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Post by Voltan on Aug 25, 2016 4:15:19 GMT
I've said many times before and I'll continue to say that this slack belt mania on SBG is detrimental. Brendan, with respect, that is a matter of opinion, not fact. With practice, the belt sander can do just as good a job as other methods. When I received the sword pictured below, the tip was somewhat rounded. I re-profiled the tip ENTIRELY with the belt sander. This was done without allowing the blade to get anywhere near a temperature to where I couldn't hold it (not just touch it) against bare skin. Slowly and carefully is the key. Different methods work for different people, but they work nevertheless. Before:After:
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Post by Brendan Olszowy on Aug 25, 2016 7:35:03 GMT
Yep, opinions are all I can offer - Only the Sith deals in absolutes. It may not be impossible to craft a good tip with a powertool if given careful and skillful enough attention - you may posses this, though I don't believe I nor the majority do. Well maybe I can but I can make a gooder tip/edge with hand tools. :-) I do indeed opine that there has for years been a mania on SBG Forums about using beltsanders to hone edges. Which, in my opinion, is detrimental: a) It's gotten to the point that people have forgotten about basic hand tools like files, hence it wasn't mentioned in this post, nor many others. b) Beginners are turning to power tools before learning to use hand tools, often at the advice sought on these forums. c) I believe it's part of the western culture's lazy, "quick-fix" mentality, one which won't see the principles of fine craftsmanship propagated. d) And yes, there are many problems/risks inherent in this application of the tool, which I needn't get into as they've been implied earlier in the thread.
There are probably people who can prune bonsai with a chainsaw too, but nor do I believe that to be advisable for the folk.
Just one person's humble opinion of course, for whatever it may be worth.
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Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Aug 25, 2016 19:15:44 GMT
Like forging the blade or guard, instead of using a milling machine.
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Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Aug 25, 2016 20:44:29 GMT
There's nothing wrong with using a belt sander as long as you use higher grit belts and go slow. Nothing wrong with using hand tools, but I have seen people really screw things up with files too.
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Post by Brendan Olszowy on Aug 26, 2016 2:21:41 GMT
Like forging the blade or guard, instead of using a milling machine. Haha, touche'.
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Post by brotherbanzai on Aug 26, 2016 13:43:33 GMT
Anything you approach half-$empriniedly is going to produce hit-or-miss results. It's possible to get good results using an angle grinder with various discs, a belt sander, or files and paper. It's possible to get bad results with any method as well. I suspect it has more to do with the mindset of the individual than the particular tools.
I think the issue is, that often people go to the belt sander because they want the "quick and easy" method and that mindset can easily produce poor results. If your mindset is to take your time and be precise, it probably doesn't matter which method you use. I believe Brendan's concern is, that often when you suggest to someone that they should start out with hand tools first to get a feel for what they are doing, they want something quicker and easier, which is just the type of person likely to screw up using power tools. On the other hand, the person who agrees to start with hand tools first, even though it will take longer, is more likely to be conscientious enough to do a good job with any method.
Certainly it's easier to screw up a blade with power tools, but I too have seen people screw up with files. I've seen poor results with forging and poor results with milling. The real point here is that if someone is possibly prone to screwing up due to wanting to do something quick and easy, convincing them to slow down and concentrate on precision will lessen that likelihood.
At least, that's my opinion.
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Aug 26, 2016 16:42:45 GMT
I believe that you pretty much hit the nail on the head.
PS I'll add to that by saying many a time I postponed the job, though simple, until I got into the proper mind set.
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Post by Brendan Olszowy on Aug 29, 2016 5:34:36 GMT
Yes, well put BB. I'd add that when working in an improper headspace one is also far more prone to cause themselves an injury, as well as the blade. It only takes a lapse of concentration or calculation for an instant - spoken from experience. Postponing the job is by far the right course of action.
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Aug 29, 2016 11:56:43 GMT
Also do not be tempted to " lift " the blade to follow the curve of the point.
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