Grinding Question

D

DOaks

Joined
Sep 6, 2006
Messages
3
Hi-

Maybe this is a noob question here- but I've put together a few knives with prefab blades, and I'm thinking I'd like to try grinding my own.

I have a large 60" wide belt sander with a 4" 100 grit belt. The sander was designed for sharpening screenprinting squeegees. The thing is- all the grinder/sanders I see are all set up vertically, this sander is set up horizontally.

It seems to me that I should be able to flat grind with it as it sits. I could possibly even add a platen at one end near the end that would create a 4" 'contact wheel' , but it would be mounted vertically, rather than horizontally.

So I guess my question is- Is there any reason not to grind a blade horizontally rather than vertically?

Thanks
 
WOW, Scary about grinding hoizontially unless you can very effectively protect yourself if the grinder "decides" to throw that blade....is it variable speed that you can very much slow down?

Good luck,
 
I learned by grinding horizontally on a 4x36. Now, with a 2x72, I grind diagonally with the belt turning away from me of course. It's not how most people grind but I do it because I'm used to it. Just make sure your grinder is set up so that the belt turns away from you so that you don't get blades and debris in your face.
 
Hmm.... I hadn't thought about the blade being thrown- Good Point(no pun intended :>P)

I may give it a try. Ultimately as I rarely use it for sharpening squeegees anymore, I might take the whole thing apart and reconfigure it to run vertically- I don't think it would be too hard, But I know as soon as I do, I'll need it

Thanks for the replies!
 
I use a 6x48 flat table sander for my finish work. Definately use them with the belt going away.
 
I can't grind worth a *&%t vertically. (Then again my horizontal work leaves a little to be desired.):( I always grind horizontal because like you said that's how I learned. Also I feel like I have more control over the blade grinding horizontal. Tried vertical, didn't like it. Probably should try again but probably won't.
Matt Doyle
 
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