Knife Jig Prototype

[Alston]

I've nearly finished this prototype knife jig. I've not had chance to use it yet. I fitted the construction in whilst waiting for materials for a more pressing job.

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[Ken S]

Alston,

Your knife jig looks interesting. Would you please share more information about it?

When I designed the kenjig many years ago, my design goal was to be able to set a common Projection with all knives ranging from paring knives through chef's knives. My thinking was that by using three pre set jigs all to this common Projection, a common Distance from the grinding wheel to the support bar would not have to be reset. Minor differences in Projection could be adjusted by how deeply the knife was set in the jig.

The constraint was that starting in 1992, the SVM jigs had shorter shafts and the common Projection wiuld not work. My work around was to purchase three pre 1992 jigs on ebay. That solved the problem for me, but was not practical for others.

So, my question for you is, is your shaft long enough for for a common Projection for knives from paring to chef's?

Two other questions: Does your jig provide auto self centering? And, can a flatter stop be easily interchanged for straighter knives?

If you jig can handle these three questions, you will have truly advanced knife jigs. It would be the fastest set up available.

Ken

[PANIC!!!]

I find it amazing that some of you are able to design and build something like this with precision! Very nice 

[Alston]

Ken,first off I don't yet own a Tormek grinder. I do most of my sharpening on an Axminster Ultimate Edge Belt Grinder, that is able to use most, if not all of the Tormek Jigs. I have a hand knife sharpening jig but wanted something to use on the belt grinder. I wanted to buy the older style Tormek jig but it no longer seems available new. Having the tools I decided to make my own jig. There are literally dozens of hand sharpening jigs that utilise "self Centering" clamps. My jig is just another one of those, but designed to be used on any machine with a 12mm support bar like the Tormek or in my case Axminster Ultimate Edge. The self centering clamp is not perfect but it seems a very common design so I thought it would make a good starting point.

The jig itself is made in several parts. There are two alloy clamp plates attached to which is a 10mm diameter stainless steel bar. Longer or shorter bars could easily be attached if required.

I'm currently in the workshop making another part. I'll post another picture if it works out ok.

I have some other ideas for a truly self Centering jig that could accommodate a wide range of blade thicknesses but I'm not sure if/or how easily it could be made. Something for the future perhaps?

[Alston]

Updated photo with another part.

[John_B]

I need to check out the local college and see what tools they have available.

Anyone else have any ideas on where4 do it yourself machine shop equipment might be had?