Brand New Shop

caseyfulp

caseyfulp

Joined
Jan 13, 2017
Messages
33
(I submitted this on another forum as well. I need all the input I can get!)

Hello all,

I will be starting a new shop on my property in Floyd, VA. I have two possible locations... a shed near the house (10x20 with power) and a barn a bit further way (16x16 2 story without power - but can be run). I'll ask, but I'm assuming I'm better off just starting in the shed and then if I need to run power and move into more space I can. I basically just wanted to go over some gear though.

I've done a ton of research and tried to fit everything I could into my budget range for this startup. I have a lot of the basic hand tools around the house, but I've been looking at low end machinery. I'll list some items and hopefully you all have some input.

Grizzly H8192 - 1x42 w/ 8 in Disc
http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-X...192?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

Klutch Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw - 4.5x6
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200659143_200659143

Ironton 8 in Benchmount Drill Press
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200659137_200659137



Now, I get it... spend more get more. I am just hoping to stay within my budget and optimize time. Once I reach the point of selling, profits will go toward a 2x72 NWG or something similar. I already have the angle grinder, bench grinder, hacksaw, files, etc.

Thanks for your input!
 
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IMO go for the barn and run 220v power. If you are serious, you will never have enough space for stuff.
 
I didn't even think about 220v. Good point. I'll keep that in mind. What about the machinery?
 
Casey, wherever you can I would go 220v because it is more efficient. I am not a proficient knife worker but got my experience with woodworking equipment. Doesn't mean you can't make 110 work. That's just my opinion. Another suggestion is to look at how other workers have laid their shop out relative to large equipment and try to copy that. They have already gone through the what works best stages and have been good enough to share with us dummies.
Make sure you get good florescent lighting, as that seems to work best.
 
Power and space are kings! I would also look at a 2x72 . I built the GIB 2.0 and am really happy with it so far. I am just down the road in Radford if you would like to check it out.

Sent from my Lenovo TB-X103F using Tapatalk
 
set up in the barn straight away, do it right the first time
I work in a barn :)
 
I'm of a different mindset then the others I guess. I think the shed with power would be the place to start as long as it has a concrete floor. Right now I workout of a 12x22 shop and I have over grown it. But I'm doing forging, grinding, steel processing, sheaths and a bunch of Damascus in this one building. So in my case it's to small but for a new person that's just starting out and wants to try his hand at making a few knives then I think the shed is a nice starting point. But also keep security in mind, which one is more secure. Which one has a non leaking roof. Which one will best insulate in the cold. Space is not everything when it comes to starting a shop, Bigger is not always better.
 
Well, the shed was recently insulated (a fun solo task) as a surprise Christmas present to my parents. It is/was a 10x20 prefabbed shed we had delivered. It is mostly empty aside from a work bench, reloading bench, and some shelving. The barn is full of all of our woodworking tools to include a ShopSmith. Not a lot of room in there until we close up the wings. As far as security, I live 7 minutes from the closest paved road... second house on a private driveway... a full bred Boxer with protective instincts that are ridiculous and a mixed German Shep/Rott/Pit/Akita that doesn't mess around... and both my stepfather and I come from the special operations realm. I'm not too worried about that aspect.

Somehow, space has been the main commenting point. The original purpose of this post was to focus on machinery to make this thing work. I'll copy and paste a reply I just sent on Knife Dogs to the same topic. Hopefully that sparks interest in the right direction.

"Anthony,

I was trying to avoid this part of it all, but I will delve into it. My stepfather is a Green Beret, and will soon retire from the medical field. I live on family owned land and he and my Mom will soon retire to there. I am in the process of designing and hand building my own home on the same land that we hand built their retirement home. We are all about a labor of love, and something to take pride in. I followed in my stepfather's footsteps and joined the Army as a Special Forces Candidate in 2006 (18X Contract) and was medically retired in 2010. Three weeks later I hiked the Appalachian Trail simply because it was something he said he has always wanted to do. A quick Google search of "Casey Fulp Appalachian Trail" can give you more background than I desire to type.

He is older now, and I have always dreamed of pursuing something that he and I could do together when time permitted. That time is nearing, and he is ready and willing. That being said, he can't sit on an angle grinder or hacksaw for as long as he once could. I am fully capable, but this about the two of us. I want to setup a shop that both he and I can use and have fun in. Trust me, I fully get it... and even presented to him... the idea of a 2x72. But, for now, I am trying to create an environment to continue a passion in.

He and I both love blades. Truth be told... from his experience in the US Army Special Forces during the 70s-90s... he has probably seen a lot of blades. There are a few he has already brought up that he wants to recreate. I am all for it. What I am looking for is the best possible setup that I can surprise him with.

You all keep saying the 2x72. I get that it's the best grinder. I'm looking for the most amount of fun I can have with my stepfather. I guess maybe I should change directions and drop the budget on a 2x72."

With that said, did everyone just start on a 2x72 and forget what it's like to start out fresh? I'm sure that once you have one you can't imagine life without it. That's what I feel about my girlfriend but I lived 30 years without her. I made do. I also feel the same way about my two Gransfors Bruks axes.

I am looking for advice as to how to set up a shop and enjoy every minute in there. If you all truthfully think that a 2x72 is where to dump all of the money, fine... I guess I can support that. All I ask is that you think of it from our perspective. And to be fair, I have looked at a Jet 2x42 3/4 HP that is $200 more. I get that the price isn't far from a 2x72, but it would suffice for the 2 of us and a loyal friend in the shop until enough was made to support a 2x72 and have 2 grinders working. Am I that far off, or no?
 
I say

Use the shed no $ on putting in power
Unless you do reload in there.

