Mike Martinez
Well-Known Member
Those of you who use a disc grinder to true your flats, how do you keep your plunge line clean? I'm going to give it a try but am weary about screwing up the plunge lines.
I've got cork on my disk which is rounded around the perimeter. The radius in my plunges is miniscule though so the edge of the disc will bump into the plunge instead of tearing it up.
If your plunge is more rounded you may get a different result than I do. No cork may also cause it to bite.
The only area with any real danger of a flub is the very top of the plunge where it meets the flat/spine. I just stay out of there with the disc.
With the disc I'm not really truing the flats per-say. My purpose is to use the disc to save hand finishing time which it does well for me. The disc will show you clearly if you have anything that needs fixing on the bevels.
If I find an issue after hitting the disc I'll fix it on the belt typically then go back to the disc.
A lot of the plunge issue is going to be determined by your plunge geometry and the thickness of the blade. It's fairly easy with thin stock to run right over the plunge and trash the ricasso so be cautious of that.
Go for it ! It's not as bad as you might think.
-Josh
Mike,you are right to be concerned about screwing up your plunges when switching to the disk grinder but I believe your going to have to screw some up in order to learn how to do it.
I hollow grind my blades first on a 14" wheel then switch to a 9" disk. I grind a lot off toward the tip and less at the plunge so that the plunge is mostly ground on the disk grinder.
I hope this helps a little. You might want to grind some blades out of cheap mild steel to get the hang if it before grinding real blades.
....I hollow grind my blades first on a 14" wheel then switch to a 9" disk.....
Sorry Cal. My imagination must be lacking. :confused2: How do you clean up a hollow grind on a flat disc? Working over the edge of the disc at an angle that fits the hollow???
Hey calvin, any chance you could take some pics or maybe a short video on what you do with the disc? I am fascinated and think a disk grinder from kmg is next but want to see how its done if possible.
Thank you
Hey Calvin - I can come over some day to help with video if you wish. You grinding 'n talking while I hold camera and learn<
Ken H>