letter openers

[Spartan scroller]

Hey Everybody:

Been trying to make letter openers an am having a problem sanding the edges sharp.  What is the technique for this?  Do you use a belt sander? Do you hold it at a particular angle?  I'm using 1/2 inch walnut.  Probably too thick. I have ruined three so far. any help would be appreciated.

Terry
terrysscrollshoppe.com

[Dan26]

I think 1/2" is way too thick. I'd use 1/8" if possible. I made some that were just over 1/8" (which seemed a little thick) and just put them to the belt sander to sharpen. If I make any more, I may try making the blade from 1/16" and laminating contrasting wood for the handle.

[Judy Hunter]

I use 1/4 Baltic Birch and sand the the blade with a belt sander then finish by hand .  Skiving away the thickness on Baltic Birch leaves a very pretty design on the blade.

[daliclimbs]

Yep 1/4" for me as Well. Work it down on the belt sander. I always draw a center line down the blade portion of my openers so that I can put a good even sand job on both sides. The angle doesn't matter to much. I think you will notice a huge difference if you switch to a thinner wood.

[Spartan scroller]

Yes I figured half inch was too thick.  I'm using Steve's desing for the Dragon letter opener from is pattern catalogue. The plan calls for 3/8 or half inch.  I have done some with 1/4 inch a little better results but I'm still not very good at it.  Usually wind up with a narrow needle like blade.  Not giving up yet.  Gonna try some 1/4 inch.

Thanks all,
Terry
terrysscrollshoppe.com

[Danny]

Hey Terry....I made several letter openers.  One the same pattern from Steve.  I did mess the first one up pretty badly and tossed it, but learned using a belt sander I have to be extra careful.  Keep thinking about whats happening.  And Whalla....I got pretty darn good at sharpening a wooden blade.  LOL  Danny  :+}

[jimbo]

It takes practice to sharpen the blades, I do mine on a belt sander and finish hand sanding as Judy does
Jimbo

[Spartan scroller]

Thanks Danny, I can see there is a learning curve here on how to sand the blade edges.  I tried again with 1/4 inch and got much better results but still not quite satisfactory.  Still have bumps and ridges but when hand sanded they look a little better.  I can see I need to cut and sand a lot more of these before I get em to my standards.  I'm my own worst critic, as I am sure a lot of us are.  Thanks for the encouragement and have a blessed Holiday Season. (of course that goes to all on the forum).

Terry
terrysscrolleshoppe.com