Cutting blade blanks

I don't understand. I wrote that is made on belt grinder with 36 Cubitron belt. It'll took about 10 more minutes to be nice shaped...
 
valknut said:
How do you prefer to cut out your blade blanks? Bandsaw or grinder? I've seen a few videos with guys cutting their blanks out using a contact wheel and seems to burn through metal pretty quick. But wouldn't that ruin belts faster? I know alot of guys forge in here so I guess it doesn't apply to yall. I'm using a 4.5 in angle grinder and I hate it. Thanks
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It s take 5 minutes to cut and shape this blank /2.8mm and 46 Hrc steel / I use small angle grinder for cut and bench grinder for final shape .

k15efb.jpg
 
Dewalt Portaband with Swag table. I work in batches, numerous blades at a time and its the only way to go for me. I just ran a test on time and a complex blade pattern I run 13-15 blades an hour. Simpler patterns about 20 blades an hour. After years of use mine died and I had a new one that afternoon. Very useful too for all kinds of operations in knife making not just cutting out blades.
 
Horsewright said:
Dewalt Portaband with Swag table. I work in batches, numerous blades at a time and its the only way to go for me. I just ran a test on time and a complex blade pattern I run 13-15 blades an hour. Simpler patterns about 20 blades an hour. After years of use mine died and I had a new one that afternoon. Very useful too for all kinds of operations in knife making not just cutting out blades.
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Thanks dave. Love your stuff man. Just started following you on instagram and man your knives are classical beauties!
 
I don't have a vertical table for my portaband and I'm not sure I want one, maybe someday, but right now I usually make 3-4 of a pattern so I cut my stock into lengths, then stack them together in a vise and cut all 3-4 at the same time with the portaband. I have a Harbor Freight portaband and currently using Dewalt blades.
The tight corners I can't get I either matchstick or just cut really roughly past them and wipe that material out on a small wheel with a 36 or 60 grit belt.

Or a laser :thumbup: :D I haven't tried laser cutting any of the knife stock I've bought in strips since getting strips aligned on the machine is a pain.
 
kuraki said:
I don't have a vertical table for my portaband and I'm not sure I want one, maybe someday, but right now I usually make 3-4 of a pattern so I cut my stock into lengths, then stack them together in a vise and cut all 3-4 at the same time with the portaband. I have a Harbor Freight portaband and currently using Dewalt blades.
The tight corners I can't get I either matchstick or just cut really roughly past them and wipe that material out on a small wheel with a 36 or 60 grit belt.

Or a laser :thumbup: :D I haven't tried laser cutting any of the knife stock I've bought in strips since getting strips aligned on the machine is a pain.
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Why do you say your not sure you want a table? Do you just clamp it in a vice?
Laser would be very convenient :D
 
valknut said:
Why do you say your not sure you want a table? Do you just clamp it in a vice?
Laser would be very convenient :D
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On a table I wouldn't be able to cut 3-4 blanks at the same time in a stack unless I welded them together. Freehand with the saw, yes I just clamp them in a vise, and use a C clamp on them to hold them together when repositioning.
 
Besides my 2x72 the portaband with swag table is my favorite and most used tool.. It works for everything, and saves so much time. Just fantastic for small pieces. I have the table that clamps into the vise and it stays there most of the time.


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My opinion on the best way to cut blanks at the home shop starting with the best and most expensive:

Full size variable speed bandsaw -> 7 x 12 Horizontal / Vertical bandsaw -> portaband -> Plasma Cutter -> Torch

Knifemaking is expensive!

-Clint
 
Augus7us said:
My opinion on the best way to cut blanks at the home shop starting with the best and most expensive:

Full size variable speed bandsaw -> 7 x 12 Horizontal / Vertical bandsaw -> portaband -> Plasma Cutter -> Torch

Knifemaking is expensive!

-Clint
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That's it is Clint! But it's worth it. And if you buy a tool or 2 every month you acquire stuff pretty quick
 
I am different then you guys I guess, I use a plasma cutter. Trace around my template with a carbide scribe and black sharpy. Then cut the blade out keeping the cut to the outside of the sharpy line. Then a min on the belt grinder and done. I have cut tons of steel on a bandsaw and really like the plasma. I don't think I would buy a plasma to just to cut blade blanks but I use it for cutting up the steel I ship so it's hands down worth every penny.
 
When I was welding the plasma was one of my favorite pieces of equipment. If just had the funds for one I'd definitely get one but like you said buying one just to cut blanks doesn't make a ton of sense
 
I'm using an angle grinder and will probably stick with it averaging one blade a year :-D

Still in case I ever wannt to go knife maker, what is the thickest steel a portaband saw can cut?

Thank you.
 
Jens Schuetz said:
I'm using an angle grinder and will probably stick with it averaging one blade a year :-D

Still in case I ever wannt to go knife maker, what is the thickest steel a portaband saw can cut?

Thank you.
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It will cut stuff larger then you would ever use to make a knife out if unless your a forger. As material gets thicker cut times goes up and corser tooth blades are used.
 
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