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Keeping the bevel straight and even
- Thread starter John79
- Start date
take a sharpy and color the blade before you file it then check the blade this will show you where your flat spots are and your low spots. as for a jig you could tape a brass rod to your file and then put something behind the blade a few inches or a foot depending on how long the rod is and use the rod setting on the surface of what ever you placed behind the blade as a gide. the height of the object behind the blade is what determins the angle you will be filing at. but still use the sharpy method to check your work
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2002
- Messages
- 3,974
Sorry bout this...I just re-read the post and realize you are talking about files. I'll leave this post if it helps you later on....
The best way I know to keep a straight bevel is consistancy. You've got to hold the blade the same way every time, tuck your elbows in at your sides can help keep it all stable, and let your body learn the position for grinding. You've got to figure this out for both sides.
Also, something that helped me was to watch the sparks while grinding instead of becoming this rigid frame holding a blade. You've got to constantly make very small adjustments to keep the blade grinding in the right spot. Make sure the sparks are in the middle of the platten, not on the edge, and that will let you know if you are tipping your blade and not realizing it. You can also tell by the sound.
Don't lean in on the blade. Use a lighter pressure and let the belt do its thing while you focus on the grind/spark pattern. Use NEW belts for bevels as this way you can keep the lines nice and sharp.
Other than that, lots and lots of practice. I always wished there was some kind of jig to make it easier, and I even tried making one. There are some out there, but they limit you in what you can create. After you've made 15+ knives, you will feel much better about your grinding skills. You've gotta start somewhere.
Good luck, don't put too much pressure on yourself, and learn as much as you can from each blade you make.
--nathan
The best way I know to keep a straight bevel is consistancy. You've got to hold the blade the same way every time, tuck your elbows in at your sides can help keep it all stable, and let your body learn the position for grinding. You've got to figure this out for both sides.
Also, something that helped me was to watch the sparks while grinding instead of becoming this rigid frame holding a blade. You've got to constantly make very small adjustments to keep the blade grinding in the right spot. Make sure the sparks are in the middle of the platten, not on the edge, and that will let you know if you are tipping your blade and not realizing it. You can also tell by the sound.
Don't lean in on the blade. Use a lighter pressure and let the belt do its thing while you focus on the grind/spark pattern. Use NEW belts for bevels as this way you can keep the lines nice and sharp.
Other than that, lots and lots of practice. I always wished there was some kind of jig to make it easier, and I even tried making one. There are some out there, but they limit you in what you can create. After you've made 15+ knives, you will feel much better about your grinding skills. You've gotta start somewhere.
Good luck, don't put too much pressure on yourself, and learn as much as you can from each blade you make.
--nathan
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2007
- Messages
- 3,121
go slow!
Do file a small section of the blade the with of the file first.
I like my new 2nd cut file better than a bastard file as it needs less pressure to cut
Do not file the ricasso or any un-bevelled area
Sand the whole thing with a piece of flat bar as a sanding block- this will flatten it out lots.
have fun!
Do file a small section of the blade the with of the file first.
I like my new 2nd cut file better than a bastard file as it needs less pressure to cut
Do not file the ricasso or any un-bevelled area
Sand the whole thing with a piece of flat bar as a sanding block- this will flatten it out lots.
have fun!
MSCantrell
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2005
- Messages
- 1,213
You could try building one of these:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=399930&highlight=file+setup
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=399930&highlight=file+setup
Hengelo_77
Basic Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2006
- Messages
- 6,319
I drew two lines on the side where I wanted the edge. App. 1mm appart.
(that's how thick I left the edge before hardening)
Next I used a square file to file down to the first line. I didn't use the flat side but the angle (if you understand what I mean)
I did that with intervals as far apart as my large file is wide.
The small square file gives you control and presicion. With the large file you just remove the material inbetween.
(that's how thick I left the edge before hardening)
Next I used a square file to file down to the first line. I didn't use the flat side but the angle (if you understand what I mean)
I did that with intervals as far apart as my large file is wide.
The small square file gives you control and presicion. With the large file you just remove the material inbetween.