plunge-cut

Crayola · Mar 13, 2000

I was wondering exactly what a plunge-cut is? I have an idea, but I want to ask the experts. I am new to knife making (working on knife #4, second attempt!) and when I was grinding today, I started at the tip and worked towards the ricasso so that I could keep my grind lines relatively even on both sides and not grind too far back. But plunge cut sounds tome like you start the other way around. What's the secret?

By the way, I just came back from the House of Tools in Calgary (2 hours away) with twice as much knife making supplies as I thought I was going to get. AND, the snow has disappeared so I am glad to be able to get my grinder out that santa brought me and get making knives! YEHAW!!!!!

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"Come What May..."

Rob! · Mar 13, 2000

Howdy Crayola

I'm also something of a newbie but everything I've seen whether file, belt grinder or disc sander starts at the ricasso. Still, some innovations comes by accident. How has the reverse been working for you?

BTW, I too am about 2 hours away from H.O.T. Could we be neighbors?

Brett Bennett · Mar 13, 2000

Crayola,

The plunge cut is where the bevel meets the ricasso. I have never heard of anyone recommend starting at the tip. That is not to say it wouldn't work. One disadvantage that I see is that you may overwork the tip (end up too thin). It is harder to grind the belly area, so if you start there, then do the plunge cuts, you still have to go back and blend the belly area in. I start at the plunge and work my entire line up evenly. I also work both side a little at a time to keep them relatively even. It allows you to make adjustments when you goof.

Sumo · Mar 13, 2000

Hey there Crayola, here's a couple things that might help ya out a bit:
http://www.engnath.com/public/grinder.htm
I thought there was something on making this fixture on Bob's page,
but I can draw it faster then I could find it so take a look at this:

The smaller of the projections are socket head cap screws btw, while the
larger ones are dowel pins, pressed into fully hard D2 or whatever tool
steel you might happen to have (used O1 for mine) Usually I use that little
fixture for the roughing out of the grind, then pull it off once I start with
the 220 grit belts.
Hope that helps

BTW, I'm only about 10 minutes from house of tools

[This message has been edited by Sumo (edited 03-13-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Sumo (edited 03-13-2000).]

Rob! · Mar 13, 2000

Hey Sumo

Nice fixture - nice artwork! You must be an engineer. It looks like something from the space program. Mine started as about 3 1/2 inches of ATS34 left over from the end of a bar. I cut it lengthwise, drilled 2 - 1/4 inch holes for bolts, screwed down the nuts and ground the edges straight and even. I then rounded all corners so nothing would catch and sent it off to heat treat. Price - zero - scrap. Skill required - zero (almost). I really liked it till I saw your rig.

Rob!

truk · Mar 13, 2000

Sumo
Very nice artwork, what are the dimensions
for the piece?
thank's
Gary

Hagar · Mar 13, 2000

Hey!!!
Next time you are in Calgary. let me know. we can get together for coffee, beer or whatever. ( And talk knives!!!)

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There is no such thing as "good enough", either your work is good or it is not. How is your work?
SGT BLADES www.therockies.com/hagar/

Sumo · Mar 14, 2000

hmm, didnt really write down any dimensions to be honest, all I did was take some 3/8" precision ground O1 scrap, lay out lines in the center thickness wise, and basically put the dowel and screw holes far enough out so it could fit over most blades. BTW, the dowel holes are reamed .001" to .002" oversize, and peened on the one side so that they're a fairly tight fit.

Rob- them's fightin words accusing me of being an engineer! (joking btw)

Crayola · Mar 16, 2000

Hey all! Thanks for the input. I have seen a similar gizmo to the one you showed me Sumo. A knifemaker from warner who is showing me some of the ropes took a piece of strap iron, drilled 2 holes in it at each end and welded on 2 bolts stuck through the holes. He has another piece of strap iron with the two holes drilled in it, and he simply sticks a knife between the two pieces and slips a nut over each bolt. Not as fancy as the other rig, but works fine and dandy. I'd like to get one of those rigs like you showed me Sumo. Interested in making me one for a few Canadian pesos in return? Drop me a line if you're interested.

House of Tools has become a mandatory stop now every time I'm in Calgary!

Crayola

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"Come What May..."