Grinding bevels?

[clockworkfish]

Hey what is the best way to get a very consistent bevel width? is there some sort of jig that i could make or use for a 1X30 inch belt grinder? I have been able to get a pretty nice bevel but there are a few little indents here and there and i want to make it a nice crisp line.

 

[Ralph D'Elia]

Practice then practice some more. If your goal is to make hand made knives you don't want to become relient on jigs. If your budget allows a 2x72 grinder is the way to go. There are alot on the market I own and use a bader BM-3. KMG makes a very nice grinder as well. Find a knifemaker near you most are more than happy to help. Keep practicing

 

[12345678910]

You could even it out with draw filing.

In my standard reply there is a youtube video link

 

[Jeremy Barnard]

You could use layout dye and scribe where you want the bevel.

 

[thegeek574]

I would agree with the count. get a good file and draw file your way to victory.

 

[clockworkfish]

i dont think there are knife makers in Chicago and i don't have a car which limits me :/ i'll post some pics of my work eventually.

 

[lonepine]

A bubble jig will give you a fighting chance at high and even grinds. It is a bubble level that is adjust able for the angle you want to grind. It is attached to your blade or blade holder with a magnet. It is not magic because if you can't control your hands that are holding the blade you will not be able to grind even, consistent grinds. It took me several knives before I could effectively use it.

- Paul Meske

 

[5artist5]

i dont understand what you mean by your standard reply.
I would love to see a youtube link to some draw filing.

 

[thegeek574]

the count has a large post that contains a huge information of information.
thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/897358-Brand-new-to-knifemaking.-Need-some-advice

 

[Josh Mason]

Nothing wrong with jigs man. I have a little sled jig and use it all the time for scandi ground stuff. It's not EASY, but with practice you can get a very nice grind. Don't be discouraged against using them.

Still... you have to practice with freehanding too. There's some things jigs cant fix/help.

Maybe you can try something like this with your 1x30. Build yourself a long table to go on top of your existing tool rest to allow for the jig's travel.

 

[Jason Magruder]

Practice is the most important thing, followed closely by using sharp belts. A better grinder will make things faster and it will be easier to get quality belts but it won't affect the end result all that much.

 

[BMK]

If you want to grind to closer tolerances than the most experienced freehand, fabricate or purchase a good jig and use it.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Lots of practice and sharp belts both help.

Jigs are a great way to stay consistent but with practice you will be able to freehand grind which isn't limiting as far as design goes.

 

[Mike Davis]

I fully agree with Daniel here. Freehand grinding is an essential skill set in knifemaking, plus it has FAR less limitations when doing larger blades.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

Daniel & Mike,

I feel its the maker himself, that is the limiting factor in turning out great knives. Its not that he uses this or that machine or that he uses this or that fixture or jig. Its his desire that counts.
I know people who use the most basic of tools and turn out the most amazing knives. I know others who have ever tool and machine known to man and they also turn out amazing knives. I see the reverse also; Its desire and attitude that count more than any animate object in the shop.

Remember; "The choice is not between success and failure; its between choosing risk and striving for greatness, or risking nothing and being assured of mediocrity".
So get in there and make a great knife; push the envelope.

Fred



Fred

 

[steveo83]

It depends a lot on what you need help with, but I struggle with getting an even grind both sides. Partly it's how I have my grinder set up (space issues) but one side is usually nearly perfect, the other side of the blade not so much. A jig might help to start, but you want to develop freehand skills eventually.
Some makers put jigs to great use, and I've considered building one before.

As already suggested, I would recommend a bubble jig to start. It helps a LOT when you're working the bevels on both sides. You still need to do all the work, this just corrects your angles. You might think you have the angle right before you make your pass and then look at the bubble jig and you'll see you're way out. It lets you get the feel how to make your passes when you grind.
I made a few blades without the bubble jig that came ok - but the jig certainly helps avoid mistakes. Eventually you won't need any form of jig at all - I'm not even close to there yet.