Sit down grinding?

[Brock Cutlery]

Hey folks, I am getting ready to do some rearranging of my shop and wanted to ask those who have gone from stand up grinding to sitting what your thoughts are? It sounds good in some ways, but I can also see some draw-backs and possibly some safety issues with sitting down to grind.
If you have this experience please comment if you will.
Thanks!

 

[scott.livesey]

I have a bad knee and cannot stand for long periods. I set up my shop so I can use every tool except for table saws while sitting. Most work surfaces are 24" above floor. I sit in an adjustable height office chair. The platen height of grinder is still high enough that I can grind standing for short periods. Don't see any safety issues if you wear proper gear.
scott

 

[KamSingh]

I have never found this to be comfortable, maybe if you use a jig to grind it could work but you'll still have the problem of all those sparks shooting at your crotch!

 

[J.H.]

Im still new to knifemaking so take what i say with a grain of salt i guess, but i quickly found my grinder was too low for me to comfortably stand up and grind. So i got myself a cheap bar stool, and sitting down while grinding has worked quite well once i got used to it. Mostly i kind of half sit on the stool, gives me a bit more mobility. (this also makes it so my crotch isnt in the line of fire anymore than if you were standing up and grinding)

 

[AVigil]

I sit down to grind and have for years. You are more steady, fatigue less and can grind longer.

 

[AVigil]

I have never found this to be comfortable, maybe if you use a jig to grind it could work but you'll still have the problem of all those sparks shooting at your crotch!

If sparks are hitting your crotch, you are doing it wrong. lol

 

[Jesse Latham]

I also have bad knees and sit at all work stations. Mill, drill presses, portaband, grinders, lathe, buffer, basically everything.

 

[butcher_block]

been thinking aobut sitting at the grinder also so as to not be loooking down so much (my neck really starts to bother with all the gear on my head)

 

[Hengelo_77]

I grind sitting down as well

 

[AVigil]

been thinking aobut sitting at the grinder also so as to not be loooking down so much (my neck really starts to bother with all the gear on my head)

I tilt my platen a few degrees forward and this makes it very easy to see and take a lot of strain out of the neck while seated

 

[Branson1369]

Can you guys advise height you have bench/stand height for sitting? Awaiting my grinder and starting plan stand height for sitting down grinding

Thx in advance

 

[N.W. Gean]

Just be careful about having a metal stool. I have a stool with a metal frame, and whenever I sit down to grind my legs get shocked (worth mentioning that I have a ceramic platen).

 

[scott.livesey]

Can you guys advise height you have bench/stand height for sitting? Awaiting my grinder and starting plan stand height for sitting down grinding

Thx in advance

I made all my work bench legs 24", 4 legs from an 8 ft piece of lumber, so I guess bench height is about 25" when you include 1" plywood bench top. All grinders have different work rest heights, so you will have to adjust from there. I have a Wilmont LB1000 which is mounted on a 18" x 24"x 3/8" steel plate with 3/8" rubber between grinder and plate. The plate is bolted to oak 4x4s which rests on work surface. no vibration.
scott

 

[Ken H>]

I tend to use the horizontal and disk grinder sitting down. The 2X72 grinder I've not tried sitting, just seems like I move around too much. Maybe I'll try it, get a tall stool since it's hard to make the table legs shorter.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

If sparks are hitting your crotch, you are doing it wrong. lol

I’ve been Grinding sitting down for 22-23 years, Wear a shop apron! Wear a face shield & Respirator, Ear plugs! When I started I was told by a couple of knifemaking mentors that it wouldn’t work!———_________________It does! I had/have spine issues!Im 6’4.5” and tall in the Torso, My height of machinery is 26-30” plus depending on the 2 x 72” machines etc. OP, you will find your sweet spot in height, Tilt of Platen etc....I have always Flat ground with a tad of Convex...Did a few Hollow ground Hunters and found it just wasn’t for me! A FFG with a tad of Convex is stronger and last longer IMHO!,, Ok! Not so Humble of a Opinion!—————————To the OP, Remember that you are right in the action while grinding sitting down! Wear your Eyes, Ears , Lungs protection Equipment and I use a heavy leather Shop apron to protect the family Jewels!

 

[Brock Cutlery]

If sparks are hitting your crotch, you are doing it wrong. lol

That's what she said. :\

 

[Brock Cutlery]

I appreciate all the votes and advice. I'm going to give it a try and see how it goes for a while.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Gil Hibben has a great video...

 

[Scott Hanson]

I do both I have my work bench and machines sitting higher like 39" and use a bar stool a lot of the time. I do most of my knife making in the winter month in a space heated outdoor shop. I like the bar stools because it keeps my feet off the cold concrete floor in the water months. But if I'm grinding 5 or 6 blades I would opt for the stool anyhow.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

I appreciate all the votes and advice. I'm going to give it a try and see how it goes for a while.

One important thingy to add! It’s really easy while sitting to go into the Zone and spend a couple of hours doing hard grinding! Remember to take a break every 25-30 minutes or the intense repetitive motions can give you Hand, Wrist and Elbow issues like Carpal tunnel etc! Ask me how I know!! ....So get up and do a rendition of the Hokey Pokey to stretch out and avoid debilitating issues!