New grinder...Next level

[DannyDiablo]

..I finally ordered myself a grinder from pheer327. Up until now I have made all of my knives with files and sandpaper so this is a big step up...Anyone have any tips or good methods I can use to get used to a 2x72...It will be a flat platen. I was just going to practice on scrap until I got it right but any info that might help me along would be appreciated....Thanks Dan

 

[Remyrw]

Buy good belts, and buy some 1084 from Aldo instead of scrap, you'll pick it up fast enough that even your first try is probably worth keeping.
Read up on belt speed, pressure, grit... The general rule is that as you go to a finer grit you slow it down, but as someone still using an overly fast 2x42 until my 2x72 arrives I have to say that the ability to slow it down a bit even with the coarse belts will be nice.
Use AO belts for handles generally, zirc, ceramic, cubitron... for steel. One of the things I like about trugrit as a belt supplier is their little cheat sheet for the various belt codes. Pick up some J weight belts for plunges and other times you want a belt to wrap around things. I use them for handles and plunges and am honestly not sure I could live without them anymore.

 

[DannyDiablo]

Thanks remyrw...I'm actually completely lost as far as belts go so that info is a big help

 

[duffy99]

The Bubble Jig is a great investment for learning freehand flat grinding, I used it from square one on my first grind on a grinder to where I am now , square one but can make straight even grinds.http://www.usaknifemaker.com/abrasive-belt-basics-what-kind-should-i-buy-p-1393.html is some basics on belt types.

 

[DannyDiablo]

Good stuff Duffy thanks....And thank you for your service as well!!!

 

[Remyrw]

Oh yeah,definitely pick up a bubble jig from Fred. You will love it.

 

[SBuzek]

Also go to one of the big box stores and get a handful of paint stir sticks,cut out profile and grind wooden knives.Good practice and kids love them.
Stan

 

[DannyDiablo]

Paint stir sticks...now there's a great idea..

 

[SBuzek]

They will teach you a light touch and control or you screw up quick
Stan

 

[Ed Braun]

Light, Light, and MORE Light.

If you've a work rest coming with your grinder, grab an inexpensive PTFE cutting board--wallie world has some 5'x7" I think for three bucks. Easily scribed for a grid, nonmarring, waterproof, and slick under the steel.

if you're like me and trying to develop a technique for swept plunges, Salem's tips page is a huge help:
http://www.prometheanknives.com/shop-techniques-3/grinding-tips

Here's Fred Rowe's article on Progressive grinding--it may help since you're looking at platen work:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...rogressive-blade-grinding-or-whats-your-angle

 

[DannyDiablo]

Thank you gentleman...That page of Salem's is great Ed.

 

[synthesist]

This tutorial of tracy's will answer a lot of your belt questions.

http://www.usaknifemaker.com/abrasive-belt-basics-what-kind-should-i-buy-p-1393.html