New knifemaker's machine????

[82Stang]

Today I was out in the yard testing out my new little grinder. It's A General International Belt sander & grinder combo. (http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=481732) It's decent for roughing out and grinding out straight lines but it is garbage when it comes to grinding out the curves or the handle for example. I don't have much cash so I am starting out small.

My dad came along and I told him what was going on so he suggested trying one of his workworking machines he has in the garage. It's a General International Oscillating Drum Sander. (http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=481733) It's basically a flat surface that moves a sand drum up and down. It worked great! My dad only had a fine grit drum but it did the job great! It got every curve I wanted plus I am not going to have to get all the grind marks out of the edges as the fine grit took care of it.

The machine has different sizes of drums and i am sure i could find different grits or make my own for it. I could bear into the sides of the blade and it would keep it straight. It took me about an hour to get the blade from bar stock into a blank. I am sure it would have been done sooner if I had a lower grit available.

One thing though is that if you aren't careful enough the machine would send the blade flying out towards you. If you manage to keep that under control then the machine worked wonders!

 

[SDS]

A couple of things to remember when using one of these oscillating sanders on blanks like this that I've learned:

1 - They were made for wood which is much softer, use light pressure and don't force the steel into the drum. Let the abrasive work slowly.

2 - Work slowly so you don't have the "flying blade" problem. I've found that I do better placing the blade on the opposite side of the drum from where I'm standing. I can see what it is doing better and it's safer for me.

3 - Those sanding drums get expensive......fast.

I've been happy with mine so far but you have to work within it's limitations. It wasn't designed for steel and I think that if you put a lot of pressure against the drum or use it for this too much it will probably wear out prematurely.

Be sure to post pics of that blade when your finished with it.

SDS

 

[82Stang]

Thanks for the tips SDS! I didn't have the blade fly at all as I was watching what I was doing, but a could feel that it could do it if I wasn't careful.

 

[jim moyer]

One thing though is that if you aren't careful enough the machine would send the blade flying out towards you. If you manage to keep that under control then the machine worked wonders!

Always feed your stock from left to right to avoid kickback.

These machines are awesome for making knives. Mine gets a significant workout.

You can buy cylinders from harbor freight.