New Bevel Jig

Many months ago I made a jig to hold my knife blades in a secure position while grinding the bevel.  The jig was adjustable to get the desired angle of bevel.  However, over time I discovered that the jig was not accurate enough, resulting in slight irregularities in the blades.  Some others might not notice, but I did, and I was not satisfied.  So I made a new jig, stronger, more robust, more accurate and much better looking.

The original was made mostly of wood, but the new one is largely metal - a lot of aluminium with some components of brass and steel, all mounted on a wooden base.  Whereas the original relied heavily on user accuracy to ensure the blade was placed in the desired position, the new one boasts a grid of drilled and tapped holes so the blade can be secured in exactly the same orientation and angle on both sides.

The two rubber bands keep the angled front plate pulled tight up to the adjusting screw.

The ten securing holes provide a regular grid offering a wide range of securing positions.  Screws can be inserted through the holes in the tang or by pinching the edges.

The blade shown in the photo above looks scruffy because it has been hardened in the forge, but not finished yet.  When done it will be shiny silver in colour.

The base and angled front plate are aluminium, 6mm thick (0.25").  Hinges are brass and the two square tubes on the left and right sides are aluminium, 10mm square (0.4").  What are those for? ... to hook your thumbs over when holding and moving it on the grinder table.

Overall dimensions are 190mm wide (7.6"), 100mm tall (4.0"), 90mm front-to-back (3.6").

By turning the adjusting screw, the angle of the front plate will change, shown very exaggerated in the picture below, but this does illustrate the extent of adjustment that can be achieved with this design.

I am very happy with the result.  Now to put it to work ...