Pressure VS Control

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Pressure VS Control can you have both
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I am finding as I get more blades under my belt that I sometimes lose the control I need to get a good grind. I am looking for consistancy and I know that comes with practice. But sometimes my grinds are right on, other times they stink. Some days I grind too hard I guess.
Is there a happy medium between Grinding Pressure and Control?
Do you guys have any suggestions?

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[This message has been edited by bobH (edited 10-27-2000).]
 
I've found that a light touch will give me the best grinds.

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
I find myself pushing very hard most of the time........its faster.......but ive been practicing it for over 18 years.....in the morning when i am not quite awake i run the thing slowly....but turn it up pretty quickly.......that is on a variable speed.. I never run it faster than about 50% and find pushing hard gets the scratches out faster.......just my opinion....not necessarily the views of the people who run this forum!
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Like all things, I think there is a happy medium. I couldn't get nice even flats with light pressure. When I got the courage to lean in on it a bit, it held the flats against the surface very nicely. I only really lean into it when hoggig off initial steel. Have to leave enough to repair the 'oops'.

I'll also second Tom's point about keeping the speed down. It maximizes your ability to hold the blade tight in while minimizing the 'oops' factor - and it is much safer before the first pot of coffee gets done.
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Rob!



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Rob Ridley
Ranger Original Handcrafted Knives
 
Tom is right, speed makes a big difference although not everyone has that luxury. I primarily flat grind and with a 4 inch drive wheel speed is not near as fast as when I have my 10 inch contact wheel on the machine for hollow grinding. As I go to finer and finer grits, I gradually slow the speed down. I believe that one of the biggest problems that face folks that are just getting into grinding is to keep the blade FLAT against the contact wheel or platen. It not, there will be grooves or waves in the blade, usually around the two inch mark. One other VERY important thing. Grinder height is one of the most critical facets of grinding, believe it or not. The platen or contact wheel MUST be at the proper height or tight control AND pressure will be repeatable.
That is the key, REPEATABILITY.

One other thing, only grind in one direction, from the plunge to the tip, never back and forth.
 
CL,
What height do you find works best?
I mean in relation to the center of the Contact wheel.
I am using a 10" variable speed Coote.
I am just about to build a bench for my grinder and this will help alot
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Thanks

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RHankins Available knives
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=205453

[This message has been edited by bobH (edited 10-28-2000).]
 
CL hit the key. Positioning your grinder to fit YOU.
Standing in a relaxed position, hold a blade blank in your hands, lock your elbows into your hips (relaxed), and the most natural level is where the contact surface of your grinder should be located. I had to build a special bench for my grinder that is about 4" taller than all the other benches in the shop, but then again, I'm 6'3" tall. Often times when students are in the shop I have to lay a couple of pieces of plywood down, so that they are comfortable at the grinder. It sounds picky, but if you set everything in your shop to fit you, you'll find you won't be wiped out at the end of a long shop day.

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Ed Caffrey "The Montana Bladesmith"
ABS Mastersmith
www.caffreyknives.com
 
CL hit the key. Positioning your grinder to fit YOU.
Standing in a relaxed position, hold a blade blank in your hands, lock your elbows into your hips (relaxed), and the most natural level is where the contact surface of your grinder should be located. I had to build a special bench for my grinder that is about 4" taller than all the other benches in the shop, but then again, I'm 6'3" tall. Often times when students are in the shop I have to lay a couple of pieces of plywood down, so that they are comfortable at the grinder. It sounds picky, but if you set everything in your shop to fit you, you'll find you won't be wiped out at the end of a long shop day.

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Ed Caffrey "The Montana Bladesmith"
ABS Mastersmith
www.caffreyknives.com
 
CL hit the key....actually.....i find belly button height is just about perfect....or if you are older....the fartherest point out on your body.
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As I have said before, you gotta have a good organic tool rest.
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I'm with Tom on this one. Bellybutton level, good steady pressure, and slower speed.
Learning to grind the same, on both sides, time after time just takes practice.
 
OK, here comes the Hard Core commercial again....

The whole arm assembly rotates on my Hard Core grinder so height is adjustable. (For sharpening, I pivot the whole works straight up and down and sharpen right below the idler wheel.)

Actually, as the other folks have said, it is a custom fit. The organic tool rest is the deciding factor. I have been tempted to move it up closer lately since I am having trouble focusing that far away now! Its bad when age starts to tell on you and I ain't even 45 yet!


For plunge cuts when first learning to grind I used a file guide which is no more than two pieces of metal bolted together on both sides of the blade. I run the belt about 1/8 to 3/16 off of the side of the platen or contact wheel. The plunge area is the same on both sides every time. Caution and safety must be exercised when doing this.
 
Well shucks guys ya didn't have to make the odd ball in this thread!!
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I actually meant a light touch for the finishing of a hollow grind.

------------------
Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
C.L. when rounding off the edges on the platen of your hardcore did you go about 1/8th in from the sides? and what grit did you use? i did this on my coote grinder. was just wondering what has worked on the hardcore. man i love that grinder!

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Laurence Segal www.RHINOKNIVES.com
 
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