A Question For Knife Makers

J

Jmurman

Joined
Dec 16, 2006
Messages
53
For someone to set up their shop from scratch...what equipment would one need?

I have had a desire to make knives for a long time and as I approach retirement I would like to set up a shop to start playing around with this.
 
I set mine up 10 yrs. ago for retirement....1st. thing a belt grinder.....I am still adding things to my shop.....I am a hobby maker....I make about 12 to 15 per year.....good luck..............carl
 
one more thing...Find a knife maker in your area....If you are located close to me, you are more than welcome to visit my shop...carl
 
What would you consider a good book on the making of knives? Is there a "Bible" for this?
 
You will get more replies and lots of photos if you ask this in the makers area under Shop Talk. I like David Boye's book on knifemaking. Check out the shop tour on my web site for shop pics.
 
I'd suggest visiting several makers' shops, ask the why's, do some reading...

Lots of good equipment to choose from...some great ( like the KMG grinder )

Too easy to buy almost adequate gear.
 
Bare minimum on equipment would be a nice belt grinder(get the best you can afford you will NOT regret this), a variable speed drill press, a heavy vice, and good quality files. One other suggestion I would offer is good lighting. While not usually considered a tool, seeing what you are working on will definitely help you out.
 
There is not much that can't be done with a vise and a good selection of quality files!:thumbup:
 
I started with a Bader BM2, the best drill press I could find at the time, and a bandsaw that I had a gear reduction unit made to slow the blade down. Files
& more files, sand paper....it never ends.....find a maker close to you.....a few hours with him or her will save you dollars & years off the learning curve.

Good luck


Bj
 
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