How To Building a workshop & I need your help!

[a/zzej]

Hi guys as you can see in the title im building a workshop and I need some help. Ill also write down a quick bio of me so you guys and gals can get an idea of why/where im stuck but if you wanna skip it than be my guest.
I just want everyones thoughts and opinions of what I can change to improve or just general ideas to help out.

Basically ya average 19yo from Sydney whos always made knives as a hobby in his front yard, over the years Ive had back pains which some days I cant even get out of bed. Recently the doc said it might be auto immune corroding my spine which is why I cant even walk every few days. Here in Sydney I cant find a job now because I cant gurantee the night before my shift if I am able to work it which lead me to think hey if I build a workshop and get into knife making as a professional than I can choose my own work hours, just need to use the rest of my saved up money ($500 AUD) to start it up.

Which is where I am now, which is building my budget workshop

Table: Its just gonna be a simple table that I drew up in CAD, Its gonna be a metal frame made from 50mmx50mmx2.5mm primed HSS with structural plywood as the tabletop since I know for sure I cant afford steel plates. General thoughts?

Forge: Im building it with a forge refractory kit (link below) and a 9kg gas bottle from Bunnings (hardware store),
https://www.artisansupplies.com.au/product/forge-refractory-kit/?c=22783a5940ef

Watching tutorials of people making them online it seems very straight forward

Belt grinder: Now this is the problem as im lost on how to start it
Im following these plans but is there any plans out there thats similar but in metric system
https://dcknives.blogspot.com/p/2-x-72-belt-grinder.html

Im hoping to source my motor and VFD from an old treadmill. Primary reason is because I doubt I have knowledge to wire a VFD myself nor do I have the money to pay an electrician to do it for me that. Is that a good idea and would it be capable of the job (aiming for around 1.5hp)?

Frame wise just trying to convert the lengths to mm instead of this 1/4inch or 3/8inch which im not used to haha. Other than that im just buying the HSS from the same place ill be getting the metal tubes for my table

Wheels, now I understand that if I get a 4 pole motor from the treadmill I would need a larger drive wheel to get more RPM out of it and vice versa a 2 pole motor will need a smaller wheel, so I also need ideas and opinions of where to get my wheels from.

At the moment this is as much information I can provide albeit so
me may be useless so please do pass on your thoughts or any ideas that may be useful to me
Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[Drew Riley]

HSS typically denotes High Speed Steel. Are you meaning to say mild steel?

At any rate, I imagine your budget is going to spread very thin, very fast. A treadmill motor can certainly work, but they're known to self destruct pretty quickly, as most of them are open frame and suck up the grinding dust and debris.

Work benches: The heavier/stiffer the better. If you can anchor it to a wall or the floor (or both) even better. I'd make the plywood AT LEAST 1" thick. 2" is even better. I'd put a good vise and drill press on the list. Do you already have some of these tools?

 

[a/zzej]

HSS typically denotes High Speed Steel. Are you meaning to say mild steel?

At any rate, I imagine your budget is going to spread very thin, very fast. A treadmill motor can certainly work, but they're known to self destruct pretty quickly, as most of them are open frame and suck up the grinding dust and debris.

Work benches: The heavier/stiffer the better. If you can anchor it to a wall or the floor (or both) even better. I'd make the plywood AT LEAST 1" thick. 2" is even better. I'd put a good vise and drill press on the list. Do you already have some of these tools?

Ah my bad yea thought people might think Im saying high speed steel but HSS in this case was hollow structural steel so like just square hollow tubing

OH yea which is why im trying to make spend my budget as efficiently as possible but thanks ill see if I can figure out a way to place it in a box that will keep most contaminants out but also so it wont over heat in the box

Yea was thinking bout adding some plates and welding it onto the feet than dynabolting it to the concrete floor.
I already have a vice thats ready to go onto a table however just need to find suitable bolts for it and no I dont have a drill press so far just been using a cordless drill with a cobolt drill bit

Thanks for you help mate!

