Grinder height

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
9,437
Okay here's a tricky one for me.

I'm trying to figure out the best grinder height for myself. I KNOW this is a personal preference thing, but that's what I"m looking for....what is the preference for stance (or seated position) while grinding blade bevels for you guys out there?

Out of all the knives I've made, having the ability to consistently produce great grinds is VERY HARD for me. I know practice, practice, and practice some more. Fit and finish is supposed to be the hard part I was told and I got that part down a long time ago. It's those darn bevels for me!

I've never actually seen another man grind a blade, just once that is, JP Moss flat ground one in front of me.

When I first got started, I mistakenly took the advice of another maker and bought a hollow grinding fixture. I'm sure they are great for long blades but the truth of it is that starting on that thing (for me) is like learning to drive an automatic car and then getting dumped in a manual transmission rig without any guidance and being told to drive from Washington to Florida.

Perhaps I just wasn't made for hollow grinding, but I don't like cop outs.

As a bodybuilder, I wear my back out enough at the gym that I don't want to be hunched over my Burr King (I'm really hoping that's not the best grinding stance).

Most of the shop tours in KI show guys making contact with the wheel somewhere around belt height or maybe a few inches higher.

Okay, I rambled a lot, but hopefully some of you guys that can grind so beautifully can make some sense of it and let me in on what's comfortable for you as far as grinding.

PS- Any hints for grinding in general would be greatly appreciated (I'd even swallow my pride and try it....lol).

Thanks a million.

Nick
 
Nick, the simplest answer is, what ever is most comfortable and the safest for you! I sit down when I grind. Mostly because I'm a blimp, but also because when I'm grinding, I like the support that I get from putting my elbow on my knees or thighs. That is the key to being able to grind consistently. You have to find the support and position that you can duplicate blade after blade.
Also, I have found that when ever the blade gets away from me, usually when I'm buffing, it goes straight down to the floor ortowards the back of the buffer, away from me. Since I'm sitting, my feet and legs are farther apart and not directly under the buffer like they would be if I were standing. Take care! Michael

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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!"
 
I am dead against sitting especially when buffing, a fellow could be hurt seriously if a knife gets away. When you are standing the tendancy of the piece is to be thrown downwards and rearwards the machine not forwards toward the operator. 15 years of metal polishing and I have never had a piect that got away hit me, always the floor or the wall.

If you want to sit try reversing the belt direction on the grinder and work on the top of the wheel. The fellows at Groehman knives work on grinders like this and it seems to work for them.

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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com


 
I always stand when grinding with the contact wheel just a little above belt high. One thing that really makes a difference is to have a good light directly over the grinder. You'd be surprised at how much better you can grind when you can see.
Steve
 
went back and read all the posts...good grinds are hard for everyone...because you have to carefully do every one....laying out all the grind lines before you start helps. constantly taking the knife off the belt and looking at it is on of the ways i keep it where i want it to be...i mean i look at it constantly...especially with a double grind or something difficult...hope that helps
 
Nick,
Don't let this discourage you, but, I can't hollow grind either.
Most people I've seen grind blades have the grinder about belt buckle high so they can lean the body into it rather than relying on thier arm strength.
My brother and I flat grind at chest height against the platten.
I've seen George Herron grind using a hollow grinding jig. Heighth is just above the belt line. He can grind a 4 to 5 inch blade in one minute and 2 seconds.
It's not a good idea to be stoopped over the grinder. Standing up straight is much easier on the back.
I do some grinds on the platten by mounting a board to the work rest. I can set my angles as shallow as 5degrees using an angle finder. I place the blade on the board and push it up to the platten. It works well but takes a little practice. I will try to post pictures of this later on today.

Hope this helps.

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If a man can keep alert and imaginative, an error is a possibility, a chance at something new; to him, wandering and wondering are a part of the same process. He is most mistaken, most in error, whenever he quits exploring.

William Least Heat Moon
 
George, I don't know how you buff, but I put the blade into the wheel about 1" below middle. I have never had one get away from me and come towards me. They either hit the floor, or the water bucket which is about a foot to the rear of the buffer.
The only time I've ever lost a blade on my grinder was when I was using it in a way it wasn't designed to be used. I was slack belt grinding on the top with the serrated wheel on it. I twisted the push dagger a little towards the wheel and it spit the blade back in my face. I hadn't had my Wilton for more than 3-4 months. I learned fast to use it like it was intended. I understand your concern, and thank you for expressing it. Take care! Michael

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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!"
 
I like to have my grinder so that I can reach it comfortably when I'm standing up straight.You don't want to be lifting your arms clear up by your shoulders the whole time, and you don't want it so your constantly reaching down.Try and find a position that lets you work comfortably so you don't get tired at the grinder.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
That's why they call 'em organic rests...takes some years to acheive the right dimensions...with me it comes natural ;-)
Harry
 
Lmao Harry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've got those organic rests too!!

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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!"
 
Organic rests, heck! I have a WHOLE WORK BENCH!!!

Sometimes it sure does get rough to work beneath that flabalanche, though!!!

=8^*


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One little nuclear holocaust can REALLY hose your bowling average...
 
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