cutting tools?

[m. amos]

i'm a starting knife maker and i'm trying to find a power tool to cut out and shape blades. I've tried a hobby level dremel and it died on me. It has to be strong enough to cut W2. Does anyone have any suggestions for something under $300?

 

[Will Leavitt]

Harbor freight sells several metal cutting bandsaws for under $300.

Will
formerly known as badbamaump

 

[richard j]

get one of their right angle grinders. i think they are less than $20. thats how i cut mine when my friends not around for me to use his plasma torch.

 

[raythebigfoot]

I used to use a dremel with the little metal cutting discs to cut most of it and use a hacksaw but quickly learned that it was a pain in the rear..

Richard is right just get the angle grinder. They've got it on sale right now for 14.99 I think and it is way easier to do!! Definitely the cheapest route to go as well!

 

[m. amos]

can the right angle grinder do precise cuts or is it more just for creating a rough shape?

 

[richard j]

it all depends on how steady you are. its best to leave a little extra so you can grind down to your line later.

 

[Larry Hensley]

http://www.grizzly.com/products/4-x-6-Metal-Cutting-Bandsaw/G0622
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93762

The bandsaw that you can buy at grizzly or Harbor Freight are both nice. I purchased a similar one after using Bruce Bumps to shape the blade on a few knives. If you look you will probably find one a little cheaper in a tool store (Different Brand like I did) but when you flip the saw upright and lock it in place the platform gives you a seat for while your cutting. And when needed you can use it to cut stock to lenghts you need with just locking it in and letting it go.

 

[Beile]

I got one of the Harbor Freight 4 X 6 band saws yesterday and have cut 4 blanks and some ebony for scales with the blade that comes with it. I love the thing, especially for $159! Get one, you'll love it. I went to buy it yesterday and as I was looking at it one of the salesmen gave me a 15% off coupon out of one of those entertainment books and it saved me $24 which made it even a better deal for $135. I had been using an angle grinder with a cut off wheel, the bandsaw is faster with better control. Well worth it.

 

[Patrickknives]

I got the HF bandsaw last week, I was using the portable mounted to a stand that I made. It was $60.00. Worked ok but had to get 3 under warrenty to last 1 year. They would not give me another. The angle grinder is a great deal. Their cut off disks work great and the grinding disks will quickly shape the blade ready for sanding. for on $15 + the disks its the cheapest way to get started. For longer term get the bandsaw.