Thread: Hollow grinding a smile

Hi,
Can anyone offer advice for hollow grinding a smiling blank?
I've seen occasional posts about this, but are there any tricks, tips or nuances to the technique that will provide good results. I don't know of any video demonstrating the method, maybe some accomplished pro could post some video on the wiki in the future?

Thanks

When I grind a smile, I try to keep the edge of the blade perpendicular to the center line of the wheel. I try to move the blade in a smooth arc. It is one of those things you have to do a few times before it become natural.

Charlie

Charlie's advice on technique sounds solid. He's great on smiles. I've been afraid to try in because it seems very difficult. More of an art. If anyone can learn how, you can.
Bob

Joey,

I’ll assume that you are hollow grinding with the edge up and that the spine of your razor has the same curve as the smile on the edge. That means that you either have to grind the blade free handed, or use something other that a flat rest. You can’t use a flat rest because then the curved edge of the blade will not contact the wheel at the same place as you move the blade from left to right. To overcome this, I made a curved rest. Using it, I can draw the blade across the wheel and keep the edge lined up. I can even rock the blade if necessary.

To make the curved rest (See below), I just took a length of wooden dowel (a closet rod) and cut a bit off the bottom to give me a flat surface. Then I glued it to a piece of magnet. I wanted to make the jig easy to put on and take off, and also to be able to move it off center if necessary. The magnet idea sort of worked, but I found that it attracted a lot of grit and tended to slide from side to side. I ended up having to clamp it in place. If you decide to make one, another method of attachment might be better.

The curved rest seems to work pretty well and it has served its purpose. Of course your best bet would probably be to learn to grind perfectly symmetrical bevels freehand, but that’s much easier said than done.

Good luck,
Chris

I don't know if this will help, but about half way down this page you'll see an animation of how I do it. I think this is what charlie was getting at too (but I don't want to put words in his mouth).

I have had pretty good results freehand this way

Hollow Grinding - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

I don't know if this will help, but about half way down this page you'll see an animation of how I do it. I think this is what charlie was getting at too (but I don't want to put words in his mouth).

I have had pretty good results freehand this way

Hollow Grinding - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Thanks,

This is pretty much how I took it to mean.
As you know the blank in question has only has a slight smile and the spine mirrors this.

That is the motion that I was talking about. I also use a set up similar to what Chris posted.

That animation clarifies what I was trying to say. Thanks

Charlie

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

I don't know if this will help, but about half way down this page you'll see an animation of how I do it. I think this is what charlie was getting at too (but I don't want to put words in his mouth).

I have had pretty good results freehand this way

Hollow Grinding - Straight Razor Place Wiki