cheap shop for simple knives

Murnax

Murnax

Joined
Jan 27, 2003
Messages
1,277
I'd like to start making my own balisong knives. Most likely these will just be for me to use, and I don't have a lot of money for machinery. I was looking around harbor freight for the machines I think I'll need. The way I figure it I'd need a bandsaw for cutting out handles, a drill press for drilling pivot holes, and a belt sander. My other major problem, besides the lack of funds, is I live in a townhouse, so the machinery all has to be portable/small.

I found the following items, and was wondering if you guys think they will suffice, or do you have suggestions in a similiar price category? Or if you feel it is absolutely necessary to buy the higher end/larger machinery, let me know that too.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2485

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47840

And I haven't found a drill press I could afford yet, so any suggestions there would be great. Thanks.
 
Don't forget to check out Grizzly and their knife makers grinder. And lots of files. It's a 2x72 with a dual ended motor. The other end can be used for buffing. Pretty reasonable and decent enough. And lots of files. This allows for the full range of belt grits used for finishing. That and a drill press would get a great start. And lots of files. Hacksaws work well along with the grinder to shape handles and profiles. And, did I mention, lots of files.

Gotta keep in mind that all of these leave quite a mess with the fine dust. I had a shop in the basement for a number of years and the wife won't ever let that happen again. Seems the dust gets through the whole house.

Gotta beware, once you start you won't be able to stop. It's quite a bug.

Dan
 
Those prices are incredibly low. 20 bucks for a 1/4 hp motor with sander attached. What police state are those been made in.

More to the point I wonder if they ship up here in Canada.

What do folks figure about that bandsaw, will that cut steel. 230 sounds high, but that is the high end. I'd buy one just for various post and beam cuts.

I was just today milling small knives using my 1x42, with 1/3 hp, and it does a good enough job with a premium belt. If one was just making blades for one's own use, one simply doesn't need a bigger machine. On the other hand I can easily stop the motor with full cuts, even on small stock, so if your ambition is larger... I know one guy who has made swords on the 1x30. Wally Hayes mentions it in his tape.
 
Grizzly gets my vote for cheap but "usuable" machines and tools. I was just looking at the R8 collet set I just bought. The whole set for basically what one or two would cost of the high-end types. They work just fine. I have a Grizz grinder and have no complaints with it other than its a little wimpy for heavy work, but the price was right. I used my Bader now, but the Grizz sits right beside it.

One more thing about Grizzly: Best customer service you can imagine.
 
I think I have to buy a belt sander too, small, since I have no room.
Biggest problem is that in Europe these tools cost arm and leg.
Specially in France. I have seen some cheaper models that will brake after first use and still they cost around 100$.
Do you have any place I could order one with 220v, AC, 50 Hz?

Juha
 
Murnax, For tools in general see if there are some brand name inventory disposal vendors in your area. They are often listed as the factory warranty repair center in your city/area for the manufacturer. Locally we have DeWalt/Black&Decker, Jet Tools, and Porter-Cable/Delta among others.

These places get either factory refurbished units or units that were returned due to damaged packaging. All these units pass factory QC testing on their way to these vendors and carry full factory warranties. On the units I've bought from these places, they've all looked like (and operated like) brand new. A saving of about 30-50% on these units easily justifies the drive to see what they've got in stock.

FWIW, Jet Tools has some serious metal milling machines in their inventory. Last time I was at the Jet disposal place they had a mill about the size of a large cargo van on the floor for a very tempting price. IIRC Jet has also bought out the Wilton line of tooling machines.

The savings at these factory disposal vendors over standard street or even internet prices can be significant. I got a unit for about $100 under the cheapest web price of about $309, not counting the shipping charged by web vendors. As always, shop around to find best prices, even among the factory discount centers. They each have their own sales. Sometimes a manufacturer has a seriously overstocked unit that didn't sell well that they are moving at DEEP discounts. I'll go to my grave kicking myself for not getting a 7 HP 60-gallon air compressor for $275 when it was on sale at one such vendor (normal price about $519). :( So what if I don't have the power panel to drive it? That's a killer price that's way too good to pass up. ;) :D

Bottom Line: In your shopping, don't overlook or casually dismiss the factory repair centers as a source for good (often "good as new") tools.
 
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