Question for Ray

[LLeith]

I saw a comment you made on another thread here about grinding, but I can't remember which thread. Anyhow, you advised the guy to make his first 'cut' with the blade pointing down and to use an old belt. Then switch the belt and commence beveling. Why is this beneficial? (You may have explained in more detail, but I can't remember off the top of my head.)

Also: Discovering the joys of a plasma cutter! Do you know of any ways to minimize the steel 'boogers' on the edge? Right now I'm knocking them off by tapping with the blunt end of a small pry bar.

[cbsmith111]

I'm not Ray, but I remember the conversation. I believe it had more to do with it being hard on the belt because of the sharp edge on the steel than it did with the actual grind.

[Bowman]

Originally Posted by LLeith

I saw a comment you made on another thread here about grinding, but I can't remember which thread. Anyhow, you advised the guy to make his first 'cut' with the blade pointing down and to use an old belt. Then switch the belt and commence beveling. Why is this beneficial? (You may have explained in more detail, but I can't remember off the top of my head.)

Also: Discovering the joys of a plasma cutter! Do you know of any ways to minimize the steel 'boogers' on the edge? Right now I'm knocking them off by tapping with the blunt end of a small pry bar.

My experience with plasma cutters has been to use anti-spatter spray on the nozzle/tip and the stock. Start a cut on an edge with the handle tilted away from you design then turn it down into the stock. Be smooth and slow enough to be able to cleanly cut through. Hope this helps.

Ps Wear a face shield to protect from UV. I had a nasty burn once under my eyes from a long session of plasma cutting with goggles. Not one of my brighter days.

[Ray Rogers]

As CB said, edge down with an old belt first and grind just the edge of the blade to the centerline. This is to remove the sharp corner on your blade profile. If you don't remove the corner, the corner will remove all the grit from your brand new belt when you start trying to grind the bevel ...

[LLeith]

Thank you both for your speedy replies! I'll start using the old belt method. Sounds like I'll save some money that way.

I will definitely look into proper protection for the plasma cutter, and I didn't know about anti-splatter spray! I will order some asap.

[clivehamilton77]

Originally Posted by Ray Rogers

As CB said, edge down with an old belt first and grind just the edge of the blade to the centerline. This is to remove the sharp corner on your blade profile. If you don't remove the corner, the corner will remove all the grit from your brand new belt when you start trying to grind the bevel ...

Wow, Thanks Ray. I wish I would have seen this months ago. I was wondering why my 60 grit ceramic belts from TruGrit werent lasting long at all. Especially since I always seen everyone bragging about them. I guess that's why. BTW, sorry to highjack thread, but I see guys using a yellow 3m belt for their first part of grinding. Any idea what type that is anyone?

[claymoore]

Ray, I had a Wow( or for me duh) moment after reading this. Thanks

[Ray Rogers]

Clive,

I use 3m 967F 60 grit belts and they're yellow ....

Clay, Someone here told me many years ago. I'm happy to pass it along ...