Thread: 2 New Starts

I've got a shopsmith! I hadn't thought of using it as a grinder. What a great idea. Please post pics if you make any further mods to it. Can you use the shopsmith's bandsaw to cut steel (with the proper blade)?

tumtatty
I personally would not, of course I so not have the bandsaw for it. I do not know if it would get slow enough on mine for metal. I have the old 3 speed model. If you have one of the newer models maybe. Get a blade for it and try.

More progress and no pics. I cut the jimps the other night after work. I would have posted in the question about cutting jumps but my method was on a Bridgeport and probably not the way most would do it or have access to. I think I am going to send them out for HT next week. It would be a bit of hassle right now to do at work.

Jeff

A table grinder? Interesting set up. I see potential for the concept.
Will be interesting to see how it works out. Make sure and post whether you find you like that method or if it turns out to be a hassle.

Ray

For roughing it worked really well. Does need some refinement of process. I think I will go a different rout for finishing. I will do the semi finish on that one, I am really considering a Tormek for the final grind. It is a very slow water stone. 10" wheel produces a very fine finish and has a wheel available at 4000 grit! If I do get it it will be before Dec 24 because of free wheels for life.

Jeff

While it will work, keep in mind that you'll have to remove the steel for the final grind when the steel is already hardened.
In other words, it will be extremely slow. And you'll also be limited to the wheel size.
I've considered Tormeks, but if you're planning to make more than one razor, they'll suck up a lot of shop time.

Your grinding table is quite creative...

nice car!!!

kalerolf, thanks. Needs a full restore, but is a complete and original car. OR needs to be turned into a BAJA. The Mrs. won't let me cut it though, it was her grand pa's car.

Bruno, yes I know it will be slow. I was thinking of swapping out the drive wheels to like double the RPM. But, I am still unsure. I can buy an old surface grinder for around $500 and that will take up space I do not have. The portable nature of the Tormek and the fine finish along with the very cool grinding action. I looked at some of the grinders on CL and they are just not up to snuff. Believe me the options are driving me crazy.

If portability is a concern, tormek is certainly at an advantage.
Btw, you could do what I did when I had my first mini grinder.
It was basically the 20$ version of the tormek.

I took the wheel, rolled a couple of strips of rubber band around it, and then taped sandpaper strips on it with little squares of double sided tape. The tape normally stays on the rubber because that is much stickier than the back of the sandpaper. This way you can use it with lower grit paper, which can be replaced fairly easy.

It is still slow going, but works rather well.

I have been thinking of doing some thing similar. If I use the tape method I will make a wheel to tape to.

Jeff