Okay... who uses magnification when grinding

blgoode

blgoode

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
7,260
Well, call it early old age but I cannot see the edge scribe when grinding. I sorta can but not like I want to. I am grinding locking my arms at about waist high. Can some of you tell me how you grind?
 
blgoode said:
Can some of you tell me how you grind?
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Same stance as you it seems, but I always use the opti-visor when grinding...just makes it easier to see things. It does take a short adjustment period when you first start wearing one while grinding though! :)

-Darren
 
Get shorter arms ! When you say scribe do you mean just a line scribed on metal , or scribed on machinists blue, or line by marker ? How it is marked ,color, lighting all play a part. I have clip-on magnifiers,2x, but I don't know if they would work well at arms length.
 
I blue the edge then scribe. WHat magnification do you use Darren?
 
blgoode said:
I blue the edge then scribe. WHat magnification do you use Darren?
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I do the same thing, either magic marker or Dykem layout spray. I'm not sure what the magnification is!? I've had these things forever...they're the kind that have several flip down lenses that you can use...I'll check to see if they have any markings on them...and while I said opti-visor above I meant that as a general term, they're not the name brand ones...

:)

-Darren
 
I'm pretty close to my work when I grind so it's not a problem for me.
 
I like to use cheap, weak reading glasses. Like about 1.25. They have a long working distance.

I had a pair of reading bifocals. They were great until the basket ball into the workbench event.

Also 2 swinging arm lamps to direct the light on the work - absolutely necessary.

Steve
 
My vision has gone to the dogs the last 5 years or so, so this is a near and dear topic.

I have found that a combination of low power readers like Steve mentioned, coupled with a low power Optivisor allows greater working distance than having a higher power for either alone.

I also found that mixing different lighting types has a positive effect also. Thus, I use fluorescent, incandescent, and halogen lights simultaneously at the grinder, and it's helped a bunch.

At the detail/engraving/jewelry bench, I now use two of the Full Spectrum lights and they have made a huge difference. Detail vision picked up dramatically.
 
I use my standard 2.00 diopter, grocery store reading glasses, with safety glasses over them-if I remember.

I am careful to change sides regularly when grinding and keep checking the geometry. I couldn't see a scribed line even with the reading glasses. I've always been farsighted
 
Grab file, go to town! The one luxury with my method is that it's pretty tough to make too huge of a mistake unless I lose total control of my file. I just start going, flip the knife, go some more, worrying more about removing material than anything else. Once the blade starts getting thinned out a bit I start to pay more attention to where the edge seems like it's going, but when you're removing metal at 90-120 RPM's you don't have to worry about the alignment quite as much!
 
I use an optivisor.. 1.75 X with a focal distance of 14 inches...for grinding
Optivisors come in the following:

1.5 X focal 20 inches
1.75 X focal 14 inches
2 X focal 10 inches
2.5 X focal 8 inches
2.75 X focal 6 inches
3.5 X focal 4 inches

I recommend the 2.5 (8" focal for doing filework) or close up stuff..I wear that one around the shop all the time... :cool: I also have the extra swing up loupe attachment, it sure comes it handy when you need the magnification... ;)

see the link below....for more info
Optivisor
 
A side comment: I have Optivisors, and the cheapo variety. There is a BIG difference in the quality, IMO, and I'll never buy a cheap one again, even if it does come with those nerdy-cool DJ lights built in! :eek:
 
I just turned 43 and and am having a little trouble. I bought some reading glasses but can't get used to them so now when I'm grinding I just squint and go at it :)

Don Hanson lll
 
sunfishman said:
I just turned 43 and and am having a little trouble. I bought some reading glasses but can't get used to them so now when I'm grinding I just squint and go at it :)

Don Hanson lll
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At about that age, my arms got too short to let my eyes focus on details anymore. That is when you have to give in and use the glasses.
 
I find myself using an optivisor more often lately. Some days are better than others which is really annoying. I have enough light in my shop to get a slight sun burn too.
 
Strangely enough, my distance vision has improved over the last few months, but up close, like within 18-20" or so, I cant see a scribed line real well either.

I've used the cheapo reading glasses from the drug store, etc., but metal shavings have a way of flying right up underneath, and into my eyes, especially when profiling.
I need something that will block the bottom, but give me slight magnification.
Maybe I'll just try duct tape from the bottom of the glasses to my face.:eek: :confused:
 
Mike, places like MSC offer safety-glasses with magnification. They provide a bit more coverage.....

On the other hand, I'd like a foto of you with the readers duct-taped on! :D
 
Mike Hull said:
Maybe I'll just try duct tape from the bottom of the glasses to my face.:eek: :confused:
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Knife makers sure do know how to start fashion trends - I'll give you that.

Ever see Bill Herndon's get up for grinding micarta? Looks like something in a "Muppets in Space" movie.

Steve
 
LOL.................Mike, and Steve! I found these magnifying glasses years ago when dumptser diving. They're real big, like Clark Kent type.:eek: :D
 
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