Could use some grinding help

[Tdanza]

I've been making scales and such for a little while now. My first attempt at making a blade was a failure. If anyone could give me some pointers on keeping clean lines on the blade i would be thankfull. Maybe a good book, or just some tips. i really get thrown off triing to keep even lines on the curves.

[Tdanza]

I should probably let you know that i use a Delta 1x42, and files. I don't have alot of resources as of yet.

[JediOkie]

Try looking at www.ccinstructionalvideos.com they have quite a few DVD's on knifemaking including grinding. I got the Flat Grinding with Harvey Dean and it was a wealth of information. I like these videos because you can see what they are doing as the explain it and I am a very visual learner.

[Tdanza]

Thanks! i'm also a visual learner. I'll have to check them out.

[first twin]

The way I learned was to get some scrap steel that you don't want to make a knife out of and just grind away trying to make a good blade. If you mess one up don't throw it away, try to straighten it out. You do this to get the feel of the wheel or platen as the case may be. You use cheep steel so you can do this a lot. You should get better with practice.
Use a solid stance with elbows tucked in. If you have a big belly, this helps steady your arms. To start with sway and keep the steel moving on the grinder with body movement not hand movement. That will come later. The key is to grind a bunch of steel. Reading about it is good. Watching it on a video is better, but no one learned to play football without getting on the field.
Good luck and let us see some photos of some good ones.

[longhunter]

I was wondering about those DVD's sounds like they would offer me some help , right now I am doing handles and such with a Sears sander and files, hands on is always a good teacher

[JediOkie]

I got two of them, the flat grinding and the hidden tang kit. I agree that hands on is the best method to learn anything, but these gave my confidence the boost it needed to get out and try a hidden tang and helped me fix a problem I had with my first flat ground knife.

[Andrew Garrett]

That's a tough grinder to make knives with. That work rest is not your friend (IMHO). I do 100% freehand grind and have since day one, so I can't help you much. Just take your time and works little bits at a time always aware of where the steel is in relation to the abrasive. You can always grind more but you can never put steel back once it's gone.

[skipknives]

check the knife supplies web sites for the DVD's,,,,i think all of them stock the videos and books

[Tdanza]

Thanks guys, i really appreciate your help. I have started to use some cheap steal to practice on. The first one didn't come out to bad, well it resembles a knife lol. I'll keep at it and hopefully have something to show soon. Thanks again guys!

[Doc Hollywood]

I have watched the flat grinding video with Harvey Dean and the Fine Art of Hollow Grinding with Johnny Stout. Both excellent videos for the beginner.

[dmarx]

Another really good one is the Loveless video. It's not specific to grinding but "How to make a full tang knife" in general. Plus, Bob's a hoot.

Dave

[SBuzek]

Tdanza
If you dont mind me asking where are you located. May be able to offer a little help if your close to me.

[Tdanza]

Thanks for the offer! Unfortunately I'm in Ohio, I'll have to update my info.