Wesley, You might try some of the wholesale warehouse for the magnet. Some have them ready made with sturdy handles.

I keep a 5 gallon bucket with water in it near my grinder to cool the blade. It's important to keep it relatively cool after heat treatment. Never let the edge get hotter than the draw back temperature.

Before heat treat you wont hurt the blade by getting it hot when grinding so unless it's burning your hands, it can get pretty hot and the steel is ok. As for your hands, you might try some gloves. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Thanks for the tips Mr. Rea. I always wear gloves when grinding pre-HT and then take them off during finish grinding so I can have a better feel for how hot the blade is.

I keep a bucket of water about 1 ft. from the grinder so I can cool the blade often.

The blade gets pretty hot just after about 2 good passes which isn't a problem except that when I make the occasional S.R. knife frome 1/8" annealed stock the blade tends to warp from the heat.

Maybe this is just normal.

Thanks

Wesley,

I will use a magnet when surface grinding though I wouldn't recommend it for grinding the bevels. Here's one that Brownell's sells that is similar to what I use:

http://www.knifeandgun.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WT12

Gary

Thanks Mr. Mulkey. This is what I've been looking for. They look like they might be pretty easy to make also. Would a couple rare earth magnets sandwiched between mild steel be strong enough? I forgot to clarify, I'll be using it for flattening and tapering tangs, not for bevels. Would it also work for holding guards while sanding?

Thanks,

Wesley

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Thanks Mr. Mulkey. This is what I've been looking for. They look like they might be pretty easy to make also. Would a couple rare earth magnets sandwiched between mild steel be strong enough? I forgot to clarify, I'll be using it for flattening and tapering tangs. Would it also work for holding guards while sanding?

Thanks,

Wesley

I've not used any rare earth magnets so I can't say first hand if they would be strong enough or not. A magnet will work for holding guards as long as you use a 400 series stainless (or carbon steel) but not the 300 series as they aren't attracted to a magnet.

Gary

Wesley

I'm with Gary on your question on using a magnet. I have one that K&G sells, it is very strong, as a matter of fact it will bit you if your not careful.

I only use it to surface grind. I don't use it for bevels.

Using sharp belts, and dipping often works the best for me.

Russell

Thanks guys for the help! I'll probably go with K&G.

Wesley

What's your platen made of? If it's steel your magnetically held blade might stick to the platen. (Don't ask me how I know that.) <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

Yes, my platen is 1/4" steel but I might get a ceramic backing for it.

Thanks,

Wesley

I use this, as I was looking for something to accommodate longer knives, and the knife purpose grinding magnets have been hard to come by lately:

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Neck-OEM-24920-Magnetic/dp/B007STK3M6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1405107294&sr=8-7&keywords=magnetic+tool+holder

It can be used 'as-is', or you could mount it to a piece of wood or other material if you want it to have a larger handle or area to hold it with.

Check with Ann at Sheffield Knifemaker Supply. They have two different sizes and they work very well. Ask her to include their new catalog with your order. They ship pretty quick and have been very good to order from.

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Do any of you guys use a magnet to hold your knife while grinding? If so, how did you make it? What type of magnet should I use?

One more question. While I'm grinding, my blade seems to heat up pretty quickly. Is there something I can do to keep everything cooler when I'm grinding? I try to use fresh belts and change them frequently.

I don't like burning my fingers while grinding. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//angry.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':angry:' />

Thanks in advance.

Wesley

Hey Wesley. The magnet source has a handle magnet # 07213 I like it for grinding.