Grinding Position

Tom Militano

Tom Militano

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Feb 27, 1999
Messages
1,160
How many makers grind sitting down? Darrel Ralph said on the "plunge cut" topic that he sits down to grind. I've had a couple of back operations, one on my neck, one on my right hand and on my right knee and I'm not as sure footed as I need to be. I'm not complaining, I've had a lot of fun getting in this shape. I'd be interested to hear the pros and cons on this subject. All the fun I've had is starting to effect my balance and I don't need anymore scar tissue from falling into my grinder.
 
i use a surface grinder to grind knives. so i'm not showered with sparks when sitting down. if you are a wood worker, make your self a stool big enough so that you can look down at your work, to see what your doing. i'm making mine pretty fancy, but if you need one right away just get a few pine blocks, and a pine top, and put it together. it's a little harder than i make it sound. but you could have a nice stool in a couple of days. if you can weld, make one from steel.
 
My first shop was set up to grind sitting down. Now I stand up. For me, I think it gives more control. Both ways will work. The main thing is, you don't want any strain on your back.

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A.T.
http://www.customknives.com
AKTI #476


 
I do all my knife making sittin down. For grinding and buffing, having my arms resting on my knees gives me good control.

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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 stand up....easier to see that way...have to look over the top when im grinding...my dad was a dentist....the commanding officer of a dental clinic in the navy....one day i was talking to one of the guys who worked for him (another dentist) and asked why some guys sit down and some stand up....he said. and i quote "well, if you stand up you get vercose veins...and if you sit down you get hemmroids...you choose."

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
When my back gets sore from standing in front of the grinding wheel and I want to sit down and grind all I have to do is imagine sitting there with my legs spread apart and the knife gets caught or the belt breaks....DO YOU KNOW WHERE THAT KNIFE IS GOING TO END UP??? Not a pretty thought is it?

At least standing up there is no part of your body directly under the wheel because when a wheel grabs a piece of metal it throws it down and slightly to the rear to the wheel. In the metal polishing trade it is forbidden to sit at a belt sander or polishing wheel because of the danger and they don't usually play with pointy objects.


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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com


 
The part about a broken belt or a blade getting away has been a concern, but I think I'd have more control sitting. I use a cane and when standing without it I tend to have a problem with my balance at times. I'm going to grind blades one way or another, but my safety is my major concern. I really appreciate the replies and I'm open for any suggestions. Thanks.
Tom
 
What about a leaning rest that will basically keep you upright but will take most of your weight. I am thinking of a stool type setup that would have the seat inclined forward at about a 60 degree angle that you could step in front of then lean backwards onto the seat, sort of like resting on the top rail of a fence about 30" tall. Both feet will be on the ground not under the wheel and you could lean back onto the seat for support.

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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com


 
The way I sit when grinding or buffing, the knife is a good 2 feet from you know where. I've lost knives before, and they always go down and to the rear of the buffer or grinder, never forward towards me. I have been thinking of making myself a new apron with a nice piece of heavy leather where it counts. Just in case!!

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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!"

 
Mr. Militano: I have 2 grinders, one standing, one sitting. For sitting, I use a "computer chair" one of the ergonomic ones that support your shins and keep your back straignt. the balls of your feet touch the ground, and, the chair has wheels so you can scoot around and get real comfy. They are relatively inexpensive-less than $100, for sure-try a "Staples", "Office Depot" or a computer store-I'm sure they still sell them. You'll need to cover the pad that supports your shins, as it will be right inb the spark shower. Mine has some nice burn holes in it!! You can do better-I noticed after it was too late.

Of course, you'll need to adjust the height of your grinder pedestal or support-I believe mine's about 30" off the ground

RJ Martin
 
In a former lifetime I spent 10 years working in a production toolshop. A lot of this time was spent grinding punches,awls and other sharp pointy things. We almost always worked sitting down,standing once in a while to strech.Several important rules to follow.
1. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!!!!
I am leagly blind due to a flying screwdriver,take it from someone whos paid the price.
2.Always try to work below the centerline of your wheel, pieces that let loose will fly down and away from you.If you work above the centrline they can leave new holes in your anatomy.
3.Wear a heavy apron. The type welders use work well. We also made lappads out ofcarpet samples. This saved a lot of clothing wear from flying sparks and grit.
4. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!!!!
My .02 worth
 
Outstanding 2 cents Rex!!!

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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!"

 
well i made up my mind, i'm gonna grind and buff standing up. less of a chance at getting hurt. i wear a face sheild. i plan on buying a leather apron too.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to give sitting a try, but I'm going to make a larger work rest for my Bader. I think I'll feel a little more secure if I have something between the grinder and the family jewels. There are a couple os suggestions that I'm going to try also. Thanks again.
Tom
 
I stand up. For now, I'm using my 4x36 beltsander to grind blades. I just keep it set up so that it is running the belt away from me. I hold the knife cutting edge toward me so that I'm still holding it against the belt in the right direction. Its only grabbed the blade once, and that sent it bouncing of the wall a few feet away.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
Hey, all this chatter about sittin not bein safe has got me thinkin. How rare that is!! I decided to build me a new bench with a board in the front of it. It would be between me and any potential flying objects, and I'm also gonna use it for some of the tools that I use alot. Thanks Forumites!!! 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!"

 
For some reason I am most confortable standing while grinding, buffing, etc. I do have a fairly tall stool in the shop but it ends up holding tools and its great for a place to put belts on the back of. I suppose if I sat, a loin cloth made out of chain mail would be in order. Does that paint a visual picture or what!?!

C Wilkins
 
Lmao, CL!! Hey, do you standers grind and buff on the very front of the wheels???

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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!"

 
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