Thread: Grinder

Has anyone else seen the Dovo video on YouTube? They show a double wheel grinder on there that grinds both hollows at the same time. I have been looking for one of those to buy but haven't found anyone that sells them. Anyone know? I have been thinking of trying to make one myself. If by chance I pull it off, I will post pix of the machine when its finnished. Thanks

Spazola made one not too long ago, you may find a post by him, then search the threads he has started...or contact him via pm on how he went about it.

That is a classic form of razor grinding machine.

I have seen machines like this up close on a visit down to the Thiers-Issard cutlery factory in France and can appreciate the work that goes into setting one of them up.

During the grinding of razor blanks, there is a constant supply of coolant flowing onto both the rotating stones and the razor blank being ground.

It is also helpful to know that different diameters and/or grits of wheels are mounted on the twin axles for hollowing out different portions of the razor blank.

The axles on which the wheels are mounted run parallel to each other, but the distance between them is continuously adjustable to account not only for the different sizes of wheels, but also the amount of material that one wishes to grind off per operation. This distance between axle centers is often subtly changed during the grinding operation.

The spine of the upturned razor blank rides on a support between the two wheels. That support is adjustable for angle and height. Again, this can even be adjusted during the grinding operation if so desired.

Do know that these machines are not cheap and the ones still in use are not thrown away, but always sent out for rebuilding. The chances of finding one that was retired from service and left forgotten in a warehouse are slim to none.

It is conceivable that one can make one of these machines from scratch, but it demands good engineering and stout castings. This includes provision for coolant, drainage, spray protection and (definitely) sealed bearings at all axle support points. In addition, this sort of machine has to be anchored either to an immovable work bench or else to the floor. You don't want a grinding unit like this moving even a millimeter when running.

Definitely do not try to construct something like this on the cheap as it will just be a waste of time and money which will deliver shoddy results.

- Ignatz

Here is a link to a video which shows that sort of twin-wheel razor grinding machine in use grinding razors. There are lots of secrets to be learned here for those who are clever enough to see them. Sorry, it is all in German YouTube - Rasiermesser Herstellung / Straight Razor Manufacture