Shaping wood handles?

Hawk45

Hawk45

Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
2,154
Hi guys,

Working on a few folder and trying out some wood scales from blocks. I have everything fit but need to get it all down to exact shape I want the handles. Normally when I work with G10 or Micarta I use my belt grinder to get the final shape. But I've not had good results doing this with wood. I've got the knife assembled with a scrap blank as the blade and want to shape the wood and liners all in one piece. What would you recommend? I only have access to my bandsaw, grinder (non-variable speed, and it's fast) and hand tools. At some point it's going to have to go on the grinder to get it all matched.

Thanks,
Johb
 
You're not going at it with belts all gummed up by micarta, are you? Shaping wood shouldn't be a problem if you are using sharp belts.
What about it is not working? What are the symptoms?
 
No, I'm using a fresh 120 AO belt on curly maple. Its doing OK but is clogging a bit and goes slow. 120grit is the lowest I have at the moment. Need to place an order.
 
Hmm, have you been using a belt cleaner/eraser? They help, but sometimes using an air nozzle and blowing the belt out with it running works much better.
 
For wood I like to start with at least 60 or 80 grit. I tend to push too hard at times, and a 120 belt can end up burning the wood rather than removing material.
 
I've not tried a brush. I'll give that a shot. Usually I just grab a scrap price of steel and give it a light press on the belt for a few seconds to clean.

Shane, I've got some 80grit on order. A few times I could see the wood burn a little, so lightened the press. I think 80 or 60 grit may be the ticket.

Thanks guys. I got them to where I want them. I'll finish sanding by hand from here and with rasps.

Cheers,
John
 
I find 80g is the finest I could rough shape wood with, especially end grain. I typically use a 36g to rough shape, then switch to 80g. I remove scratches hand sanding with 120/150g, then 220 to whatever my final grit is through 400, 800, 1200, 1500, 2000 if the wood will allow. For non oily woods, I switch to steel wool after 400 or 800 as the wood calls for.
 
If you want to shape wood by hand instead of using the grinder, begin with an 8" half round double-cut file, followed by a 6" half round smooth cut file, or a #2 swiss, followed by sandpaper at either 120 or 180 grit. A rasp will be to coarse.
 
Good stuff, thanks guys. Trying to get more into wood. Just love the warmth and rustic feel.
 
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