Hey guys, got a few more questions before I start making knives. Got my 1095 and 5160 arriving monday, can't wait.
Here's my not-so-impressive workshop so far - http://imgur.com/a/eRBqr
Definitely picking up a belt sander/angle grinder in the next week here. So far got my press, press vise, 2 bar clamps 6 c-clamps, files, sand paper, and hacksaw/blades. Got some chisels/jigsaws/other woodworking equipment in a toolbox under my bench.
About the work bench/desk, it's a huge piece of shit, like Randy's off of South Park. I'm having my carpenter brother build me a nice custom work bench here in the next few weeks when he can make it out here, already got it designed and drawn out in CAD, it's going to be beautiful and solid as a rock. 8ft long, 3ft wide, 41" high (I'm tall), with some nice sturdy 4x4 legs, a shelf, and some pegboard for tools. Can't wait.
About the knife on the table, I'm in the process of making a few knives from an old machete blade atm, just to get some practice before my good steel gets here.
Anyway, here are the questions -
How much of the blade should I finish before I send it to heat treat? Like, how much work should I have left on the blade when I get it back?
(By the way, i'm going with Darrin for my heat treat. Thanks for suggestion guys i'm sure it's going to work out great).
What are your guys favorite handle materials? And what would be a good handle material for me to start out with (besides paracord, already have plenty)?
For my next order, what is the easiest/best steel to work with for beginners? I've heard O1 and 1084 is good, I'm just curious as to what everyone thinks.
And finally, what are the best drill bits to use? I have a set of titanium nitride high speed steel drills bits seem to cut fine, but I want the best bit since I don't have an amazing drill press.
About my press - It's a $70 Harbor Freight 8" 5 speed drill press, but man do I fuckin' love it so far. For 70$, I can't recommend it enough, it's a steal for the money. It has cut through a machete blade, and 5/16 stainless so far flawlessly (with a little 3n1 oil to lubricate). I worked with metal for 6 years throughout high school and college, so I've used quite a few drill presses in my time, and honestly this one is really nice. It's not a big ol' beautiful JET like I used to use in shop class, but I really am happy for 70$. I will upgrade to a nice 15-20" floor grizzly or something eventually, but for now this is great. Of course this isn't a 100% accurate review, not even close. So far, I haven't used it THAT much so it's overall use is to be seen, but I have high hopes for this little beast. That said, always buy a warranty, two years of product replacement insurance is worth $20.
Holy shit sorry for the rant guys, once I get typing I really get goin'. Props if you made it this far. TL;DR
Blade finish % before heat treat
Best handle materials
Best steel for beginners
Best drill bits
Thanks again
Here's my not-so-impressive workshop so far - http://imgur.com/a/eRBqr
Definitely picking up a belt sander/angle grinder in the next week here. So far got my press, press vise, 2 bar clamps 6 c-clamps, files, sand paper, and hacksaw/blades. Got some chisels/jigsaws/other woodworking equipment in a toolbox under my bench.
About the work bench/desk, it's a huge piece of shit, like Randy's off of South Park. I'm having my carpenter brother build me a nice custom work bench here in the next few weeks when he can make it out here, already got it designed and drawn out in CAD, it's going to be beautiful and solid as a rock. 8ft long, 3ft wide, 41" high (I'm tall), with some nice sturdy 4x4 legs, a shelf, and some pegboard for tools. Can't wait.
About the knife on the table, I'm in the process of making a few knives from an old machete blade atm, just to get some practice before my good steel gets here.
Anyway, here are the questions -
How much of the blade should I finish before I send it to heat treat? Like, how much work should I have left on the blade when I get it back?
(By the way, i'm going with Darrin for my heat treat. Thanks for suggestion guys i'm sure it's going to work out great).
What are your guys favorite handle materials? And what would be a good handle material for me to start out with (besides paracord, already have plenty)?
For my next order, what is the easiest/best steel to work with for beginners? I've heard O1 and 1084 is good, I'm just curious as to what everyone thinks.
And finally, what are the best drill bits to use? I have a set of titanium nitride high speed steel drills bits seem to cut fine, but I want the best bit since I don't have an amazing drill press.
About my press - It's a $70 Harbor Freight 8" 5 speed drill press, but man do I fuckin' love it so far. For 70$, I can't recommend it enough, it's a steal for the money. It has cut through a machete blade, and 5/16 stainless so far flawlessly (with a little 3n1 oil to lubricate). I worked with metal for 6 years throughout high school and college, so I've used quite a few drill presses in my time, and honestly this one is really nice. It's not a big ol' beautiful JET like I used to use in shop class, but I really am happy for 70$. I will upgrade to a nice 15-20" floor grizzly or something eventually, but for now this is great. Of course this isn't a 100% accurate review, not even close. So far, I haven't used it THAT much so it's overall use is to be seen, but I have high hopes for this little beast. That said, always buy a warranty, two years of product replacement insurance is worth $20.
Holy shit sorry for the rant guys, once I get typing I really get goin'. Props if you made it this far. TL;DR
Blade finish % before heat treat
Best handle materials
Best steel for beginners
Best drill bits
Thanks again
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