grinding frustration.....!!!!!

[Erin Burke]

Erin- I don't want to come off as argumentative, but I can't think of a grind that I couldn't do with either the spine resting on a tool rest, or my knuckles lightly gracing the tool rest.

No problem dude. I just really haven't figured out how to bend curvy grinds (hollow or flat) on a flat rest. I also have had trouble on a flat rest with blades that have a significantly long clip... thought I've recently begun making an effort to grind my clips away AFTER the primary bevels have been set, allowing me a long stable spine to ride on the tool rest. I've considered fabricating some sort of rod rest (rather than a flat one) to provide support for curvy grinds (something like Patrice was hinting at).

I certainly wouldn't turn up my nose at a chance to visit your new shop and pick up some more pointers.
Erin

 

[NickWheeler]

That's snazzy Fred!!!

Patrice, I typically take a forged blade to my 10" serrated wheel and hog the excess off first. I actually do that part freehand, mostly because my tool rest is set up on a flat platen tool arm. After that I grind on a rest with a push-stick, with my 9" disc mixed into the process. My main rest is almost 3' wide. Most guys think I'm crazy until they see how I grind off of it.

I also have a couple rests that are curved, and I just rest my knuckles on them.

Personally, I think learning how to grind on a rest first, so that you learn about pressure, angles, feel, etc... is a great way to start. Once those things are learned, a guy will have an easier time freehand grinding if he needs/chooses to.


I guess it just always baffles me how or why the freehand thing became the "line in the sand" for so many folks. Many of those same people have done all sorts of things to increase their precision (read- REDUCE THEIR CHANCE OF FAILURE ) like commercial quench oils, digital controls on equipment, surface grinder, mill, etc.... yet somehow "tool rest" is taboo. It's just odd to me.

But like I said, I don't care how anyone does it---- that's totally their decision and I respect that.

 

[P. McKinley]

I've been using a grinding jig for near 8 years now. Its the only way I know. I have issues with my left arm and shoulder and I'm not able to hold objects in my left hand secure and steady. So, a jig does the job. I also took a 2' x 1/4" x 2" piece of steel and attached it to my work rest. This allows me to do 12"-14" blades without any trouble. I'd like to figure out how to do hollow grinds with a jig and work rest.

I keep trying freehand, but I'm just not able to hold the blade steady enough to get a clean pass. But, I'll keep trying.

My main rest is almost 3' wide.

I also have a couple rests that are curved, ....

Nick I'd love to see a photo of how you did these.

Thanks,

Peter