 

[Randy3000]

I have made and attempted to make several tools. What i learned is, parts can always be assembled into a tool, but if the precision of the build has a direct affect on the quality of work the tool does, then you are probably best off just buying the tool. Also, you have to look at the cost savings versus risk, and decide if it is worth it. If you reload bullets, some tools are like reloading 45colt (well worth it), and others are like reloading 9mm (not at all worth it).

Forges and heat treat ovens, things like that, if you pick a proven design and parts it will work. It may look ugly, but it will work and you will likely save money. I think to build a grinder of decent quality you might save a little, but you also risk unexpected issues and annoyances forcing you to do an expensive rebuild later, and then you may still not like it, and it may perform poorly. I wouldnt cheap out on a motor.

 

[a/zzej]

I have made and attempted to make several tools. What i learned is, parts can always be assembled into a tool, but if the precision of the build has a direct affect on the quality of work the tool does, then you are probably best off just buying the tool. Also, you have to look at the cost savings versus risk, and decide if it is worth it. If you reload bullets, some tools are like reloading 45colt (well worth it), and others are like reloading 9mm (not at all worth it).

Forges and heat treat ovens, things like that, if you pick a proven design and parts it will work. It may look ugly, but it will work and you will likely save money. I think to build a grinder of decent quality you might save a little, but you also risk unexpected issues and annoyances forcing you to do an expensive rebuild later, and then you may still not like it, and it may perform poorly. I wouldnt cheap out on a motor.

Yea right about now precision is not part of the build. Im after something that is cheap and dirty that will get the job done than if it breaks in the future than I will upgrade once I get to that bridge but at the moment im just looking at designs online trying to find ones in metric haha but thanks for your thoughts

 

[Hengelo_77]

I'm sceptical if knife making will be the best business to get in to, to make a living.
You'll be competing with hobby knife makers who don't have to live of the earnings and can take as long as they like to finish a knife on the one hand and factories mass producing on the other hand.

If I were you I'd keep knife making a hobby and set up an on-line shop selling something bought in bulk and selling retail (something made in china with your initial budged)

 

[a/zzej]

I'm sceptical if knife making will be the best business to get in to, to make a living.
You'll be competing with hobby knife makers who don't have to live of the earnings and can take as long as they like to finish a knife on the one hand and factories mass producing on the other hand.

If I were you I'd keep knife making a hobby and set up an on-line shop selling something bought in bulk and selling retail (something made in china with your initial budged)

One of the few jobs I could think of where I can dictate my own hours and semi have a clue what im doing

In regards to an online shop buying and reselling any ideas how hard that would actually be?

 

[Drew Riley]

One of the few jobs I could think of where I can dictate my own hours and semi have a clue what im doing

In regards to an online shop buying and reselling any ideas how hard that would actually be?

Buying and reselling what? Knives?

I'd say pretty tough unless you deal in bulk, or really know what you're doing. Brand new knives are gonna have relatively little markup over the wholesale price (if you want to stay competitive that is), and that's not even including the cost of running a business, marketing, shipping, etc... Used knives may not have much of a profit margin either, unless you get very lucky. The most successful dealers are very good at networking, wheeling and dealing, and most of all, you have to be really patient and know what you're looking for.

They say if you want to make a million dollars making knives, start with two million, and stop when you've spent the first half. The same probably could be said for selling as well.

If it were easy, we'd all be doing it.

 

[Aidenag]

Not trying to burst your bubble here, but a budget of $363.00 US is not really going to be able to build a workshop capable of churning out the quality and quantity to make a living off of. Heat treat wont be good, fit and finish will be subpar, and youll be spending 10x longer making each knife than all your competition does. I could be wrong of course, you may be a prodigy of knifemaking. but unless your past work looks and performs at a level you see here on the custom forums, your going to spend every dime you have, then spend years saving up to spend more, to maybe start making a living in half a decade or longer.

Again, not trying to rain on your parade here. But making a living off knifemaking while possible, is really tough. Its definitly possible, i know many people who do, but to do it with just a forge, a treadmill grinder, and a hand drill?

My advice would be to keep making knives, spend ONLY what you can afford to lose on tooling up. And see how things progress. But i would strongly urge you to not bank on making a living from it. At least not for your first few years.

