Jig and angle

[britej]

Ok, I am a newbie and am working on a blade.. it sucks. I have a 2x42 beld grinder, drill press, bench grinder, and a bunch of belts and stuff (thanks Santa)-- my question is this: I have ordered 440c stainless and want to make more blades, but, I want to make just one good one.. so, I need plans for a jig... I can make one good one, then freehand the next.. but one needs to be good so my wife will quit laughing.. what is the best way to make a homeade jig? Thanks

[Ray Rogers]

What is the best way to get indigestion? Who cares, that's not something you really want to do anyway!

I'm sure you'll get a few suggestions for jigs, but the right thing to do is just practice until you get it right. A jig will not help you learn to grind. You can develop skill at grinding by practice. If you build a jig, you are only developing skill at building jigs!

Get some lathe wood strips from your local hardware store or lumber yard. They are cheap and easy to grind. Grind wooden blades. The work goes very fast and your skill level will improve rapidly.

There have been many threads on how to grind, use the Search key to find them and pick up tips.

Your wife will quit laughing when she can see that you are serious about knife making.........

[SteveS]

I'll second what Ray said!

Steve

[britej]

I still plan to practice.. my first blade was just beautiful.. I did such a great job at first.. but the more I ground, the more it went south.. I ended up with about 50% smaller knife blade than what I had drew out.. it was hilarious.. but I finally got a shape I will have to live with (due to not much metal left)... this is a fun art/sport/hobby/stress reliever..

[McAhron]

do a search,there are several threads on building jigs

[britej]

yes, I did search and came up with some ideas.. I have been reading this site for a month or so.. I think I will just start grinding every flat object I can get.. ha.. I think my first blade was just too large.. well, before I started eating it away.. so, I just ordered a bunch of smaller stainless stock to try some smaller knives.. should be a hoot. I also ordered a knife kit from texas to do some practicing on the handle.. I got several old chainsaw bars.. and old files.. so, this can get fun fast..

[SteveS]

Dude you are hooked now. It's serious too. I suggest you quit now; it's easier now, than later.

I believe some of the wives are forming a support group. Yours should go ahead an join now.

Steve

[TexasJack]

Support group? That made me chuckle, Steve!

Actually, the one thing I've noticed we all seem to have in common is a supportive mate!

One of the ancient Greeks used to say, "I love my mistakes." See, you love your mistakes if you learn from them. If you're NOT making mistakes, then you're not expanding your horizons.

You don't have to look far on this forum to find people who have messed something up. That's not a bad sign. It means that they are reaching for a new level. Be patient! Work on your techniques. Look for the things that turn out and then build from there.

And when you get things to work out, post a picture on here! After a bit of critique, the next one will be even better.

After all, steel is nothing but coke and rust - until it's gone through the fire, the forge, the quench, and the temper!

[britej]

Yes, she would be interested in the support group.. I figure I plan on practicing until I can make one that will perform on the deer like a knife should. I have bought hundreds of knives.. and they just dont stay sharp.. or the tip breaks.. or something that I just dont like. So, what to do.. make my own... of course, my wife did ask me the other day to make her a kitchen knife.. and said can you get it sharp?? then she said "real sharp?"... hhmmm.. some peoples kids....

[TexasJack]

I read an article in a hunting mag years ago about sharpening knives. They suggested that you practice on the kitchen knives before sharpening your hunting knife. They went on to say that not only is it a good way to get your technique down, it can also win a few points with the spouse!

My wife went with me to Texas Knifemaker's Supply. I think her intention was to keep the reins on me. Instead, she found some stuff she liked and I ended up buying more than I intended so I could make a couple knives for her!

You started out this thread complaining about problems you were having. Maybe it's time to consider focusing on a knife for the wife - and get your practice in there!

[britej]

Yes, that is a good idea.. my family used to own sawmills.. so, hopefully I can get some of those old saw blades and make her a set of crooked ugly kitchen knives.. and then make me a good ole skinning knife...

I live outside of Texarkana.. but plan to take a trip to Texas Knifemaking one day.. their website is great.. that is were I order all my stuff.

[pjelect]

My grinding fell short when I first started because, I think, I started with 440C, D2,(higher alloys), too soon. I switched to a simplier steel (01) and found it soooo easy to grind. Start with the wood and work your way up through the steels and you will improve with each choice.

[flashinthepan]

I want to make just one good one.. so, I need plans for a jig...

:cool:
First off ya gotta get yerself a kilt..
Ya put it on and find some pre-recorded Irish or Scottish music..
Good loud Celtic stuff !!!! What's a Scotsman wear under his kilt ?? Shoes and socks !!!
Then ya put yer heel down; lift; and follow by puting yer toes down - Increase speed - hop around like ya mean it !! Hooray - ya just made a " jig " ..
Then go out in yer shop and make like the yellow pages- let yer fingers do the walkin' on yer grinder.. like the guys said - start with wood; and work yer way up..
I've burnt fingers and metal - it's all part of this disease .... kinda neat !!!