Harold Hall - Tool & Cutter Sharpening - How big the base board?

I am nearly finished with this project but I do not know how big to make the base board. Harold doesn't mention it. I have some 1 foot wide boards here but I don't want to go into it without perhaps someone who already knows the answer. Peter McGuffie

You need about 1 ft by 2ft - but it depends on the size of the grinder. Best make it 6-7 inches clear at the front and on both sides of the grinder.

You don't necessarily need a baseboard at all. Harold himself suggests an alternative method of securing the rest on his web site Harold Hall.

I've used the magnetic clamps to good effect myself, so I can recommend this modification from personal experience.

John

Hi Peter,

I put mine on a bamboo chopping board with a steel plate at the front for the two magnetic clamps to attach to. I am not at home to measure it, but it is something like 300 x 400 mm. You can see a photo of the assembly in my album, the width is about twice the length of the piece of steel angle the rest mounts on (which is about 150 mm long). I wouldn't want to go any smaller than this for the working space in front of the grinding wheel.

Andrew

Mine is on a 24" x 16" x 1/8" steel plate, with an Axminster Grinder and whetstone mounted on it. I use magnetic clamps on it, a lot easier to change position. It lives on a narrow side bench, just lift it over to my workbench when required, it does not move far!

Well, that was worthwhile! I will definitely use the Steel Plate with Magnetic Clamps as it will be so much easier to use. I see from Harold's photos that the grinding rest can be off the steel plate. I have looked through a number of the suppliers of Magnetic Clamps and there is some considerable variation in what you can obtain. Any idea as to where to get them (2 needed)?

Peter