For Christmas this year, my present to myself was a "small wheel" attachment to my 2x72" belt grinder.
The knifemakers use these to help form fingergrooves and other small details on knife handles. I've always wanted one of these, but usually had to make do with Dremels, a cheap spindle sander, or just plain files. I have a couple upcoming projects- including finishing up that Bushmaster 45 frame I posted a few weeks back- where something like this would make that sort of thing easier and quicker, so I splurged.
And, to try it out, I had a couple of rough-sawed walnut panels I'd cut to fit a Bob Long humpback frame. I threw on a semi-fine belt, and spent a few minutes dressing those down to size.
Not by any stretch my best work. As with any tool, there's a pretty solid learning curve here, plus a need for patience. The belt grinder can take off a LOT of material in a big hurry, so one has to learn to take it slow.
The slab of walnut I chose started out a little too thick, and it's tough to just grind these thin. Plus I kept scorching the wood- the wheel kit came with instructions to carefully watch the belt speed so you don't burn up the tiny bearings (and they do get hot!) but even slowed down to 60% (on the dial, anyway) if I pressed too hard I'd get dark scorch marks.
This set didn't come out too bad, but I want to start over with one of the thinner slabs I have. Take a little more time to fit and profile them better.
Doc.
The knifemakers use these to help form fingergrooves and other small details on knife handles. I've always wanted one of these, but usually had to make do with Dremels, a cheap spindle sander, or just plain files. I have a couple upcoming projects- including finishing up that Bushmaster 45 frame I posted a few weeks back- where something like this would make that sort of thing easier and quicker, so I splurged.
And, to try it out, I had a couple of rough-sawed walnut panels I'd cut to fit a Bob Long humpback frame. I threw on a semi-fine belt, and spent a few minutes dressing those down to size.
Not by any stretch my best work. As with any tool, there's a pretty solid learning curve here, plus a need for patience. The belt grinder can take off a LOT of material in a big hurry, so one has to learn to take it slow.
The slab of walnut I chose started out a little too thick, and it's tough to just grind these thin. Plus I kept scorching the wood- the wheel kit came with instructions to carefully watch the belt speed so you don't burn up the tiny bearings (and they do get hot!) but even slowed down to 60% (on the dial, anyway) if I pressed too hard I'd get dark scorch marks.
This set didn't come out too bad, but I want to start over with one of the thinner slabs I have. Take a little more time to fit and profile them better.
Doc.
It's also the first time using this small wheel, and is going to take a little practice.
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