Is a surface grinder a must?

W

Whoever Wherever

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Nov 17, 2006
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When I am reading how to threads or links and such I have not really come across anyone using a surface grinder. However I always look at shop pics on knife maker sites and so many have a surface grinder I must be missing something. Not saying that I cant imagine a few uses, but how would you all rate the usefullness of a surface grinder in your shop? Trying to plan out my next shop purchases and so far I have been using a priority system.
 
I hear that when you make folders, your choices are precision ground stock or a surface grinder, period.
I don't make folders, so I can't tell you for sure. But that's what I hear. :)
Mike
 
Hi Jim,
I do not have one, but have access to one at work [my day job]. If you buy mill run stock a surface grinder is very handy. But I flat grind on a ceramic platen and with good belts. I think for folder makers its a must but don't Quote me on that.
Good luck.
 
Jim I have one, but knife makers made out for centuries without a surface grinder. There are always different approaches to do things. It takes longer but you do whatever you have to do. Surface grinders just make it easier and faster.
 
Essential for folders or precision work.

A surface grinder converted to 2x72-belt grinder is EXTREMELY useful if you make damascus. You can square up a forging in a hurry or even finish with reasonable flatness to whatever grit belt you care to use.
 
I would hate to have to go back to making folders without a surface grinder. The ability to keep everything perfectly flat and to control thicknesses within .0005" or better is invaluable.
 
jlmetcalf said:
I would hate to have to go back to making folders without a surface grinder. The ability to keep everything perfectly flat and to control thicknesses within .0005" or better is invaluable.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: That's for sure.

Doing without a surface grinder kind of seems like doing your flatgrinding on the curb in front of the house.

I just got a lapping machine (primarily for improving finish on double-disc-ground parts), and am learning how to use the dang thing. I feel like a caveman reading the manual. It's all about getting flats within .000001". :eek:
 
Where do folks buy a surface grinder? What kind of $ are we talking about???

Thanks!

Hank H.
 
I am fortunate enough to have both a surface grinder and a lapping machine.

The surface grinder is very handy, but, you can also get your stock precision ground before you bring it into your shop. This is a big timesaver.

The lapping machine is very useful for flattening titanium (non magnetic). However, it's important to remember that as soon as you torque up a fastener, you're going to deform the material. Perfect flatness is not necessary, but, the tolerances you can hold with a lapping machine are much better than belt sanding on a platen or disc sanding, because the lapping machine does not generate much heat at all.

Once the blades are ground and heat treated, I've found a good disc sander will make them extremely flat. It's up to you to keep the sides parallel!
 
If my norton surface grinder went down, I would shut my shop door untill I got it going. That is how much I use mine. Wonderful for flattening handle material. Grinding flat, your blades for folders as well as fixed blades, your back bars flat and to whatever thickness you need. Great machine for a knife shop.
 
I dont have one but I have access to one. My folder precision went up tremendously when I started using it.
 
well all this talk leads me to the question, is there a hobby sized/priced surface grinder??
brett
 
I am not a knife maker but I would have thought any machines you can use to save time and get precision can only help.
My Brother is a Toolmaker (Making Dies etc) His shop had every machine you can imagine, I worked there for a short time and watching the surface grinders at work makes me think they are a must for anyone making Knives in larger numbers.
Buying one from an auction would be the cheapest method as long as you can take somebody with you who knows what to buyand look for.
Somewhere like this
http://www.graysonline.com.au/sale.asp?SALE_ID=7461
 
A surface grinder would be nice but, NO, a surface grinder is not a must for folders or any part of knife making. Reread what "Plain ol Bill" posted and you have the answer.

Bill
 
If you are going to make pock knives a surface grinder is a must in a shop. If you are just making fixed blade knives you can get by with out one. But actually: It's better to use it then lose it. I use one in my shop, after heat treating my knives I can removed the bark from it. Also, I surface grind all my steel first before grinding, in doing so everything is nice and flat. The choice is up to you. If you are into it for the long haul I would purchase one for down the road. Thanks for posting this question, I hope it was answered. God bless and have a safe day out in the shop.

Barkes :)
When I leave this world I would like to be known by the one who make his knives from start to finish.

http://my.hsonline.net/wizard/knifeshop
1.812.526.6390
 
B . Buxton said:
A surface grinder would be nice but, NO, a surface grinder is not a must for folders or any part of knife making. Reread what "Plain ol Bill" posted and you have the answer.

Bill
Click to expand...

What he said Plain ol Bill said. :) Folders can easily be made without a surface grinder. When companies stop selling flatground steel then it might become an issue.
 
When I first started thinking about making folders I throught I needed a surface grinder also before I could proceed, but after talking to several makers that had made folders for years, they told me surface grinders are nice but not a necessity. Here is just one example of several folders I've made using a good flat platen and patience. Like I stated before a surface grinder would be nice but not a must. The damascus is also my own so the steel was pretty darn rough before I started the folder also.

Have fun,

Bill
 

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Thanks guys, great responses. I think I will end up getting one but I need but I need so many things I will probably put this one down on this list a few spots.
 
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