Make Your Machete High Performance!

I( have convexed my Machetes as well. I have one to send siguy too. They chop much better now. However when it comes to splitting wood, they just are not a ax or hatchet and IMO don't come close.
 
udtjim said:
I( have convexed my Machetes as well. I have one to send siguy too. They chop much better now. However when it comes to splitting wood, they just are not a ax or hatchet and IMO don't come close.
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No, those thin blades just don't have enough wedge effect. But that is one place a big thick kukri or my Fat FBM does as well as my smaller axes. In fact, with a nice heavy stick (baton for you Frenchies), I find it easier and safer than using my axe. Machetes can do a lot for their weight, though.
 
Murdok72605 said:
Yes. I may not be sure on the name but I think maybe Linder or Linderman. I think they are stainless blades though. Not totaly sure thi is all accurate though. You could just convex the edges gradually by hand too.
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Linders are stainless.

From an email from Stephan Rosenkaimer at Linders: "#449025 blade ist made of 420 stainless steel, the handle of beech wood."

Doc
 
What do you guys think of the tramontinas scandi type edge?
It seems like it's too thin to need any convexing, but I may try it out anyway.
The belts I can get do work pretty good for the bulk of the removal, but I am going to check out lee valley for some finer belts,
then I can get some serious work done. It's a 1 inch by 30 I think. I just checked and they have lots of selection, even a leather honing belt.
I tried using an old belt put on backwards but the honing compound wouldn't stick to it well enough.
 
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My 1 inchx30 belt sander does a very good job with 120 grit belts but I am going to order some finer grit belts as well. I order quite a bit of stuff from Lee Valley for wood working. For me the 0ne inch belts work better than my 2 inch belt sander by far. It May just be me though.
 
where can you even GET a 2" belt sander for under $400???????????? Drives me crazy. I'd much prefer to work on wider belts.
 
Nice write up. I noticed you had rounded out the back of the handle. I tried that and went too far. I did not know that it was hollow under the scales. I guess now I will have to replace the scales, it digs into my hand . Loosearrow
 
Liam Ryan said:
What do you guys think of the tramontinas scandi type edge?
It seems like it's too thin to need any convexing, but I may try it out anyway.
The belts I can get do work pretty good for the bulk of the removal, but I am going to check out lee valley for some finer belts,
then I can get some serious work done. It's a 1 inch by 30 I think. I just checked and they have lots of selection, even a leather honing belt.
I tried using an old belt put on backwards but the honing compound wouldn't stick to it well enough.
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Tramontinas and even Moras can be convexed. Of course, you wouldn't do a full convex edge (spine to edge), but at an appropriate angle for the machete. I usually stick fairly close to the original primary grind angle. Here is a new Tramontina 18" I just did.

Delta004.jpg


I used an 80 grit to set the profile, then went to a 80 micron 3M finishing belt. I finished with a 15 micron belt.
 
Haven't noticed anyone mentioning it yet so I'm going to have to butt-in and remind everyone to keep a bucket of water handy to dip the blade into whenever the blade starts getting warm. Removing so much metal on a belt-sander without controlling the heat can ruin the temper of a knife .
 
convexed my 12'' tram today, as well as reshaped the handle a bit, (all with the same belt!:D) worked beautifully. I would have liked a bit finer finish on the edge but it's not bad considering it was 80 grit. Ordered a bunch of belts from lee valey too. It must be a major PITA changing belts all the time.;)
 
Horn Dog, what grit belt didi you use?

Have considered working over the FBM?:eek:

Fisfface, sears,kraftsman sells a 2' by 42" i saw in thier catalog for around $140-150.



Thanks for the article Horn Dog


Pat
 
My cheapo Barteaux out-chopped my expensive Busse so I traded it off years ago. even my old Cold Steel bowie chopped better. In fact, if I filed the rust off of my Old Hickory cleaver it could probably chop better than the BM, which really lives up to its initials.

I keep my firestone beltaxe around cause it's comfortable and also it's kinda cool. Had it for years. But a cheap, expendable machete rules. You can have a couple here and there, abuse them, file them up and you're ready to go again.
 
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Cpl Punishment said:
I can't believe you friggin' people and the money you're costing me.

Before I came to this forum I never dreamed I'd be shopping for belt sanders!!

:D
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Ahem... +1 :D

Seriously though, that Ontario looks great and I am sitting here looking at how flat and ugly mine are. I think that I am going to put a small belt sander on my Christmas list! :cool:
 
The belt sander has become my favourite tool in the shed, easily. I totally suped up my tramontina in about 15 minutes, I didn't even have to change the belt between the handle and the blade.
 
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