Hi Lewis, your shop is very organized, everything in its place seems clean and clear as well. make a video showing some of your workshop for us. Thank you, Leo. (sorry about my english...)
I use an inexpensive import dust collector. I do not filter the dust in bags, I send the dust straight outside. I have to stop and clean the screen on the input side of the blower every now and then, It packs up with wads of what looks like steel wool when rough grinding.
Your techniques and equipment are very inspiring for me. I like how versatile your belt sanders are. I have been thinking of getting into knife making for a while.
I like coarser belts like 36 and 40 grit also, I just happened to have a brand new 60 grit belt laying by the machine when I made the video. I am always trying new belts and using different grit progressions. I have not found the perfect series of belts yet, I am still trying to figure out the best belts and best way to work up through the grits.
I do a little bit at a time on one than the other side. For me this keeps thing even. I have to remember to put my thumb in the same spot as I switch sides.
Just a question :) Why would you use this grinder over the double wheel grinder? Is it to do with the type of hollow ground you want on the blade, ie half, full etc? Very interesting video, enjoy watching the razors come to life!
Another good video! I will never understand how you can taper the tang using that technique and have it come out even. When I try that it usually fails ! lol Thanks for the video
I really enjoyed watching you technique. Do you recmmend 60 grit for all rough grinding. I have been using 36 grit and the deeper grind lines can be annoying.
your videos are so helpful i will start forging knives this summer and i thought why not a razor .i want to ask you can you use steel from car leaf spring that is very strong and dremel for grinding
I'm building a NWG grinder myself. Love your videos and your work. You said the contact wheels you use the most are 8" and 4", also use a 2" contact wheel for doing hollowing work. Are they rubber 70A duro's? Also the 3M ceramic belts, have you found any line of the 3M ceramic better to work with than the others? Thank you so much for the videos and your time.
sslark Yes the wheels are 70 duro. I am not sold on a particular belt. I will use 3m or Norton, but I do like the cermic abrasives for the lower grits. For the coarse belts I use whatever brand name ceramic belts I can find the best deal on.
Really enjoy your videos. I have no hollow grinding experience. I assume the diameter of your contact wheel makes a difference. What is the best size wheel for hollow grinding a razor?
+Peter Hughes DVM The hollow of the blade is not a direct match to the diameter of the wheel. Usually I grind thinner/flatter behind the edge then have more curve up toward the spine. The best wheel? The real answer is it depends. It is easiest to grind with a bigger wheel 8 or 6, but I think a 4 wheel is more versatile. I use my 4 or 8 the most. If I do a full hollow I will use 1.5 near the spine and 3 or 4 to hollow the middle and thin behind the edge. The width of the blade also comes into play, smaller widths need smaller wheels. For a 1 inch width I would recommend starting with an 8. Then after you have the 8 figured out, move to smaller wheels to make more hollow blades. I really like my 4 a lot.
I love your videos and have been working a bit on getting into straight razors. I'm currently using a KMG for my knives. What wheel sizes you do recommend? I have the 10" but that's obviously too large a radius.
mandriacco1 I use my four and eight inch wheels the most. WHen I grind radius of the hollow on the razor does not match the diameter of the wheel. I will make it flatter behind the edge and more curved toward the spine. If you want to make full hollows you will need a two" or smaller. The four and eight will do 90% of everything for me though.
lewisrazors Thanks for the reply! The 2" wheel was already on my "want to buy" list for a few different reasons, but I'll have to add the 4 and 8. Ever thought about offering a class on razor making?
How impractical would it be to grind a razor on a surface grinder? I've restored a few Wade and butcher straights this way. While I'm sure it's overkill, after indicating the blade in I've been able to end up with the perfect bevel. You barely spend anytime honing the blade. I feel it does take away from the craftsmanship you but into your blades, though.
cokesucks I do not think it is impractical at all, I think it is a great idea. The only way I do it the way that I do it, is because I am adapting my methods to the tools that I have. If I had a surface ginder I would be using it.
