DyKem(?)

Tommegow

Tommegow

Joined
Dec 16, 2004
Messages
678
I am fixin to try my first stock removial blade soon. Do I need to get some of that Blue marking fluid ? DyKem (sp?) Is it useful for newbs? or something for more experienced hands
 
Dykem is a good idea for marking the blades before grinding. I know some of the old timers don't use the stuff but it helps me in seeing what I'm doing. If your in a pinch, just use a magic marker. Does the same thing.

Bill
 
must to have - as simple as that :)

It is excellent for all kinds of layout work . AKA machinist blue,
it dries very fast to very deep blue color (red color is also
available) and is rather resilient
to heat, occasional wipe etc. Cleans off very easily with MEK etc.

Magic markers will work, but the scribed lines will be not as
visible.
 
I wouldn't say it's a must, I got by for a long time without it. Then I got a big bottle with my mill. I'm just about out and will definatly get more. I find all kinds of uses for it and a little acetone cleans it rite off. Good stuff.
 
I agree. You don't have to have it but it sure is nice. Kind of like a/c in the summer time.
starch
 
Helpful hint when using it is not to put on too heavy a coat. Very light coat sticks better. Also do not overheat your steel when grinding or your line will disappear. Don't breath too much of it in confined area and it is very explosive.
 
It's OK for laying out guards for milling and slotting but I find that it doesnt work to well for laying out grind lines on your blades.It just wont take the heat from grinding. What I use that works well for me is a plain old #2 pencil.It's fairly easy to see plus it withstands the heat very well cause it's graphite............John
 
CigarMan said:
Dykem is a good idea for marking the blades before grinding. I know some of the old timers don't use the stuff but it helps me in seeing what I'm doing. If your in a pinch, just use a magic marker. Does the same thing.

Bill
Click to expand...

BILL!

Good to see you posting here, man! You need to post here more often, especially pics of your knives for inspiration. We need your wit and wisdom in ShopTalk! :thumbup:
 
Bowiemaker said:
It's OK for laying out guards for milling and slotting but I find that it doesnt work to well for laying out grind lines on your blades.It just wont take the heat from grinding. What I use that works well for me is a plain old #2 pencil.It's fairly easy to see plus it withstands the heat very well cause it's graphite............John
Click to expand...

I rarely use layout die these days unless its for filework, or the like. Instead, I use a carbide scribe and some strong light focused on what I am grinding. move you head to one side or another, and that scribed line will pop right out at you just as if it was a white flash of light. ;)
 
Magic Marker or Sharpies work quite well plus you don't have to worry about knocking them over. I do miss the smell. Reminds me of fine perfume.
 
Jeff,

I pop in now and then when I see something I can actually reply to. I'm not very active here at all. I really need to get a subscription so I can post in other areas.

Bill
 
CigarMan said:
Jeff,

I pop in now and then when I see something I can actually reply to. I'm not very active here at all. I really need to get a subscription so I can post in other areas.

Bill
Click to expand...

Definitely, Bill. You'd be a great addition here.
 
I use it on every blade! I grind slower than some so my lines stay visable throught the process. Just get a small bottle and try it. Its about 5 bucks I think. Dont get the spray type.they clogg before the can is even good and used :)
 
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