New Table and New Knife

Before I started a new knife, I finally took some time to build a new tool rest table for my 2x72 grinder.  Ever since I built my grinder, I've been meaning to make a new table.  I've been working off a tiny, 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" table that is frankly just too small.  Besides the size, my main problem with the small table was that it isn't exactly 90 degrees to my platen.  So, I made a new table that is significantly larger and I made it adjustable.  Here is what I came up with.

As you can see from the photo, I made the table so that it tilts both up and down.

 

Here's the table mounted in the grinder.  I put it through its paces and found that it works pretty well.  I plan to change out the thumb screws for something different as I can't tighten it down enough by hand to keep the table from rotating.  The good thing is that I was able to get the table adjusted to exactly 90 degrees to the platen.

With my new table ready to go, I was anxious to start on a new knife.  I really liked how the last knife turned out, so I decided to make another of the Bobcat design.  This one will be made available for purchase instead of given away like the last one.  So, if you like it, keep up with my posts or send me an email and get on my email list for when the knife becomes available.  Here are some progress pics of this build.

Above are the main parts rough profile ground.  The blade is CPM 154, the liners are 6AL4V titanium, the spacer is 416 stainless, the bolsters are Damasteel Damascus, and the scales are dyed and stabilized maple burl.  This should make for a very attractive combination.

Since I already have a titanium template for this knife design, I clamp it together with the liners in order to get all the holes aligned.  After I get all the holes drilled I will refine the liner profiles to their final shape.  By the way, I just got these new little clamps and they are awesome!

Here are the liners, spacer and blade all drilled, counter sunk, and tapped for screws.

The next step is to fit the bolsters and scales to the liners.  I use my awesome new clamps to hold the bolsters in place while I spot the holes.  Once the holes have been drilled, I put the bolsters together with small pins placed through the new holes and true up the back end that will be in contact with the scales and grind in a 30 degree dovetail on the back side.

Here are the front bolsters after the holes have been drilled and the dovetails ground in.  I have shown the process of building the handle before, so I won't go into detail with this build.

Here is where I finished up for the weekend.  The handle has been built and the pivot system has been started.  The blade is ready to go into heat treatment, something I hope to accomplish during the week.  I'm always surprised when working with Damascus as it pretty much looks like any other stainless steel until it gets a bath in acid.  Then the beautiful layers come into view.  I'm excited to see how it will look.

Thanks for following along with me on this new build.  It should be something extra special once completed.

-  Brandant Robinson