Grind lines not good :( - What am I doing wrong?

[toobit]

Hi there,

This is my third knife and I am using a jig on my grinder. I am not quite sure what I am doing wrong because I cannot get a sharp grind line. I tried free-hand and also my jig.

My question is: Do i just need to go harder on the "press" for longer?

When I change the positioning of the jig angle it just brings the grind line up higher but not very present.

Thoughts?

newby.

Thanks

 

[evergreensSequoiaseucalyptusandOaks]

The key to good lines is using brand new belts that are sharp when finishing ~ and a steady hand staying consistent of coarse ~ or use a jig or guide for best results ~ used belts get high and low spots and affect your final grind lines ~ so always work sharp ~ "New Belts" ~ nice looking knife by the way...………...not bad at all for your third knife ~ better than mine ~ good work ~

 

[toobit]

Im thinking of acid etching it and then grinding again to get a nice line.

 

[REK Knives]

What grinder are you using and what's the platen like?

 

[toobit]

What grinder are you using and what's the platen like?

This one, its brand new, so I guess the standard setup.
OBM
Belt Grinder 2×72″ Complete Chassis WITH 2HP MOTOR & VFD combo

 

[DevinT]

Make sure your platen sticks out past the rollers about 1/16” top and bottom.

Hoss

 

[toobit]

Make sure your platen sticks out past the rollers about 1/16” top and bottom.

Hoss

I see, so it should come forward a bit. I will measure that. Thanks!

 

[DevinT]

I see, so it should come forward a bit. I will measure that. Thanks!

Yeah, just put a straight edge on it to see.

Hoss

 

[toobit]

Gr

Yeah, just put a straight edge on it to see.

Hoss

Great idea. I will check that out tonight. I just dont want to mess up this knife, too much work so far. Maybe I should get used to throw aways though.

 

[Britt_Askew]

Just throw them in a bucket and later on after your skills improve you will be able to clean it up and make a knife from most of them.

 

[Joshua Fisher]

You could also build a filing jig or learn how to draw file to clean up your grind lines, it takes longer but gives a lot of control on the finished line. Look up gough custom on YouTube he has a video building a cheap filing jig. Hand tools help you learn foundational techniques that can be stepped up to the power tools, if you learn how to freehand clean bevels in with a file you might find your control on the grinder improves substantially. But like everything else it takes practice. I do think if your using a jig and still getting a washed out line like that then like Devin said your platen could need to move forward, also make sure you hold the jig down dead flat on your table if you rock it then it will wash out your bevel.