A few beginner questions

M

motivated99

Joined
Oct 10, 2013
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First and foremost I want to thank the community for it's wealth of knowledge. I have seldom seen such a well informed and genuinely helpful group of people in a forum. I'd like to give a special thanks to Stacy Apelt for sharing your wealth of knowledge and your well written straightforward explanations.

After hours upon hours of research the basic plan for my first knife is a basic 3-3.5" hunter using 1084 from Aldo. I'm basically planning to copy the design from the "absolute cheapskate" tutorial. Probably against better judgement I'm going to heat treat it myself. I'd also like to mention I'm new to metalworking but will be working under my father-in-law, a phenomenal metalworker/welder.

1. I'm planning to build a freon tank forge for HT. I've researched the design quite a bit and my question lies with the burner. I'm thinking of using a PID just for temperature readings (and then can use it to automate down the road if I want to). Would I be ok with a box store bought torch? (Bernzomatic TS8000?)

2. When it comes to bevel grinding, am I going to get better results with a belt grinder or hand filing? Either way I plan to make a jig to help.
Like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6-1EJuJj_E&list=TLu8m6LmfR3EdyuDpBvWO4FZxlrVlM6UCy
Or like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9iNDRwwBQQ

Expect a WIP for the forge building and my first knife build!
 
Welcome to Shop Talk.

1) A plain plumbers torch won't run any full size forge. For an entry level burner, I suggest you look at the Graham 100K burner and regulator package from Atlas Forge. It is a simple no-nonsense burner, regulator, and hose made by one of the Shop Talk folks. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...am-100k-BTU-Burners-amp-Atlas-30k-BTU-burners.
When you get a bit of experience, you will probably want to build a blown burner, and the regulator and hose will be fine to use for that.
OR, you can build the forge with a blown burner and a PID. That will allow much better control of the heat manually. Later on you can convert it to a controlled forge by connecting the PID to a control unit. The plans for all these things and more are in the Sticky Threads.
For forge building supplies, burners and such, check High Temp Tools and Refractory. http://hightemptools.com/

2) I always suggest that you start with files and sandpaper. This will teach you what shaping the bevels entails. Get a grinder as you progress.

I am one who does not recommend any grinding jig beyond the Bubble jig ( also made by a Shop Talk member and for sale in The Exchange).




There are some great makers, events, and groups in your area. Check out the Blacksmiths Guild of Central Maryland. The knife guys hang with them.
 
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