plunge cut

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foxbat34

Joined
Dec 26, 2008
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Im new but still want to make great looking knives, for me (tend to be a perfectionist) that means, among other things, good fit and finish. I been having trouble making my plunge cuts (i think that is the correct term) what i mean is the termination point of the bevel at the choil. Any tips on how to make a good grind. Thanks
 
I see some guys use a small diameter round file to make the 'plunge cut' and work out from there with a belt grinder or files.

I'm still doing mine freeball on the grinder. not very nice ones, I might add. :)
 
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Scribe a line across the blade where you want the plunge cut to be. As you make your first pass knocking the edge off the blade, push in on the tang as you near the line. Make a dip that doesn't extend to the center of the blade.

Repeat on the other side.

Now as you start your grinding, you've built in a stop or a reference point where to stop. Be careful bumping it, though. Bumping it will lift the plunge cut, causing the blade to dig in at the other side of the belt. That yields the dreaded "two inch mark."

Go to www.engnath.com and do some reading. It will help a lot.

Gene
 
I have been having the same problem. Tonight I filed a small divet like 69 knives mentioned, and that made it much easier. I actually managed to make a knife out of 1095 this evening. I hope to have it finished by the weekend.

I also slowed my Coote grinder down with the aid of 3 step pulleys. The slowest speed is now running at 668 rpm (shaft rpm on wheel). I used a 40 grit belt to start, then went to a 180, then a 240. I am pleased with it so far.

Milt
 
1/8 inch chainsaw files can help on the finishing if you want that profile. If you want a sharp angle, build or buy a file guide.

An easy description is on Tracy Mickleys site over at midwest knifemaker, he sells guides, too. But they aren't really all that hard to make. Tracy is a "BF local" and does some neat stuff.
 
I file mine in with a chainsaw file then go to a 220 j-flex to refine it. It's the only way I've found to make them match. I'm planning on getting a D2 platen that is radiused. The radii on my ceramic platen don't match up well.
 
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