What Grinder?

[jstrange]

Hey all,

I am sure this question has been asked a billion times, but this maybe a slight variation. What grinder or tool would you recommend for modifications of existing knives vs. making new knives from scratch?

I am thinking about modifying some old hickory knives by altering the shape of the grip tang and grinding in a finger choil by some method.

I thought about the Ken Onion Worksharp with blade grinding attachment, but don’t think it robust enough. I also thought about an angle grinder or Dremel , but each has its draw backs depending which part of the knife you are trying to shape.

Is there one grinder that can handle these tasks and not break the bank, or would a series of hand tools work better? I thought about the Craftsman model that is most suggested for beginners, but would like a way to grind small radiuses also for finger choils.

Thanks

 

[john april]

i think you would need the same equipment wether making, or doing modifications.

 

[jstrange]

I guess I am looking for a shortcut where there isn’t one.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

Buy a Fordom Flex shaft. With the 3/4” sanding drums I made finger choils and sculpted my handles for a few years till I bought a 2 x 72” Grinder with a small wheel adaptor. Go to www.riogrande.com .. look at those machines. Don’t buy the clones from China and the machine will last you the rest of your life..

 

[jstrange]

That sounds promising thanks!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I agree, if all you are doing is changing the handle profile and adding a small choil, then a flex shaft is a good choice. Get sanding drums in 1/4. 1/2, and 3/4". Use the abrasive sleeves like they were Kleenex … put on a new a new one frequently and toss the old one in the trash. Buying the sleeves in larger quantities is much cheaper in the long run. On many items, I can but a box of 100 for the price of three dozen in smaller packs.

 

[jstrange]

Thanks all. I was talking to a buddy and he mentioned a solution. How well would a drill press with sanding drums work for choils? I would need one anyway for drilling holes for the scales. I could supplement that with a cheap belt sander for shaping and removing material. What do you think?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

It will work, but a drill press isn't made to take much side load.

 

[JTknives]

A drill press running sanding drums will destroy the bearings. Maybe not today or tomarow but some day. And befor that happens you will get a real nice sloppy spindle.

 

[2fishminimum]

A knife maker i know told me to buy the very best you can afford.. for two years ive been making knives with a 3x21 belt grinder in a vice.. believe me as soon as I can afford a 2x72 ill buy one.. but for now, this works ok for grinding a radius. i use both the 1x30 and the 3x21.. one has a larger wheel than the other.. total for the pair was less than 200$..

 

[jstrange]

On the smaller one, do you take off that top guard to grind a radius?

 

[2fishminimum]

i do, but its not recommended.. as soon as you grind anything with the guard off it throws the debris right in your face.