Wow, cbwx34 has been reading my mail. A marriage made in heaven. I'm getting my parts together as we speak so I can steal a page from the cbwx34 book. Got my KME last week with the new diamond stone set. My EP Pro clone should be here Monday. The plan is to attach the KME diamonds to the EP plates so I can use them with the EP arm. Not an ideal set up, but I should be able to use the smaller stones o.k. Then find the best way to use my Spiderco triangle stones. As NRA mentioned those are really good stones so being able to incorporate them is a big plus. Thanks for all the great idea's gentlemen.... Jeff
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FrankenSharp Knife Sharpener, Combining KME, SharpMaker, Edge Pro Clone Parts
- Thread starter NRA
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 2,270
:thumbup:
Harivney,
Now I got it. It's that picture thing again. A little dawn over marblehead here. Thank you, that is a great idea. I have one of those springs that go between the ball and and the clamp and I'll see if I can make that work. It does make changing out the EP stones quicker. Thanks again for that spacer hack. Problem solved!
Now I got it. It's that picture thing again. A little dawn over marblehead here. Thank you, that is a great idea. I have one of those springs that go between the ball and and the clamp and I'll see if I can make that work. It does make changing out the EP stones quicker. Thanks again for that spacer hack. Problem solved!
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 286
Still tweaking placement of components, so I have not retired the 2 x 6 lumber yet, in favor of another block of granite, but I will once it is nearer to completion.
The granite is on a lazy susan, so turning it is easy. The mass of the granite makes the sharpeners stable, and they stay put, unless you wish to rotate them.
I have yet to use the camera component, but that should be an interesting service to someone anal sending me their knife to sharpen. They can see the whole process, even before getting their knife back, if they mail me the knife.
The magnets in the EP base do a great job of holding knifes. Just about negates the reason to get a KME in the first place.
One edge of my granite base is left free of components, so you can lay two SharpMaker rods side by side, and place the guide rod on them. The granite base is guaranteed flat to .0001 so that should be close enough. lol
It is easier to put two SharpMaker rods on the guide rod, than one single SharpMaker rod, because you end up with two points (per end) to place the guide rod onto. Keeps everything all lined up.
Total weight of unit, is around 60 pounds. Measurements of base is 12" x 9' x 5" tall.
Cost run down
KME 150
EP Clones 42 & 32
Magnets 15
SharpMaker & extra rods 100
Granite 62 & 42
Angle Cube 30
KME Clutch 20
KME Bearings 20
Miss Hardware 40
lazy Susan 10
Camera Arm 35
Cell Phone Priceless
Total 598
The granite is on a lazy susan, so turning it is easy. The mass of the granite makes the sharpeners stable, and they stay put, unless you wish to rotate them.
I have yet to use the camera component, but that should be an interesting service to someone anal sending me their knife to sharpen. They can see the whole process, even before getting their knife back, if they mail me the knife.
The magnets in the EP base do a great job of holding knifes. Just about negates the reason to get a KME in the first place.
One edge of my granite base is left free of components, so you can lay two SharpMaker rods side by side, and place the guide rod on them. The granite base is guaranteed flat to .0001 so that should be close enough. lol
It is easier to put two SharpMaker rods on the guide rod, than one single SharpMaker rod, because you end up with two points (per end) to place the guide rod onto. Keeps everything all lined up.
Total weight of unit, is around 60 pounds. Measurements of base is 12" x 9' x 5" tall.
Cost run down
KME 150
EP Clones 42 & 32
Magnets 15
SharpMaker & extra rods 100
Granite 62 & 42
Angle Cube 30
KME Clutch 20
KME Bearings 20
Miss Hardware 40
lazy Susan 10
Camera Arm 35
Cell Phone Priceless
Total 598
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 286
One or two springs would also work, and that makes it easier to change media.
No springs or spacers are needed with SharpMaker rods. Perfect fit.
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2006
- Messages
- 9,684
That's pretty cool. I'm gonna add one to my EP. Thanks. :thumbup:
I did my set up like harivney. Not sure if it will help in a practical sense, but I rigged my KME mount to be able to slide all the way aft if required. I cut a 1/4" piece of bamboo to fit the slot underneath and drilled it for the factory holes. You do have to pay attention to the length of the screws and nuts so they don't interfere with the pedestal mount in sliding rearward. Also on the pedestal mount is a hex shaped plastic piece that needs to be sanded flush so the KME mount nuts will clear. Nice little mod when you get done. I'm working on a quick release idea I have for the compression spring. I'll post it if it works out.. Rgds, Jeff
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 286
I am closer to finalizing my FrankenSharp project
5" thick of guaranteed flat granite surface plates.
