Sharpening grinder blades

[Richtee]

My grinder blades are flat-ground type, EG the knife edge is completely parallel (flat against) to the plate.

I sharpen mine myself, by placing the blade then the plate flat on my 2" wide diamond block, adding a little water and gently grinding with a circular motion.

This will only work on parallel knife/plate type cutters!

[Kyote]

sound like the correct way. gentle is the key with diamonds. and when you think you are done. use a Q-tip in the area of sharpening to look for burrs , things that will make the cotton pull. them you need to tweak that area to get any burrs off. small ceramic rods are good for this.

[Texas-Hunter]

My understanding is to go in a figure 8 motion??

[Kyote]

My understanding is to go in a figure 8 motion??

yes, I have heard this also. But consistensy is the key I do believe.lol.

[Richtee]

My understanding is to go in a figure 8 motion??

Hmmm could be Ken. Might have to try that and see if I notice any difference.

And in case I was not clear, you have to "sharpen" (flatten actually) the plate too!

[Texas-Hunter]

Hmmm could be Ken. Might have to try that and see if I notice any difference.

And in case I was not clear, you have to "sharpen" (flatten actually) the plate too!

Yes, this is true as well... Most folks dont know it is just as important to flatten the grinding plate..

[SmokinLee]

I guess we all think alike. I also have a 4 sided 2 inch x 6 inch diamond stone I bought from Grizzley for $19.99. It has 4 grits, 200, 300, 400, and 600. I really like this and can't beat the price.

[Bbqgoddess]

Thanks Rich!
This is information I am going to be needing here... soon!

[Kyote]

certain thing must be flat to work correctly. I have a huge piece of cast iron that was turned down with a milling machine. then small grooves installed in a circular motion. I use differnt grade oil based grit to flattten things and smooth em out.
if you are having problems with it. the companys will normally sharpen for free and you just pay shipping. somethimes even replace free. since you are using their product and in away advertising for them.

[SmokinLee]

Yea. Kyote. I used to have a lapping plate but left it were I had worked before going out on my own. Just never went back to pick it up. That would really finish them off nicely.

certain thing must be flat to work correctly. I have a huge piece of cast iron that was turned down with a milling machine. then small grooves installed in a circular motion. I use differnt grade oil based grit to flattten things and smooth em out.
if you are having problems with it. the companys will normally sharpen for free and you just pay shipping. somethimes even replace free. since you are using their product and in away advertising for them.

[MossyMO]

I bring mine in and have them done. Reason is besides the plate and the knifes being sharpened, for the best efficiency the knifes should be sharpened to match a particular side of the plate; so each side of the plate could have its own designated knife.

We have 7 plates, I need to do some bulk knife shopping !!!

[Hell Fire Grill]

What do you guys think about useing some 400 grit wet sand paper, like you would use for auto body work, sitting on a piece of 1/4" steel plate?

[Texas-Hunter]

I bring mine in and have them done. Reason is besides the plate and the knifes being sharpened, for the best efficiency the knifes should be sharpened to match a particular side of the plate; so each side of the plate could have its own designated knife.

We have 7 plates, I need to do some bulk knife shopping !!!

I have heard this in the past, Not sure how it would make that big of a difference.. We use mostly two plates..

What do you guys think about useing some 400 grit wet sand paper, like you would use for auto body work, sitting on a piece of 1/4" steel plate?

I have used wet sand before with good results..

[Uncle-Honky]

Appreciate the heads up guys! Good to know.

[DangerDan]

I bring mine in and have them done. Reason is besides the plate and the knifes being sharpened, for the best efficiency the knifes should be sharpened to match a particular side of the plate; so each side of the plate could have its own designated knife.

Same here. I didn't think it would make a difference buying a new knife and plate of the same brand and just using them together. After I had the plates (both sides) & blades sharpened and matched, the difference in grinding was marginally noticeable. I also had the sharpener inscribe the plates sides and then the size on the knives.