getting started

[Jim Beam]

I am making my own knives and am just starting out...
i am profiling and grinding the blade with a bench grinder then using a circular disk attachment on a drill to get the grinds even. What is the best way to get the final finish... so far i have been just sanding by hand, starting with 100 grit and working down to 600 but this takes a lot of time... any shortcuts??
thanks

 

[L6steel]

Naturaly, a belt grinder is the best cure for this problem. If you're not ready or able to commit that much of an investment, you might wanna try some flap wheels of various grits as well as using buffing compounds with concentric and loose sewn muslin wheels. You can put these on your bench grinder. Jantz Supply 18003518900, K&G Finishing Supply 18009721192, or Texas Knifemaker's Supply q18884618632, carry the things you'll need. Take care! Michael
God Bless America!<img src=http://members.aol.com/l6steel/ebay/flag.jpg>

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"

 

[T. J.]

If you want to get a decent finish for the true rock bottom dollar, go to Lowes or Home Labyrinth and get 2 black and decker 6 inch sewn cotton buffs for your bench grinder, then go to sears and get a stick of black emery buffing compound, and a stick of white rouge. (you may have to buy the variety pack of compounds, but don't try to use sears buffs) You may have to round up a couple of big washers and drill the center hole the same size as the shaft on your grinder to take up some slack.

Sand to 320 or 400 grit, buff with emery to remove scratches (reapply emery often, if there is not fresh compound on your buff, your just heating up your blade and not removing any scratches) change buffs and use white rouge to get final polish and to shine up your handle material.

This is not a perfect mirror polish, but the total cost is only about $20



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I love my country! I just don't trust my government!

 

[Hagar]

You could try using one of those oscilating/vibrating sanders... I have used one occaisonally with some success. You wont end up with sharp grind lines(from the flat off the blade to the bevel) this will tend to round these off.

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There is no such thing as "good enough", either your work is good or it is not. How is your work?