So I put this together in order to share what I think I've learned (from my teacher ... the grinder)
Please forgive the rough graphics, did the best I could with just a little time.
*this is for hollow grinding btw*
OK, here goes:
1. the first thing I do when starting a grind is to put on my respirator and eye protection. Then I take the flat stock and scribe a line down the center of the the entire blank. I use this for designing the tang taper, and to guide my grinding.
2. next I start my grind on the corner of my stock at the heel/shoulder area
Attachment 39193
and I work the grind toward the toe of my blank
Attachment 39197
I stay with my first cut until a depression, or a hollow shape is established all across the blank.
3. Once the initial hollow groove from the first cut is established, I follow the groove, and work the blank upward on the wheel (really just hint the razor upward with a bit of pressure on the spine area if that makes sense).
Attachment 39194
As I go, I'll follow the groove shoulder to toe, working the razor up the wheel with a hint of pressure on the spine in order to hollow out the blade as high up as I need.
4. repeat on the other side (off hand is tricky at first) until the shape is correct. **note, you need to leave extra at the edge so that it doesn't warp during heat treating...I leave about the thickness of a nickel or so, sometimes a dime's thickness :shrug:**
Attachment 39195
Be sure while grinding freehand (that's how I roll) to keep your blade square, (unless grinding a smiling blade of course)
Attachment 39200
and to not let it travel up or down on the wheel position-wise while moving laterally. Sometimes it will try to wiggle on you... this leads to an uneven grind
Attachment 39198
I have the best results so far when I anchor my elbows to my sides and move laterally with my body. It's kind of like shifting weight from foot to foot.
Also, I've found that my first tendency was to kind of miss the toe and heel areas with my grind...
Attachment 39199
I try to always check my progress under a good light, looking for evenness, and making sure the work is following the center line.
I hope this is helpful in some way, if I have left out a detail that you still have questions about please let me know and I'll try to explain what I do. Again, I am NOT a pro at this, my only teacher so far has been the steel and my grinder, so any input/tips are welcome!
Cheers
Dave