I made a jig in the base to place the SharpMaker rods on the EP guide rod. The granite base is flat to .0001 of an inch. Putting the triangle rods on the guide rod is just as easy as the original media.
I seriously doubt I will ever use any media in my FrankenSharp except SM triangle rods. They are perfect for the job, and you cannot wear out ceramic sharpening rods. They are much harder than the steel.
I love the vertical horizontal jig I placed under the KME jaws. This makes the system wonderful for checking progress without straining to get your eyes, back, and looking for light all in the proper placement.
When the KME was portable, you just lifted it off the tiny stand, and looked at your edge. Once I placed the KME jaws on granite, I lost that ability. Now I have that back, and I find the ability to see what is going on, paramount in the sharpening process.
Shows the KME jaws in a vertical position to check progress.
Weight is about 50 pounds, and rotates comfortably on a lazy susan. 2 sides of the 12" x 8" main base have hand holding groves, so picking it up, to move it, is not difficult.
I was able to tuck the KME and jaw release, under the EP, saving a bunch of space. Because each sharpener is 90degrees turned from one another, they do not interfere with one another. One vertical guide rod support is shared between the two sharpeners. Just turn the granite base, and use the other sharpener.
The KME is mounted on Oak, as I could not work out all the varying heights needed to make that work, using granite.
Because all the pressure on the guide rod knuckle is always pushing up, I placed a spring under the knuckle, and an adjustment nut above it. I will use a wing nut above the nut, to synch it tight. Because of the threaded vertical rod, exact angles are possible. Just check the angle cube, and dial your exact angle in. The angle cube can stay in place through the whole sharpening process so you can check your work.
5" thick of guaranteed flat granite surface plates.
I made a jig in the base to place the SharpMaker rods on the EP guide rod. The granite base is flat to .0001 of an inch. Putting the triangle rods on the guide rod is just as easy as the original media.
I seriously doubt I will ever use any media in my FrankenSharp except SM triangle rods. They are perfect for the job, and you cannot wear out ceramic sharpening rods. They are much harder than the steel.
I love the vertical horizontal jig I placed under the KME jaws. This makes the system wonderful for checking progress without straining to get your eyes, back, and looking for light all in the proper placement.
When the KME was portable, you just lifted it off the tiny stand, and looked at your edge. Once I placed the KME jaws on granite, I lost that ability. Now I have that back, and I find the ability to see what is going on, paramount in the sharpening process.
Shows the KME jaws in a vertical position to check progress.
Weight is about 50 pounds, and rotates comfortably on a lazy susan. 2 sides of the 12" x 8" main base have hand holding groves, so picking it up, to move it, is not difficult.
I was able to tuck the KME and jaw release, under the EP, saving a bunch of space. Because each sharpener is 90degrees turned from one another, they do not interfere with one another. One vertical guide rod support is shared between the two sharpeners. Just turn the granite base, and use the other sharpener.
The KME is mounted on Oak, as I could not work out all the varying heights needed to make that work, using granite.
Because all the pressure on the guide rod knuckle is always pushing up, I placed a spring under the knuckle, and an adjustment nut above it. I will use a wing nut above the nut, to synch it tight. Because of the threaded vertical rod, exact angles are possible. Just check the angle cube, and dial your exact angle in. The angle cube can stay in place through the whole sharpening process so you can check your work.
Last edited:
NRA,
You are a constant source of fresh idea's for me. Thank you. The latest of which is the jig for mounting the Sharpmaker stones in the EP arm. Speeding that process up and making it easier is huge in my opinion. And, your early development on Frankensharp inspired me to marry the KME and EP. And that's working great. So, again, thanks for the idea's, keep 'em coming!
You are a constant source of fresh idea's for me. Thank you. The latest of which is the jig for mounting the Sharpmaker stones in the EP arm. Speeding that process up and making it easier is huge in my opinion. And, your early development on Frankensharp inspired me to marry the KME and EP. And that's working great. So, again, thanks for the idea's, keep 'em coming!