 

[Hengelo_77]

One of the few jobs I could think of where I can dictate my own hours and semi have a clue what im doing

In regards to an online shop buying and reselling any ideas how hard that would actually be?

I don't think that as things are for you at the moment knives will be the right kind of business to be in.
You have a very small budget.
I think on line will be good for you because the website does it's thing and customers don't care if you handle the human part at night or when your health alows.
What to sell?
That's a good question.
Ask yourself what can you buy with your budget that people in Australia are prepared to pay for.

Just an example, these things were a big hit in Europe last summer. Should have been a good margin on them.

 

[Natlek]

Hi guys as you can see in the title im building a workshop and I need some help. Ill also write down a quick bio of me so you guys and gals can get an idea of why/where im stuck but if you wanna skip it than be my guest.
I just want everyones thoughts and opinions of what I can change to improve or just general ideas to help out.

Basically ya average 19yo from Sydney whos always made knives as a hobby in his front yard, over the years Ive had back pains which some days I cant even get out of bed. Recently the doc said it might be auto immune corroding my spine which is why I cant even walk every few days. Here in Sydney I cant find a job now because I cant gurantee the night before my shift if I am able to work it which lead me to think hey if I build a workshop and get into knife making as a professional than I can choose my own work hours, just need to use the rest of my saved up money ($500 AUD) to start it up.

Which is where I am now, which is building my budget workshop

Table: Its just gonna be a simple table that I drew up in CAD, Its gonna be a metal frame made from 50mmx50mmx2.5mm primed HSS with structural plywood as the tabletop since I know for sure I cant afford steel plates. General thoughts?

Forge: Im building it with a forge refractory kit (link below) and a 9kg gas bottle from Bunnings (hardware store),
https://www.artisansupplies.com.au/product/forge-refractory-kit/?c=22783a5940ef

Watching tutorials of people making them online it seems very straight forward

Belt grinder: Now this is the problem as im lost on how to start it
Im following these plans but is there any plans out there thats similar but in metric system
https://dcknives.blogspot.com/p/2-x-72-belt-grinder.html

Im hoping to source my motor and VFD from an old treadmill. Primary reason is because I doubt I have knowledge to wire a VFD myself nor do I have the money to pay an electrician to do it for me that. Is that a good idea and would it be capable of the job (aiming for around 1.5hp)?

Frame wise just trying to convert the lengths to mm instead of this 1/4inch or 3/8inch which im not used to haha. Other than that im just buying the HSS from the same place ill be getting the metal tubes for my table

Wheels, now I understand that if I get a 4 pole motor from the treadmill I would need a larger drive wheel to get more RPM out of it and vice versa a 2 pole motor will need a smaller wheel, so I also need ideas and opinions of where to get my wheels from.

At the moment this is as much information I can provide albeit so
me may be useless so please do pass on your thoughts or any ideas that may be useful to me
Thanks everyone for your help!

We like to see pictures of knives from other members here ................
About your questions ...why you want to start with forging knives? Equipment for that is expensive ...forge oven ,anvil ,lot of fuel....Why you do not start with stock removal ? In time when you start to make money you can buy whatever you need ? For start , even with one single file you can make excellent knife...you know that , right ?
BW , you have one advantage ...you live in country from where the best wood for handle come

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

I'm sceptical if knife making will be the best business to get in to, to make a living.

Two things I was told now more than 20 years ago:
"If you want to be a millionaire making knives - start with two."
and:
"Knife making is a life-time of buying tools - then you die."

With all due respect - you are starting with a minuscule budget for something that consumes a LOT! of money. Take your time. Most importantly is to learn the craft. FInd a maker around you who is willing to help you.
Keep your day job - for a long time.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The others have told the knifemaking truth, so I will offer other ideas.

Making things to sell is a time and materials driven business, so even though you like making something, it usually won't gain much profit. You also have to develop and maintain a clientele for any handmade craft.

