I've build a surface grinder

ArielSalaverria

ArielSalaverria

Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Messages
1,617
This is why I haven't posted any knives yet since I came back from my vacations.

Using a 1 HP bench grinder, an X-Y table gift from knifemaker friend of mine Alberto Trujillo and a magnetic plate (16" x 6") I bought, I've build the supporting structure and got a surface grinder for my shop!

Now I can not only work more efficiently but also don't burn my fingers when working on small pieces :D


Here's a video:



As you can see, with my left hand I operate the X axis, while with my right hand I control the Z axis. Y axis is controlled with the rotative screw that you can see here:

surfacegrinder1.jpg


When I turn that to the right, the grinder goes down (And viceversa, of course)


How a future blade looks after getting rid of the forging surface residue.
I'm using a 46 grit stone, but you can also use belts.

surfacegrinder2.jpg



I ground the spine and etched in acid to see exactly where the center steel.

surfacegrinder3.jpg


Then kept on surface grinding.




And here's how it looks roughly ground.
You can see the magnetic plate handle, to the right is not engaged.

surfacegrinder4.jpg





Thanks for looking!


Ariel
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Looks good to me. I know you will be using it and save on Band-Aids. Thanks for posting the new member to the family. :thumbup:
 
Man, Ariel....you're always coming up with cool stuff!:thumbup::)
- Mitch
 
Ariel, thanks for sharing
IG mind if I try to copy your design? that looks like a pretty groovy setup!

-Page
 
I personally would like to see more pics of each machine. Neat stuff here, thanks for the info
 
indian george said:
No problem:thumbup:If you need any help just call, Bubba.:thumbup:;):D I'll take more pic's if it will help????
Click to expand...


Both are very cool machines. IG would you post more pics and perhaps some construction tips for yours? I have a spare Baldor motor (got a VS coming) and an extra contact wheel laying around.
 
Excellent work! I love how you do things Ariel, I see that you r work is superior in every way to many other knife makers and you do not use the equipment they do... Nice seeing old tools getting a second chance at life.
 
IG , since seeing it in person at last years HI I've been trying to remember how you made it. Could you please show more pics of how you did the "z" axis movement.

Shawn
 
I like that X axis mechanism you got there. Slick. Now the trick is smoothing out that surface finish. You'll find that a diamond wheel dresser is pretty cheap and I think dressing the wheel will probably help a lot if you haven't already.

Vibration is insidious on a surface grinder. Any little thing, such as a pulley slightly out of balance, or motor vibration or tiny spindle play translates into the grind.

I have a surface grinder whose motor gave up last year. I'm having a hell of a time finding a balanced motor that will give me a decent surface finish.

Nice tool you made there.
 
Nathan,

Thanks :)

I will get a diamond dresser for the stones, this is just the first test I've made, I'll keep adding stuff and modifying it for a while, as I keep working with it, as I do with all the equipment I build myself :D

I'm not really getting vibrations as I stick to the diameter and thickness the manufacturer recomends (and then when I switch to the rubber disc and belts, its even smoother) but in any case, I don't mind if the surface gets rough with the stone, as I later pass on smoother belts and later I'll keep working free hand.

Ariel
 
Very cool ! Have you thought about putting a 90 degree bend in the x axis control arm? Toward you ? It will get your hand away from a wheel should it ever explode and may be a tad more natural to operate. Otherwise JOB WELL DONE!

Ken
 
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