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 286
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 286
Today, I tested the FrankenSharp, with the hardest blade I know of to sharpen.
A Kris Stiletto.
I had done one, once before, on a SharpMaker, which did a good job, but does in my opinion, give the start of a Convex sharpening, depending on how good the person is at holding many many strokes plumb. If you are not perfect at it, Convex.
I did this with two SM triangle rods in the EP media guide rod, with the triangle points down. So that is two points, constantly on the blade.
I did a profile of this blade to 22 degrees each side. Major PITA. I used the Diamond rods, but it still took hours. Never again will I profile a kris blade in this way.
The results turned out good, and I am pleased.
The FrankenSharp is about as anal, as I could conceive for being a blade sharpener, from all the tools that have been offered by the different manufacturers.
It is a SharpMaker with a solid jig, it is a KME with better, longer media, it is a EP, with more options, and the ability to use it with one dominate hand.
This is quite possibly my last venture into building a better mousetrap in the sharpening world, as I am healed up from two serious cuts, and I am going to call good enough, good enough.
I would still like to purchase a WE, just to play with, but in my bias opinion, the FrankenSharp, is a more flexible system. It will do below 10 degrees a side, it will do micro pocket knives, it will do scissors, and it will do Kris Stilettos.
I had a great time on this project, and I really appreciate all the tips and guidance everyone gave me.
I also appreciate those that were annoyed with my homemade project, and allowed me to ramble on.
A Kris Stiletto.
I had done one, once before, on a SharpMaker, which did a good job, but does in my opinion, give the start of a Convex sharpening, depending on how good the person is at holding many many strokes plumb. If you are not perfect at it, Convex.
I did this with two SM triangle rods in the EP media guide rod, with the triangle points down. So that is two points, constantly on the blade.
I did a profile of this blade to 22 degrees each side. Major PITA. I used the Diamond rods, but it still took hours. Never again will I profile a kris blade in this way.
The results turned out good, and I am pleased.
The FrankenSharp is about as anal, as I could conceive for being a blade sharpener, from all the tools that have been offered by the different manufacturers.
It is a SharpMaker with a solid jig, it is a KME with better, longer media, it is a EP, with more options, and the ability to use it with one dominate hand.
This is quite possibly my last venture into building a better mousetrap in the sharpening world, as I am healed up from two serious cuts, and I am going to call good enough, good enough.
I would still like to purchase a WE, just to play with, but in my bias opinion, the FrankenSharp, is a more flexible system. It will do below 10 degrees a side, it will do micro pocket knives, it will do scissors, and it will do Kris Stilettos.
I had a great time on this project, and I really appreciate all the tips and guidance everyone gave me.
I also appreciate those that were annoyed with my homemade project, and allowed me to ramble on.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2014
- Messages
- 14
I like the idea for the angle adjustment. The wing nut must allow for a easily and more accurate adjustments
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2006
- Messages
- 9,684
I finally ordered a piece of stainless tubing off ebay. It's a little bigger than 5/16" inside and just a hair over 3/8" OD and 12" long. It fits perfectly over the rod on the EP clone. Just need to cut it to length and I'll be all set to use my KME stones on it. Can't wait. While the EP clone itself is pretty decent, the stones are just as crappy as everyone who's ever reviewed one says they are. :barf:
The KME stones, on the other hand, are awesome. :thumbup:
The KME stones, on the other hand, are awesome. :thumbup:
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 286
If I were to profile another Kris blade, I would try a WorkSharp with the skinniest belt I could find. Just using the v edge of a pair of SharpMaker diamond rods, was way too slow. Hours. Not fun.
However, now that t is done, it is fun to look at.
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 286
I would hope Ron has been following along in this transformation of a factory KME, to something larger, more powerful, more versatile, and would incorporate some of these ideas, into making a shop model, to get away from the portable small model he currently makes.
Is the factory KME a good sharpener? Certainly, but the current size does have limitations.
Removing the guide rod, each time, to flip a knife, really ticked me off.
Is the factory KME a good sharpener? Certainly, but the current size does have limitations.
Removing the guide rod, each time, to flip a knife, really ticked me off.
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2013
- Messages
- 51
How do you attach the angle cube to the rod? Sorry if i missed it. Also dont you have to take it off to zero to the table. My cube shuts off after a few min., does yours?