The most irritating aspect of knifemaking, for me, is attempting to remove file marks to try for a near-mirror finish on blades. I detest endless hours of hand-sanding from 220-through-whatever-grit after draw-filing to get a flat blade surface.
Am trying something that shows promise: Small (2-3-inch) round sanding discs with rubber backing inserted into the drill press. The mandril, rubber backing and removable disc "plates" are available at hardware stores (Tractor Supply in my area). Discs in various grits can be trimmed round from sheet sandpaper. Backs of the discs are sprayed with aerosol adhesive (3-M in my case), allowed to sit for 30 seconds to dry to "tacky," then pressed onto the screw-in plates. Blade surface pressed up into the rotating disc in the drill press.
Depending on depth of file or sanding lines, I start with 220- or 320-grit discs and move on to 400. The 400s don't last long, unfortunately. On the good side, it's a HECK of a lot more bearable than hours and hours of hand-sanding. Worth a try. I'm still experimenting.
Any comments about a better way would be welcome!
Am trying something that shows promise: Small (2-3-inch) round sanding discs with rubber backing inserted into the drill press. The mandril, rubber backing and removable disc "plates" are available at hardware stores (Tractor Supply in my area). Discs in various grits can be trimmed round from sheet sandpaper. Backs of the discs are sprayed with aerosol adhesive (3-M in my case), allowed to sit for 30 seconds to dry to "tacky," then pressed onto the screw-in plates. Blade surface pressed up into the rotating disc in the drill press.
Depending on depth of file or sanding lines, I start with 220- or 320-grit discs and move on to 400. The 400s don't last long, unfortunately. On the good side, it's a HECK of a lot more bearable than hours and hours of hand-sanding. Worth a try. I'm still experimenting.
Any comments about a better way would be welcome!
