Tips on grinder height

docdredd

docdredd

Joined
May 25, 2006
Messages
587
ok guys

in your opinion where in relation to you body should the work rest come up to on a belt grinder. My work rest is just below my sternum because i have it mounted to a very sturdy work bench. but to me is just feels wrong. i am thinking of building a stand for it but would like some input on what you all think the optimal height would be.
Also if anyone has built a stand for a KMG and wouldnt mind posting pics or describing what went into the construction of theres i would be greatly obliged.
peace
jon "doc" silas
 
Most folks who stand and grind like to be able to keep their back straight and their elbows at their sides. This is more comfortable than hunching over and keeps your hands pretty stable.
I have my grinder mounted so that if I stand in this position with my hands out in front of me, my forearms are level when my hands are at the center of the contact wheel.
My grinder is a coote, so this height is most conveneint for hollow grinding. The platen is up higher and isn't quite as comfortable to use. On a KMG where you have tooling arms, this height woud work with just about any arrangement. You have to figure what you're comfortable with though, everybody is different.
 
Hi Doc, I'd vote for about belly button. I took a fair ammount of time figuring that out for my tastes, but I think your set up would feel too tall for me. Particularly because I like to peak over and to the side of the contact area. I'd try shimming up the legs or standing on a few sheets of ply to settle on a height you like better before commiting to a new stand. I mainly thought to comment because I'd stick with a solid bench over most stands because of smoothness and vibration.
Good luck and take care, Craig
 
thanks for the replys. i realy dont wanna build a stand either but im paranoid of having stuff laying under foot around power equipment. that 3 in stack of ply can cause one heck of a spill when your as clumsy as me. oh well ill fig it out thanks alot guys
 
My work rest is at the center of my comtact wheel and it feels right to me. I use a Bader 3. I have some Photo's of it in the shop. I believe it is about 46 inchs to the center line of the rest. Your height will play a big part in setting up your grinder and what's right for you. God bless and have a safe knife day in the shop.

Barkes :thumbup:
When I leave this world I would like to be known by the one who make his knives from start to finish.
http://my.hsonline.net/wizard/knifeshop
1.812.526.6390
 
I held my hands out like I was playing the piano of sorts with my elbows pinned to my sides. I then had somebody measure that distance to the floor, and then measured the distance from the worktable to the bottom of the grinder. do some math, measure twice, cut once. I actually redid it to make it about 3 or 4 inches taller than my arms @ 90deg so I do not have to lean over so much to get a good look @ what I am doing.
 
docdredd said:
My work rest is just below my sternum because i have it mounted to a very sturdy work bench. but to me is just feels wrong. i am thinking of building a stand for it...
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Mine is mounted the same way and I don't like it either. I have tried standing on a stool, but I am always afraid I'll fall off in the middle of things. I watched S.R. Johnson's knifemaking video and saw that he grinds while seated. This seems like it would be a great idea, except that I worry about having a blade thrown into my thigh (or worse). Someday I hope to make or acquire a sturdy and adjustable stand.
 
With elbows at sides, shoulders relaxed and forearms parallel to the floor, the workrest should be about 1" below your index fingers.

This will save your back and improve your grinds.
 
Hi Folks, If you try to change your work height by standing on something, I would do it just temporarily. Don't even have to turn the grinder on. I think it's dangerous to have trip hazards around a grinder, but once you find that just right height, then legs can be trimmed or a new bench/stand can be made. I'd keep the floor as clear as possible.
Take care, Craig
 
On a side note, a martial arts fella was telling me one time about how all the joint locks, etc in his art were best performed with your hands just above and in front of the navel.

He was saying that's where you've got the most strength and steadiness, get tired slowest, largest range of motion, best control of fine motions, etc.

He pointed out that doorknobs are usually right about there (ok, they're lower if you're a tall guys like me, but the principle remains).

Just something to think about!

Mike
 
rj martin said:
With elbows at sides, shoulders relaxed and forearms parallel to the floor, the workrest should be about 1" below your index fingers.

This will save your back and improve your grinds.
Click to expand...

RJ put it just about as good as I've seen it described.
 
Mike: Very interesting-Our two posts describe the same height, at least for my body.......So, I'm off to see if my workrests are "BBH".....

Belly Button Height HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
 
I know I'll be the odd duck here, but I only flat grind and the top wheel of my platen on my bader bm2 is 2 inches from my nose. Needless to say its mounted about a foot and a half higher than most of these guys grinders. I had it mounted lower in the beginning, but it felt wierd.
Thanks,
Del
 
delbert ealy said:
I know I'll be the odd duck here, but I only flat grind and the top wheel of my platen on my bader bm2 is 2 inches from my nose. Needless to say its mounted about a foot and a half higher than most of these guys grinders. I had it mounted lower in the beginning, but it felt wierd.
Thanks,
Del
Click to expand...

Del, I have mine about the same.:thumbup: People under 5' 10" have a hard time using my grinder. I also use 3X magnifying glasses when grinding.:D
 
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