge development down to as little as 2.5 degrees angle of approach for wide blades, such as fighters and Bowies.
The wedges that will be included are 2.5-3.o-3.5-4.o-5.0 degrees.

This jig gives you full freehand control; it just allows you to approach the belt at the same angle ever time.

It does not restrict the varied grinding that takes place along the tip.

It is great for grinding swedges at precise angles or cleaning up the swedge after heat treat.
I set it at twelve degrees to sharpen my knives on the belt grinder.

There was a lot of interest in my original post on grinding with a bubble jig; so for those of you who have been anticipating this, it is finally in production.

I have applied for a patent on this jig and believe it will be a real benefit to those people just learning to grind and also to seasoned veterans. I find it has multiple uses in the knife shop.

I will have this jig for sale in September. It comes with a set of plastic wedges at varying degrees that will cover most any grinding situation.

This jig will be available at my table at the show in Cambridge, Ohio that is being held the last of October.

I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Happy grinding, Fred
Here is a link to an on line video that shows the jig being used:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=681265

If you are interested in purchasing one of these jigs mail me @ mailto:fred.rowe@bethelridgeforge.com

bubble+jig+first+time+001.jpg


This is the jig sitting on a 5 degree wedge, the bubble has been centered and you are ready to grind the edge of the blade.
bubble+jig+first+time+001_001.jpg

If you are grinding flat stock without a bevel guide, attach the jig to the flatstock, grind the bevel on one side, switch the bubble to the other side and grind the other bevel.
bubble+jig+first+time+004.jpg


If you are using a bevel guide on your blade, like the one pictured, attach the jig to the guide.
bubble+jig+first+time+009.jpg


Heres the reverse.
bubble+jig+first+time+010.jpg


You can attach the jig to the blade and use it to grind machined looking
false edges.
bubble+jig+first+time+014.jpg


Finished!
bubble+jig+first+time+015.jpg


This is not the grinder I grind bevels on, it is not as vertical as the one shown in the pics.
 
Last edited:
go mike said:
Do you have any pictures of it like how it's supposed to be used exactly?
Click to expand...

We are making a video that shows it in use. It should be ready to post on line, by the first part of September.


Fred
 
foxbat34 said:
Very interesting. Be sure to post the video when complete.
Click to expand...

I used to break out in a cold sweat when I would grind a blade from an expensive billet of damascus.
I designed this jig to make quality flat grinds simpler to accomplish and without the nerves.

So I guess it was self defense that bought this about.

A young tec friend is doing the video and we should have it done by the first of Sept.
I'll pm you when it goes on line.

Fred
 
Cool contraption.

Figure you can make your money back from a patent?
Mine cost many thousands of dollars...
 
Brian Fellhoelter Knives said:
Cool contraption.

Figure you can make your money back from a patent?
Mine cost many thousands of dollars...
Click to expand...

Time will tell.

It took me a couple of years to come up with one of these that would work on anyone's grinder setup. That was the problem. I made ones with fixed bubbles at first; but they would only work on my grinder or one with the platen set at the same pitch.
This one will adjust to any grinder setup.

Besides sending lawyers large amounts of money can't help but keep the economy going.:eek::D And it puts smiles on their faces.:rolleyes:

Fred
 
Fred, Keep me in mind, depending on the price I'd be interested in one. Very cool jig, I've been thinking about something like this to do false edges and final grinds. Thanks for your inovation.
James 7729
 
Ballpark figure on the final cost? Will it come with instructions? Can't wait for this to unfold.

Bill
 
james7729 said:
Fred, Keep me in mind, depending on the price I'd be interested in one. Very cool jig, I've been thinking about something like this to do false edges and final grinds. Thanks for your inovation.
James 7729
Click to expand...

The cost of the jig, with a set of marked degree wedges will be 35.00
It is really great for false edges, I cut the time needed to turn out a nice swedge by 75 %. using the bubble.

Burton said:
This is a very good invention. I am in line to get one of these for sure. Good work Fred.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Carl; see you this weekend.:thumbup:

bgmills said:
Ballpark figure on the final cost? Will it come with instructions? Can't wait for this to unfold.

Bill
Click to expand...

The cost will be 35.00 as stated above; little instruction is needed, other than setting the bubble at the desired degree and moving the bubble from side to side on the blade blank.
You will find it improves your grinding in a hurry.
 
Don't know how often I'll use it -- trying to teach myself to grind by feel. But count me in for one anyway. Looks to be a good design and may be useful.
 
What about putting a magnet on the base so you can stick it to the tang of the blade and then be able to hold the blade like normal?
 
From first post.

""This jig can be used with a grinding guide or placed directly on flat stock, via a strong magnet recessed in its base.""

Leadfoot
 
Leadfoot2 said:
From first post.

""This jig can be used with a grinding guide or placed directly on flat stock, via a strong magnet recessed in its base.""

Leadfoot
Click to expand...

Thanks Leadfoot!

I am using rare earth magnets and they are extremely strong for their size.

There is no movement or chatter once they are in position on the stock or on the bevel guide.

Fred
 
Hey Leatherface!!!!! On the Ht'g relish that I am sending, just deduct what you owe me off the cost of one.;):D
 
Dan Pierson said:
Don't know how often I'll use it -- trying to teach myself to grind by feel. But count me in for one anyway. Looks to be a good design and may be useful.
Click to expand...

Dan,

I will put you on the contact list.

I have been grinding with some form of this jig for about five years now.

I use it to establish the flats and not for the entire grinding process.

When I grind flat stock using the jig; within just a few passes per side, I have a flat surface at the desired angle on both sides of the blade.
Once you get to this stage, you can go totally freehand using the already established flats that are identical on both bevels.
It makes the whole grinding process a lot more pleasant.

Fred
 
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