Grinding Questions?

David Wesner · Mar 27, 2005

I haven't posted any questions lately, I've just been practicing grinding a lot on my new KMG grinder. Have only been practicing hollow grinding so far, and have a few questions about how to achieve certain results. First question, what's the best way to get a nice square corner or finished edge where the grind meets the ricasso? Second question, how do some of you achieve a radius rather than a square edge where the grind meets the spine? Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Trapperwez

David Wesner · Mar 27, 2005

What? No help here?

grawulf · Mar 27, 2005

I don't have a whole lot of experience myself, but I've heard and read that some people will do the profiling on the edge of the grind using files first, before putting it on the grinder. That way you have a nice clean starting point and its easier to get it straight and even on both sides. Haven't tried it this way yet myself, but hopefully in a couple weeks... I'm not sure how this would apply to hollow grinding or convex grinds, but it should work well on a flat grind at least.

Rob! · Mar 27, 2005

The radius at the spine can be accomplished by rounding the edge of the platen or wheel. It can also be acheived by tracking the belt off the edge of the wheel or platen - between 1/16 to 1/4 inch depending on how much radius you are looking for.

David Wesner · Mar 27, 2005

Thanks for the tips!So much to learn so little time.When I made the decision to start making blades I thought that with my machining experience that the grinding would come fairly easy,boy was I wrong,I see many,many hours of grinder time before I can feel comfortable with my grinds.I sure wish I had a mentor close by.You guys that are learning as "apprentice" bladesmiths are very lucky to have the guidance that I see some of you getting.Books,video's and of course this forum are a great help but theres nothing like a journeyman mentor over your shoulder.I really do appreciate the help I'm getting here.What a HUMBLING experience though.You may think this funny but I went to menards and bought a bunch of Hot Rolled mild steel to scrap out rather than wasting all the tool steel I have in the last week or so.

Rob! · Mar 27, 2005

trapperwez said:
You may think this funny but I went to menards and bought a bunch of Hot Rolled mild steel to scrap out rather than wasting all the tool steel I have in the last week or so.

Good thinking - take it a step further and get some cheap 1/4 inch lumber. It won't eat up belts so fast. It grinds much faster than steel, of course, but the same general techniques apply. It's just as tough to get an even grind too. On big difference will be the amount you track off the edge of the wheel. It doesn't flex as much off the wood.

dfarmerknives · Mar 27, 2005

I do a lot of practice on paint stirr sticks from Lowes or Home Depot.

They are free, and I am broke, so it is a good fit.

grawulf · Mar 28, 2005

Sounds like you're right about where I am. I started learning a long time ago, and spent 1 1/2 -2 years at it, but all of my equipment was really bad. my belt sander was 1x24", so I went through about 25 belts to make a knfe.

I've got a 2x72" now and I'm about ready to start learning it again. I went and got a 20' bar of mild barstock and cut it into a bunch of pieces that are 6-10". I figure I'll grind most of them into dagger blades on both ends. That will give me four grinds on each piece. Not too bad for $15. It should definitely get me familiar with the feel of the grinder. The idea with paint sticks isn't bad either, I might have to try that too.