Newb ? from not quite so newb

M

michdad

Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,091
I have been trying for quite a long time to grind a piece of steel into something respectable to send out to heat treat, to no avail. Due to alot of personal reasons, this has taken place over a longer perion of time than usual, but that is OK. Just what it is. Started with O1, then A2 (that turned out pretty good, but not quite ready) and then after reading a lot about simpler steels, got ahold of some 1080 from Kelly Cupples. The 1080, I have been grinding on for HOURS!, just to get the profile. Does this work harden that easy?, I am trying to profile on a bench grinder and a cheap belt grinder. I am trying to work on a 3 piece set, and am bare handed grinding, so when one gets hot, I grab the next. I thought that might help to prevent work hardening, impatients, and the lack of a place to put a quenching pail.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Matt
 
Hey Matt,

Sounds like a mystery. I'm sure Kelly's steel is not hardened, so I do not understand why it would be taking you hours to profile on a bench grinder. Are you bearing down hard enough? You should be able to get the sparks a flying, the metal grinding and the stone wheel shrinking (it will noticeably erode over time). You really must have a bucket of water at hand to dip your steel in to cool it as you go or you probably won't make much progress. Maybe you're just not pushing hard enough? I find I have to clamp or bolt the bench grinder down so it won't move away from me when I grind. There should be crap (sparks, metal and stone dust) flying all over the place (and you) and making a mess. Wear good protective eye wear. You'll also probably need protection for your hands and arms. I don't usually bother, but then I'm a fool. Keep us posted!

All the best, Phil
 
I have had alittle issue with this before I bought myself a belt grinder, What was happening to me was the pores in the bench grinder where getting stopped up. What I finally did was get a hardened piece of steel like a file and every once in awhile I would push it hard against the stone to kinda get a new face going, of course you know its dangerous but it worked for me. Hope it helps,Charlie
 
I think Charlie has the problem. Your wheel is glazed. Use a wheel dresser, or the end of an old file to true it up and break the glaze. If the wheel is worn down a lot, replace it. The belt on your grinder may need replacing,too. Grinder belts don't last but so long, and the cheaper ones are even shorter lived.
Stacy
 
Thanks for the advice. I think that glazing might be the problem, after looking closely at the wheels. Phol, I'm not making a BIG mess, but only because of where I had to put my grinders, and because I have a shop vac connected and use a catch pan. I will try putting a little more muscle behing it.

Matt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top