Models for grinding HSS Lathe Tools

[oskar]

Got some questions regarding grinding HSS tools

It is suggested a belt sander is better than a grinding wheel. I have no problem with that but how about the 6” disk we have on the side of a belt sander, is this better to use (to me it’s more convenient).

In my area I can’t find the wax grease stick it is suggested to use but I found “Formax F-26 Grease stick” which is not a stick but comes in a tube similar to one we use on a grease gun. The stuff inside is kind of solid and I wonder how do you apply this to the sanding belt. I used a wooden stick to scrape the grease from the tube and applied to the belt and looks fine to me but how much is enough?

If I decided to use my bench mounted grinder which has on one side a 36 grit wheel is it a good idea to apply wax grease on it?

 

[mikey]

Nic, the disc is fine to use but it is going to be very slow to shape tools with. The belt is much faster. In time, you will learn to use the belt with speed and control.

The Formax is like most wax stick lubricants - just expose a bit of the wax in front of the tube and bring it into direct contact with the belt or disc for a few seconds. You do not need a heavy coat for it to reduce friction and heat. It also reduces loading of the belt, which is especially useful when you grind aluminum. You can use it on a grinding wheel as well. In fact, it works for lubing taps, drills, metal bandsaw, hacksaw or just about any abrasive operation. I've even used it on end mills and with flycutters. Give it a go and you'll find many uses for this stuff.

This stuff is available on Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Trend-TRENDIW...d=1542229060&sr=8-17&keywords=stick+lubricant

Search for stick lubricant. Most of the products in a cardboard tube is essentially the same thing.

 

[mikey]

I don't know what the asking price is on the delta. It is in an antique/consignment store that I have been in before. And the only picture doesn't help much either. It may be worthless junk and or priced out of this world.

The old Delta 1" grinders with the cast iron tables were better than the newer, cheaper models. Still, the narrow belt makes it a no-go for me. Moreover, the platen is a thin piece of flexing steel fastened only on one end. You cannot shape metal if the platen is moving around.

 

[mickri]

I figure that I would have to add/modify the platen on any belt sander that I might buy to make it usable. I found an owners manual online for the Delta and an interesting feature is that belt can be positioned to run on the backside of the platen with the tensioner arm pressing the belt against the platen. I have also found pictures of a 31-350 with a support running to the top of the platen Looks like an easy modification to make.

 

[oskar]

Nic, the disc is fine to use but it is going to be very slow to shape tools with. The belt is much faster. In time, you will learn to use the belt with speed and control.

The Formax is like most wax stick lubricants - just expose a bit of the wax in front of the tube and bring it into direct contact with the belt or disc for a few seconds. You do not need a heavy coat for it to reduce friction and heat. It also reduces loading of the belt, which is especially useful when you grind aluminum. You can use it on a grinding wheel as well. In fact, it works for lubing taps, drills, metal bandsaw, hacksaw or just about any abrasive operation. I've even used it on end mills and with flycutters. Give it a go and you'll find many uses for this stuff.

This stuff is available on Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Trend-TRENDIW...d=1542229060&sr=8-17&keywords=stick+lubricant

Search for stick lubricant. Most of the products in a cardboard tube is essentially the same thing.

Thank you Mike for your time, no I know a bit more and hopefully all set to start my grinding soon

 

[ttabbal]

There are good reasons the knife makers use custom built 2x72s, and it's not just knives they are good for. The solid platen is a big deal for metal work. The speed is also important. You haven't ground a tool till you run a ceramic belt at 5000+ SFM. It's a whole different world vs the wood sanders.

My first keystock models were done on an HF wood sander with a 36 grit ceramic belt. I borrowed the sander from my brother as I didn't have something to make copies of the models and figured it would be alright. It was, but it took forever and the metal got really hot. When I got my 2x72 running, I can do the rough grinds with a 36 grit ceramic belt in a couple minutes, tops. That's on M2. M42 cobalt bits take a little longer, but not much. On keystock, it's seconds.

It's a bit like the old idea that you can make anything with a pile of metal and some files. You can. But using a lathe and a mill make it a LOT faster.

 

[WCraig]

Nic, the disc is fine to use but it is going to be very slow to shape tools with. The belt is much faster. In time, you will learn to use the belt with speed and control.

The Formax is like most wax stick lubricants - just expose a bit of the wax in front of the tube and bring it into direct contact with the belt or disc for a few seconds. You do not need a heavy coat for it to reduce friction and heat. It also reduces loading of the belt, which is especially useful when you grind aluminum. You can use it on a grinding wheel as well. In fact, it works for lubing taps, drills, metal bandsaw, hacksaw or just about any abrasive operation. I've even used it on end mills and with flycutters. Give it a go and you'll find many uses for this stuff.

This stuff is available on Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Trend-TRENDIW...d=1542229060&sr=8-17&keywords=stick+lubricant

Search for stick lubricant. Most of the products in a cardboard tube is essentially the same thing.

The Amazon product seems to be out of stock. (And it seems to be designed for lubing saw blades?)

There are two Formax products are available at KBC Tools:

"F-26" C$9.80
https://www.kbctools.ca/products/ABRASIVES/COATED ABRASIVES/ABRASIVE BELTS/BELT DRESSERS/755.aspx

"F-90" C$10.15
https://www.kbctools.ca/products/ABRASIVES/COATED ABRASIVES/ABRASIVE BELTS/BELT DRESSERS/752.aspx

Not sure which is the better choice? (KBC also has a Formax product for lubing saw blades. "Formax Saw Blade Wax Stick.")

Craig

 

[mikey]

I would think that either would work. I would go for the cheaper one.

 

[tmenyc]

OK, I finally got my first set of maybe-close-to-ok tools ground in keystock.
First, the model set on the left of each pair, mine on the right.

Then,

Not thrilled with the knife, but perhaps the turning and threading are better?
All comments pro and con solicited. Then, I'll do a second set since I haven't been told to send it on.
Many thanks!
Tim

 

[Z2V]

Tim, It looks like you are off to a good start. I’m sure Mickey will stop by soon. Are you using a bench grinder or do you have a belt grinder?
I do not have any members on the waiting list at this time so feel free to hold on to the models.