Arby Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Hello to all the very knowledgeable folks on this forum. I have read hundreds of posts in many different sections of this forum and have tried very hard to research an answer to the following question. I have been making a few knives by repurposing material from old farm tools such as corn cutter blades, sheep shears and other blades used around farms. I use a plasma cutter to cut the blanks to preserve the initial hardness properties. This has worked very well so far and I am considering building or buying a 2 x 72 grinder to speed up my finishing. I usually do not remove all the old forging marks or trade marks as i would like people to appreciate the history of the steel. My question is what safety measures are considered "common sense" when using a grinder to shape blades? Mainly grind edge up or down? I would think edge down to keep blade from cutting belt but have read references to grinding with the edge up. I have lots of experience ( 50 plus years in manufacturing} using industrial type equipment such as saws, small & large drill presses, machine tools, filing machines and large belt grinders. I have used the grinders but not to specifically shape blades. I now use belt sanders and a 1 x 42 sander/grinder to rough grind and then finish with files and sandpaper. My wife is very concerned about my safety after seeing a show where a knifemaker was seriously hurt using one. Thank you in advance for any info or experiences you are willing to share, Arby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris C Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Arby, welcome to the "sickness" of blade work. Yep, a 2x72 will speed up your work a lot. It will also eat blades way faster than a file, so there's a definite learning curve. I could be wrong, but I think most bladesmiths grind their bevels with the cutting edge up. I know I do. If you've experience with industrial equipment, you are ahead of the curve in your awareness that "if it cuts steel, wood or paper, it can cut you quicker"!!!!! (and equipment can't tell the difference between flesh and any other medium!) A 2x72 grinder will eat your knuckles to the bone faster than you can say !$@&*# . (That's "ouch" in bladesmiths language!) All that said, it's like any other piece of equipment. You HAVE to treat it with a lot of respect. If you get one, you'll love it. It's a great tool. I just got mine about a month ago after having to work with a 1x30 for the past year. (what a drag!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshj Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 From my experience- the most important thing I can say when working with a belt grinder... is a very light touch. I just recently got my 2x72, but I've run some serious belt grinders before when working in a foundry. We ground aluminum intake manifolds. I'd watch a "new" guy across the shop pick one up and just shove it in the belt... and wonder why he wound up in the hospital. Like any other machine, it's a common sense approach... slowly feed the stock into contact with the belt. To me, the more you use it, the more you'll know what you can do and get away with. But, it's also like riding a motorcycle... it's not if you go down, but when you do. It will happen, you're gonna get a knuckle or finger eventually. It's just practice that will keep you safer. My 2 x 72 has pretty easy access to the belt face, pretty open top and bottom too. I like that alot. The less you have to catch on, or get caught in... the better. Ooohhhh... I just saw your location. I'm in NW ohio in wauseon. I have a buddy that made mine- makes some pretty awesome grinders if you're interested. I'm set up for 110, or 220 with a 2 hp motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arby Posted June 22, 2020 Author Share Posted June 22, 2020 Thanks for the prompt replies guys. Yes, the large machines are not forgiving of not paying attention or trying to force things. I've read good advice about using worn belts that applies to just about any dull tool. It will hurt you a lot faster than a sharp one! I have the expertise to build a grinder as having built welding fixtures in past life but trying to stay as low cost as possible due to having bought some expensive woodworking stuff lately. I just missed a used Grizzly missing a few parts due to bidding too low, lesson learned. That is a good looking grinder. Is it set up to pivot? How expensive are we talking for one like that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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