Thread: Anything possible with a 300mm (11.8 inch) Wheel?

Hi Guys,

After many years restoring Safety Razors and Straights, I decided to take the plunge and try making some blades.

Although based in New Zealand, I managed to source a belt sander with variable speed motor and 72 inch belts. I do have a 3.5 inch wheel (too small?) and the standard wheel that came with the belt sander but that's a full 11.8 inch diameter.

Is this useless to the razor maker?

Many thanks

Best wishes

Dave

You could do a near wedge with the 11.8" wheel. It would be possible to 1/2 hollow grind with the 3.5", though that would not be my choice. For 6/8 and 7/8 razors I use 5" and 1.25"-1.75" wheels for full hollows.

My four inch wheel is my most useful wheel, I would tryout the 3.5.

Many thanks bluesman7 and spazola, great information.

I'll have a play.

Best Wishes

Dave

Originally Posted by bluesman7

You could do a near wedge with the 11.8" wheel. It would be possible to 1/2 hollow grind with the 3.5", though that would not be my choice. For 6/8 and 7/8 razors I use 5" and 1.25"-1.75" wheels for full hollows.

Hi bluesman7, thanks for the info.

When you refer to a 1.25 - 1.75 wheels are these known as 'small wheels' that go on a separate attachment - I have one of these with various size small wheels from around 0.5 inch to around 2 inch?

The attachment has quite large bearings - 35mm outer diameter, so maybe suitable for finishing?

The small wheels allow thinning the razor closer to the spine. For a 6/8 razor once you go below about 4" you can easily grind too thin behind the edge. Most would suggest not trying to go very hollow for your first few razors. What we have seen at the razor making meets is that everyone grinds a bit differently and has their favorite wheels that work well for their method.



What size razor are you thinking of making?

I personally prefer a 6/8 blade but if easier for starting out I could go 7/8 or 8/8.
I have a metre of good tool steel but maybe better to practice on some mild steel bar at first?

Bigger razors are easier IMO, but the 3.75" wheel will be easier to handle on a smaller razor. Also IMO.

I did a couple mild steel RSOs when I started. I think it's a good Idea. The fact that you know that it is not going to be a razor allows you to just go for it. Since you don't have to be so careful you can work and learn things at a higher pace.

How thick is your tool steel?

I have wheel envy! I've been entertaining a 12" wheel for a while. These guys are shooting you straight, but I will add something. Get to making some. There will be failures. Practice is what makes you "know" what you are doing. Charlie, aka "spazola" has several youtube video's, take the time and look at them. What matters is that you get to making swarf. Most of us like to start with .250 x 1 steel and work it down from there. Some steel is better than others...what steel are you planning on using? Most of mine are 1095, O1, or O2 (thanks to Bruno).

Hi Guys,

The steel I have is 01 I think - 25mm * 6mm thick and 1 metre long. Made in UK.

below is the hardening and tempering instructions if it helps



Would anyone know what Rockwell hardness is best for razors?

Hopefully this is suitable material.

Originally Posted by ScottGoodman

I have wheel envy! I've been entertaining a 12" wheel for a while. These guys are shooting you straight, but I will add something. Get to making some. There will be failures. Practice is what makes you "know" what you are doing. Charlie, aka "spazola" has several youtube video's, take the time and look at them. What matters is that you get to making swarf. Most of us like to start with .250 x 1 steel and work it down from there. Some steel is better than others...what steel are you planning on using? Most of mine are 1095, O1, or O2 (thanks to Bruno).