Re: [ATM] Another machining question, please

["ATM_jcbj" <atm_jcbj@bellsouth.net>]

I prefer Vise-Grip type pliers for safely holding small items for
grinding.

They grab round things well, give you a hand-sized lever to guide with,
don't let go if you do, or if you accidentally gouge the wheel (that may
sound like a negative, but the additional size of the pliers helps keep
small things from being able to get grabbed and flung by the wheel and
gives you more leverage to hang on to so you can maintain a firm grip).


They also insulate you from the heat and let you keep your hands at a
safe distance from the wheel.  The handle can also provide an eye-ball
reference for keeping track of grinding angles.
(The tool-holder idea sounds pretty good also)


And just to mention it, 
Water-dunking doesn't cool as fast as one would usually presume.
The water hits the hot metal, vaporizes and forms an insulating steam
barrier at the surface, which greatly slows the cooling action.
That's why oil is usually chosen, because it doesn't vaporize (at most
temperatures where quenching is useful, that is) and remains in contact
with the metal, thus conducting the heat away.
(I'm sure most of you knew that, but just in case the new guy didn't, I
haven't seen anyone point that out yet)

James.



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