Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Oct 14, 2008 04:15pm | #1

   john,

   While a hollow grind isn't needed on a drawknife, it won't hurt to regrind the bevel to whatever angle you desire, on the wheel. Just be careful not to overheat the steel, and try not to grind a gouge into the edge ( use a light touch, and keep it moving). Sometimes the handles are prone to getting in the way, bumping into the motor while grinding.

   Ray

1. 
   john05 | Oct 14, 2008 10:00pm | #2

   Ray,

   I tried getting the knife onto the grinder last night and the handles were the main challenge, perhaps a beltsander/linisher is the way to go as an hour lapping it on 80 grit paper was  fairly unproductive.....

   Thanks for the reply

   John

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Oct 15, 2008 01:04pm | #3

   Hi John,

   I have a Delta 1" belt sander that I used on my drawknives which worked very well.  Mine is an older model (like Ray :-) ), sans the disc.

   View Image

   Both the platen and upper belt guide can be removed if ye wanna free hand it, which I did.  As Ray said make sure the blade doesn't get too hot - just kisses on the belt works well.

   What's nice about this is that you can take a knife that's in dreadful shape and, using various grits, get the blade in working condition rather quickly.

   In my humble opinion this tool is one of the most versatile power tools in my woodshop.  Please don't tell anyone cause the price will go up!

   Regards,

    

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   Edited 10/15/2008 6:05 am ET by KiddervilleAcres

   Edited 10/15/2008 6:07 am ET by KiddervilleAcres

1. 
   john05 | Oct 15, 2008 10:04pm | #4

   Cheers Bob,

   I attacked it last night with a Zirconium  belt, on some glass it produced the new bevel in no time with no heating compared to standard wet and dry paper it last and lasts.

   A belt sander is on my list....which I keep on a roll of wallpaper so it is all in one place:)

   Rgds

   John

1. 
   stevo1952 | Oct 15, 2008 11:19pm | #6

   John,
   I just attended a chair making class with Curtis Buchanon, and he buffs his drawknives with a fine "BehrTek" wheel. The class was at Highland hardware in Atlanta, so I picked up a wheel for about $50. I haven't used it yet, but Curtis did in the class, and his knives are razor sharp. He did warn about burning though.
   thanks,
   Stevo

2. 
   stevo1952 | Oct 15, 2008 11:21pm | #7

   What are folks doing to flatten the backs?
   Thats where all the work seems to be.
   thanks,
   Stevo

3. 
   coolbeans | Oct 16, 2008 02:44am | #8

   stack 3/4 scrape cut to less than the width to clear handles an knuckles ,glue downsanding paper ie: automotive an go at it, goes pretty quick

    

4. 
   Ray | Oct 20, 2008 09:41pm | #12

   At the risk of being flamed to death, I've always used a round carborundum stone on the backs of my drawknives.  The only time I've ever touched the bevelled edge was when I got a nick in one and had to regrind it.

5. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Oct 16, 2008 01:21pm | #9

   John & Ron,

   I have two 6" drawkinves - one with a flat back and the others' back is oval shaped, the profile of which is kinda like an oval file. 

   The oval back one is great for taking fine cuts as I find that I can control it by rocking the blade into the wood as I'm drawing the knife through the material.  I use the flat backed one for rough cutting and shaping.

   Using the belt sander does leave a burr on the blade which gets removed by stropping it on the canvas belt from an old retired barbers strop that I have.  Apply some jewelers rouge and pass the blade across it a few times then hit the leather trop for a few more.

   Regards,

   P.S. Ron, have to try our kitchen knives - didn't think of that.  Guess the little rascal could be used for lots of different cutting thangs.  Changing belts is quick and easy too.Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   RonInOttawa | Oct 15, 2008 10:38pm | #5

   I agree! I have the unit from Lee Valley and drive it with an old 1/4HP blower motor. It's indispensable in the shop for axe blades, lawnmowers and shovels. The 15-micron ( ~1000X ) belts do a wonderful job on kitchen knives.Ron

   
3. 
   Ray | Oct 16, 2008 08:26pm | #10

   I agree, that little belt sander a great tool.  Besides sanding, with a little planning, you can sharpen just about any steel blade with it.

1. 
   QCInspector | Oct 20, 2008 07:51pm | #11

   http://vieltools.com/prod.php?s=OQ==&sc=Mg==Lee Valley sells the basic sander. Viel Tools in Quebec makes it (sells it for $10.00 less too) and a bunch of accessories to go with it.