More info on cardboard wheel sharpening PLEASE

A

armilite

BOUNCED EMAIL: I need to update my email address in my profile!
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Feb 4, 2007
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Come on guys, not many replies to my first post on this subject!
For sure some of you must have some information on this process or seen it done. I've checked the search function but I am still looking for more advice. Perhaps maybe some of you out there in cyber land must have tried it at some time?
Please lets see some posts on this subject.

Thank You,
armilite
 
This has been discussed in detail on the usenet group rec.knives which is searchable by google.

-Cliff
 
What is it you want to know? I use paper wheels as well as an EdgePro. They are both terrific. I use the EP for exacting work like putting a 15 degree edge on an expensive Japanese Chef's knife. The wheels are used for most of my sharpening. You can take a dull edge and make it razor sharp in less than a minute. It produces an edge that will last for months with smooth steeling and ocassional touchups on the polishing wheel. Goto www.sharpeningmadeeasy.com and look around.

Buzz
 
eric, sorry i didnt call you back the other night. when you get your wheels, let me know and i will help you out. read some of my other posts on this subject. when i get someone to help me, i will make a short video of how to use the wheels.
 
It would be great to see that, Richard. I've never seen anyone actually use the wheels before..............

Rick
 
i use a 1/2 hp motor that runs 1725 rpm. in my opinion it gives me more control. you can use a faster rpm motor but i have tried both a slower rpm (below 1725 rpm) and a faster rpm (above 3700 rpm) and i prefer 1725 rpm. i done this test with the abrasive wheel. the buffing wheel speed can be faster.
 
I just got my cardboard wheels yesterday. I bought a Craftsman 6" grinder and it spins at 3400 rpm'ish. The instructions say don't get discouraged at first because there is a learning curve, but a few times I wanted to chuck the whole damn thing out the window! :-) I got the burr with the gritted wheel, polished it off with the slotted wheel, but that wasn't good enough for me. I had to keep polishing till I dulled it passed cutting hot butter.

I calmed myself down, pulled up a chair and took a few deep breaths. Now understand, this is kind of like free hand with a sharpening stone. There are no guides to speak of and you have to eye ball your angle. I've read that its a little more forgiving than a stone. I raised the burr again, polished it off and then continued like before, but only more carefully! I need a lot more practice, but am able to push cut printer paper with it. I know thats easier than newspaper, but none the less impressive. I'll practice more this weekend and maybe I'll have some better stories later for you.

Right now....I'm mixed, but only because I'm not proficient at it . I bought this "system" to get me to the next level of sharpness. I hope it can take me there. Heck, 6 months ago I didn't know how to sharpen a knife, but I joined this forum and now I could shave with my pocket knife. The best is let to come I'm sure.
 
markhait, send me an email with your phone number and i'll call you tomorrow and talk with you. i didnt have good results the first time either, it took me a little while to learn. dont get discouraged, soon you will be able to sharpen any knife razor sharp, it just takes time and practice. i practiced on the back of a hack saw blade following the curve half way around. this way you wont be wearing down your knives practicing. put some tape around the blade for a handle and have at it. i have a short video i made (which isnt that good but it might help) showing me sharpening a single bevel. remember, the higher you hold the blade to the wheel, the thinner (and sharper but weaker) the edge. pick a spot on the wheel and watch that spot while drawing the blade across the wheel. i find this helps too.
 
I too am trying to learn with these paper wheels. Would really appreciate anyone who has gotten proficient at this sharing any tips, hints, or general observations. Steve Bottorff offers a personal teaching session but it's a bit pricey and involves travel.

Does the buffing wheel that uses white jeweler's rouge turn black with use? I stupidly went from the grinding wheel to the buffing wheel without cleaning the wax off the blade and don't know if that blackened and plugged up the buffing wheel. Is there a way to clean up the buffing wheel or does it matter? My buffing wheel is developing a convex curve in the buffing surface. Does that need to be trued, and if so how?

What working height of the grinder in relation to your eyes seems to work best? I've had my grinder sitting at coffee table level out necessity and it feels very awkward. If I could find room at workbench height I think it would help but I'm considering getting a grinder stand that puts it even higher than that.

Anyone who has gone thru the learning curve with these must have made some mistakes. It would be helpful knowing what they were to avoid doing the same. I guess I'll bite the bullet and enter the learning curve on cliff's search suggestion above, but I would much prefer to gain the benefit of users here.
 
natch, send me an email and i'll help you out too. if you have dsl, i'll send you the short video i made (almost 6 megs). i'm going to try making one by myself using a tripod. i will email it to anyone who asks.
 
Persistance and practice and a constant angle are your friends. It's very simple, just not easy to start.
Think of the wheels as being very fine grinding wheels--which they are.
I use a marker pen on the bevels to help me get the angle right for each knife--unless I'm changing the angle that is already there, they I do that with a guided diamond hone system before I go to the paper wheel.
Once I've got the position/angle that takes off the marker the best, I know I'm actually sharpening the edge. Then it's just a matter of continuing until I've got the edge I want.
Too fast and too much pressure can burn the very thin edge of the knife so take it easy.
While you have to pay attention it is supposed (IMO) to be relaxing so relax and enjoy it.
Resist tilting the knife into the wheel to get rid of the burr 'cause this rounds the bevel.
Greg
 
i just made another video showing where i hold a knife in relationship to the wheel, (withouot the motor running since the knife is already sharp) it is 18 mb. i will sharpen a dulled knife in the next video.
 
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