Grinding flints

[TXCELLENT1]

I tried to buy the Widget Supply part #BDL34 diamond grinding wheel which was the one that I had purchased before. A diamond grinding wheel 3/4X3/8. I received a return e-mail stating that the item was no longer available. They have a different size available at 7/8X3/16. Has anyone tried this size for grinding flints or has anyone found the former at a different supply house? The 3/4X3/8 size worked great. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[redwing]

I use the Mizzy Wheel that fits the dremel tool. They have replaced most of the other diamond cutters as they do not heat as fast. You can google Mizzy Wheel and a supply co. will come up.

I also use the Diamond files to cut shape and edge flits. Don't buy the ones in plastic holders. But the all steel ones. :thumbsup:

 

[roundball]

"...Widget Supply part #BDL34 diamond grinding wheel 3/4X3/8..."

"...different size available at 7/8X3/16..."

The diamond grinding wheels are superior to everything else I've ever tried...the mizzy wheels work but are a lot smaller and more narrow than the larger, wider diamond grinding wheels, which last a lot longer and go through flint like butter.

When I saw that Widget Suppy was out of stock of the 3/4"x3/8" size, I emailed them and asked if they were going to get any more, said no, then I asked if I could get the source company contact info and they said "they didn't know what it was"...and I thought they said it with an attitude.

At any rate, I couldn't find them anywhere else using Google, so the next best choice would be the 7/8"x3/16" size...and I'd suggest getting several as they also might not be available much longer.

However, I've since heard that Dremel makes one like the large one Widget carried...never pursued it further as I have a dozen of the Widget brand...but its a blue color and called the blue something (maybe blue diamond ??) so they're out there, just packaged a little differently...you might want to research that angle

 

[sniper68]

The local Harbor Freight carrys these. They seem to work fine. Item #32397-4VGA. $9.95

 

[ohio ramrod]

Norton grinding company has a full listing of diamond wheels available. Also J&L industrial supply carries diamond wheels and takes MC.

 

[mckutzy]

i have a hand powered folding diamond sharpener. i was trying it out the other day it works great, it is also handy to carry around in the shooting bag.

 

[TXCELLENT1]

Thank you all for your info. I'm going to get some of the smaller ones. I bought a dozen of the BDL34's and like a fool I gave seven of them to friends. Now I'm almost out. I will also try to find some other replacements. Thank you again for the info. I'll pass on any replacements if I find them.

 

[bebloomster]

Grinding flints? I'm a little confused here... are you just sharpening the flints by use of a grinding wheel rather than just re-knapping the edge? Or are you making the entire flint thinner?

 

[roundball]

I don't know about Spokane, but I do both...I grind any humps flat so I get better flint life, and after one 50 shot range session, I lightly grind a fresh sharp edge on both sides of the edge, and reuse the flint for as long as I can for the next range trip.

 

[TXCELLENT1]

I have not tried to sharpen the edge yet but I save the worn ones. I have only flattened the top and bottom so they fit better in the jaws. This greatly increases the surface to surface marriage with what ever you are using leather or lead. I know that Roundball really like to use lead in the jaws. Just kidding. :rotf: :rotf:

 

[roundball]

"...I know that Roundball really like to use lead in the jaws. Just kidding. :rotf: :rotf:..."

If I had to use lead flint wraps to get acceptable ignition I'd go back to caplocks :grin:

 

[Muskeg Stomper]

When I couldn't get the larger size at Widget any more, I ordered 6 of the smaller ones just in case they stopped carrying them as well. The smaller ones work just fine.

 

[hornetk4]

here is another method that I stumbled on , at most of the local swap meets there is someone selling these types of diamond bonded wheels that we are talking about along with all kinds of tools cutting bits and such . I found something else that they heave is these 2in by 6in flat plastic cards with the diamond bonded surface on one or both sides , they come in different grit sizes and cost between 3 and 5 bucks. I just put some water or oil on the surface and rub the flint back and forth with this you can shape your flint any way you want in a matter of a few seconds for each surface. They realy work great and as long as you keep them wet while shaping they last a long time plus they cut much faster.