Tom Nikitas

[Tom Nikitas]

I purchased this mid month.  USPS  finally delivered it.  Mike is gtg.

[Tom Nikitas]

Re bad heat treat: having done this more than once at the shop furnace level, I’m wondering if 15 on the C scale is much, if any, “heat treatment”. I forget what dead soft is but it takes at least mid 30s to be considered “tough” and at least mid 40s for wear tough.

I had a burr/wire edge…..  /:

[Tom Nikitas]

The L set was used before it was gifted as the owner moved up to a WE. I had sharpened 15 or so knives w it to the degree mentioned above.  Can not get a fine edge.  Anyone else want to take shot at this please?

[Tom Nikitas]

Keith: Yes, variations in thickness of the mounted stones is an angle accuracy factor.  In the matched sets, (100-200, 400-600) but also from one set to another…think of a .025″ difference when changing to the next pair  :/ .

Now here is the real kicker, rod to hole clearance not withstanding, how close to the true center line was the through hole drilled/reamed/molded?  If this is off by .010-.020 and not the same when moving to the next progressive pair….  Annnnd, if the 600 stone was mounted on the “fat” side of centerline and its brother has the 400 stone on the fat side of center….see what I mean?  This brings up another thought to this noob edge maker but retired Toolmaker.  We may want to label our stone, ceramic, platen and mounted strop holders R & L and also be mindful as to which end is “up”.  This would help when it comes to touching up an edge we have previously established.

Also, how accurate to centerpoint on the the opposite end was the hole?  All of these variables can add up to edge angle variations as the original poster addressed.

I realize this is addressing lack of perfection in a mass produced item.    BUT    we are also checking our work with magnification and because we are here, reading this, musing, we are by near definition, ANAL.  I am not bashing WE, only offering suggestions as to what we WE owners can do for more uniformity and less aggravation.  🙂 🙂

One quibble….the tape thickness probably is .005″ and not 50 thou.  I would look into shim stock, maybe aluminum foil if not too thick….l’m thinking attaching would be the challenge.

Tom out.

[Tom Nikitas]

DRAT !

[Tom Nikitas]

Many thanks for the welcome Gents.  It is always good to listen to experience.

I’m also basically ignorant on the use of a belt sander.  I purchased one from Harbor Freight (don’t cry) a few years back as well as 3-4 specialty belts from a knife sharpening site.  Only having done maybe 40-50  knives, I’m very lacking on that skill set.  I did clamp an old 2″ leather belt to my set up but just not happy with my ability to reproduce a consistent angle/edge.

As a tool maker, I’ve ground, lapped, sharpened more than a couple of cutting tools or test fixtures.  Are holders used on the platen?

Keep all info and suggestions coming as time allows – call me a sponge for good information.

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Dwight Glass

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