shaping the blade

I

IUBI

Joined
Jan 3, 2000
Messages
170
i was just wondering and still pretty new at this...does a bench grinder(the kind with two grind wheels,1/2 horsepower)work for shaping blades? also to get more prcise shaping after the basic shape is done, can i put the blade in a vise and work it down with a file?if so what would be the best file? if not then what is the best way for a begginer?

thanks
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[This message has been edited by IUBI (edited 01-24-2000).]
 
Any power tools will be an immense help. hand filing a blade from scratch is very doable, but very hard work, and a good upper body work out. Even a POS 1/3 HP 6inch hard wheel grinder from Harbor freight or such(about $40.00)will accomplish a lot of the rough stock removal before going to the files for the finer shaping. Start with BIG files with Big hand filling handles and work down to smaller files, then abrasive paper.
 
WOW...nice knives george
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very cool
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thanks for the help guys

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And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold the great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads...And His tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth; and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
 
When using a bench or hand held grinder, is there any danger of damaging the steel by griding too endthusiastically and overheating it. I managed to get a piece of mild steel blue last week.

Are there types of wheels that are better than others? Someone recommended getting zirconium ones due to their durability.

Lastly, is there any truth to the advice I was given to not touch the toothed surface of your files? Apparently, the moisture/acid from your skin will dull the files over time.

TIA. Phil
 
You may already know this, but be sure to wear a respirator when grinding. Also a dust collector (shop-vac) if possible. The fine steel dust and silica from the grinding wheels are really hazardous to your health.

Getting the steel hot while grinding isn't too critical unless you manage to let it get red hot. Especially with the air hardening steels. After it has been heat treated is when you have to be super careful not to let it get too hot. Grinding barehanded usually prevents this.

Good luck,

Gary B www.toptexknives.com/bradburn.htm
 
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