Knifemaking is a dusty business.

I wouldn't want all that dust and grit in my reloading stuff.



That grizzly grinder show me canadian prices but it's almost four hundred bucks my money

That's way too much for that thing

Buy this, or find another deal like that
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1461394-2x-72-Esteem-Grinder

ll I ask is that you think of it from our perspective. And to be fair, I have looked at a Jet 2x42 3/4 HP that is $200 more. I get that the price isn't far from a 2x72, but it would suffice for the 2 of us and a loyal friend in the shop until enough was made to support a 2x72 and have 2 grinders working. Am I that far off, or no?
Click to expand...

I did buy lesser grinders first.
It was all wasted time, wasted money, wasted effort, wasted materials. It just discouraged me and put me off for a long time.

Don't get the grizzly -2x-72 either
Sure Rick M likes it but he's an odd one.
Three wheels, toolbars, small wheel attachment, variable speed, flat platen.


"until enough was made to support a 2x72"
You can't count on making $, you can only count on spending money.
You haven't made anything yet. No knowing if you have knack



Make one with the filing jig first.
First step show us your drawing


Read this, it's all good info
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...You-Want-In-One-Place?p=12016587#post12016587
 
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Well, if I had to pick between having A., a 1x42 grinder, a drill press, and a metal cutting bandsaw, or B., only a decent 2x72 grinder, for sure I'd go with A.
You can't drill holes with a grinder. And a bandsaw is a big deal. I made a lot of knives myself with only a 1x42 for a grinder, up to the point where I was making cable damascus and selling quite a few for real money.

JT gave you good advice there, I think. A space which already has power and light, and is insulated, will be more comfortable and convenient to be in, starting out. If the barn remains an option for later, just expand into that when necessary- maybe if you get into forging, have the "hot shop" with welder and forges, anvils and angle grinders etc. in the barn and the clean shop with your machines in it and workbenches for finishing and assembly. If you want to get some good quality time building stuff with your old man, why not make it easy on him with a more inviting space, warmer and closer to the house...
 
I am by no means a experienced knifemaker. Heck i am still waiting to finish one. I did start out on a 1x30. I had more success with a file jig. I already had a drill press and an angle grinder or 6. It was more to get the GIB but i spread it out to make it easier to handle. Building it was half the fun too.

Mike Pensinger

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If you don't have the money to fill the shop then defently use the shed. A 2x72 is a good grinder size because belts are very common. But don't let that be the deciding factor at the start. You need more tools then a grinder like Salem said. I do t own a metal cutting bandsaw becaus I honestly would not use it enough to justify the cost at this point. I have a abrasive saw to cut up the large 2"-5" diamater forging stock and a plasma cutter for thin stuff. A drill press is a MUST have. It does not need to be super fancy at all. Thy are simple tools "goes up and down and makes holes" quoting one of my favort blade smiths. Make sure you can run it slow enough to drill steel. I'm running mine quite slow becaus I'm in no rush to drill a hole and slower is better to a point. You will also need clamps, files, vise, ext ext ext. so plan your budget and use the money wisely. Look for old tools that you can get good deals on and generally speaking avoid harbor fright as much as you can. I would rather pay more on a old used angle grinder then buy a new on from HF. Salem loves to find deals on old angle grinders, especially when thy come with cup wheels lol
 
IMHO. Rookie here. Go ahead and get the 2x72 grizzly. You can use it as a secondary later when you step up to a premium one. use a cheap angle grinder for cutting and use the extra money on sandpaper, files, guides levels, clamps. All the misc crap you will need.
 
First, thanks for your service. My son's deployed again as I write this (101st & new Ranger tab). I would start in the shed, as JT said, then move once you're outgrowing it. If you start in the barn, it will be a while until you're ready to make the first blade. There's wiring, insulation, benches, fixtures & machinery to buy & set up. That's a big chunk of cash with no knives to show for all the work, time & effort. Use what you have is always a good way to go when starting out to save money & gain experience. It also lets you save up money to pay for the next tool(s).

I would also look at the 2x72 grinder as a "must have" machine. I just built one, as I outgrew the 1x30 HF model I started stock removal with last year. I didn't want to spend the type of cash I knew would be necessary for a really nice "store bought" one, so building was a good option for my needs. A small machine can be very tedious to work with & it just won't give you the finish you're looking for. The extra inch of belt is a huge difference, it's 100% more working area. You need a good tool rest & a 2" wide belt, so why not just bite the bullet & get it over with from the start?

Don't forget, you need comfortable, solid benches to work from, so think a bit about the working height of machines & layout with an eye to moving in the future. A modular approach would be a good way to go for a shop space, since the plan will evolve & change over time anyway, as you learn more about the craft & refine your approach. Enjoy the journey!
 
Seems like the shed is the way to go. You have 200 sq ft with power and insulation there vs 256 sq ft in the barn that is further and no power. As for tools, the saying buy once cry once applies. I wish I would have started with a 2X72 grinder. Having said that there are plenty of great knives that have been made with 1x42 and 2x42 grinders. Good luck and enjoy!
 
If you've got a ShopSmith, you've already got a drill press, and potentially a disk sander. Years ago I bought an old ShopSmith for a shop I worked in that didn't have much machinery. It was a bit scary as a table saw, but it was a dandy drill press. We bolted it to the wall for full-time drill press service and AFAIK they are still using it. It had a huge work table compared to most drill presses and was very stable given the 2 support tubes.

A 2X72 grinder is useful for a lot besides just knife making, if you do much general metal work at all you'll wonder how you got along without one. And don't forget tool sharpening, we have variable speed on the 2X72 and now the bench grinder rarely gets used anymore
 
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