100$ to spend

warrior24

warrior24

Joined
May 3, 2006
Messages
673
Guys I need some help I am in a bit of a problem have 100 bucks to spend I am not sure what thing I should buy. I was thinking of a thermocouple how much do they run? Or a hardness tester but I think they run more that 100 bucks. Any help would be really nice.
 
Hacksaw,vise,files, screwdrivers, forge (almost done being built) and just about every tool that is not used for knife making. I could list but there are to many things to list. Hope this helps
 
I agree. You can forge without a thermocouple and guess-ta-mate hardness form experience and guides, but the lack of good hammers, tongs and anvil will work a smith to death!

chiger
 
Buy a good vise, I started out with a cheep one and feel so much better now I bought a good one.
Same for good clamps. I was sick and tired of using cheep ones and bought the best I could afford.
 
my first grinder was about 100 bucks matter of fact my 2nd one was also
guess it just depends on what direction you are looking to go
 
ozark school of blacksmithing has some rocking tongs..... I have several of the u shaped tongs.... they are excellent for powerhammer or for hand hammer work. uncle al's has some nice swedish hammers at a great price.

HOOAH!!!!!!
 
I'd buy some books ("How to make knives" by R. W Loveless, David Boye's book and Wayne Goddard's $50 knife shop -check on ebay for these, you might get a bargain) and save the rest towards a KMG. :thumbup:
 
After my belt grinder I value my metal cutting bandsaw as a time and effort saver. You might be able to find a used one, or, I've seen some portable saws secured to a bench that work well.
 
sorry guys for the delayed response my modem had died and I got a new one today. thanks for the input guys I really appreciate it I already have some tongs but how do I know if they are good or just crap. Oops forgot to list my drill press. What type of hammers should I get, I already have to may carpentry hammers. I am using a big chuck of steel for an anvil don't even know what its from but Ill post some pics and see what you guys think. again thanks very much. I would be lost with out you guys.
 
Hammers and tongs are like underware, very personal. What one guy likes another won't. My tongs I prefer heavier tongs that won't bend or get out of adjustment while using them. Hammers, I have a lot of hammers and I find that some are better for different jobs. So my recommendation on tongs would be get the best made tongs you can afford or learn to make them, even better. Hammers I would start with a cross pein, ball pein, something a bit heavier 4 to 6 lb sledge. Just some ideas.
 
So I got the band saw that was on sale at harbor freiht. It was a bit over 100 bucks but figured i could alwasys use a file instead of a belt grinder and learn that way until I am good at it, so now It will be alot easer than using a hack saw.
 
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