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Also since we're on this subject:
After HT, as you approach the final thickness, just put the razor on a flat surface as if you were going to hone it. If it wobbles, you can very easily see where...

Oh. I hadn't noticed.
I don't think the thickness before HT matters greatly. I never measure mine, and some of them have some thickness variance that I can see clear as day.
The difference...

When you are close to the finished edge, take it to the hones. That will quickly show you where you need to remove more metal.
Also use fresh belts that still cut right.
Sharp belts -> less heat.

Yes most of us freehand everything. Trying to come up with jigs for smiling grinds is probably more work than just learning to do it.

You don't keep the blade horizontal.
A smiling edge also needs a smiling spine.
This means that you only hold the blade horizontal when you are grinding the middle of the blade.
If you grind the...

Unless you compensate by lingering at the heel and the toe, and keep an eye on the hollow to make sure that the line where the wheel loses contact with the hollow keeps running parallel to the spine....

In addition to the previous answers: when I am grinding a razor, I regularly put the razor on a flat surface and see if there are sections that need more metal removed. This makes it easier to get a...