Why a horizontal grinder?

F

Frank Niro

Joined
Sep 10, 2000
Messages
4,786
I have always been a slow learner but have overcome most of that by persistance. What a a few of the uses for a horizontal grinder, please. Thanks. Frank.
 
I would love to have a horizontal grinder because I'm tired of holding my head sideways while I work with my vertical tool rest, lol.

A horizontal grinder with a horizontal tool rest would make grinding/finishing spines a piece of cake. Handle shaping could be easier. Some people just work differently; it's easier for me to get good symmetry in shaping handles if I can hold it horizontally compared to my eyes. If you're shaping on a wheel on a vertical grinder that means you have to turn your head sideways.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, but sorry, but I don't have to turn my head sideways when I use the grinders I have , all with vertical platens. Hey many others may have to. Frank
 
Frank, if you are a stock remover, make a lot of knives with scales, or folders, a horizontal grinder is an awesome tool.

I have a Beaumont metal works 2x72 horizontal and it can use the same small wheels as the kmg, so shaping inside curves is very easy and precise. Can't say enough good about it!
 
Frank Niro said:
Thanks, but sorry, but I don't have to turn my head sideways when I use the grinders I have , all with vertical platens. Hey many others may have to. Frank
Click to expand...

Like I said, we all work differently. If you don't want to hear someone's answer then don't ask.
 
Bad couple of pictures of my home built horizontal grinder,
grinder2.jpg

grinder3.jpg


I find it invaluable for grinding the inside radius's that are found on slipjoint backsprings. Keeping things square on these springs is extremely important.
I also use the grinder for grinding the "kick" area of the tang along with thumb notches.

IMGP7625_edited-1.jpg

IMGP0854_edited-1.jpg


The only thing in my mind that would make this grinder better would be to add variable speed:rolleyes:
 
fumbler said:
I would love to have a horizontal grinder because I'm tired of holding my head sideways while I work with my vertical tool rest, lol.

A horizontal grinder with a horizontal tool rest would make grinding/finishing spines a piece of cake. Handle shaping could be easier. Some people just work differently; it's easier for me to get good symmetry in shaping handles if I can hold it horizontally compared to my eyes. If you're shaping on a wheel on a vertical grinder that means you have to turn your head sideways.
Click to expand...

This is me too, Frank. I didn't like how I had to sit and hold my head when doing profile finishing with my MAP arm. Uncomfortable and didn't feel right for me. I can do a much nicer job on my horizontal and my production goes a lot faster. I use a small wheel and 45 degree work rest to do the initial shaping of the contours of finger grooves on handles with the horiz. as well. Works great! I can't imagine not having one in the shop.
 
I don't believe I've made a knife straight blade or folder,-esp. folder where I have'nt
used it since I flipped one of my square wheels on its side. Pretty awsome for the inside
of guards. Variable would be nice though I find 2 7/8" drive pretty sweet.
Ken
 
I'm glad you asked the question Frank. In my personal observation it seems to be folder makers like you who use horizontals the most.

I can see how important getting the lockface square is. I've squared up a couple knife spines using a 1-2-3 block as a vertical guide on my granite plate while I'm still learning to get stuff square on my 2"x72"....

I'll have to say Frank, that judging from the quality of your knives that you grind on your simple 2"x72" without a bunch a frills shows that it's the talent, not the machine.
 
The truth is Brian, that I learned everything I knew the hard way until I got a computer and then could get help here. I believe my njoin date was the year 2000. My procedure is to do the curves on my flat 2X 72 by conture grinding. My table is locked in a very accurate 90 fdegree angle to the platen. When I complete my folders to a stage where I have all the parts assembled and want to do them all together I use the flat platen again where possible and a 2" wheel at the top of the platen. I usually go around five times - 120, 220, 30, 16, and 5 or 6. The truth is I don't lean my head over to look at the side. One of those things I learned was to turn the knife, look and go more. Like I said, I am a slow learner so I wasn't being nasty when I said I didn't turn my head. I just didn't realize what that was about. Would I get one of those if the opportunity came up? I sure think I might !!! A few years back say at least 17 or 18 I would have built one with the help of a machinist friend. See now I will have to search out the cost and how to get one here if I was going to buy. Hmmm. I may still have to look at building or continuing as I now do which is l probably the way I will go.
Brian, I thank you for the compliment on my work. I really do believe most any passonate want to be maker can make good knives, stickly by the keep making thing. Sure, some like me may take many more time than others to get to a certain stage but it sure can be fun and in my case a need to do thing. Frank
 
profiling on vertically oriented wheels doesn't leave a square surface, and you can't square up against a platen on concave curves. I'd definitely try a horizontal orientation to reduce a lot of perimeter cleanup.

Someone posted their KMG mod for a veritcal work table awhile back, which might solve much of the problem without installing another whole machine.
 
I rough profile with a work rest on a 10" wheel, then do it all free hand on vertical grinders with head straight. :D Inside curves, outside curves, small wheels, flat platen, slack belt, folders, fixed blade, etc. That said, I can see were a vertical grinder would be more precise and speed things up.
 
I bought a TW90 by Travis Wuertz. A higher end grinder but you get two grinders in one.
It comes with two different tables. One is square to work in front of the platen and the other is coped to the 8" wheel. Check out his Youtube demos.
 
Don Hanson III said:
I can see were a vertical(assuming you meant horizontal?) grinder would be more precise and speed things up.
Click to expand...

Don,
I think you hit the nail on the head! I made many knives, including slipjoints before building my horizontal grinder. It is one more tool in my arsenal that allows me to finish a knife out better and quicker. I can spend the time saved by having this grinder in other areas of finish work.
 
I am getting mine because I am tired of wearing the inversion boots. They are cool for upside down grinding but hard on the ankles for horizontal grinding... even with ski boots on!

That and I am making folders this year! I feel it will be key in keeping everything square and precise, especially in tough to get to areas.

Mine is supposed to be in today, a KMG variable speed. :D :cool:
 
ken erickson said:
Don,
I think you hit the nail on the head! I made many knives, including slipjoints before building my horizontal grinder. It is one more tool in my arsenal that allows me to finish a knife out better and quicker. I can spend the time saved by having this grinder in other areas of finish work.
Click to expand...

Yeah Ken, I make more folders than anything. Will probably get a horizontal at some point.

Don't think T. Bose uses one though and he only has one eye. :D
 
I shouldn't read more here. I might be totally convinced to chase one down. Getting good results is one thing but doing it in an easier manner is better ! Frank
 
Contraption that it is, the height adjustment is pretty accurate and fast.
I don't seem to end up with stuff wanting to twist. Ken.
103_0286.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top