Hi Everyone! I was thinking about classical bladesmithing techniques, wondering about how effective a treadle powered grinding wheel would be for modern knife making. First, does anyone use one of these for shaping or beveling? If so, do you use an antique model, or a modern one? I have seen some instructions for making stones for them, but that's it. Has anyone made one of these? I ask because I think it would be interesting to try using one in place of a belt grinder for off grid or primitive bladesmithing. What are your thoughts?
We have this on here at the museum. It is in a catalog dating to 1904 so the period is wrong for us. Andy and I restored it to working order and it runs and works very smoothly. We had to dress the wheel, one of us pedaling while the other worked the dressing point. It had flat spots where someone left the dripper dripping on it creating soft places. You can see the arm sticking up that held the dripper but we don't have that.
I think there would be a learning curve to get to where one could use it correctly and not do more damage than good. There is some amount of maintenance that has to be done to keep the wheel in good shape.
