Great! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />






<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Tell me you didn't just use "Bench-Grinder" and "GRIND" in reference to knives!!!!!

I assume you where using "grind with" in reference to Scotch-Brite wheels.....

But, to be sure, I would have to seriously recommend NEVER use a Bench-Grinder with the grind "Stones" to grind on your knives.

Most Bench-Grinders with "grind-stones" generate WAY too much heat way too fast. You would VERY likely ruin your temper and knife if you use a bench grinder with the grind stones.

*** I am just re-stating that to be sure.... since you mention "grind with".

But, I also realize you had mentioned using a bench-grinder for Scotch-Brite wheels and buffing. I suppose you could consider using Scotch-Brite wheels as still "grinding". If that is all you use it for, then which wheel size would mostly depend on your budget. However, I think most people would consider the 8" upgrade a worthy investment. $20 isn't much for an upgrade in a tool investment. It will likely/possibly have a better motor (if same brand) and 8" buffing wheels should be better to work with than smaller wheels.

I used 6" on my drill press and that works as well. But, I think I would prefer 8". I would also prefer wider wheels. My 6" wheels are too narrow. But, the wheels with a mandrel attached for a drill seem different from most of the wheels I have seen for a bench-grinders (???????). Most of the Bench-grinder wheels seem a little wider. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Even though Scotch-Brite wheels and buffing pads don't generate NEAR the heat of a grind stone, they do generate more heat than you might expect --- And faster than you would likely expect.

I mentioned I used buffing wheels on my drill press turning at a slower speed and I still was able to get my blades hot to the touch in 20 - 40 seconds on a large blade - and with narrow thin wheels. So, still keep an eye out on heat. Keep a water bucket handy Use a metal or plastic dunk bucket. Dunking a blade every so often cools it down WAY faster than air. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I just keep a few paper towels handy as well to dry the blade with.

When I do any type of power sanding or buffing on my knives, I intentionally use my bare hands so I can constantly feel the heat of the blade.

I am very confident that if I can hold the blade with my bare hands, it is not likely hot enough to damage the temper.

However, you have to keep it all in perspective. A Dremmel, a Belt sander and especially a bench-grinder can all generate so much heat so fast - Especially, if grinding a small spot like an edge!
When grinding the large broad flat surfaces, you can feel the heat almost as quick as you are generating it. When working on large areas, I think it is easier to not damage temper. But, when working on a small area like the edge, it takes too long for the heat to radiate through the blade for you to feel it. So, you have to be more carefull in those small areas - ESPECIALLY "THIN" areas!

Similar to belt sanding, Scotch-Brite wheels also make a mess and dust.

Buffing wheels with compounds is even messier as the compound gets slung everywhere.

Wear old clothes (especially if buffing with compound) and again eye protection and a mask. Both Scotch-brite and buffing with compounds still create a lot of airborne dust.


MORE SAFETY INFO - pretty decent thread: Safety concerns for new knifemakers

... I have seen a couple of other well worded safety threads, but I can't remember where.


I really should defer the Scotch-brite grit type question to Vic or somebody with more experience with Scotch-Brite wheels. I only have one Scotch-Brite wheel and it is the only one I have used. So, it is hard for me to compare the different grits for you. There are MANY options to choose from.

I don't have the package on my abbrassive wheel anymore and I can't determine the grit. The label is too worn. Sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

If you are just trying to stick with what you can buy from Home Depot, you will have way less options to choose from. There are a handful of knife-maker supply online retailers I could recommend. But, the wheels at Home Depot might be just fine.
If Vic can't reply in time and you get anxious to just go to the store, buy your stuff and get back to working on your blades, Home Depot is Excellent at letting you return unused items.
I tried searching Home Depot's web-site to try to advise. But, I have found Home Depot's web-sites sucks for many item searches - especially smaller items and accessory type items. I couldn't find any sanding wheels, grind wheels, Scotch-brite, Scotchbrite or similar.
I would probably recommend getting about 3 of the medium grits. Start with the middle one. If it gets you what you want, return the other two. If it is not aggressive enough, step up to the next more aggressive wheel. If too aggressive. Step down to the next less abbrassive wheel or similar (????????) - just an idea.

*But, 3M Scotch-Brite makes probably a hundred or more different types of abbrassive wheels. So, MANY options (??????????????????).

If you decide you want to do some buffing, I can guide you some on some of the buffing compounds. I have tinkered with a few and have a feel for the ones I have used. But, I personally would stick with a nice satin Scotch-brite finish and call it a day. If you just want a nice satin finish, you shouldn't need ANY of the buffing wheels and compounds. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I had to mirror finish one blade and it was a PITA!

I really don't like mirror finishes for users. They are too hard to maintain. A good simple satin finish RULES in my book!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I like shiny mirror edges though! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


I recommend a leather belt for the belt sander and compounds for the edge. Or strop with a leather strop and compounds. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> ..... But, that is another story and much more info.

Hopefully, this gets you progressing for now.

Good luck.

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