Replies

1. 
   lat_axe | Jun 16, 2020 02:19am | #1

   I can't answer your questions but can add another:

   How is a hand-cranked grinding wheel used without a handy monkey to turn it? Many sharpening actions on woodworking tools seem to require two hands to hold and manipulate the tool so how does one get the third hand to turn the crank?

   I suppose techniques must be possible, as those old knife-grinder men used to go about from door to door performing sharpening of knives, scissors and the like even when I was a bairn, 427 years ago. But what about putting a micro-bevel on an A2 plane blade along with the camber?

   Lataxe

2. 
   Deleted | Jun 16, 2020 08:08am | #2

   “[Deleted]”

3. 
   Jkatzowitz | Jun 16, 2020 08:18am | #3

   I've been using a Genko hand-cranked wheel that's made in Germany. I've used it for many years, without a handy monkey, and it does a wonderful job. I read about this grinding setup in one of Krenov's books.

   
4. 
   chipsawdust | Jun 16, 2020 12:59pm | #4

   Hand cranked grinders tend to gain a lot of inertia; I suppose it's all about managing that while you grind steel. I would think the largest wheel you could find would help with that.

   I'd opt for a pedal cranked grinder if that was an option. But as jaktzowtiz stated, they do work and if you can figure out the "tricks" for it, have at it!

5. 
   john_c2 | Jun 16, 2020 01:37pm | #5

   Whatever you get, make sure that you can get wheels to fit. Both overall diameter and arbor size. They are standardized these days, but when hand cranked grinders were in vogue, lots of manufacturers used proprietary measurements.

6. 
   Jkatzowitz | Jun 16, 2020 01:41pm | #6

   Using the wood block as a guide for the blade is easy and an angled wedge allows you to set different grinding angles. The hand crank mechanism is geared which makes keeping a comfortable speed almost effortless. As ChipSawdust stated it's all about the inertia.

7. 
   user-7022764 | Jun 16, 2020 10:30pm | #7

   I have a couple of them and use one primarily for chisel grinding with a white aluminum oxide wheel.

   If you dont like cranking it grinding, a simple treadle can be made with a wooden pedal and a piece of paracord or rope. Start it by hand then pedal down when it the crank comes around.