One good way to do a side business is internet reselling. This has no startup cost and can be done in anyone's free time. Many folks go to yard sales and swap meets and buy good deals. Some may need minor repairs or cleaning to resell. The items are listed in local and international sites like Craig's list, ebay, and any Aussie specific sites. The more spread out a place is (like Australia) the more people shop online. The customer base is as big as the world, or at least your country. The customer pays the shipping, and even if you sell it at $1 over what you paid, that is a profit. Many items can be sold for two to ten times what you paid if you are a good bargainer. I have seen people pull up to a yard sale (especially one where it is basically and estate sale) pull whole boxes of stuff together in a group, and offer $XXX for all the boxes. The offer may be a small fraction of the total ticket price. They almost always take the offer and are happy to help you load it all. Sort the good from the bad and put what you don't want in your own yard sale or donate to a charity bazar. I know several partially disabled and retired folks who make a good supplement to their income by doing this.

Old tools and equipment can be had for free or scrap metal prices. Once disassembled and cleaned up, the usable parts can be listed. There are a lot of folks looking for these old parts who will pay really good money for them. Same goes for old car parts/motorcycle parts.

 

[a/zzej]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and idea's

Some ideas were really good like Hengelo_77 and Stacys

Ill stay off trying to make knives professionally and keep it as a fun hobby for now and sorry I still dont have any pictures of more recent knives but ill see what I can do with fixing and repairing things and reselling it marked up

Thanks all, if anyone else has inputs feel free to comment and I will have a look and think about it!

 

[Hengelo_77]

All the best with your business and keep enjoying your knifemaking

 

[Hengelo_77]

Double post

 

[Natlek]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and idea's

Some ideas were really good like Hengelo_77 and Stacys

Ill stay off trying to make knives professionally and keep it as a fun hobby for now and sorry I still dont have any pictures of more recent knives but ill see what I can do with fixing and repairing things and reselling it marked up

Thanks all, if anyone else has inputs feel free to comment and I will have a look and think about it!

Maybe this can be good idea ? Buy blank knife and finish it ? No need for special tool ?? Search for example this ......EnZo Trapper 115 Elmax/F
You only need to buy some good wood for scale . You can search how good is this blank .Elmax steel is excelent choice but how is HT I have no idea .. I think that will be easy to sell this knife if you do scale right.....

 

[Drew Riley]

Maybe this can be good idea ? Buy blank knife and finish it ? No need for special tool ?? Search for example this ......EnZo Trapper 115 Elmax/F
You only need to buy some good wood for scale . You can search how good is this blank .Elmax steel is excelent choice but how is HT I have no idea .. I think that will be easy to sell this knife if you do scale right.....

That may not be a bad option for OP. Just make sure you're upfront about your process, and don't try to pass them off as full "custom" or "handmade" knives.

 

[LARRYZ10]

This is my opinion only. I like to crunch real numbers. I have made and sold hundreds of knives. I have carefully calculated that I would have earned at least two or three times as much per hour if I hitched a small trailer to my pickup truck and mowed lawns in my town . I would be billing about $20per hour and I know that not all the bills will be paid on time or even at all. If I get tired of lawn care then I can sell the equipment in a couple days for almost 100% of cost. My point is that making and selling knives is a heck of a lot harder than some people think it will be. If I counted my time spent against my knife income I have barely covered the $10000 plus in tools and materials I have purchased. The worst part is that if you try to make a living selling your own knives you will get to hate the pressure of producing a monthly income and will come to hate getting up in the morning. It won't be fun anymore....just a job...and a job with some pressure to produce and sell. Make knives as a hobby and find work that will make you a good income without worry. That's my opinion. Larry

 

[a/zzej]

Maybe this can be good idea ? Buy blank knife and finish it ? No need for special tool ?? Search for example this ......EnZo Trapper 115 Elmax/F
You only need to buy some good wood for scale . You can search how good is this blank .Elmax steel is excelent choice but how is HT I have no idea .. I think that will be easy to sell this knife if you do scale right.....

That may not be a bad option for OP. Just make sure you're upfront about your process, and don't try to pass them off as full "custom" or "handmade" knives.

Question, what about the idea of making knife blanks
I have an entrepreneur friend of mine who has access to super expensive CNC machines whos willing to make blanks for me as long as I supply the material and the CAD to him.
Any ideas what the knife blanks market is like?