Blade Safety Jig

Credit for this invaluable jig goes to Kerry Jones. It's nice to see someone take something I might have said and run with it.
Thanks a ton, Kerry
I made improvements to my own "Kerry Jig" by rabbeting a 1/4 inch thick by 1 inch wide area along the base of the hardwood and set a bar of solid copper there that is held in place with a thin bed of epoxy. This helps dissipate the heat that is generated when using sanding discs, wheels, or buffs near the edge of the blade. You can also use aluminum. Both items can be found at your local hardware store.
The round objects in the photo are magnets. Use a series of the strongest ones you can find in a piece of hardwood to hold the blade down while you are working on it. This allows you to use both hands and also provides a flat surface to protect the cutting edge. The best I have found are rare earth magnets. They are here: http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/

A cordless 7.2 volt dremel has two speeds. The slower speed works pretty good when you work a blade edge. I would not get close to the edge with any grits larger (rougher) than 320. Use fresh discs. Once they become worn, they heat everything up too much. Use light pressure as you are sanding and keep the disc moving to lessen the heat build up.

Use an old blade that is useless to practice some of your "moves". Intentionally heat the blade edge with the discs until it turns color; it will usually be brown first and go right into a "cemetery dead" blue. Then, you will have an idea what not to do on your good blades. Once the blade turns ANY kind of color other than shiny, the blade is toast there in that spot and it will be worthless as a shaving implement.

For those of you who don't want to, can't, or have the tools to make one of these jigs, guess what? I have made a few of them and they are available on my web site. Here is the link:

http://www.billysblades.com/Other%20Goodies/4567.htm