Getting in making

O

oldpinecricker

Joined
Jan 22, 2009
Messages
73
Hello all,

I'm very new to the whole knife making process and have 4 blades completed. At this point I've spent time in a local maker's shop and have a pretty basic idea about what is happening in the knifemaking process.

Currently I am collecting the tools to construct knives and so far have an new #125 anvil, wood bandsaw, 8" grinder/buffer that is variable, and a 4x36 belt sander for wood and rough handle grinding.

Right now I am looking for an forge and have considered the Chile forge but after reading Ed Cafferey's opinion it causes hot spots and is not the forge you want. Others say good things about the Ellis forge. I just need some help in deciding what I want so I can continue with forging at my own shop location instead of travel to a maker's shop.

Another issue for me is the grinder situation. KMG seems to be the equipment that get a lot of nods and it is also a bit spendy at this time for me, and grinding in general is my weakest skill (I can see that I am much better with the hammer than grinder). It's a big committment and lots of money to go with the KMG and also confusing for a new lay person.

Anyway I am having a ball anytime if I can form some steel on the forge, anvil, and hammer. I have volumes to learn and hopefully I get there.

Thanks for all the info on this site.
 
Welcome to BF.... where are you at? One of us may be nearby, noticed that you're already at another smith's shop?

I've made all my forges, they're not that hard and cost less than $100 if you have or can borrow a few tools. If you're just set on buying one, Darren Ellis' forge is fine and he's a great guy.

If you're good with a hammer there's not a lot of cleaning up that a file wouldn't take care of quickly :p but if you want a grinder the KMG is definately awesome! It's up to you, you could do some rudimentary flat grinding on your 4x36.
 
I'm located in N. Idaho.

The hammer, file, and handwork is what I enjoy the most, but I am really challenged on my grinder technique.

Maybe I should go scrapyard diving and make my forge?

I have an cutting torch on wheels, disc grinders, and an Lincoln welder, and I'm not too awfully bad at operating any of these.

Hmmm. That could free up a lot of money and help me more easily afford a grinder.

Any suggestion for a piece that is easily transformed into an body for the forge?
 
8 or 6 inch pipe, any thickness will do some people even make them out metal 5 gallon buckets. Mines made out of a 8 inch pipe about 14 inches long and I love it.It gets hot quick! A good grinder will definitely be in your future espically if you get a chance to use on their really nice to have. My personal advice on a grinder is either a grizzly or KMG, and thats coming from a bader 3 owner. A expensive grinder is not something you have to have to make knives, heck if your good enough at making tools you could even make your own!! Welcome to the forums,Charlie:D
 
Wellllll iffen you know how and have access to welders, torches and cutting wheels then you really shouldn't buy a forge unless you just like helping the suppliers out and feel like waiting. Do a search for "freon tank forge" you can use a freon tank, oxy tank, pretty much any steel cylinder for a forge body. Line it with kaowool or insuwool, coat that with satanite or some other refractory and voila, you got a forge. Well make sure you cut holes for stuff like burners and things like that :p My burners are built with black pipe from a plumbing supplier, my 50 cfm blower was a rebuilt from the local heating, a/c supply place.

Dooonnn't buy a Bader, right Charlie :mad: :barf: :mad:

Guys, Charlie's got a story about the Bader Company :mad: that will just about make you puke but I'll leave it up to him. All I can say is I'll never, ever, ever recommend them to anyone again unless something major happens at Batson's to change my mind. If y'all are at Batsons and see 2 stocky redneck guys whooping some ass over at the Bader table it'll be me and Charlie. :mad:
 
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Will Leavitt said:
Guys, Charlie's got a story about the Bader Company :mad: that will just about make you puke but I'll leave it up to him. All I can say is I'll never, ever, ever recommend them to anyone again unless something major happens at Batson's to change my mind. If y'all are at Batsons and see 2 stocky redneck guys whooping some ass over at the Bader table it'll be me and Charlie. :mad:
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I'd be interested to hear this story, as I have owned a Bader III for about 5 years. I've never had a problem or even heard of a problem with them. I hope I don't have anything to worry about if something happens to go wrong with the unit? :confused: Charlie or Will, you guys could PM me if you don't want to share the story on the open forums. Thanks. -Matt-
 
Again thanks for the good advice from everyone and thanks for encouraging and propelling me forward in my endeavor.

It's settled, and I'm going to use my torch, grinder and welder to make my own forge.

Next, I'm forgetting about KMG and I will make my own or get a Grizzly chassis and install my old Delta variable speed grinder motor behind it so the grinding wheel is unobstructed.


Today I picked up my HUGE Wilton vise and this will aid in my building efforts. Thanks for the advice and I'll make this happen with my own tools, material, and effort.

Again thanks fellas as your wisdom on this thread will save me a lot of money and get me on the road with an quickness.
 
Look forward to seeing a knife posted! Some of the best knife makers in the world post here glad you joined us, but beware it addicting!!!:)
 
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